Hi, Let me try this again with more specific questions.

Does anyone have part numbers, options or success adding/wiring a front camera to a base XL model F150 SCab replacing the front emblem with the tailgate emblem/camera base from a 2009-2014 F150 to an aftermarket stereo with an available video input?

Or has anyone had any success adding an aftermarket camera, even if a grill swap is necessary, to an aftermarket stereo with an available video input?

I would love to hear about any NON-SYNC/aftermarket success stories. Thanks in advance!

As for the trim level "shaming" on the XL trim level, few options require additional harnesses regardless of what your Ford dealer or audio shop tells you. I have added cruise control, steering wheel controls for cruise, audio and cell phone integration to my aftermarket stereo so far with just the cost of a higher trim level steering wheel with controls, a Forscan adapter for $19 from Amazon and the amazing Forscan product!

 

You can buy any camera from amazon and wire it directly to your 4" screen for a few bucks and install it in about an hour. I know you're specifically looking for Non-Sync advice, but I covered that topic in my Sync 3 retrofit video. For your 4" screen, in the 12 pin connector; pin 6 is video + and pin 12 is video negative. You will never be able to make a front camera work without an IPMA (video splitter) which requires Sync 2 or Sync 3.

Now, the reason why I say IPMA and not IPMB, is because there are a few 2017 Ford Explorer's with only an IPMA which have a calibration for front and rear camera but not the 360 system which is more cost effective. If really want a front and rear camera, you're better off to copy a 2017 Explorer than a loaded F150 in my opinion.

For now if you have no camera, you can wiire in a female RCA to those two pins I listed above (6&12) and plug whatever you want into it for your video source. You will need to enable the backup camera as a menu option in the 4" screen with ForScan. All in all, you can add a backup camera yourself, with a bit of effort to your stock screen for less than $50.

You could even copy Lucas8888 and put that video feed on a manual switch like he did, but keep in mind which ever direction that aux camera points it will only ever come on in reverse.


This is my guide on how to install Sync 3 (which I understand you don't care about) but it will give you an idea for how to wire cameras in your XL:

Attached is a pdf I made which may or may not also be of assistance.

 

Thanks Ape! Nice work and very good information and parts detail but the reply missed the mark on what I was looking for. I have an aftermarket, double din Panasonic unit(stereo) that allows for multiple video feeds on separate channels within the unit. I am happy with the Panasonic unit and I don't want, need or need to rewire Sync connections or hardware. Forscan is a fantastic product but I will not need it to add an additional video source to my Panasonic unit; I just need to install and wire a front camera to a waiting input.

Specifically, I was looking for stories of ;
1. What other owners have used for a front video camera including mounting options and wiring options for a 2015-2017 XL truck and
2. If anyone has used the tailgate emblem/camera base from a 2009-2014 F150, as a front emblem/camera, installing it on the grill, replacing the grill's emblem on a 2015-2017 XL truck. Or,
3. If anyone knows about any aftermarket replacement grills that have a front facing camera built in. Or,
4. If anyone has tried to install a 2018 front grill emblem/camera base onto a 2015-2017 XL truck's grill.

Thanks in advance for anyone willing to share!

 

Can't speak for items 2-4
I installed the OEM camera, bracket, nozzle and washer hose in my 2015 XLT (XL grill). Lucas8888 has(had) a writeup with list of all the parts required. A dremel to notch the bottom of the oval and basic fab skills to make some brackets from light gauge sheet metal. It can be done.

 

^ nice!

 

Looks good do you have any documents on how its wired from the grille back into the radio. I have an aftermarket radio and I picked up a camera on ebay for the front. I am sure I can mount it up like your just not sure how route it thru the engine bay back to the radio.

 

I didn't know how everything was routed on the higher trims which included the front camera, so I just routed it in a way that made sense to me. For the camera wiring I cut off the harness connector and spliced in my own multi-conductor twisted/shielded cable for camera power and video signal. IIRC, I routed the camera wiring and washer hose following another wiring harness up to the hood latch, then behind the right headlight, behind the battery. The wiring continues past the washer reservoir under the BJB and through a grommet in the firewall into the cab behind the glove box. Then I spliced on an RCA connector for the video signal.

 

Thanks for the picture and info Dude! I have three questions if you know or remember on your install. Did you have to buy anything different or additional on the Ford parts from Lucas8888's list or was the list accurate? When does the washer spray for the camera; is it just activated with the standard windshield nozzles or is it separately controlled? Has the washer been worth it for you? Thanks Dude!

 

Late reply.
I picked up the bracket(2 parts), camera, nozzle, and two hoses from Lucas8888's list. For the camera wiring harness I found one for a taurus on ebay for low $ since I only needed the connector for the camera, then spliced in my own wiring back to the cab. Camera nozzle sprays when you use the regular windshield washer, it just tee's off the washer hose coming out of the pump. I have noticed I go through more washer fluid, even in summer. It's nice to have but I don't think it's necessary.

 

I want to install a front camera but I'm changing out my head unit. What do I need to add this. Do I just need what's on Lucas888 list?