When it comes to a DIY rear view camera installation, the easiest system to install is a wireless backup camera that makes use of the existing rear license plate mounting holes. It is much easier than installing a wired rear view camera because there is no need to run several feet of video cable from the back of your car, through the cab, and onto the dash. Other than that, any rear view camera setup is basically the same.

Rear view cameras have become an increasingly popular safety feature that is a standard feature of many new cars. In just a couple of years, backup cameras will be a must on all new cars.

Instruments

The tools you will need are simple:

• Either a blade or Philips screwdriver to remove the license plate, license plate light and mount the camera

• Double-sided tape instead of screws to mount the transmitter or power supply to the rear of your vehicle

• You may want to use a screwdriver to mount the wireless transmitter to the rear of your vehicle.

• If you can’t take advantage of the license plate light to route the wiring, you may need to use a drill to make a small hole to route the wires.

• If you have to drill a hole, be sure to use the rubber grommet that comes with the kit to protect the cables from the rough edges of the hole.

• Wiring connections for splicing the power cables into the backup light wiring

• Make sure you have a 12V power port available to connect the video display monitor or have a plan on how you will connect the video display to your existing under-dash wiring.

Wireless Backup Camera System Installation Steps

Each wireless rear camera system comes with three main components; a camera, a transmitter and a video display / receiver.

Mount the camera

1. Mount the reversing camera to the rear license plate by removing the license plate mounting screws and using them to mount the camera.

2. Every vehicle requires an illuminated rear license plate and this is usually done with two lights on each side and above the license plate. Remove the light closest to the wiring source from the camera bracket and route the wires through the hole with the other light wires. Replace the license plate light.

3. Route the cables inside the back of your car or trunk to the nearest taillight housing. You will need to identify the backup light wire and splice the corresponding camera power wire to that wire. This will ensure that the camera system only works when your vehicle is in reverse. This is for security reasons.

4. The wireless transmitter will also need to be mounted inside the trunk or rear of the car and connected to the appropriate camera cable. Once it is complete, you will have finished in the back of the car.

Mount the video screen

1. The video screen is easy to install, but it can be difficult to give it a finished look. Most units simply plug into a 12V outlet (like a cigarette lighter) for power and may even have the receiver built in.

2. The video display can often be dash or windshield mounted with the included bracket.

3. Some video screens come in the form of a replacement rearview mirror. They are typically mounted over the existing mirror with built-in adjustable clamps. A rearview mirror camera that replaces the existing mirror is more difficult to install and those steps are not covered here.

4. If you decide to hide the wiring, you can run the power cord into the headliner, go down the A-pillar, under the dash and into the nearest 12V power socket, or connect it directly to the vehicle wiring.

Test the system

1. Start the car and put the car in reverse. The video screen should turn on automatically with the video from the rear view camera.

2. When you put the car transmission in any other position, the video screen should go blank.

With your new aftermarket backup camera system installed, you’ll be able to back up and park more safely than before. It’s easy to see why a wireless backup camera is such a popular security device in vehicles.