Turn on rear camera when not in reverse?

I did a search and didnt come up with it.

Is there a way to turn on the "backup camera" for use when not in reverse?

 

Yes.

Anytime Backup Camera

This should be it. Not sure of head unit changes between years though, but I used the same harness for my Tacoma and Tundra

 

It really should be an option in the settings. It would have cost nothing to program in. Thinking if you have a load in the bed that obscures the rear view or just monitoring whats going on behind you while in park or drive.

 

I think models with the 360 camera can do it? Not sure if the options are just the 360 birds eye view or rear cam also?

 

This was the first and most useful mod that I did. Added a dash switch from Air on Board and a jumper harness (for switch illumination) from Kyle Morgan.

 

Simple answer, NO, if you dont have anytime camera. If you dont have that, you will need to install it.

 

you can do this easily without a harness. all you need is a toggle switch. that switch applies 12V to a "REV" wire in the head unit (it simply tells/fools head unit you are in reverse).
easy to find wiring details in forum. i went a little further and got a fuse socket extender to easily tap the 12V where i wanted to on the interior
fuse block. I got the info off the many posts in the forum. one caveat: with my quickie install i had to splice into that wire.
if you go the harness route, that is not necessary.
one additional thing: i absolutely wanted to do this when i first got the truck. now i forget i did it...i very rarely use it. ask yourself
if it is worth it...but some things are so simple they beg to be done. your call.

Edit: actually, my main use of it is to entertain clueless admiring passengers.

 

I have an Anytime camera for sale. I bought it when I had my OR on order. Ended up getting a Pro and apparently the Anytime camera doesn't work with 360-degree cameras. I'd be willing to part with it to help someone out on the Forums.

 

Only at slow speeds (<5mph iirc)

 

It is possible to wire in another camera or cameras, and they are not limited to being displayed <5mph. Conceptually, you could use a wireless camera and receiver and mount the wireless camera to the back of a trailer or camper, and have the image from the wireless receiver displayed on the Head Unit. People can also design their own array of cameras to look to the sides of the truck, or underneath the truck for off-roading.

Inexpensive harnesses are available from AliExpress which would allow someone to create their own switching interface to the head-unit without cutting existing wires:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...2mdyIWO&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa&_randl_shipto=US

And this sort of interface allows selection of 4 sources:

$36 Video Switcher Video Capture Converter, Intelligent Car Video Switcher Converter 4 Input 1 Output Switch Video System Auto Parts

https://www.amazon.com/Switcher-Cap...=1671814360&sprefix=12v+video,aps,215&sr=8-10

 

On an unrelated note. I confess that i once bought a 2018 Ridgeline to replace (sic) my 2005 Tacoma. Kept it for a year. One thing I did like is that there was a camera in the RH side mirror that would display in the center screen whenever you put on right signal. Even better you could activate it any time by pushing a button at the end of the signal stalk. Worked great on the freeway. Nice feature, but I can certainly live happily without it in my Gen 3.

 

That actually sounds awesome for visablity. In my work truck I have ZERO visablity out the rear of the cab due to equipment in the work box. I had a rear view camera and mirror mounted monitor installed and REALLY love it. Just thought it would be nice to be able to turn on the rear camera of the taco to check out a different angle on things.

I might consider it. Right now not keen on doing any thing too invasive. Both dont really have time and this is the first brand new vehicle ive ever owned. So im going to leave it stock for a bit.

Thanks to everyone for the great replies. I will be able refer back to this when im ready. Another one im going to do eventually (but not right now) is the bed light kit.

 

This question is now a year old.
What is the solution for a 2023?

 

Anytime camera

 

Anytime Backup Camera works great. Easy plug and play. If you off road your truck, it's worth getting the front camera too. Coming up over the top of a climb and you can't see what's in front of you, camera shows any obstacles.

 

Same thing. Nothings changed.