Front camera questions

I have been trying to figure out the easiest and least expensive way to add a front camera. I have read most of the threads I could find on the subject and have a thought for a simple install, but it seems to simple and no one has done it so it makes me think it won't work. Looking for thoughts from those that may know better before I hack up my wiring to try it out.

If I splice a front camera in parallel with existing rear camera inputs on head unit any time I power up front camera it should show on head unit. I would not have anytime rear cam but reverse should still trigger rear cam like normal.

Maybe I oversimplified but it seems a camera, a switch and some wire might work. Am I wrong?

 

This may help you: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/well-that-was-an-easy-dash-cam-install.650486/

 

You would have to apply power to the trigger wire on the HU to get the display to view the camera. Also, not sure if splicing both cameras together will change the resistance or cause interference. I purchased a anytime backup camera kit since i didnt want to screw up the $1k+ head unit.

 

Man just get a Anytimebackupcamera, everything is plugnplay, dont make your life complicated.
If your going to buy anytimebackcamera, just get their harness kit and buy a natika cam or any cam of your choice at Amazon.com.
The camera that came with their kit is crap.

 

I was debating the anytime kit. So I would need to power the trigger wire. That is where I was unclear, so never mind my dumb idea.

 

THIS is the EASIEST way to do that. Whatever you end up doing, use the empty nipple pass through at the right side of the cab to run wires through the firewall. Avoid running wires through the left (drivers side) whenever possible.

 

I have this setup just with a different camera. I can attest that it works flawlessly with the steering wheel buttons. Mount the camera and everything else is plug n play

 

Those of you with the Anytime backup camera kit, did you mount it in front of the TSS radar at the front in the middle of the truck? Anyone have issues with the radar cruise or anything after that?

 

No issues with the TSS from the camera being in the way.

 

So that’s pretty much where everyone puts it then I guess? Look at how nicely that lines up. Is that the one that came with the kit, or did you buy a different camera

 

I got this one:

$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_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Hey does anyone else who has this kit lose functionality when putting the vehicle in reverse?

Sometimes my rear camera comes on automatically, most times it doesnt.

Did I miss a setting or is my unit toast

 

Check all the plugs behind the radio to make sure they are still snug. My rear camera comes on every time I put it in reverse (or manually turn the rear or front camera on).

 

Did you find a better camera?

 

Hmmm will do. It works fine manually. Tho, I did have an extra plug that my stock setup didnt have.

 

Do you have this on a 2020 model?

 

Nope. I have an 2018. Maybe someone that has this on a 2020 can chime in...

 

I got the kit from TacoGarage. It's pretty dummy-proof, though the lack of documentation left me with some questions during the install.

 

What year model?

 

Thanks for posting this. I didn't know there was an anytime camera option that didn't require a new switch! I may have to get it. Curious as to why you advise against running wires through the drivers side of the firewall, other than it's crowded there.