Car Backup Cameras Explained: How To Install On Your Car!

Parts linked in the description below!
Watch a tutorial as we explain how to install a backup camera in your car to a compatible aftermarket radio. We will be walking through the process on our shop's test bench.
(Amazon Associate Paid Links):
Our recommended camera: amzn.to/3csfJn3
Middle grade backup camera: amzn.to/34ZSVHv
A more budget friendly camera: amzn.to/34WoPox
Kenwood Radio Recommendation (Amazon Associate Paid Links): amzn.to/3cllIL1
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
To see examples of how to install these backup cameras on a car, click here: • Backup Camera Videos
If you have any questions, leave a comment below! Be sure to like and subscribe!

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Parts linked in the description!

[@MrGamelover23]

This is cool and all, but this tells me nothing about how to make it work in an actual car. Now I know how the wires connect but how do I connect something from my headlight to the back of my radio? Do I have to drill wire holes or something?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

@@MrGamelover23 1st off, every car differs so greatly, that if your are looking fora vehicle specific video, you need to search specifically for that vehicle. 2nd, don't connect the camera to the headlight, that will do you no good. I'd suggest connecting it to the reverse light in the tail light. 3rd, you haven't mentioned what vehicle this is being installed on whatsoever.

[@MrGamelover23]

@@ProvoBeastAudio Uh, 2001 Ford Focus but this is purely hypothetical, so don't actually waste time answering it. Also I meant the reverse light instead of the headlight. But I figured that I can just have the cord go from underneath the dashboard to the back of the radio unit. I'm a long way off from being able to afford that kind of set up anyway, as soon as I get a paycheck I spend half of it on car repairs. I'll probably start small with something that doesn't actually have a screen just so I can get some basic Bluetooth functionality before eventually working my way up to a full-blown infotainment console with the screen and backup camera compatibility. But thank you for taking the time to reply anyway, sorry for wasting your time.

[@diegojurado775]

@@MrGamelover23 Bruh he literally explained it lmao

[@bisho.charlieetheridge5226]

@@MrGamelover23 !aa

[@rlgso3369]

I've looked at a hundred of these back up camera videos and this is the only one that makes the wiring clear-thank you!

[@jackzhang5196]

exactly what I want to say!

[@ineszhu2874]

carsanbo

[@jimtalltheislandbrothers6639]

Totally agree. Best video on the topic. Subscribed.

[@negativeindustrial]

IKR? I’m pretty sure that’s my exact stereo if it’s the eXcelon unit! Right on

[@JasonTylerRicci]

Totally agree

[@Paul-es9el]

This has to be the BEST video on the internet showing CLEARLY how to hook up all wires. I’ve been researching 3 days and been so frustrated and about to just give up. Then I stumbled across the video and it’s so simple and I cannot thank you enough. Subbed and liked !!!

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Thanks! Subscribe for more great content!

[@dbdieselparts9326]

Same here Paul! Glad I found this video.

[@Yoooshtive]

Yea the aftermarket back up camera that I got did not have enough instructions, and the info that it had was just weird and confusing

[@dooflydetailguuy4349]

​@@Yoooshtivethis confusion is what keeps a roof over my head.

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

THREE MILLION views and counting, again! Again, thanks for the continued support and don't forget to Subscribe!

[@stevenwightman5028]

I am installing cameras on my experimental amphibious airplane, N71RJ, to monitor critical functions like wheel positions. This video has been more helpful than a dozen others in understanding the wiring scheme - and all done in less than 11 minutes. Thank you!

[@Woodworth1970]

Out of all of the videos out there, this one changed my trajectory. No other video I found explains what the system needs to trip the camera and how the little red wires on the camera feed can be used for that. THANK YOU! I've been working on this thing off and on for three weeks. Your video got me across the finish line.

