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.

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.

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

[hbemvlp]

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

[eevee]

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

[frankiedbu]

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

[khanos]

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

[vondrook]

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.

[jasonault]

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!

[tl]

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!

[HyperOne]

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

[williammartin]

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.

[soufianDEMOS]

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

[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!

[brazensigilos]

I absolutely love Crutchfield, because they give every explanation of how to hookup aftermarket parts to every car system I've used so far. I've been using and learning from them for over 10 years, and not been disappointed yet.

[MeMe-zedz]

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.

[johnpirkey]

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.

[BeatTheDviL]

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.

[chodge]

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.

[Thewatcher]

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

[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!

[josiahsimpson]

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!

[etboss]

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 😆😅🙏🙏