Arrives before Christmas 
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Say goodbye to the endless back-and-forth when hooking up your trailer. The Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera allows you to switch easily between Hitch Mode and Everyday Mode with just a press of a button. Hitch Mode includes center-line assistance, ensuring your vehicle stays aligned with the trailer coupler for a hassle-free hookup every time. No more second guesses or repeated adjustments—just seamless, one-person trailer connections.
Wiring worries begone! The Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera features a Plug-In Simple installation, integrating seamlessly with your existing 7-way trailer connector. This means no splicing or complicated wiring. Just plug it in, secure it in place, and enjoy a setup that keeps your factory 7-way plug functional.
Backing up can often feel like a gamble, but not with the SmartZone sensors in the Hopkins Smart Hitch Camera. These sensors emit a beeping alert to notify you of obstacles or changes in proximity. Their tone increases in intensity as you approach an object, offering an intelligent guidance system to prevent accidents and ensure a safe reversing experience in any situation.
Understanding distance when reversing has never been easier. The 3.5" color monitor provides clear, color-coded fields—red for 0 to 1.5 feet, yellow for 1.5 to 3.5 feet, and green for 3.5 to 5.5 feet. This visual cue system, coupled with an adjustable camera angle, ensures maximum visibility and allows for confident and accurate maneuvers.
Bad weather? No problem. The adjustable angles of both the camera and sensors ensure you maintain optimal visibility and accuracy in all driving conditions. This means you get a reliable, dependable view, no matter the weather or terrain—a crucial feature that makes every trip less stressful and much safer.
Enhance your vehicles safety features with the inclusion of audible alerts that convey proximity warnings. Coupled with visual cues, these audible alarms offer a comprehensive awareness system, allowing you to navigate crowded parking lots and complex reversing scenarios with confidence. Adjust or mute the volume to suit your preference, tailoring the system to best meet your needs.
If your vehicle is not equipped with a factory tow package, you will need to hardwire the camera to your vehicle's reverse lights. 2013 and newer vehicles may require connection to an external power source.
California residents: click here
I got this camera to help with hooking up to trailers and it has performed flawlessly since I got it. I had no problems installing it, but I have been a truck mechanic for years and am familiar with how to route and clip wires to keep them out of harm's way. I don't use the sensors and keep the volume turned down on them, but that is strictly my preference. Hooking into my 2011 Silverado's back-up lights was simple with the adapter plug.
I wish the screen was slightly bigger, but the smaller screen was easy to tuck down into the lower left corner of my windshield, on the dash, and does not obstruct my forward vision.
Also, in order to mount the camera/sensor bracket behind my license plate I had to cut away the upper corners of my license plate, and in Indiana, that is where we put our expiration stickers that the state requires.
For the price, it has been a very good investment!
Easy to install, works great! I use it mostly to align my the hitch with the trailer and am VERY happy with it! As other comments show, the screen is SMALL which makes it easy to place most anywhere. I have mounted mine on the left side/corner of my dash. If the screen were bigger that would be nice. I have not checked to see if there is a larger screen that would attach to the cable. Install was pretty easy, after watching the video. I did pay someone else to install. However, if I would have watched the video BEFORE committing to someone else, I would have done it myself. GREAT VALUE for the money! I have had the camera installed for a little less than 2 months...
I just did the installation on my 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. Installation was fairly easy for this broken down man thanks to the video's that you share! I didn't know what the quality of the monitor would be but I was impressed! The small sized monitor will not be in the way of my view. I placed it on the far left side on my dash. Now I can hitch up to my camper without getting in and out of my truck a half dozen times! Thank You!
Kevin
4/7/2025
It’s been a year now since I bought and installed this unit and it is working just as great as it did brand new! The added safety benefit is worth every penny. So glad I purchased this product!
It working well so far. installed on a Honda Ridgeline 2009 that does not have a typical 7 pin assembly. Wired it to backup light .Honda 7 pin does not come appart was a bummer but over all happy with it.
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.
Ron H.
1/11/2017
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.
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.
Carl M.
11/15/2017
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.
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.
Scotty
12/14/2015
Gary how did you mount the camera to the pocket on the dash above the radio? To keep it from moving?
Anonymous
12/19/2015
Hello Scotty,The unit comes with double sided tape to mount. I trimmed the rubber mat around the base of the unit that lays in the pocket. You cant see the base as it is hidden by the raised edge of the pocket. Thanks.