[@yesod7]

Me, too! I thought I had my wiring planned out, until I watched this video. 👍 👍

[@thamerkules8081]

Haven't installed a stereo in over decade. Just got a screen with this back up cam. All new to this an this video was perfect at explaining. Bout to go give it a try wish me luck

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Support the channel by picking up your Provo Beast merch here: teespring.com/stores/provo-beast-audio-installation

[@Ginja_DaNinja]

Provo Beast Audio Installation great description really gave me good insight, now figuring out running wired became the issue lol.

[@kbaldeo]

Too many videos make this look too technical. Very well explained!

[@wormbait1706]

Can I attach this to a PC monitor?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

I guess you could if the PC monitor accepts a Composite Video input.

[@jalenle8991]

I did everything like this video did, however my 04 Lexus is300 back up light has both positive wires instead positive and negative, should I run my own ground wire from the head unit down to the camera ground wire?

[@GrnXnham]

I watched several youtube videos on how to install a backup camera and this one is the best. It took me about 4.5 hours to install a camera and a new head unit into my 2007 Toyota Tundra. Much of the time was spent running the wire from the back to the front. I had to drill a hole in the cab and fish the wire through to the head unit. It was a pain but I am happy with the results.

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Two Million Views and counting, thanks for the continued support! Don't forget to subscribe :)

[@ort619]

My head unit gives me the option to look at the camera image anytime I want I’m driving down the freeway I can turn it on. And the way to do that is to take the red wire in the black wire just hook the black one to the Jessica car and then find any hot water in your car you could even go to your license plate light but you’d have to turn your running lights on to turn the camera on. Or even just connected to your cigarette lighter where it’s always hot then you can look at the image anytime you want. And it will still come on when you go in reverse

[@ort619]

Wow talk to text really messed up my comment shit!

[@ort619]

It was supposed to say black wire to the chassis, not Jessica. Lol

[@ort619]

Holy shit another one, hot wire, no water. Damn!

[@Libragod]

Rite simply explained for even if you just want constant power for your camera when you manually switch Great Video Dude👍😎

[@Special_Ed522]

Buy this man a steak dinner with a lap dance on family night😂

[@joehidalgo7342]

Just went thru 10 of these vids.., yours was the one that finally helped makes sense of it all. Great visual lesson. Thank you!

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Thanks! Subscribe for more great content!

[@biplabmondal007]

This Video was a lifesaver...I bought a car with Pioneer head unit and had to install reverse camera..I bought from amazon and was able to install the camera without any prior experience in my Nissan Altima 2013. Thanks a ton. Love this experience and consider this as my achievement in DYI

[@danvuquoc]

Hey thanks for this video, really helped me out a lot, the instructions that came with my backup camera were practically nonexistent.

[@troymedinger1492]

Thank you so much for this video. Made installing this camera so easy. You clearly explain how to do it in laymen’s terms. Can’t thank you enough.

[@cashkenterprises5584]

Very helpful for me. I would’ve never understood that the red wire runs alongside the yellow RCA wire. My whole hang up was trying to find where to hook up the red wire coming off of the radio to get reverse power. You explained it so clearly. Thanks. I connected the other end to my reverse light👍

[@skip741x3]

same here bro... the camera instructions that came with mine left that part out... had to figure it out on my own...im sure without understanding this connection, many people would assume the camera was defective... helpful vid!

[@selasting1]

I did not expect to find a video that explained in such an effective and simple way. so much so I feel 100% confident in doing the job when I was 15% before.

[@Fisher1903]

I already knew how to wire up a back up cam as I have plenty of experience with wiring, but I have never installed a back up cam and this video helped me confirm my thoughts on the installation process before I do it myself. Great video.

[@hamiter2045]

Watching this made me feel so much more confident to tackle my camera install. Thanks a million!

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Thanks! Subscribe for more great content!

[@danibetiko]

I've seen hundreds of videos about reverse camera installation and this is the one explaining clearly all connection and cables. Now, I'm able to figure out that in my particular case, I do not need the red cable connection to the radio since my radio is able to switch to reverse mode once I change the gear to do that. Thank you!

