2002 Reverse switch power for backup camera

I know there have been several threads on backup camera installation and I've searched here and the audio/video forum, but not sure I've seen an adequate answer. I'm going to be installing a Pioneer head unit with a backup camera into a 2002 ext cab manual and need to find a source for when the backup lights are energized, preferably under the dash somewhere. I found one thread that pointed to this link and that shows the right wire, but it's under the drivers seat where the back end wiring meets the front end wiring. But where does the wire go forward from there? There's a fuse for the backup lights right? Where is that fuse located? I'm guessing it's somewhere closer to the radio than under the driver's seat. Would that be the place most people would tie into to signal the head unit?

Edit: Ok, just read that there doesn't appear to be a dedicated fuse for the backup lights and they are included in a general gauge 10A fuse. But to use even that fuse located to the left of the steering column, the backup light wire must get somewhere close to the fuse box, right?

Anyone else install head units that require this wire for the backup camera? Where did you run the wire to?

 

I tapped my reverse light wiring at the bulb socket. Shortest power run between the camera (mounted at the license plate) and the power source. Much easier.

 

To clarify, I installed the back up can that's hidden in an aftermarket rear view mirror. Much less obstructive. Very clean. The mirror is wired to the cabin fuse box with an add-a-fuse. The cam is wired to the back up lights. The component cable is mounted inside a flex seal conduit zip tied to the frame.

 

Yes, for the camera itself, I plan to tap into the backup lights on the back of the truck as that's where it will be mounted. But what I'm talking about is the A/V head unit in the dash with the video screen. That's where I'm going to display the video, and that unit has a wire that needs to be connected to a source that is energized when the truck is in reverse.

From the reverse switch on the transmission, the wire must make it's way back up into the cabin somewhere so it can get to the fusebox. Does anyone know the path that wire takes from there or from the junction under the driver's seat?

 

The routing is why I went for the mirror mount option myself. The previous posts I saw had people drilling a hole in the sheet metal just forward of shifter when tapping the cabin fuse box or using the engine bay fuses for ignition on, routing signal wire along firewall to tranny and then going back into cabin via the steering grimmer (I think. May have been a 4Runner article)

It's all doable, just depends on your willingness to have plenty of exposed wiring.