Wanted to let you know about this. Just ordered a OEM type backup camera in the tailgate handle from TailgateCamera.Com

The entire unit lists at $159.99 and is on sale at $97.99. Plus they have a $10 discount off that. Only issue in ordering is that up list the discount code on the last page of the order, just before you commit to make the purchase.

I should see the camera/handle sometime midweek and will post how it looks, performs and ease of install. I'm going to hook up to the video input of my Edge Evolution CTS so that takes care of my monitor issue. I've checked out how that looks by using my HD video camera and it is a really clear video monitor.

If you think you might want a backup camera, you might look at this.

I am not affiliated with either TailgateCamera.com or Edge.

 

Subscribed to see how this turns out.

 

I'd like the logo camera, but damn that's twice as much!

 

Friendly reminder, just curious if you got it all hooked up.

 

I'd like to see if it has a ford PN on it

 

Sorry about the delay in a follow up. I've been out of town.

The camera arrived 4 business days after ordered via priority mail. The instructions were pretty basic, but it's easy to figure out.

I removed the existing handle and installed the new handle/camera combo. One thing I noticed is the handle in the kit is lighter than the factory handle. The factory handle looks to be thicker and a bit better weather sealed.

After putting in the handle, you need to drop the camera lead through the tailgate. The instructions recommend removing the tailgate to make it easier, but rather than worry about the torsion spring in the gate, I used a dog leash to pull the lead down.

After I got the lead through, I connected it to the included 20 ft video cable/power cord. Make sure you use dielectric grease before you make the connection to make it water resistant.

I ran the video cable on the inside of the frame, using plastic wire ties to tie it to the existing cable run. The cable went into the cab through a rubber grommet under the driver side passenger door and threaded through the wire harness in the door sill cable tunnel, and then up into the dash.

For the reverse power, I pulled the driver side tail light, wiring into the harness for the reverse blub. The cable was run up the open post below the stake hole and into tied to the existing wiring harness. To test, I put the wires into the socket and replaced the bulb to verify wiring was correct.

Total install time was about 50 minutes.

Review of the camera: Works well but due to location the video is slightly off center. I can see the outer edges of the bumper and the hitch ball. Video at night is very grainy with only the reverse lights, but useable.

Warning bars are visible in the image. The red (closest) line is about 2 feet behind the truck.

I hitched up my boat Thursday using the camera to backup. I was able to place the hitch within 1 inch of where I wanted it first time. With a little practice, I think I could lay it right on.

For the price, I think it's a good buy. I am considering changing out to LED bulbs for backup lights to improve the night video.

 

Thanks for the update. This is one of the mods on my list to do. Did you interface the camera into a rear view, or use an aftermarket head unit?

I've got an in dash pioneer dvd that supports rear cam. It looks like there is a seller on ebay selling the handle with a camera for about $70. No specs or pics of the camera, buyer beware.

 

My video screen is my Edge Evolution CTS programmer. Has a built in RCA video input. The info TailGateCamera.com indicated the camera output was mirror (reversed) image, but I'm seeing a normal picture (same as if looking over your shoulder).