[@DomAnthony89]

This is by far the best video I have seen describing what to do. Very clear instructions, good pacing, great examples. Thank you so much for this

[@samajayi]

This is arguably the best explanation I have seen on KZbin. I have been researching for almost a week now and this video just solved all my problems. Thank you guys for this amazing content

[@scorecustom]

Thank you for breaking it down and making it simple. I have a small trailer and wanted to keep an eye on it while traveling this summer. Everyone out there is trying to keep this "Secret Squirrel" and it's frustrating. I have a great camera in my 2016 Nissan Sentra, and wanted to use it and now I can! Thanks again, YOU ROCK!

[@charleshendrix1081]

Dude you saved the day. I was so stuck trying to figure out how to wire it. You are amazing

[@PartsReveal]

I've seen tons of similar video but finally you're one explained clearly how and why. Thank you so much Sir

[@richyyt2508]

Thank you so much, we've been struggling for like 5 hours trying to figure out how it works, tutorial after tutorial. Next day, we found this. We did it in 15 minutes, I am saying it again, thank you for making this tutorial.

[@whatfreedom7]

I know the feeling.

[@HG-hr9nq]

Excellent video. I don't see how anyone could have done a better job. Thank you !!!

[@dray9000]

Great video!!! I've been wrecking my brain with this. I wish I would wave found this about 4hrs ago when I was trying to do the continuous power setup.....Well explained.

[@CiIem]

I’ve watched so many videos of these installs and haven’t figured out how to do the backup camera, thank you so much for actually going into detail!

[@cannapoluo2685]

You've earned a sub! Normally, I don't view alot of these videos, but in this case I needed to and like everyone said, THIS IS THE BEST EXPLANATION on wiring properly.

[@TheDjloopsmusic]

You are the best, very well explained greetings from Perú. Thank you.

[@macmclean480]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. FINALLY an explanation that SIMPLY explains what all included wires connect to. No modifications or alternative ways to get it done, just what everything is for and where it goes.

[@Trd2020]

Years ago your KZbin videos helped me install my radio. And bought stuff from your website now I’m back to buy more. Thanks

[@Morettosimao]

Oh man you saved me a looot of headache Thanks 👌☝👍👍👍👍👍

[@georgec7798]

This is a great easy to understand video. Don't forget that some cameras use 6 volts instead of 12 so you will have to get some kind of converter to go from the backup light to the camera, the converter usually has three wires, a ground, a 12-volt positive in and a 6-volt volt positive out that connects to the camera.

[@alocin110]

What a nice presentation. NO comments on its quality, information, ease of following. You are a great teacher. Thank you very much Sir.

[@SERVICEOFHUMMANITY]

they way you speak in this makes me feel very safe and un-intimidated by all those angry wires... thank you sir!

[@RenWater]

Thank you! Your video is very easy to understand and helpful 👍🏼

[@denismetjahic2863]

I watched houndrends videos for wiring backup camera but this one is the best. Thank you 🙌🏼

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Subscribe!

[@joeyamorini8382]

I cant thank you enough for telling me about that extra red wire hanging off the video cable.. now I dont have to find the reverse light under the dash! You are the man!

[@ThatGuy2040]

Holy crap... I've been looking into hooking up my backup camera and was loosing confidence in doing it myself. This is by far the best and simplest explanation. Thank you!

[@juancontreras3195]

This was the best explanation video for installing back up cam,, Thank you 2019

[@billinski42]

Brilliant video, so well explained with useful examples. The bench demo is so much more useful than on a car as it clearly shows the connection requirements.

[@bbyjasayuso8446]

Perfect bro. Because of this video I connected my reverse camera. Thanks for explaining in details.

[@hepe2808]

A professional audio company made a KZbin video where they added a wire from the taillight to the radio reverse trigger, at that moment I realized they didn’t know what they were doing. Thank you for clarifying, it makes sense!

