New Back up Camera need access to backup light wiring

[RedEnvoyDenali]

I have recently purchased a Magellan GPS with backup camera. The camera mounts on the license plate bolts and I plan to run the wires into the rear tailgate through the license plate lights. From there the camera plugs into a wireless transmitter which then connects to the back up lights to obtain power and switch it on and off when in reverse.

Since my back up lights are in the bumper do I need to run wires through the tailgate up into the wiring harness at the top and then all the way down to the bumper or can I access the back up wiring at the tail light.

I have seen wiring diagrams somewhere but can't seem to find them when I need them. Thanks to all for you input.

I have also read where the Magellan back up camera is not real good at night since it uses ambiant light. I have also seen other cameras for very little money that have a back up leds that vastly improve the night time vision. It seems to me that the all camera's have only a video (yellow) lead so I think I should be able to swap out the Magellan unit with any other one I might pick up on Ebay. Is this logical?

 

[The_Roadie]

Since my back up lights are in the bumper do I need to run wires through the tailgate up into the wiring harness at the top and then all the way down to the bumper

Yes. It's more difficult to locate the wire in the body harness inside the rear quarter panel, but you might. It will only save you a couple feet of wire max. Might as well go to the lamp housing so it's easier to troubleshoot later when it fails from being an exposed splice. I'd use solder and heat shrink - not one of those plier-applied tap gadgets.

 

[RayVoy]

not one of those plier-applied tap gadgets.

a man of few words.

 

[The_Roadie]

a man of few words.

I get paid by the word. $0.00, to be exact.

 

[RedEnvoyDenali]

Yes. It's more difficult to locate the wire in the body harness inside the rear quarter panel, but you might. It will only save you a couple feet of wire max. Might as well go to the lamp housing so it's easier to troubleshoot later when it fails from being an exposed splice. I'd use solder and heat shrink - not one of those plier-applied tap gadgets.

Thanks Roadie I knew you would know. I agree solder and heat shrink is the only way to go. I just wasn't sure how difficult it would be to get to the bumper from inside the body.

 

[RedEnvoyDenali]

I get paid by the word. $0.00, to be exact.

BUT WORTH EVERY PENNY