Powering your backup camera (and how to use that extra wire) | Crutchfield

You'll see a little red wire sticking out of the RCA signal cable that comes with your backup camera. What's it for? Do I even need to use it? One of our tech support specialists goes through some possible uses for this "convenience" wire.
Shop for backup cameras: www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc2O...
The convenience wire is just that - a wire, usually red, that's attached to the RCA signal cable you run from your head unit to the backup camera. You can use this wire for any purpose that suits your installation. It's also possible you won't use it at all. How you do utilize it depends on your vehicle, head unit, and other factors, such as wanting your camera to run continuously or just upon backup. Our expert shows you a few ways to use this wire in this video.
Crutchfield, America's trusted electronics specialist since 1974, has award-winning customer service, free lifetime tech support, and free shipping on most orders. Shop for all your audio and video needs at Crutchfield.com and sign up for the catalog and email newsletter at www.crutchfield.com
See more home and car electronics videos on our channel: / crutchfieldtv
0:00 Intro
0:28 Wiring included & typical setup
1:36 Convenience wire: triggered rear view
3:03 Camera always on for towing
5:12 You might not need the convenience wire
5:38 Head units that provide camera power
6:28 What are the little loops for?
8:03 Recap and Tech Support contact

[@user-hb7em6vl8p]

Literal only person on KZbin who can explain anything to do with backup cameras clearly for beginners. Thank you

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for enjoying the video! I am stoked that you found it useful, we are always here to help. Did the video help you get your own backup camera install up and running?

[@morkbov]

@@crutchfield It certainly clears up a lot of doubt that I had a few hours ago. I'm waiting for my new BOSS BE920WCPA to come in (ordered at Crutchfield of course !) and will start to hook it up pretty soon. I intend to had both AFT and front cam so your video is just what I was hoping to find as a source of information. Thanks for sharing this.

[@crutchfield]

Excellent! Thanks for shopping with us! 😃 If you run into any issues with the installation, just let us know!

[@eevee3473]

this actually is the only video on youtube that explains the stupid red wire coming out of the video cable. thank you so much

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome. It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@jomasons9819]

ikr. I just need to know what the red wire do before I hooked up.

[@frankiedbu1]

The clearest connection video yet. This guy is an unsung hero!

[@crutchfield]

Chris is an absolute BALLER in my mind. We are so happy that you enjoyed the video and found the information useful. 🥰

[@khanos73]

I guarantee no one else explained wiring this well as this young man,

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for the kind words, we appreciate it!

[@vondrook4]

This is the most helpful video for wiring up a backup camera! I’ve watched dozens and this really simplifies it and makes it easy to apply to a specific vehicle.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Devin. Glad we could help. If you need anything further, please us know.

[@alexvelador7947]

Real talk you are a goat for this video . The help is so useful

[@stevesisniegas]

Really a well Handle the video with all steps on how to do it by yourself thanks for your kind help us to solve this particular item and this is my question do you have a great resolution camera

[@techmech2030]

Thank you! I indeed wanted to comment the same!

[@jeremywhitesell2688]

A improperly called solar generator is all im using. Runs the cameras for weeks. Its lithium iron phosphate so not going to fireball like lithium ion. Bypasses parking mode that doesnt catch everything cause theyre on all the time. Just have to monitor the sd cards sooner. I have a 2 channel Thinkware f200 pro set front and back and 2 Garmin mini 2s on the sides. I dont have to worry about a dead battery on the vehicle. Just charging the generator every other month.

[@tl2369]

This is literally THE BEST video for backup camera installation. Most videos don't go nearly into the detail of the head unit connection. Why? Because they aren't good videos. You guys do an amazing job! Now, if I could only find where the trigger wire for my 2014 Camry Hybrid is located. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

[@jasonault9029]

I watched so many videos about hooking up the electronics for the reverse camera, and they were all pretty terrible. This one was easily the best. I was starting to lose hope on getting this done in time for a trip I was going on. I am not the most skilled electrician, and this video helped me make it all make sense in a very easy to understand way. Thank you so much!

[@crutchfield]

Glad we could help!!!

[@HyperOne1]

Finally, a thorough explanation of wiring it 2 different ways.

[@soufianDEMOS]

This is GOLD ! Straight to the point, no commercials....and clear explanations. Right on !

[@crutchfield]

Glad you found it helpful. Are you planning an installation?