[@MrFudge1978]

You did the best tutorial for fitting a reverse cam M8 . I have seen plenty and none were helpful this one is very very detailed. A+++ thank you 👌👍👍

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Subscribe!

[@nissimnave]

The most clear how to video on this topic! Thumbs up!!

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Subscribe!

[@ineszhu2874]

carsanbo

[@josephbotrous3118]

Provo Beast Audio Installation I have a wireless camera but I am not able to connect them. Can you help me please? Camera have 2 wires yellow and red these fit the wireless transformer. Monitor have 3 wires yellow, white and red while the wireless transformer have only yellow.

[@sirrahgreed2619]

It's true, I kept seeing others trying to tie the Reverse line off the Stereo in parrallel with the B+ and ACC wires off the harness I was like wtf.. I don't want my camera on the screen 24/7 This video is better than most

[@JesseDKangas]

Just want to let you know that this is the most comprehensive video on youtube. Great job, this helped me a lot! Thank you!

[@scottspitler1443]

This is an excellent tutorial. Thank you very much! I am installing a 13.9 inch Tesla style entertainment system in my 2010 Maserati Quattroporte S. It did not have a back up camera and the entertainment system I purchased did not have instructions. I was confused by the two small red wires co-located with the RCA plug and you explained it very nicely. Once again thanks for a great tutorial.

[@krazybaldguy]

This was a really great video. Thank you. Very clear and simple on the how to of backup camera wiring.

[@josephtinkler2984]

I bought a wireless backup camera kit thinking it would be beneficial, while it was one of the more cheap kits I have put more time into a wireless receiver than what I would have had to put in this. This makes it more simple!

[@RockyJ_Concepts]

Excellent demo and explanation. Instead of me explaining to a customer who is across the country, I sent him the link to this video. Thank you.

[@mortongriggs4654]

This is a great Video. Explained everything I needed to know when hooking up my camera to my radio . thanks

[@marksmith2982]

Perfect teacher you explain everything perfectly 🎉❤ much love

[@deathbyrebuilds2380]

I had no idea what to do I’ve watched multiple videos and had no luck, until i watched this one 10/10 would recommend this video

[@erikjehle217]

THANK GOD I found this video! The directions with my camera are bad. uTube videos just hook stuff up and don'texplain things very well. Now I know what the little red pig tail wires are for! I bought my stereo and camera from Crutchfield and tech support did not even know how to hook up the wires. It all makes sense now. Thank you!!!

[@superior3384]

Thank you. I'm having troubles installing my backup camera. You have made it clear as to how to install it. I'll try your way. I subscribed

[@ineszhu2874]

carsanbo

[@conquistadortl9892]

Awesome video thank you so much

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

One Millions Views, thanks everyone! Don't forget to subscribe :)

[@10eherma]

Provo Beast Audio Installation so question, my smart harness and head unit already switch when in reverse. I have a hatchback so getting to the reverse lights and hiding the wires requires lot of trim removal. Would it work to tap into the reverse wire(since it has power) on the head unit, and grounding the camera in the back somewhere to the chassis or on a bolt somewhere?

[@ChrisMontgomery-xtrmagamr]

3M Command contact strips work great, I thought they would come loos here in Canada due to the temperature changes from 100 above to -30 but so far they have worked out great and no screw holes in the Benz.

[@Boss-313]

Hi there I bought a cheap Chinese double din head unit with camera I’m stuck on the reverse gear wire as mine only has the two iso male connectors I’m a bit stuck where to join that red. Please advise Thanks

[@DreamGrowls]

Good video! If there is no trigger wire on the head unit, is there any way /app that can bring up the rear video the moment you put in reverse?

[@rz7xvx]

Good, calm video! I installed one of these camera and took power from the reverse wire on radio, litterally just connected the camera power to the reverse wire then on the camera end I again used the power wire from camera cable and connected the red line from power plug, that’s it! Works when in reverse. Has leds so look silly working all the time

[@stevecendales7560]

Super clear. Thanks. Really helped me while doing an install. Amazing why the camera manufacturer Boyo did not make either their instructions clear and simple or even just make a video. Thanks!!!

