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Make it easier to hook up your Hopkins Smart Hitch backup camera by adding this extension cable. The cable provides 5' of additional cord to the Plug-In Simple wiring harness that connects the camera at your bumper to the monitor in your cab.
Features:
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today we're going to be taking a look at the Hopkins extension cable for the Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera in the 5-foot length, part number HM3100504060, also available in 25-foot length, part number HM3100504061. Here's our cord and this is what it's going to look like when we're got it laid out. Here you can see we've got both ends that have the arrows so that we can line it up properly to plug it into the existing wiring so that we can extend it and get it to our monitor. This extension is going to be a great solution if you think you may not have quite enough cable for your truck. If you're got a long bed truck this definitely may come in handy. As you can see, we've got a full 5 feet of length. Now that we've got over some features, let's show you how to utilize it.
As you can see, this cable here we've got routed from the back of the truck, but we don't have quite enough to reach up to the dash where the monitor is mounted. This is where our 5-foot extension can come into play. We'll line up the arrows on the corresponding plug of our extension, plug that together. Then we've got 5 more feet to route up towards our dash, so now I'll have problem reaching it and we can mount it on either side of our steering column. that's going to complete our look at the Hopkins extension cable for the Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera in the 5-foot length, part number HM3100504060..
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (212 Customer Reviews)
Make it easier to hook up your Hopkins Smart Hitch backup camera by adding this extension cable. The cable provides 5' of additional cord to the Plug-In Simple wiring harness that connects the camera at your bumper to the monitor in your cab.
I actually did not need this as the cable that came with the smart hitch was just long enough to travel the length of my dually. Have had no problem with the original length cord.
The cable that came with the camera was more than long enough, so I did not need this in the end. It is well made and I did test that it worked. If I had an RV it may have been needed. The factory camera cable was long enough to run through a crew cab truck with 8' bed without issue.
Etrailer did an excellent job in helping me get the part I needed to complete my project. The part also arrived sooner than expected.
I purchased the hard wired back up camera because I wanted a good clear picture and did not want to worry about wifi or Bluetooth interference. The camera took about an hour total to install. I adjusted the sensors, screwed the camera and sensor assembly along with the license plate onto the back of the truck. Pushed the tab on the 7 way plug connecter to take the OEM coupler apart, put the jumper in place and then just routed the wires towards the cab. I cut a "Plus sign" slit in the grommet in the floor, this grommet was about 8" from the sill plate and about even with the front edge of the front door opening. I had to pull the LH front sill plate off as well as the LH kick panel, and pulled the floor matt back. I do not have carpet in my truck but the process would be the same. I ran the wiring through the grommet and then up the LH A-pillar and above the headliner. I had to use the 5' jumper wire in order to run it up the A-pillar. I mounted the display screen in the top left corner of my windshield, very convenient yet out of the way. The display is very clear and the sensors read very well, when the beeps go to a "constant on" I am about 4" from an object. This seems close but the bumper is about 4 to 5" deep where the plate and camera assembly are mounted.
The only thing I that gave me trouble was squeezing the OEM 7 way coupler onto the jumper wire that was provided, I originally installed the entire unit and it quit working, vibration when driving had caused the coupler to pull apart just enough to kill the camera. This was an easy fix and it works perfect now. I would definitely recommend this camera to a friend.
Etrailer rocks!!! The Hopkins backup camera arrived quickly. I watched the online install video and reviewed the instructions. It was installed on a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup. The 7-way adapter was awesome. I unplugged the factory plug applied some dielectric grease to the connection points on both adapter ends before connecting both ends. The longest part was running the cable from the back of the truck to the front. I was able to drill through the plastic grommet under the drivers seat. I used a wide putty knife between the grommet and the carpet so I didn't drill a hole into the carpet. Then, I ran the wire through the steering column and place the monitor in the middle of the dash. ( I did test the monitor, camera, etc before completing the install) I researched backup cameras for several months before I found this one which is plug and play, and no wire splicing for a pickup truck with the factory 7-way trailer connection. I included a picture of the monitor location and where I pulled the wire through the steering column.
Ordered the Hopkins Smart Hitch camera and ordered the extension cable which I installed on 2014 Ford F150 Crew cab with 5 1/2 foot bed, and put monitor next to rear view mirror on windshield. Had about 3 inches of cable to spare. Was impressed how easy to install. I had the round towing harness, so was just plug and play except had to tie wrap fords cable connection to Hopkins because couldn't get to latch which was no problem. Picture is clear and the sensors are a big help in backing up. Have had on a few weeks now and overall impressed with system. And shipping was super fast.
This cable is most likely necessary to use the monitor in a convenient location on your dash, or near your rear view mirror. I have a RAM crew cab short bed 2500 and the factory camera harness just reached to the drivers side floor. The only way I could have used the camera with the factory harness would have been below the dash on the drivers side. This was not a good option for me. I placed my monitor above the center rear view mirror and it works fine.