[@soufianDEMOS]

@@crutchfield I had a SEICAN 9" double din computer unit on my CHARGER RT 07 and just bought a rear cam. I couldnt figure out why I didnt get a video feed until I watched your vid. I completed the install today and got those 3 red wired hooked up properly (I had forgotten to power the cam). Thanks to your video !

[@crutchfield]

That is heartwarming to hear. I am stoked that our video got you sorted, exactly what we love! Thank you for your kind words and I hope that you continue to enjoy our content. Now that you are up and running, how do you like the radio and camera upgrade?

[@johnpirkey5152]

Another terrific guide from Crutchfield! I've been dealing with them since the 80s. There is no better source for car technology knowledge or deals than Crutchfield.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for the kind words and for shopping with us for so many years! 😃

[@MeMe-ze8dz]

Just FYI for people doing this the first time. If you use the reverse wire ground rather than a chassis ground you will probably get lines or snow on your monitor. I've done it, then did it correctly after seeing the degraded picture. Exception to the running the wire to reverse. If you have a canbus system, like in a Jeep, the canbus box knows when you are in reverse and tells the stereo to shift to camera even if you don't have a camera installed or any 'trigger wire'. Makes them easy to install if you have an adapter box. You need one for your steering wheel controls anyway.

[@younamsayin]

Just like many others said, this is the BEST video for reverse camera wiring. There are so many videos out there that do not explain properly, but your video is super helpful. Thank you so much for the informative content!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome, KJ! Hope your installation goes well.

[@randyduquette]

This was 8 minutes well spent. Crutchfield always doing it right, thank you for making this so simple to understand!

[@eljefeslash]

Thank you for this! It really helps to see the components laid out like that to understand how they work together. Great job explaining.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! If you need anything further, please let us know.

[@The1972watcher]

Absolutely the best explanation installing these rear cameras! Can’t get any easier and comprehensive than this!

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! Hope your installation goes well.

[@joshuawilson7023]

Thank you for breaking this down so thoroughly. Very easy to get the basics of back camera wiring. Very much appreciated 👍

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome, Joshua. Hope your installation goes well.

[@rpbritten]

By far the best explanation of the issues to look for when wiring a back up camera. Thank you.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Richard! Glad we could help. If you need anything further, please let us know.

[@BeatTheD3viL]

purchased my gear from CF. Installed everything else except for the reverse camera. Rainy weather an garage availability was making me lazy. Had this great video pop up in my YT Feed. Will be procrastinating less to hook up the reverse now. Thanks.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Keep us posted.

[@adamburgess3243]

wow finally someone who can thoroughly explain this simple wiring , was lost and this made it simple thank god.

[@crutchfield]

It's great to hear that you found it helpful!

[@josiahsimpson8829]

Just bought a head unit and backup camera from crutchfield for my 2006 4runner. Their customer support team and these videos have been incredibly helpful! Beyond impressed with these guys!

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for the kind words! We hope that you enjoy the new setup!

[@iiaaannnn]

Plenty of tutorials say tap to the reverse light. But that's not the only solution!!! Appreciate this video explained many ways to wire. Very knowledgeable!

[@crutchfield]

Glad we could help!

[@sparkiekosten5902]

Thank you...Finally someone who shows what that little red wire is good for!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Glad our video could help :)

[@etboss82]

Outta the 10 videos ive just watched- this hands down is the most dumbed down explanation to help out anyone in wiring up that reverse camera. I praise you for your lesson oh mighty one 😆😅🙏🙏

[@jeffratz1]

Thank You! I am adding a backup to my wife's car, and this was exactly what I needed. I should have known to look here first. You guys are the pros.

[@crutchfield]

You're certainly welcome! It's great to hear that you found the video helpful! 🙂

[@yogician]

I’ve ordered everything needed for my dodge caravan 2016 from your site it’s nice to see a company with tutorials and telling me we can help you thank you for a great video

[@crutchfield]

Thank you, Sean! Hope you enjoy your new setup and will let us know whenever you need anything else.

[@anthonynagle]

Best made video on backup camera install. Nothing is left out, exactly what I need. Thank you

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Anthony. Good luck with your installation!

[@thebucklins2560]

Chris, very well done and informative... Look forward to more videos from you! VERY glad you went through the different variations so people could see why others may have done or said what they did. You DA MAN!!!!

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for the kind words! It's great to hear that you found the video helpful. 🙂

[@edwin81]

Thanks a lot for the video. Made it 100% clear about the how and why.

