How Would Hopkins Smart Hitch Back Up Camera be Installed on Front of Vehicle

Published 10/15/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Hitch Aligner System

(841)

$176.91

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

(29)

$2.01

Derale Lighted On/Off Switch for Electric Fans

(4)

$6.73

Question:

As I stated in my question, my installation is to the front of the vehicle. What is the suggested point of use for power at that location instead of using the reverse circuit? Also can the monitor switched off or will I need to install a switch. If I use a switch. what should the switch be rated at, and what gauge of wire would be suggested? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Kevin O

Expert Reply:

We installed the Hopkins Backup Camera # HM50002 on a vehicle without a 7-way which I attached an install video to this page for you to check out. Basically it comes down to using the wiring that's on the 7-way connector plugs that come with the kit to run a powered source to. You'll see a white and purple wire from those two connectors. The purple wire you'd run a switch power source to like you mentioned and the white wire gets grounded and that's all you'd need to do from a wiring standpoint.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Kevin O.

10/15/2018

Jameson C.

10/15/2018

You want to use the positive post of your battery as the power source for the camera since you want to use a switch to turn it off and on. If the power for the camera is turned off then monitor will also shut off so you would not need an additional switch for the camera and the monitor. The system does not draw that much current so almost any switch is going to work like the # D16740. 12 gauge wire like part # 12-1-1 (sold by the foot) would be what you'd want to use to power the setup.