Is that a dog or a small child? To the camera!

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So you want to install a backup camera on your trusty, but outdated, ride. Great idea! These helpful tools have made such an impact on the automotive industry that they’re now mandated as necessary safety features. But dealership rides aren’t the only way to get back up cameras. 

Back up cameras are now readily available as aftermarket parts that anybody can install on older vehicles. On brand-new vehicles, a backup camera comes fully integrated into the electronics, so the system’s components are hidden. That’s the goal when installing a custom aftermarket setup, as well. 

With a few tweaks to the car’s rear and a couple of wire connections, you’ll never have to crane your neck backward to check if little Timmy is practicing Big Wheel donuts at the end of the driveway. The Drive’s crack How-To team is here to help walk you through the process.

Estimated Time Needed: One hour

A backup camera, when built into a car’s systems by the manufacturer, displays a small, live view from behind the car when the vehicle is put into reverse. This gives the driver a clearer picture of what’s behind him or her and helps to ensure Fido doesn’t get a deep-tissue massage from your tires. 

Here is a list of the types of cameras, as well as the types of displays commonly used.

Wired vs. Wireless: Wired backup cameras require a physical wire connection to get the video from the camera to show up on the display. Wireless options, however, use a signal and receiver method and do not require a wire.

Working on your car can be dirty, especially when you’re working with surfaces you’ve never bothered to clean before. It can also be dangerous, as electricity moving at the speed of, well, electricity, can stop your metronomic heartbeat. So here’s what you’ll need to ensure you keep your jeans, shirt, and skin spotless, and your bones fully intact.

Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. (You won't need a blowtorch for this job. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.)

You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t gonna pay off your impound fees.

We’re not psychic, nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage, so here’s what you’ll need to get the job done. 

In order for the display to show the video feed, it needs a signal to alert the system the car is in reverse. In some cases, the infotainment unit will have automatic signal sensing that detects the presence of an incoming video signal. If this is the case, skip this step.

Once the monitor is in place, be that in the dashboard, on top of it, or in the rearview mirror, it’s time to connect it to power, video, and the signal wire.

In some cases, the monitor power cord can be linked straight into the fuse box with a spliced-on adapter. 

In other cases, the power wiring can be hooked into the existing stereo unit.

Congrats, your car is now safer and more modern.

Here are The Drive’s pro tips for installing a backup camera.

Since you may not have access to the right tools, or have a friend you can bum a wrench off of, we also compiled a list of our best hacks to make your life easier and drain your pocket less.

LeeKooLuu Backup Camera and Monitor Kit

eRapta ERT01 2nd Generation Car Rear View Camera

TOGUARD Backup Camera 7" Mirror Dash Cam

Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com

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