[@FazalFariz]

Wish I saw your video before going through every other ones! Very informative. Kudos man.

[@Skyefuego]

Finally. A video that explains it well. Thank you, sir.

[@m.aliklay5874]

Ur the best,, i finally got it 😂

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Subscribe!

[@ineszhu2874]

carsanbo

[@TheMrSencor]

Gods work my friend saved it a private playlist just to not lose this video

[@holyjoemuttley1]

Brilliant! A simplistic explanation. I've been struggling to understand but not anymore 👍👍👍

[@nagelsimmons]

Exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@higiniocardona9502]

The intro reminds me of This Old House 0:19

[@danielokren6024]

after the rabbit hole of reverse camera videos i found this kudos to you my friend you are a true teacher..please keep making videos

[@kathyhoffman4276]

After viewing too many installation videos, finding yours ended my search. Very clear and easy to understand. Even for an old female!

[@nativewear23]

Best backup video on KZbin!!! Thanks

[@benrules13]

This was the best explanation of a backup camera install I've seen so far. Thank you for really breaking it down!

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Thanks! Subscribe for more great content!

[@stevekennewell8182]

Absolutely the best video on the net regarding backup cams, extremely well presented with nothing left out, thank you !!

[@ysebeats3771]

You are the greatest I’ve searched high and low for a proper tutorial good work

[@chubritsa9255]

Best video!

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Subscribe!

[@chubritsa9255]

Done! Thanks for that great video. It totally helped me out in connecting my multimedia with the rear view camera :)

[@whahab]

You can also use switch as a trigger for the video signal provided with 12volts source and 1.5 amp or 3 amp to be safe. This way, you can use the camera as a monitor and not only for reversing the car.

[@Chon-c]

But that would burn the LED’s on the camera all of the time ,right ?

[@BassDad]

@@Chon-c no because the trigger wire turns it on

[@Chon-c]

@@BassDad yeah. It turns on the camera. The LED’s will have constant power to them unless you run that trigger wire all the way back up front to were the trigger for the camera is done. I tried it every way possible.

[@Chon-c]

@@BassDad The radio can only show /turn on the camera. It cant be used as a power shut off for the LED’s on the camera .

[@BassDad]

@@Chon-c wrong leds come on when the camera comes on

[@lifefact3110]

Dude this is a great video I installed back up camera 5 years ago and I forgot how to install it but now after watching ur video it reminded me every single step keep up the hard work 🍀 👍🏻

[@richardwoon5498]

Excellent. This is down to earth approach and you can't get any better than this. Thank you.

[@wafi3187]

First I thought he’s gonna say “hey guys Chris....

[@Ghost88890REAL]

Fixed

[@davedankers4359]

Thnx, this actually makes sense!

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Subscribe!

[@ineszhu2874]

carsanbo

[@timdavis-ii5ex]

Thanks for this video. I am installing one in my truck and knowing that little wire goes directly to my reverse wire is going to save me untold amounts of time!!! Thanks again!!!

[@ecohitman111]

Thx for vid, very clear and simple.

[@kirwanjohn101]

This video is wrong, please do not follow these instructions if your car radio has a Canbus. I followed these instructions for method 1 and while the camera worked I ended up with multiple errors on my car's ECU from multiple modules. You do not connect the red wire from the video cable to the rear light positive source or to the rear of the radio, if your radio comes with a Canbus module. The canbus will operate the camera when power is applied via the rear light bulb. The instructions given in this video only apply to car radio that do not have a canbus.

[@8VD80Y]

Can you pls help me I’m stuck! Everything works but the camera. I have canbus installed

[@8VD80Y]

Do I still need to connect a ground to the camera power cord ?

[@brandigibson4213]

THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!!!