This product, my rig, and my RV experience all turn one year old this week. Other than some miserable experiences with rental trailers, I was a complete towing newbie on day one of RV ownership. Also, I had (have) no one to assist me with hooking/unhooking. I researched several options before buying the Hopkins product. The back-up hitch cam was installed by a professional audio installer, three days before I picked up my 28ft travel trailer. It sits inconspicuously in the far left corner of my Ford F-250's dash, which I bought three weeks prior. I reviewed the manual, adjusted the camera and sensors, then went to pick up my new rig. The camera worked better than expected on my very first hookup. It has worked (almost) flawlessly since then and I have been across the USA and back, then halfway across and back again. Well, I've used it a lot :-) Here's my wisdom regarding it's usage: like any hitch cam, the angle of the sun plays a big part in how clear your image will be. Backlighting is always going to be a problem - a hood over the camera might solve the issue, but the image is perfect when the sun is in your windshield. The sensors, when properly adjusted, work very well. The hitch mode is simply incredible. It's rare that I'm off by even an inch. My only beef with the product is the little dial on the bottom right of the monitor, which switches the mode from regular backup to hitch mode. It's twitchy and feels less than solid. Last time I changed modes it took a while to get the switch to work, so I leave it in hitch mode all the time now. Overall, a must-have product for anyone who needs to hitch/unhitch an expensive rig, with or without help.
Brian L.
1/16/2019
Second full year of use - now with a new trailer. If I didn’t own it, I’d have to buy it because it’s a serious necessity when hitching by myself. Works as well now, as day one. Wish my TPMS worked as flawlessly and reliably as my hitch cam...
My wife Deborah purchased this for me last Christmas and I just got around to actually installing it. It appears to work as advertised and installation was a breeze. I would have given 4-stars but I have an issue with the size of the monitor and the fact that is doesn't have a brightness control. During bright daylight when sun shining into windshield it is a little hard to see the image as well as you should be able to. Other than that I am happy with it so far. Once I have a chance to use it for a while I may have additional opinions. I'd say if you can live with the tiny screen, then it should provide good service. Unit appears to be of quality construction. I chose to run the wires (+12V and GND) into the trailer connector socket and connect them directly to the appropriate pins rather than splicing into the harness wires. Easy enough to do. I purchased the extra cable extension but didn't end up needing it. I installed it into a 1998 Ford F-250 (light duty) Lariat Extended Cab and thought that it might require the extension to reach the install location. Had I installed it in a timely manner after I received it I could have returned the unneeded extension cable...oh well.
James E.
7/20/2019
Now that I have had backup camera installed for a year I can say that overall I am satisfied. As I indicated in my original review, the camera monitor is way too small. The other issue that has popped up during use is the backup sensor function goes off sometimes when I put into reverse and nothing is actually behind me to set it off. Oh and because of the heat, the monitor does not want to stay in its set position. It will tilt downward, when temperatures are cooler its not a problem.
I installed my backup camera system yesterday afternoon and was very happy with the end results. My truck is a 2005 Silverado 3500 Crewcab Dually and it took me a while to fish the cable through the chassis to the cab. NOTE: I watched several videos to do the installation and all suggested I start from the rear and work forward, which I did. The 7 pin connector attached to the main cable made my installation very simple; plug it in and start fishing the cable forward. One tool I found that helped me get the cable through the boxed section of the frame was a plumber's snake; run the snake through the frame first, tape the cable to it and then carefully pull the cable through. The rest of the installation was per the video except I had to notch the top of my fuse panel cover to allow the cable from the display to connect to the main cable. I needed approximately 5" more of cable length to make a loop inside the fuse panel, but it was just long enough to make the connection. Therefore I carefully notched the top of the fuse panel cover with a small round rat tail file and it worked out nicely. The cable is visible on the upper side of the dash, but is not seen when the driver's door is closed. I have pillar mounted gauges and mounted the monitor to the right of them on top of the dash. The location is great and does not interfere with my forward visibility. This location makes it very easy to see when backing up.
Once I had everything hooked up and adjusted, I started the truck, put it in reverse and backed up to my travel trailer. I was amazed at the color on the screen and the clarity of the picture. I had the ball placed under the receiver of my trailer on the first try, and I have never use a backup camera before. This system now allows me to back-up and hook-up to my travel trailer, or any other trailer, without my wife's assistance. I am very happy with how the Smart Hitch backup camera works and how easy it was to install. I feel this a well made and an excellent quality product. I would recommend this wired system to anyone looking to install a wired or non-wired backup camera system for their truck or car.
Thomas W.
11/29/2019
It continues to work perfectly and I am very happy with.
