Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Hitch Aligner System

This backup camera is excellent quality and super easy to install. The pre-wired plug made it simple to install to the existing trailer harness. Routing the cable was easy following existing framework and cables. I had plenty of wire to be able to mount the display in the center of the dashboard. The image quality is amazing.1370841

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by: Ronald 12/01/2022

This was the second order of the Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Hitch Aligner System. The first order suffered the blue screen of death during a rainstorm. Apparently, the circuit board got some water in it. When I received the same replacement I didn't install it until the summer of 2022. The original wiring was intact so I only had to unplug the camera and replace it with the new camera (part B). I also installed the new mounting bracket with sensors (part C). I didn't have to change out any wiring or replace the 3.5" color monitor. Still working okay.1476916

by: R. Nelson12/17/2016

Still working great. Since I got it , I've been able to hitch up my trailers without help and the back warning feature is great for parking when backing in close quarters. Installation was easy, once I was able to understand the install instructions. They could have been a bit more clear.325851

Still working great. It gets mud and dirt on the lens and it still keeps working. I have yet to dent my tailgate or bumper when backing up in the driveway or hooking my trailer.

R. N - 12/17/2017

32023

I ran across this old e-mail. Im still using the back-up camera on my 2008 Chevy Silverado. It keeps on working on 2 utility trailers and 1 boat trailer.

R. N - 11/04/2022

151639

For the price, you can't beat it. I just installed it. Other than the sensors and distance lines being a little wacky, I can back straight to my trailer hitch, and that beats getting in and out of the truck 20 times. Relatively easy install on my 2001 Chevy.894910

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Excellent. Easy to install.

Michael - 10/03/2021

122025

by: Terry01/20/2023

The camera will not stay inplace itdrops down.theglue on window broke loose I would liketo be able to have abigger moniter to put on this system when backing in shadows it would great to have a lazer to line up to the ball. product is great its just the shadows that hide the tongue and ball1502755

Installation went great and product works as advertised. Quick tip - I finished the installation in about 1 hour and it initially didn't work. Spent the next 2 hours re-connecting wires, testing circuits, and swearing a lot. Finally checked the fuse box and the fuse for my trailer reverse lights was missing. Added the fuse and everything works great. Also, I purchased but didn't need the 5 ft extension in my 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD crew cab.1339287

I have sent your information over to our customer service department for them to assist you in returning the 5 ft extension.

Katrina B - 08/04/2022

145710

by: Terry11/13/2020

worked great on my 2013 silverado. only issue i had was the adhesive for the mounting pad did not hold up very well in the heat. used some double backed gorrilla tape to fix it911726

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although the truck is now sold, product was a good fit for an aftermarket add on worked great while I had it

Terry M - 11/15/2021

124910

Backup camera works well. It does seem to detect things that aren't there and beeps at you constantly, but it isn't a deal breaker as you can turn it down. Easy to install if you watch the videos to get some hints. Hitch aligner works great. I found it most useful if I use one of the "tennis ball" aligners and place it directly under my trailer hitch so there is some brightness and contrast to see when the towing ball hits the "tennis ball". I would recommend this product and etrailer in general.1388171

Code Product
HM50002 Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Hitch Aligner System

Absolutely best purchase I've ever made! I own a 2004 F-150 Ford Lariat and pulled a 30ft. Travel trailer for 10 years without this product. I didn't find out about it until I traded for a Motorhome with a backup camara. I kept my truck but still had difficulty backing in & out of parking spaces. This camara is a life saver. My truck has the new wider wheel base and equipped with the trailer tow pkg. and the bed has a tonnal cover on it, so it's difficult to judge how close I am to something when backing up. It comes with easy installation instructions and works fantastic. I'm 77 yrs. old and installed it myself. It would be a lot easier if I had a lift but no such luck. The installation instructions are very simple if you have any kind of "do it yourself " mechanical experience. The hardest part is running the 20 Ft. Wire under the truck and zip tying it up. That's where a Car Lift would make it a snap. Scooting around on your back at my age is not recommended. There are videos on YouTube that show you how to remove & replace almost any part or trim piece on almost any vehicle. I mounted my camara on the left drivers side dash right by the windshield post. Perfect position for my truck. I have a dash cover and the screen mounting has a glue attachment, not a suction cup. I removed the adhesive cover on the camara and the same on a piece of Velcro and I stuck it to the fabric of the dash cover for a secure mounting that I can lift off if needed. I've showed it to a couple of friends who are going to buy one even though they don't tow anything. It's an amazing amazing Back Up Camara well worth the price. 235234

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Its still working like brand new! Fantastic back up camera! The camera and sensors work great especially when backing in or out of parking spaces. I wish I had it the 10 years I was towing a travel trailer. Lining up the trailer hitch would have been a piece of cake! It has been a life saver any time I have to backup anywhere. Especially in large parking lots with other cars nearby or distracted people walking behind me. Wouldnt go anywhere without it.

