2nd gen, Anytime-On Rear View Camera with Switch on Dash mod

I've left it on by mistake a few times... Didn't matter once the truck was turned off - it went off then.
Show us a pic of your switch install!

 

Sub

 

Sure, here's my rear-view button (if the image works):

 

Oh, obviously it's between the side curtain airbag and VSC button and not between the inverter and fog light button like I originally posted.

I remember I debated on which blank to use and decided on that lower one instead. Eventually I'm going to put in bed lights and I thought that switch would be better in the other position next to the fog-lights.

It's a nice day so now I think I'm off to do the "inverter 400w anytime" mod or something .

 

Nice job. Thanks for posting.

I almost drilled out one of those blanks too to install the switch in.. but after inspecting the back side of the blank, decided it looked like I'd make too much of a mess of it! At the time I wasn't sure if I could get any replacement blanks.. so I didn't risk it. Looks like yours turned out just fine!

 

Thanks, I'm happy with how it turned out too.

In the back of the blank there is (for some reason I can't figure out) like a hollow plastic tube in the middle that's in the way. I just grabbed that with a pair of needle nose pliers and squished/bent/twisted it until it snapped off. It broke off cleanly at the base and left the back-side of the blank smooth, so I could drill it and mount the switch with no problems.

To make sure I drilled as close to center as possible I just made an X from corner to corner on the blank face with masking tape, and drilled in the center of that X.

I restore old VWs so I do stuff *like* this all the time (cut, hack, mod, fix). That kind of stuff doesn't bother me, as far as drilling and mounting the switch. Having the instructions on the electrical stuff is key though, because obviously the modern Tacoma electrical system is way more complicated than what I'm used to. I can't really figure out the electrical mods on my own. I had been trying to figure out a way to do this mod since 2009 when i bought my truck so I was really happy when I came across this information.

Ah, I'm rambling.

 

This is cool and al, but what are some practical purposes? Perhaps I'm just overlooking some usefulness?

 

The parts list is in post 1.

You'll need some wire, a SPDT switch really of any kind you like but there are various suggestions of switches across this post. A way to get 12V power (an add-a-fuse makes this easy), and possibly some crimp spade connectors, solder, and heat shrink tubing depending on how clean you want the installation.


I've used this already for a few things:
When pulling through a parking space I can line my hitch-ball or rear bumper right on the line between spaces.
When towing any trailer I can check on the hitch, electrical wire, and safety chains.
When towing my smaller trailer (4X8) I can actually see the trailer wheels and make sure they aren't hopping and that the trailer is tracking straight.

The towing stuff is the main reason I did this. I suppose it's not totally needed, but I like it.

Somebody else suggested using it to know when a line like a tow rope or pull strap was pulled tight too, and I can see myself using it for that eventually.

 

This for sure. Use that all the time for parking space lineup.
Also when pulling in the garage to know just where to stop so I have room to walk around both ends and open the tail gate with the garage door shut. That's about it for me. I can see it being very useful for tow hookups like you said as well.

 

If you reverse the red wire on the switch you get anytime reverse lights. Which could be handy for when that guys tailgating or to see if that Sasquatch is still on your tail

 

ROFL!!!

 

Just finished this mod on my 2012. Red wire was in a different position than all the other pictures. Works great!

 

Works great on my '12. Put the switch in the coin holder/fuse box access.

 

Where was it? post a pic if you can.. may be helpful to someone following this mod thread with a 2012

 

That's a nice find on that switch in post #45. Good job stretch85...

 

Mine is a 2012 sr5 with stock audio, no entune. Hope this helps. I had to use a multimeter amd just held my breath when I cut that wire.

It is the red wire angling downward.

 

Haha.. like bomb-defusing kinda holding your breath?

Thanks for adding the pics..

 

Does this mod work with Entune?