Everything works well with the camera and display. The adapter that ties this into the trailer wiring for the display so it knows when you are in reverse does not allow the trailer brakes to work! Yikes! I had to do a roadside disconnect with a full trailer and no trailer brakes. I removed the adapter and rewired it directly to the reverse light wiring after getting home. All has worked well since. You definitely need to check this before using this kit out on the road. The display is a little small but that is what I was looking for. I just wanted to see the hitch ball for hookup.
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)
Par-t-foul
3/8/2020
Back-up lines are very accurate. Love it. My employer installed on his dump truck.
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.
Kenneth
8/23/2023
Excellent!!! A year later and it’s like the day I installed it
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.
Richard S.
2/21/2018
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!
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!
Jim M.
11/27/2014
I have an 07 Classic Silverado Crew with a 6.5 bed. Did you need the extension cable to connect the wires to the cab? Thank you
Bob P.
12/1/2014
No, did not need the extension cable. Placing the screen up on top of the dash and Im betting you would....I did ask for and receive the extension tho, just didnt need it. But - I think Ill use it as Im planning on modifying the camera location by putting it up on the tailgate handle to get more of a downward view of the receiver. The lens as it is now is too level with the receiverbumper so it has to be real close before its there... System is still a great bargain!
The backup camera system worked ok for a couple of weeks. Then the adhesive for the monitor mount gave up and I had to wedge it under the sun visor. I mounted the backup sensors on the bumper to avoid drilling into the hatch, and the sensor housings broke off in a few months, leaving them dangling and pointing at the ground. To make things worse, when they were working, they didn't register that I was pulling a trailer and screamed at me whenever I was reversing with a trailer for fear that I would collide with what I was towing. The camera worked good, but the rest of it was junk.
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.
Daniel
4/25/2020
Works as it did day 1, Should have done this long ago
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.
Michael
10/3/2021
Excellent. Easy to install.
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 improvement
Jim
7/28/2017
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.
Straightforward installation in to an older vehicle - wired in to one of the reverse lights for power. Surprisingly good image quality. Object detection (sound) works well. Has withstood harsh vibrations from many miles of pot-hole and washboard unpaved road. Adhesive on camera base didn't stick to my dash - installed in the cold, used heat gun to warm adhesive prior to sticking to dash - but solved that with a screw.
Duncan
10/25/2024
1 year later, still going strong. To the people asking about night vision - I installed LED bulbs in my reverse light sockets, there is plenty of light for the camera to enable me to hook up in the dark.
I purchased my first smart hitch back-up camera about 10 yrs. ago and love it.
The license plate camera electronics failed due to seal failure and water intrusion. I could not find the stand alone camera unit for sale so I purchased the complete system.
When I received the new system I applied RTV around the outside of camera assembly where the electronics are assembled together. Not sure if the new units seal has been improved so hopefully this will help to prevent water intrusion.
First unit worked flawlessly for years so I am very pleased.
Ronald
9/22/2024
After a year the New camera is working great.
I bought this back up camera for my 2005 Chevy Tahoe for the sole purpose of hitching up to my trailer. It has met all my expectations beginning with ease of installation. Best of all, in hitch mode, the hitch ball and trailer coupler are displayed. No more getting in and out or banging into the coupler. Just back up until the ball is directly under the coupler. Get out once and hook it up. It's great when a product delivers!
Easy to install. Hardest part is running the wires. Install videos are a great help. Just enough wires to mount on the dashboard or lower console on Mega Cab. You will need the extension, separate order, if you want to put the monitor above the center mirror and you have a looonge wheelbase vehicle. Adapter had to be cut off as stated for my year, 2006. Red and black wires are light gauge. So I made the cut on the thicker wires off the adapter.
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.
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 it
Terry M.
11/15/2021
although the truck is now sold, product was a good fit for an aftermarket add on worked great while I had it
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!!
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.
As always, etrailer purchases arrive quickly. I installed the Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera on my 2016 Ford F-150 after watching the excellent installation video on the etrailer web page. I highly recommend watching the video. The installation process went well, and the monitor has a very clear picture. The only challenging aspect of the installation process was the alignment of the camera so the hitch ball was at the "red" line level on the monitor screen. My trailer hitch ball is at the same level as the the license plate (see photo), making it necessary to angle the camera up higher than its upper limit. To correct the problem, I had to angle the license plate upward. Once that adjustment was made, the entire system worked great! My only suggestion to the manufacturer would be to change the camera housing so there is a greater range of camera adjustment.
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Floyd
9/30/2025
It is still working very well, although unlike a camera on another truck I drive, mine struggles a bit in darker places with shadows, or when backing into a darker building to hook to a trailer.