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Install Backup Camera or Head Unit First?


Diver Dylan

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Hey everybody,

I am looking to install a backup camera on my 2011 Ranger. I live in LA and some of the spots I have to parallel into are barely bigger than my truck o_O. I've decided that I am going to get a JVC head unit from Best Buy and since it comes with free installation, I'm just going to have them install it. I have also decided that I want to install an F-Series emblem backup camera (primarily for the look and POV it gives over the license plate mounted ones.) I want to be able to see the edges of my bumper. I have researched these installations and know i will have to cut/grind into my tailgate.

My question is, which should I do first? This will be my first backup camera installation and I'm not sure exactly how the wiring is set up... do the wires need to be plugged directly into the head unit all the way from the camera (which would require the camera be installed first), or a do they drop connection ports under the cab that I can later go and plug the camera into?

Any insight from those of you that have experience here would be greatly appreciated.
 


rusty ol ranger

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Every vehicle since the 30s has had factory back up cameras, also called mirrors....

Lol just messin with ya.

Id do the camera first. Safety trumps audio any day.
 

Dirtman

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I'm not a tech expert but I did look into doing a double din touch screen unit once and all the ones I looked at used a 3.5mm port for the video camera. What I would do is have them hook up a 2-3 foot male to female wire for the camera that basically would just extend the port you plug your camera in, to an easy to reach spot behind the glovebox or wherever. That way you don't need to pull the head unit out to hook up or disconnect the camera.

As a side note, I know free installation sounds great but keep in mind the double din units dont fit perfectly in ranger dashes and need some minor modifications to look good. That guy in best buy is not gonna take the time to do this. They are also usually high school kids with zero experience who just mash everything together with crappy crimp connections.

I'd really really advise taking the time to learn how to do it yourself. It's not complicated and there are a bunch of good articles in the tech section here and vids on youtube.
 

fastpakr

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Do you have a link to the camera you're going to use? Sounds like an interesting option.
 

Ranger850

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