Back Up Camera Question

I recently installed a tire carrier. It naturally blocks the factory back up camera. I don’t want to mess with taking out the factory back up camera from the tail gate and re routing it to a new location. I also don’t want to buy a kit, and pull out the front radio and do all that stuff.
Curious if anyone has just spliced or simply cut into the OEM wires near the factory camera and ran a cheap aftermarket back up camera. Anyone know where the wires are located before they enter the tail gate? And any suggestions on a after market camera ( assuming this would work).
Thanks

 

Yup, I just bought a second camera and extended the existing wiring harness. Installed the new camera on the swing out. Above the second hitch. Worked very well.

On the passenger side tucked in behind the bumper is a plug, that’s the video feed for the camera. Just follow the harness to make sure.

 

Wonder if you could just plug it in where the camera unplugs for when you take the tailgate off

 

Is that the plug that @aaen is referring to above? It would be awesome if it's really that simple, but I think there may also be some voltage compatibility issues with various aftermarket cameras.

 

Yes, I didn’t even see his post when i was typing. The tailgate just unplugs and you should be able to plug into there

 

Exactly right... its not always that simple... check voltage for compatibility on aftermarket cameras.

 

Just reuse the one out of the tailgate or buy a second one from the Toyota. That is all I did .

 

You could just add a second camera line without messing with oem one. I have an anytime second cam for front on a toggle switch but no reason why you cant put it in back

 

So best plan for me. I think I’ll buy a new factory one and try to hook up by the tail gate wires. I don’t care about the old one. It can sit there and look pretty.

 

You may need to extend the wiring, I had to, just make sure you offset you splices so you do not end up with one giant section.