[@windermerescience150]

Super clear and concise and helped me complete an installation that has saved multiple parking frustations! I wish all videos were done this well. Thank you.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! We are glad it helped

[@rawouch]

Thanks for explaining the convenience wire and the reverse trigger wire. The trigger wire was labeled "rear camera power" on my Boss radio and that slowed me down a lot. Need to mention to turn the camera function on in radio's "Camera Settings" menu.

[@panchosspeedshop9112]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for breaking it all down.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Glad we could help

[@robertjohn2249]

This was a great video. Your the only one who explained how I can have my reverse camera work with a trigger for reverse and constantly running at the same time. This is fantastic for a split android screen and if I wanted it hooked up two way's so I can record the back of my car 24/7 while driving then still switch to rear camera for reversing when triggered.

[@crutchfield]

We are glad it helped!!

[@chodge8366]

I’m so glad to see Crutchfield still afloat. I used to get the magazines when I was an installer back in the late 90’s.

[@crutchfield]

We're still going strong! 🙂

[@DiegoDungBeetle]

Omg thank you so much for this explanation! I was so frustrated with the limited instructions for my back up cam and couldn't figure out why the head unit wasn't switching to my camera when putting the car in reverse. Seems like it's gonna be about a thirty minute fix to attach those convenience wires. Forever grateful.

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for watching the video, and I am happy that it was able to provide you with a fix for your install. Keep us posted on how it works out!😍🤞

[@DiegoDungBeetle]

@@crutchfield Turned out exactly like it should! Backup cam comes on instantly when put in reverse now 👍

[@SirFries]

This just saved me so much time and stress. The instructions I got with my stereo told me to connect the reverse trigger wire to a wire behind my dash which would take a lot of effort. It's nice knowing I can just tie it in with the reverse light used to power the camera.

[@crutchfield]

It's great to hear that you found the video helpful! 🙂

[@Jawnwickk]

Jesus thank you! This is the best video on this PERIOD! Cleared up my confusion

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, J'Are! Glad we could help.

[@jimfaris]

Seriously!!! I bought this used car a few days ago. the last owner put in a Jenson CAR910x and it was a mess... I was sure that I had fixed everything, but the cam would not work. read a bunch of wire diagrams and watched a bunch of videos. But yours somehow cut thru the confusion and I now have a back-up camera!! Thanks

[@crutchfield]

That is amazing to hear, thank you for letting us know!

[@randygrunwald3259]

Thank you so much! I am usually knowledgeable about this kinda stuff, but out of the 2 options offered by my camera manufacturer, but i was really confused. You set everything straight.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@rongamblin2107]

Thank you Chris, like Devin said a year ago, this video is the best on KZbin if not the best anywhere Also CRUTCHFIELD is fabulous for electronics for your home or automobile Good Luck!!

[@crutchfield]

Thank you, Ron!

[@MrDonzo555]

Thank you for this amazing video! Very detailed and helped me wire my camera to my head unit. While both wiring diagrams did not help this video did!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Glad your installation went well.

[@chrisdodd1967]

Thank you very much for making this easy to understand.

[@crysis17]

Thank you for making such a detailed video! You really helped me with connecting my backup cam

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! We are glad it helped

[@BIGMANLOGJAM]

This is extremely high-quality instruction, thank you.

[@walterm2871]

want to add a backup camera to my wifes care, this is a very clear explanation , thank you

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome, Walter. Hope your installation goes well.

[@ronaldryan1965]

Thanks Crutchfeild, This makes it so much easier to understand what all the wires are and for and all the different ways to get set up. 2 Thumbs up from me Down under "

[@crutchfield]

We are happy to know that this video helped!!

[@NautiluStudios]

Getting mine installed was a PITA, camera manual had no hints on what to use that little trigger wire for, and the head unit manual said it would automatically switch to the camera when 'hooked up to backup lamp circuitry.' I know my electrics, so I THOUGHT I understand what they meant. After watching countless videos already, I decide to check with the guys I bought the system from. Lo and behold, I now have it wired correctly! Now to get that stubborn plate screw out...

[@crutchfield]

Way to go!

[@rdonis7198]

Excellent explanation, grateful to have found your channel. Thank you for making our lives easier 😊

[@crutchfield]

Welcome, R DONIS! Glad we could help. Hope your installation goes well.