Ron H - 01/11/2017

22200

I had researched backup camera systems for my 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. I had gone in to one of the electronic stores to actually see what my options were. When I came to etrailer.com and saw the Hopkins Smart Hitch, I was impressed with the price and the features of the camera. I had looked at Garmin, Rand McNally, and a few others that were over twice the cost and had fewer options.
I called etrailer to make sure the unit would fit in my truck, Michelle was very helpful and took my order. The unit was shipped that day and was delivered within 3 to 4 days. I had it professionally installed, though I know I could have done it myself.
I am really pleased with all aspects of this camera. The audible signal (not available on some of the higher priced cameras) is really helpful - and the green, yellow, red bars give a true perspective of the proximity of obstacles. Being able to toggle between trailer hitch mode, and everyday backup mode is as easy as pushing a button.
I really don't think you'll find a better camera for the price. And, etrailer's customer service is excellent.
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Thank you for the follow up. I do like the camera, and it has worked really well. The only thing that has changed is that I dont get the visual marker lines showing up any more. They come on for the first few seconds and then turn off. The camera works perfectly other than that.

Carl M - 11/15/2017

30829

by: Daniel 10/24/2022

Works as advertised. We love being able to see the hitch when hooking up the trailer.1454738

Followed the installation instructions from the video provided on the website and it was a breeze. I recommend using conduit to protect the wire at the beginning and end of the feed through the frame. I also used it to protect the wire and connections at the rear of the vehicle (tape connections as suggested in video). I mounted my camera in the center dashboard console and hid the wire for a custom installation. I ran the wire along the knee console under the steering column and fed the wire upwards. I pulled the front dash console which requires using a plastic tool so you don't mess up the dash (very easy to do-check youtube). I drilled a hole in the top of the center console and fed the monitor wire down and connected the wire coming from the camera and tucked above the radio. This can only be done if you remove the face of the radio. Again, make sure you use a plastic tool to remove the radio face and watch a video. It looks great in the vehicle.167508

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by: Rich S.02/21/2017

Back-up camera has performed very well with no problems. It was super easy to install and I love the ability to switch between regular back-up view and trailer hitch view. It makes hitching my trailers super easy and backing up safer. Thanks for the great service and value.344014

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Excellent! If you tow a trailer very often, you absolutely will love this camera. I use my two trailers a lot and this makes the hook-up effortless. It is a must have!

Richard J - 02/21/2018

35008

Easy kit to install! Great picture as it's a wired system so no flickering. Simple to unplug the factory harness and plug the Hopkins harness in. Then run the wire up under the bed/cab and zip tie in place to keep from flopping around. I have an '04 Silverado Crew cab with a 6 1/2' bed and I ran the wire up into the engine compartment and thru a grommet in the upper drivers side of the engine bay. Mounted the screen in the center console area by the cig lighter and had about a 1/2' of spare wire left...

Great value!143120

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Here are some photos of my install on a 2006 Toyota Tundra.



Notes:

Photo 1 is of my front plate with an uncut license frame.

Photo 2 is the back plate with the frame cut to accommodate the camera.

Photo 3 shows the location I choose to mount the display.

Photo 4 close-up (the device to the right is an aftermarket Bluetooth hands-free phone interface)610508

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Back-up lines are very accurate. Love it. My employer installed on his dump truck.

Par-T-foul - 03/08/2020

70937

by: Jim07/08/2016

This is a great little camera that makes hooking up to the trailer a much easier and safer endeavor. I got a slick little dashboard mount for the screen that keeps it out of the way, but still easy to see when backing up. If you don't have a backup camera on your vehicle, this is very useful and low cost improvement269390

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I still have the truck and camera. Its still working...the only issue I have is the back up guide lines dont display when backing up to the trailer.The camera and screen work as a visual guide, but I miss the guide lines. Its odd that they come on when I start and shut off the truck, but just for an few seconds, then dissappear. Strange, I dont know if its a setting, or an issue.

Jim - 07/28/2017

26700

by: Denise 07/05/2022

Bought it for ny husband to help hook up camper. He likes it and it makes our hookups easier. Our daughter has a narrow drive so it is essential when backing out. Our truck doesn't have really bright backup lights so adding some to the camera attachment would have been helpful.1320091

The T Connecter makes for a VERY EASY install! The system does exactly what it was intended for and makes trailer hook ups a breeze, the only down side to this system is the monitor size, not really a deal breaker, it is still large enough to see what's is going on behind the truck just wish it was larger. Had to do a little modification to adjust the camera angle, but over all a great product.


