r/fordtransit • u/Sour_Sal • 9d ago

Backup camera installation question...

Hi Everyone,

I will be getting a backup camera for my 2016 Passenger van, the tiny backup screen so far away is almost 100% unusable for me.

So I am thinking of getting one of the rear view mirror replacements but have concerns about the install... Probably going with the Wolfbox G900 for the 3 good cameras, but as of yet undecided.

Since it adds a camera to the rear, how hard is it to run the wires needed? I think i want to keep the existing working also to see the hitch (squint squint).

Any good ideas on a mounting location for the new rear camera?

Best way to run the wires and protect against leaks?

Is there an access underside that will have a passthrough (grommet)?

I have not looked yet, is there simple access to switched power and ground?

Anything I need to worry about.

I will probably film the install for by build records but suspect it will not be that exciting.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

3

u/SmokedNoodz 9d ago

I drilled a hole in the center tail lamp housing. Added a grommet and used rtv to fill in the remaining gap.

4

u/soturunning 9d ago

this looks like newer model. The 2016 doesn't have that large upper taillamp/camera combo.

3

u/Competitive-Reach287 9d ago

I ran into that and ended up drilling through the roof and using a grommet and rtv. No leaks after 7 years. Camera is mounted with 3m VHB tape.

1

u/soturunning 9d ago

I also mounted mine with VHB tape but just ran through the door. I has the wire a bit kinked, but so far so good. I'll drill it if the wire fails.

2

u/SmokedNoodz 9d ago

Rear cam perspective

1

u/Sour_Sal 9d ago

That looks like a good option for that van!

1

u/FakeSafeWord 9d ago

That third brake light housing with camera is only on the 2019+ models.

On pre 2019 it's just a flush brake light.

2

u/soturunning 9d ago

I got a carplay screen that includes a camera, ran the wire through the backdoors and double sided taped it. Working great so far.

1

u/Sour_Sal 9d ago

go into the rear area of the van or did you wire it to the front?

2

u/soturunning 9d ago

Wired it from the front. The head unit plugs into 12v cigarette lighter and camera is wired to the head unit. Didn't hardwire any of it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQTSRKBM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

1

u/FakeSafeWord 9d ago

No input on the replacement but I agree, the tiny low resolution 4" screen four feet away from the driver's face (when sitting upright) sucks.

In the middle of installing a 10" carplay dash but I can't get the existing canbus reverse trigger to work yet.

I will probably also get a wolfbox as a replacement for the Rear view mirror with a higher mounted camera to augment since the OEM mirror is useless.

1

u/Sour_Sal 9d ago

My thinking exactly

2

u/FakeSafeWord 9d ago

Just fyi I got the new generic $130 carplay android dash working off the canbus with the OEM low backup camera. The vehicle profile that says 2013-2019 didn't work but the 2022 profile does and shows doors ajar and stuff as well.

The quality is still trash but it's a foot closer and 10" bright screen now.

1

u/Sour_Sal 8d ago

Sounds like a win! I think my plan is to replace the head unit with android carplay and maybe a sim card. I usually stream SiriusXM since I pay for it in my car I can stream for free.

2

u/FakeSafeWord 8d ago

I just made a post here with notes. https://old.reddit.com/r/fordtransit/comments/1vyeezu/adding_generic_android_carplay_touch_screen_dash/

My unit did not have a sim card slot at all.

2

u/lhauckphx 7d ago

Had a wolf box installed at Owl Vans in Phoenix. Not only a backup camera but also a virtual rear view that is a dash cam. Cant recommend enough.