[@justinboozer2934]

I'm new to the backup camera thing I just bought a boss 7" floating screen and I've watched a dozen videos and this is by far the most incredible walk through ever this video alone needs one million likes hands down

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for the kind words! We're glad to hear that you found it informative. 🙂

[@justinboozer2934]

@@crutchfield your welcome havnt put the camera up yet been sick but once over it i will be watching this video again for sure thanks and keep up the good content

[@williammartin7246]

Perfect video. This is a real person talking about what his headline states. Some of these videos morons want to talk about their vehicle in which they are installing a camera in. And no stupid music. Great job. Oh, and you spoke clearly.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! It's great to hear that you found it informative. 😃

[@williammartin7246]

@@crutchfield can I ask you something? Your way worked exactly. My digital screen goes into black mode but it says "no signal". When I put it into drive it goes right back to the radio as it should. Why would it say "no signal"? I relocated the ground wire just in case it was that but still nothing.

[@crutchfield]

Sounds like you may want to double check your video connections and camera settings on the radio as well. If you got the camera and/or radio here, you can call our Tech Support, Their direct number is on your invoice.

[@OtisHumphreys]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive video on wiring methods!!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome, Otis. Hope your installation goes well. If you need anything else, please let us know.

[@jomasons9819]

Very resourceful. Been watch videos for weeks, and this is the best one so far. Especially for those who are new to wiring.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Joma. Hope your installation goes well.

[@MattDallasAZ]

Great job, thank you for explaining this in a very simple way.

[@crutchfield]

You're certainly welcome. We're glad that you found it informative. 🙂

[@kiwidog]

Thank you guys, you saved me from calling your tech support line, the video answered all my questions! YAY Thank you !

[@crutchfield]

YAY!! You're welcome!

[@whitewolfoverland117]

Excellent explanation of the wiring options.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! We hope this helps any do the install themselves and has helped you too

[@ShaiYammanee]

This was wonderfully concise. Thank you for such a clear video

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@elvinsuazo1299]

Great job man, after watching dozens of videos i wish i would have ran into this one sooner! Thank you so much!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome, Elvin. Hope your installation goes well.

[@dragoshadow0]

This answered my questions exactly!!! Thank you so much. I had just finished wiring my radio and harness together and of course I only had my purple wire (Reverse +) left. My radio has a second harness (for Audio/Video input for camera and Media player) and I was trying to figure out if I'd be hooking into the reverse circuit, or powering from the head unit (since there was another power and ground line on the second harness). Now I know the differences. Thank you again.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! We are glad to know that this video helped you get up and running

[@texaspapi89]

Man! this is the most comprehensive video I've ever seen and luckily the first video I clicked on! What a wealth of Information! Thank you for this great and incredibly informative video I learned so much from this! Most definitely subscribing to this channel!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome and welcome to Crutchfield! Glad we could help.

[@simonaldridge6133]

Great video best one out there will finish off my installation in the morning thnks

[@landsembo]

Oh man!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This video helped me to solve my connection issue! CHEERS!

[@crutchfield]

That's great news! You're welcome; glad we could help

[@NoName-ye9jw]

about to start this on my own car, this video helped IMMENSELY. Thanks!

[@crutchfield]

We are glad it helped!! Hope the install was a success!!

[@Twest130]

Great video. Answered exactly what I was needing

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Travis! Glad we could help.

[@LV-FOURTWENTYSIX]

Great video mate. Easy to follow. Lots of info. Good work.

[@crutchfield]

Thank you! It's great to hear that you found it informative!

[@yeshua4590]

Thank you, best camera tutorial on youtube and I checked them all !

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@yeshua4590]

@@crutchfield I couldnt find a good tutorial for my front camera yet.

[@crutchfield]

What model camera are you using?

[@beetee801]

This is the best backup cam wiring video on yt.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! How did your installation go?

[@alancosta4291]

The best explanation ever! Thanks mate!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@KadenBarriga]

This was a great video, very informative and easy to understand. Well done.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! It's great to hear that you found it helpful.

[@nongmakloft26]

Thanks for the educational video sir. Unlike other videos, yours also explained how each wire works. I almost bought a new rear cam 😂

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it informative! 🙂

[@jaysanchez8884]

Is it ok to tap into the cigarette, lighter ground I don’t really use the cigarette lighter ?

[@roblawson5525]

Re the trigger wire - "If this isn't hooked up your stereo's never going to know you've shifted into reverse". True unless your car uses CANBUS, you have a capable stereo and the correct adapter, in which case the car will tell the stereo you've shifted. In short if using a fully CANBUS-equipped car don't bother connecting the trigger wire. I appreciate this is video provides information specific to the equipment sold by this company, however it may not be correct for all newcomers using alternative products.

