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The only times I use my rear view camera is hooking up to my bassboat trailer or backing up to my ramped utility trailer the rear view camera aligns the ball on my truck perfectly. I typically use my side mirrors when backing but find the rear view camera along with the reverse sensing system very handy when backing up near bollards, guardrails, light pole foundations or other obstructions while backing up. You can disconnect the rear view camera view when your tailgate is down/open so it doesn’t show a video of the ground while backing up, it’s a simple thing that pops up on your instrument panel control panel.
Edited to add, the technique to backup without the rear camera is by using your mirrors and turning your head. That is the only proper way to backup, the cameras just add an extra layer of safety.
Ironic you post this as I always use my mirrors to back up. Only use the camera to see how close I'm backing into something like the fence at the end of my driveway.
What if one where to add a second camera to the cab (say maybe the cab brake-light) and added a mercury switch in the tailgate, so when the tailgate was lowered, the other system would change cameras?
I thought they were trolling at first, but I think the OP is just a genuine "protect me from myself" type. If they back their tailgate into something it would be Ford's fault.
I thought they were trolling at first, but I think the OP is just a genuine "protect me from myself" type. If they back their tailgate into something it would be Ford's fault.
I really don’t see a problem in the question the OP has. Of course this is the way Ford designed it, but there are a lot of things that people don’t like about the way Ford designs things, hence where the aftermarket comes in. Actually, I think Ford has a different setup on the F250 and up for a reason.
The F250 & 350 probably have a camera on the cab to back up to a 5th wheel / gooseneck, since you need the tailgate down or removed to do that.
Retrofitting that camera might be an option for the OP, but probably a bigger problem & expense than it's worth.
The rear camera is fixed and will not change its frame based on tailgate position. It is manufactured and mounted to perform "as expected" when the tailgate is up and latched. So you either get the view you expect when the tailgate is up or a nice view of the ground with the tailgate down. Not a solution, just an explanation.
Edited to add, the technique to backup without the rear camera is by using your mirrors and turning your head. That is the only proper way to backup, the cameras just add an extra layer of safety.
Saddly, the original technique is becoming a lost art. Soon as you and I die, it’s done.
SwitchbackSOLO adds a second camera to your tailgate that automatically turns on when your tailgate is down and your truck is in reverse. No manual switching ,no fancy wiring. It works exactly like it is supposed to.