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Works as it did day 1, Should have done this long ago

Daniel - 04/25/2020

74107

by: Timothy 06/30/2022

Camera still works fine. Not really designed for trucks or taller vehicles with a drop hitch. I had to angle (block) out top of my plate more than an inch for it to pick up the hitch.1317589

If you are looking for a backup camera for your truck this is the one.
30 min hooking it up and I was done. Works better than I thought it would.
Fast shipping too.1449573

Have not installed yet. But I am surprised that the package arrived without missing parts, box was open; no tape applied to seal box. A previous order arrived with missing parts due to poor sealing of package but to your credit it was replaced. I will be hesitant to order from this site again1429642

This Unit is exactly what I needed, this unit has sensors for distance detection and warns you with beeps as your getting closer to an object, the camera unit installation is Farley easy and holds the License plate (Plate needs to be alone frames wont let you install the camera / Sensor unit what's nice of this unit is if you have and EOM 7 way Then you can use the tee adaptor that comes with it which lets you tap into the backup circuit without having to go into the rear taillight and tie into the backup light. the sticky part is running the wiring from the back to the front of the truck but with patience I got it done, had to drill a small hole under the drivers seat ( actually there is a existing hole through the metal part the seems to be sealed by some black sealer) I sealed around the wire I installed with black silicone sealant, then ran the wire under the carpet over to the driver side door up the molding and to the let side of the dash as shown in the photo. it works great now I can backup in the drive way without fear of hitting the garage door as it beeps as I get close to the door, and it can be switched to a tapered sense so you can use it to line up with a trailer hitch without getting in and out of the truck to do so. I like the unit.575488

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Installation was a breeze on my 06 Silverado. I couldn't believe how quickly I had it done. I came up through the floor at the transmission cable grommet and installed the monitor above and left of rear view mirror. Works great and I'm anxious to back it up to my trailers. Notes: I had to custom tune the sensors so the hitch line lined up with the trailer ball. It should come with some zip-ties but it didn't. Neither was a big deal. I will update my review after sone trailer hookups.1286258

Well I finally got around to do the review, and let first say install took a little while couple of hrs only because I wanted to hide everything ,I am mechanically inclined and have the panels tools to remove everything and do it correctly. I purchased the extension wire for 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited and actually not needing it the length of cable it was definitely long enough (with about 1 ft) extra tucked under the driver door panel, but guess depending on where you locate the monitor I mounted mine in corner of the windshield. Wish they would of have extended the Red wire for the reverse light (8 -10 inches ) longer I don't like extra splicing. Then finished the install and start it up throw that sucker in reverse and nothing on the screen!! My Bad reverse light wire had a bad connection!! (Lol) corrected it and Presto works great , whatever ground, power you hook up leave that area open to double check your connections... As far as backing up this thing is awesome gets me right under the coupler ( wife thinks I'm a bad***) ..I drive a Tractor trailer for a living little different hooking to a pin on a trailer, but anyhow this camera system is great beats getting out of the truck 3-4 times!! And night time is just as great!!
Oh Thank you etrailer for the instructional videos, very detailed...I wouldrecommend this back up system to a friend!!
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I purchased the hard wired back up camera because I wanted a good clear picture and did not want to worry about wifi or Bluetooth interference. The camera took about an hour total to install. I adjusted the sensors, screwed the camera and sensor assembly along with the license plate onto the back of the truck. Pushed the tab on the 7 way plug connecter to take the OEM coupler apart, put the jumper in place and then just routed the wires towards the cab. I cut a "Plus sign" slit in the grommet in the floor, this grommet was about 8" from the sill plate and about even with the front edge of the front door opening. I had to pull the LH front sill plate off as well as the LH kick panel, and pulled the floor matt back. I do not have carpet in my truck but the process would be the same. I ran the wiring through the grommet and then up the LH A-pillar and above the headliner. I had to use the 5' jumper wire in order to run it up the A-pillar. I mounted the display screen in the top left corner of my windshield, very convenient yet out of the way. The display is very clear and the sensors read very well, when the beeps go to a "constant on" I am about 4" from an object. This seems close but the bumper is about 4 to 5" deep where the plate and camera assembly are mounted.

The only thing I that gave me trouble was squeezing the OEM 7 way coupler onto the jumper wire that was provided, I originally installed the entire unit and it quit working, vibration when driving had caused the coupler to pull apart just enough to kill the camera. This was an easy fix and it works perfect now. I would definitely recommend this camera to a friend.173009

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