[@Phuongnguyen-zr1in]

Thanks for sharing the video.

[@makabelion]

This video is amazing explanation of the camera installation

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! We're glad to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@pinkmonst3r]

I wanted to come back in here and give a second like to this. THANK you so much for this... It was a breeze after this guide.

[@crutchfield]

That is awesome! So glad we could be of help! What vehicle did you do the install on?

[@sorinsampalean5300]

the only place on the internet where i could find nice instructions

[@crutchfield]

Glad we could help! 😊

[@mattwaters6987]

Thanks for this information. 😊

[@troymiller319]

Awesome video. Haven't done this kind of work in ages and now there are so many more options than 4 speakers and power. LOL! So informative!

[@crutchfield]

Welcome back! What type of setup are you planning?

[@LochieOReilly]

Tomorrow's project, rewire my reversing camera that I only just installed myself, last week. I've been looking for how to view it at any time and not just when in reverse. Cheers for the extremely helpful video 👍🏼

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Good luck with your re-wiring.

[@LochieOReilly]

@@crutchfield it worked a treat, cheers. Got my front camera hooked up too so I can better navigate those tricky 4WD lines 👌🏼

[@crutchfield]

🎉, Great news! Way to go!

[@evansfonseca9874]

Very useful video.!!

[@danbazan1691]

you nailed it man, thanks so much

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome. Good luck with your install.

[@Dale-sj6ru]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! We are glad it helped

[@vincestyles1030]

Best Install Video!!

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Vince!

[@xle1209]

Kudos, great video, nothing else needed, thus video answer all of your questions! 👏

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Hector! :)

[@megamorphe]

I like this guy!

[@wallywallyblack1]

Man this is a great video. Made my hooking up my back up cam so much easier. Thank you

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@abdulsadiq6222]

Best video I’ve seen for this explanation

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! 🙂

[@wpcote108]

Thanks Chris! You made it really really clear for us idiots!

[@crutchfield]

We are happy to know it helped!!! Let us know when we can help again

[@qualitycertifiedbass]

Very informative and nicely explained, thank you.

[@crutchfield]

Thank you! Hope your installation goes well.

[@jeffkirtland1283]

thanks someone who actually told us something useful

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@jossbcuz]

Man answered all my curiosities on why it wasn’t working 😂 great video brother thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@crutchfield]

You're certainly welcome! We're glad to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@darrelldevereaux9929]

I never comment on videos. But this was so to the point and helpful. Thanks

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@stefanm67]

Thank you! A very good explanation. ❤

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome. It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@blacmack8814]

Thank you cructhfield

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Glad this video helped

[@knudhvidbergsyvertsen3452]

Excellent! :-) I've bought a cheap camera for my 2-DIN Pioneer, as I don't need some 4K or HD resolution. Or not something even close to it. ;-) But the camera came without any good installation guide. Your video has to be best to explain different scenarios. As well it is not locked to a special brand. So thx again! Greetings from Norway! :-)

[@crutchfield]

We are glad that it helped!!

[@FlushtheSystem]

I'm sorry to sound like a crutchfield fan boy but DAMN NICE VIDEO. Answered some questions very well that the thousands of other videos skated around on. Kinda tapped the issue than got distracted by a shiny light and abandoned it abruptly. Thank you

[@crutchfield]

Thanks so much!! We're happy to help folks understand this and glad you enjoyed the video! 😄

[@562frankrivers2]

Very helpful and very easy to understand now thank you

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome. It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@jeremyhardy4996]

Thanks for the help.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome Jeremy! 🙂

[@benodell9675]

Your a professional great job big help

[@crutchfield]

Thank you!

[@MrGunnerru]

crutchfield is great always easy with them.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! 🙂

[@RikAindow]

Great video as always. I wish we had Crutchfield here in the UK. I love your tech articles.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@RikAindow]

@@crutchfield I find you helpful, but we need you in the UK! 🇬🇧

[@crutchfield]

Even if we can't ship you any gear internationally Rik, we can still hangout?😎

[@RikAindow]

@crutchfield of course! Been binge watching all your videos to help with my basic install. Much love for what you do! 💛

[@crutchfield]

💙

[@brandonallen7719]

Great video really helpful.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@wadeprunty]

Super helpful! Finding the reverse circuit on my tractor was a little difficult though.

[@crutchfield]

That seems like a bit of an understatement on some tractors lol Glad you figured it out