[@michaellouisbeats5701]

Very cool clear crisp explanation on how to install back up camera! Thanks for explaining each wireand where each gets connected😀

[@Mightyduck831]

This video is definitely will help me once I get my backup camera when it shows up on the mail. Very well explained. Thank you for this video

[@bryanmartinez1991]

You are the best if it weren’t for you I would of never connected the camera

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Subscribe!

[@marygodwin9016]

Bryan Martinez b. Vbbbb bbbb bbbb

[@marygodwin9016]

L

[@PEUGEOTXSI106]

Very good explanation 💪👍

[@clintonfoote9845]

Super helpful video. Made so much more sense than the instructions that came with the camera. Watching this helped me get my camera ro actually work. Thank you!

[@210Designs]

I agree with R&L 🙌🏽 thank you for sharing!

[@christophercastillo8743]

Is it possible to have both setups for the camera so that it comes on in reverse as well as when desired through the radio ?

[@ferdiebeer]

Yes. Tap the red wire of the yellow RCA's camera side to the reverse lamp. Tap the other red wire on the HU side to the purple/white wire. Then the camera's black/red goes all the way to the HU's black/red.

[@christophercastillo8743]

Ferdie Pendon great, thanks so much !

[@dmfleeting]

@@christophercastillo8743 was your black/red wire long enough to reach the front of the car?

[@briscaf21]

I watched this video before fitting my rear view camera. I followed all the steps as per this video and the camera would only work when the cars ignition was on but car not running, start the car and the camera would switch off. What I found out after alot more searching on the Internet was if your car happens to have can bus electronics you have to energise the camera not from the back up lights but through a relay so you need a 12volt feed from the car battery to the relay, a ground to the relay, a wire from the backup lights to switch the relay and lastly wires from relay to the camera and the trigger wire. This video does not explain this so yes what is shown but not correct for all cars.

[@raphdroidt692]

I just read you comment. Icannot get it to work. If the engine is off, the camera picture is perfect. Once the engine is running, the picture is completely distorted. Could it be the same thing? I have canbis as well, and power through the back light. I am not technical at all, so relays and stuff...i don't know.. Do you have any more info?

[@valerieexpress]

Thank God there are people like you that post such great videos, this is the best video I have ever watched, detailed and easy to understand explanation,, I was able to install mine in the first try, thanks.

[@kamala302]

Such a great explanation, i didnt know what that little red wire on the camera end was for, thank you for making life easier.

[@peterrose9887]

Very useful video.Fitted a JMCQ For Toyota Avensis T250 2 II 2003 - 2009 Car Radio Multimedia Video Player Navigation 4G GPS Android 11 Carplay 2 Din today. Bought from Ali Express the T10-A-Camera model for £93! Fitted well with a slight trim of the Toyota console. Came with virtually identical camera. Great explanation of two different powering methods. I will be powering the camera from a 12v ignition based outlet in the boot, and using the reversing light 12v hot to tell the unit to display the camera. Great job Mr Provo Beast!

[@kahaul1989]

You sir have saved me alot of hassle. This video is great and I thank you so much!

[@Mechautoinsight]

Explaining the two short red wire terminals allowed me connect the same camera to my Chinese Car Smart AI Voice Player Single Din Radio. Huge thanks.

[@txman951]

Thank you, this was extraordinarily helpful. I could not figure out how to connect the camera.

[@MsDionisis1976]

OMG, best video for backup camera wiring ever, and I've been through loads. Many thanks, so helpful.

[@austicoptyltd7544]

Thanks so much for uploading this informative clip, this was the best video describing the installation of a reverse camera I could find on KZbin.

[@lexiterwillegar8702]

you explained and described this very well. before i watched this video, i had no idea how to hook this up. you made it look very easy!

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful. I have watched several videos on this and this has been the best

[@Chrismarquez7]

There’s actually a third way to do it as well. You attach the purple back up camera wire to the red power wire attached to the video in behind the radio.

[@markbell1089]

I feel like this is the best tutorial I've seen so far, thanks for this video!