Stand alone Front Camera 2019 SR5

I decided that I wanted to add a front camera to my SR5, but I wanted to do so without making any changes to the OE wiring, or the Entune head unit.

What I came up with is completely stand alone. It gets its power from the truck, but that's all.

Here are the components that I used:

Edit: This is only one example of hardware that could be used. With a stand alone setup, your choices are wide open. I used low cost hardware, but there's plenty of higher end options available, for not much more.

Camera:

$40 NATIKA Backup/Front View Camera,IP69K Waterproof Great Night Vision HD and Super Wide Angle Metal OEM Style Reverse Rear View Backup Camera for Cars Pickup Trucks SUVs RVs Vans (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H852D49/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Monitor:

$24 Backup Camera Monitor Only - 5" HD Image Back up Camera Screen for Cars Trucks SUVs Vans RVs Trailers Campers, Dashboard/Windshield Installation, 12V/24V, Camera Not Included (5")

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019GQLNJU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Switch: https://www.ch4x4.com/product/ch4x4-custom-laser-etched-toyota-small-push-switches/





I made up my own wiring harness using the cables that came with the camera, monitor, and switch.

To get the view that I wanted, I mounted the camera on the front of the grill.


You really don't notice it at a quick glance.


Here's the harness rigged up for testing:


Here's what it looks like inside the truck:


Note: CH4x4 recommends that you use a relay between the switch and whatever device you are powering, but in this case I didn't because the draw of the camera, monitor, and the LEDs in the switch are only about 200ma. Also, I did not connect the switch's LEDs to the dashboard lights. They turn on only when the switch is on.

 

Well done! I have wanted to do a similar set up with that same style switch, in my OR model, but utilize the OE head unit. I looked into the anytimebackup camera set up and you have to buy the full package to make the front camera work. I know I wouldn't need it often, but like the idea of having it available and wanted to make it run off a switch, not the steering wheel like another maker. I think there was a kit available a few years back for the 3rd gen models, but that's no longer the case. Hope someone else can come up with something. Well done on your install! Bill in MA

 

Thank you. It meets my needs.

I think that this link may be what you're looking for.

https://www.anytimebackupcamera.com/products/anytime-backup-and-front-camera

As far as I know, it's still available. There are how to videos on YouTube.

 

Thanks for the link, but that was the one I referenced.....I need to buy their full kit, add the camera and switch and its north of $170 after shipping to basically add a front camera thru the OE head unit. I like the idea of just adding a switch to run a front camera to the existing OE harness and play it on the OE screen. I'm hoping someone out there could or does, fab up a jump harness, maybe add your own camera and switch and get it done and I'm sure it could be done for under $100. I understand the ability to run the anytime rear camera, but for my use I just don't think I'd ever use it. I like the way your's is a separate and that it what I'm trying to accomplish, just playing it thru the factory screen. Thanks Bill in MA

 

Oops. My mistake.

 

I considered shimming the camera out a little with the angled shims that came with it so that the bumper wasn't quite as noticeable. But after some thought realized that I liked where the grid lines are. Compare where the Red line appears on the monitor to where the front of the truck is relative to the white line on the pavement.





I think that I'll leave it like it is.

 

I did this for about $85. It’s not hard to make the harness. These are the ones I used.

28-pin Head Unit Wiring Harness...

$30 28-pin Head Unit Wiring Harness Adapter Fits Subaru and Toyota

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BSE5X9Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Metra Electronics AX-TOYCAM3...

$25 Axxess Backup Camera Retention/Add-On Interface for Toyota

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E4B6UQS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

I was asked how it works at night. The headlights scatter enough light down to make it work OK.

 

My front end looks similar Tullie, I don't have the Raptor lights but I do have the OEM fogs I will be installing after the front camera install.

 

March 2020 update:

This is a 2020 Limited grill. Notice where the camera is mounted.



I have a 2020 SR grill that I have painted to color match my truck. My camera will then be mounted under the Toyota emblem, similar to the Limited above. Waiting for decent weather to complete.

 

The 2020 grille looks great on your truck, how much was it to get the grille?

 

That photo is not my truck. I have not installed the grill yet. Here's what the grill looks like right now:


Hopefully the weather will let me finish it in the next few days.

I snagged the 2020 grill as a take off for $100 on Ebay.

 

Nice Tullie, I need to read more carefully. I assume there is enough material on the grill to mount the camera on it well.

 

The picture above is just the removable center, painted parts. The main grill is plenty big enough for the camera to mount.

 

Here's what it looks like now.

 

To bad this couldn't be connected to the navi instead of a separate screen.

 

It could be. The same camera has been used for that purpose. A search will come up with ways to do that.
I chose to make mine stand alone to keep it simple, and avoid all the potential problems that come with using the OE head unit.

 

https://www.anytimebackupcamera.com...ucts/anytime-backup-and-front-camera-full-kit
Awesome! I had no idea this was available.

 

So, quick question... Is the image reversed since this is for a rear camera? I've been thinking about doing the same exact setup, except for the LCD monitor. Similar to yours, but it would sit on the dash in it's own housing and flips up when needed.