Padre675
Member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2016
- Posts
- 92
- Reaction score
- 51
- Location
- San Antonio, TX
- Ram Year
- 2013 Tradesman Crew
- Engine
- 4.7L V8 FFV
I saw that a while back that The Harness Connection was working on creating an alternate Wiring Harness for the OEM Backup Camera. I haven't seen anything more on it or what the outcome decision was, and I don't see an option for it on your website. So....here is an idea that I had that you can maybe use as a base for your harness if you're still looking to do something in that area. I have a 2013 Tradesman, so populating the connector by the DS Front Wheel Well would not work. I still have to verify a few things, but this is how I'm planning on installing mine when I get there. From looking over the TechAuthority system diagrams, pin-outs etc. and reviewing all the articles on here, I think this should work and be a pretty Universal Trim option without cutting/splicing any wires.
First is obviously replacing the tailgate handle with the camera mounted one, and replacing the harness inside the tailgate (if needed). Then starting at the I550 tailgate connector by the spare tire running the harness along the chassis as directed until the I320(I220) connector by the DS Front Wheel well. From here instead of splicing in the PDC, pass everything through the firewall. Either via the cutting the nipple in the current grommet, or drilling through the spare plate and using another grommet and sealing.
Next run the Camera Signal, Camera Return and Camera Shield to the Radio C1 (again standard).
Now run the Lin Bus CBC 3 and Run Relay Control either up the A-Pillar to the headliner and then to the back of the cab and over to highmount brake light/cargo light. Here there's supposed to be an I440 connector that feeds power to the lights, but it also carries the Lin Bus and Run Relay on pins 5 & 6 respectively. I checked quite a few VIN's on TechAuthority and they all showed that they should have the Lin Bus and Run Relay in the I440. Populate the Female connector with the remaining wires in their respective pins and you've got your Backup Camera circuit complete without having to cut or splice any wires.
Alternatively, to save on a few feet of wire, you could feed the harness in from under the carpet in the back of the cab. There should be a few plastic oval plugs you could remove and replace with a grommet and seal. Then you just feed the Camera Signal wires along the door seals to the front to the radio, and the Bus and Run Relay up the DS Rear pillar to the headliner and I440.
Just my thoughts on it so far as I've been trying to figure out how to put mine in without cutting/splicing.
Anyway, just thought I'd share. Once I complete and check everything I'll post pics and notes for others.
First is obviously replacing the tailgate handle with the camera mounted one, and replacing the harness inside the tailgate (if needed). Then starting at the I550 tailgate connector by the spare tire running the harness along the chassis as directed until the I320(I220) connector by the DS Front Wheel well. From here instead of splicing in the PDC, pass everything through the firewall. Either via the cutting the nipple in the current grommet, or drilling through the spare plate and using another grommet and sealing.
Next run the Camera Signal, Camera Return and Camera Shield to the Radio C1 (again standard).
Now run the Lin Bus CBC 3 and Run Relay Control either up the A-Pillar to the headliner and then to the back of the cab and over to highmount brake light/cargo light. Here there's supposed to be an I440 connector that feeds power to the lights, but it also carries the Lin Bus and Run Relay on pins 5 & 6 respectively. I checked quite a few VIN's on TechAuthority and they all showed that they should have the Lin Bus and Run Relay in the I440. Populate the Female connector with the remaining wires in their respective pins and you've got your Backup Camera circuit complete without having to cut or splice any wires.
Alternatively, to save on a few feet of wire, you could feed the harness in from under the carpet in the back of the cab. There should be a few plastic oval plugs you could remove and replace with a grommet and seal. Then you just feed the Camera Signal wires along the door seals to the front to the radio, and the Bus and Run Relay up the DS Rear pillar to the headliner and I440.
Just my thoughts on it so far as I've been trying to figure out how to put mine in without cutting/splicing.
Anyway, just thought I'd share. Once I complete and check everything I'll post pics and notes for others.