Relay Sealing

scsTiTan · 01-05-2005, 08:22 AM

Hey all, just got done installing a back-up camera in the tailgate, and I ran the power wire through the tailgate and under the bumper. I spliced into the trailer harness for power and switching, ran that to a relay, which is also mounted under the rear bumper. From there power is suppled to the camera.

My question is should I seal the relay connections with a waterproofer such as liquid tape or elec tape? Are the connections OK just being pluged in (Ends of wires have spade connectors covered in plastic) I did not run a in-line fuse from the power wire off the trailer harness as I figured the trailer harness is already fused and there is no trailer hooked up.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks

DLHTITAN · 01-05-2005, 08:56 AM

I just installed a backup camera too. I would just tape everything and use flexible wire conduit. Make sure to put extra tape around the connections. Why did you use a relay? I know someone else on this forum mentioned the use of one when installing a backup camera to get a clean signal when tapping into power on his reverse lights. His camera was momentarily turning on when using his trun signals. I have a Kenwood DDX7015 and I just tapped straight into the reverse wire. Works just fine when I throw it into reverse. Where is your camera mounted? How is it in the dark?

smoketitan · 01-05-2005, 11:26 AM

where are you guys placing the cameras?? I am interested in doing this

WazzuCoug · 01-05-2005, 11:36 AM

I am also extremely interested in this install, pictures would be great and maybe a more detailed wire diagram or a "how to" would also shed some light for all. I thought about taking the nissan hamburger off the tailgate and placing the camera in the hole there. Where are everyone elses cameras?

Missing Link · 01-05-2005, 11:57 AM

If your really concerned about the relay, I sell a sealed relay and relay socket for motorcuclists.

I apologize if this is a commercial post, but I thought it would be relevant to the question.

Anyway, check out www.2wheelinnovations.com it will be under the electrical section.

Linc

scsTiTan · 01-05-2005, 01:59 PM

Thanks for the reply's fella's.
I too am running the Kenwood Ddx7015 and I added the relay based on the exact thread you talked about DLHTITAN, I did it so as not to have to redo anything once I installed it - trying to learn from the mistakes or experiances of others.

For thsoe that asked I mounted mine in the key hole in the tailgate. I added dynolock tied into my door locks/alarm for the tailgate and dremeled the hole slightly larger and thats were she sits. Perfect veiw of the rear from the bumper up. Im pleased.

As far as the wiring goes for the camera, I tied directly into the trailer wiring harnes from the back side - three wires (Blck = Grnd, Yellow w/Red strip = Reverse, White w/Blue Strip = 12v power) real easy.

I would add some pics however today in OKC we have rain follwed by ice so everything is frozen. If anyone does want pics though I will be glad to go out into the 19F degree weather and snap a few.

DLHTITAN · 01-05-2005, 11:03 PM

scsTiTan do you have trim rings that adjust the angle on your camera to get a better downward view. I just got my truck lifted so I haven't adjusted it yet for the height change. Also I am going to need some auxilary backup lights. The factory ones are worthless now with the truck lifted. Even though the camera has a really low LUX, there is barely enough light for a discernalbe picture in dark places. I tested the camera before mounting to make sure I didn't have to do the relay mod. Nothing like having to tak e everything back apart. Oh yeah I mounted mine opposite the keyhole to match and keep the leyway.

scsTiTan · 01-06-2005, 02:08 PM

DLHTITAN yea the camera came with a couple of angled rings that you mount to change the angle up or down, not exactly sure what the angle is though. What do you plan to use for back up lights? I was thinking about adding some under the truck so that they shine to the back but are really not that visible, don't want to drill in the bumper for sure.
BTW what is a D block? I see it in your sig but not sure what it is?

Thanks
Steve

DLHTITAN · 01-06-2005, 10:43 PM

I was probaly going to go with the PIAA 1500's. I was thinking of going with a non specific driving lamp in an elliptical shape as well. Its a toss up. However the PIAAs come with a longer harness for rear mount applications. A D block is a distribution block. I ran a single 1/0 gauge wire the the rear wall and the d block splits into two 4 gauge outs for my two amps. Better than runing two sets of power wire.