Anytime Backup Camera for Towing

It appears the Anytime Backup Camera kit must be hardwired if used as a trailer backup camera due to voltage losses in the tiny extension cables furnished over a long distance.

If using more than than three 6.5 ft extensions (tested with three, four, five and six) the tiny 32awg or smaller copper conductors in the extensions preclude getting video signal. They lack a foil signal shield. Camera wire itself (in back) proved to be a more reasonable 22awg or so.

Brian at ABC was very supportive and after selling me many extensions provided advice and some alternative parts. I spent many hours over a week running, testing, and ultimately hardwiring with soldered splices with strain relief and heat shrink. Just handling these gossamer filaments- four tiny strands each conductor- was a bear.

I suggest 18/3 shielded plenum cable. Based on the wiring diagrams and discussion with vendor I understood there to be five conductors. There are only three!

I bought a roll of shielded plenum cable, and used a 5-pin (you only need three) waterproof connector set as a break point between truck bumper and trailer umbilical. Used half of an extension cable at each end to mate with radio harness and with rear camera to enable parts replacement in future. I spooled up the extra two conductors at each end for some future use.

Along with the 2WD LO mod this is a terrific improvement for towing backup on my Tacoma and despite the headaches getting it to work am sold on its value. Just be forewarned.