Question about back up camera and step down converter

I tried searching, and i couldn't find what i was looking for, or i suck at searching but i'm looking for some info on maintaining stock backup camera with an aftermarket head unit.

I picked up a Sony XAV-AX5000 and have a 2009 access cab with the backup camera in the mirror. I want to swap the stock camera to the head unit when put in reverse. I found write ups about how to do it, but nothing involving the metra stepdown converter to go from 12v to 6v.

I don't have the converter in possession yet so im not sure how to wire that in to the system and then tap into the stock camera. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

No need to step down the voltage, or worry about wiring up power at all

There is a small plug at the top right corner of the fuse box (behind coin pocket on driver side dash). Red wire is Video + and Black is Video -

splice an RCA cable into that and should work perfect. Cam will keep getting power from factory wiring

 

Isn't there potential to fry the camera if you do not step the voltage down to 6v?

 

You’re not changing the voltage. The camera is still getting powered by the truck. You’re simply pulling the video feed

 

Ahhhhhh that makes sense when you put it that way.

 

Easy peasy. You can splice into the wires with an RCA and run it over to the radio. You still have to get a 12v+ reverse signal to the radio to trigger the camera input. Look for this wire and splice into it and extend over to the purple/white on your radio harness

 

Thanks for the clarification. It didnt trigger in my head that i would be pulling just the video feed by splicing in.

 

and then you can either keep using the mirror AND the new screen, or disconnect the plug on the back of the mirror

One thing to keep in mind is that lots of people think splicing this video feed degrades the quality, but it actually doesn't. The factory camera was designed to show on the tiny mirror and not a 6-7" screen, so its crappy resolution from the start. Still very usable, but just be aware that it wont be 1080p video quality

 

Yea, not expecting HD for sure. Is there a replacement camera that will give better quality? Something easy to swap out in the tail gate wiring harness that doesnt require running from the tailgate up to the head unit?

 

Nothing I've seen. None of them are "easy" and NONE of them are as reliable. I've seen toyota backup cams from '07 still going strong, but the high dollar Echomaster brand crap out after 2 years.

 

Is it the same camera as the 2012 etc that came with indash screens factory?

 

Most likely. It may be a slightly better resolution. Might could rip one out of a junker in a salvage yard and see if it fits

 

Any pics of the red and black wire locations, or is it no brainer?
Also, RCA video jack, is the core wire hot, or the braid?
Just installed an AX-1000, and love it so far.
Thanks in advance.

 

Here's the write up on how to do that mod.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-camera-connection-below-dash.30889/#post-476677

 

You guys rock!