Well I got the Hopkins 50002 back up camera. Which is not made for 2001 Dodge 3500 trucks, but can be made to fit with a little work. The wiring harness on the Hopkins comes with a dual sided plug that fits between the trailer outlet plug and the truck trailer pig tail. However, the plug it comes with does not fit our Gen 2 Dodges. Which is really no big deal. The only thing the plug is picking up is power from the back up lights and ground. So you cut the plug off, which leaves a hot wire and ground to be spliced into the existing trailer pig tail. The Purple/Black wire is the power for the back up lights, and there are two black ground wires in the harness. Both are very easy to access.
The camera and distance sensors come mounted to a replacement license plate holder. That probably is a direct replacement for newer Dodges and Chevys, but our license plate holder is a built in part of the plastic piece that fits behind the bumper and is not removable. No big deal. The replacement part mounts with the top two holes, our Dodges mount the license plate with the bottom two holes. So you have to mark and drill two top mounting holes for the new holder. The Dodge license plate holder has some cleats at the top you slip the license plate under and secure it with the bottom two bolts. I didn’t want to grind those off because some day I might want to take this device off. Again, no big deal, I just aligned the top of the new plate with the top of the existing piece, drilled the two holes on the top, which goes thru the metal support piece behind the plastic, and mounted the new plate on top of the cleats. Worked out well. You also have to drill a 11/32 hole thru the back to thread the camera cable thru. Can of corn.
I wired the power and ground to the trailer pig tail with a couple of spade connectors so I could unplug it easily if I ever want to. Turned the key on with the truck in reverse and the camera came alive. It has a couple of different modes, a wide view for backing up, and another Hitch Mode which gives you a very close line of reference for the hitch, and puts the view downward somewhat.
Way more work than hooking it up to a Chevy, but it fits our trucks and works well. Can’t believe how easy it is to hook up the trailer now. I nailed it the first time. Well worth the effort and the money wasn’t that bad. More work hooking it up than the money it cost.
Earl
4/21/2016
This product has worked out absolutely the way I expected it to. The main reason I purchased it was to be able to hook up my trailer. I am a one man gang. My truck has a topper on it so rear vision is limited. I also didn’t want to have a big screen to mount on the dash. This product has worked flawlessly. I mounted the screen on the stock cup holder molding on the floor behind the shifter 5 speed with two sided tape. It is easy to view when backing up, and out of the way the rest of the time. I have become so aware of there the ball is when backing up I almost nail it spot on the first time every time. Very seldom do I get out to check the ballhitch alignment and have to re-position the truck. Don’t know what I ever did without this thing.
Arrived in good time in good order. Installed on my 2002 Ford F250 Extended Cab Short Bed. Disconnecting the factory connector was a minor pain. Fishing the cable to the cab was the next worse part and would be easier if one has access to a lift. Cab access was through a floor grommet near the accelerator. I ran up behind the dash beside the steering column. The display was mounted on a bare spot on the dash face. This keeps it out of the sun and excessive heating which seems to cause issues for some. The supplied cable was just long enough and I didn't need the 5' extension I had ordered. Anywhere else and it would be needed. The 7-pin connector needed a tweak to seat completely and the unit came to life. Works well and I like it. The camera location may need some protection with a shield if there is a lot of bed debris from hauling sand or gravel etc. The left sensor partially blocks the spare tire mechanism access hole but not a big deal. Happy so far.
Milos D.
10/23/2017
The Hopkins camera has been woking fine through heat and cold which was a concern for some in reading the reviews of others.Great for trailer hook up but the screen is a bit small for older eyes and not really reliable as a back-up viewer although this was never the intent.
It works well. The extension cable is needed for a Cheverolet crewcab long bed truck. I lacked mounting real estate on my 2500HD, so I found the left side next to the vent as the only available space. It also allows me to look at my side mirror easily. I preferred to splice it into my taillight; I felt the supplied 7 pin connector was not as heavy duty as factory. The wire colors were not as shown in instructions. I ended up using a volt/ohm/amp meter to determine which wires were 12 volt and ground. The splice connectors that I bought were too large for the backup camera wire; they were yellow size. You will need blue or even red. I used anticorrosion paste on the wire splices to prevent future problems.
Jimbo
1/18/2016
The backup camera has been a great.My truck does not really have a good place the monitor, but this is not the fault of the camera. Just an observation.
This is the Hopkins smart camera that I got from etrailer mounted in my 2012 dodge ram 3500. It was very easy to install I cut a piece of 1/8th plastic sheet and cut to fit in the small slot under my air condition vent with just a little extra length to stick it to. Then took a cut to fit swimming noodle stuffed in the pocket to hold the piece of sheet in place fitting it tight in place. The camera was very easy to install and I love it works great took about a hour to install. No cutting wires just unplugged the back of my7 pin plug and plugged the other provided plug in and ran wire and drilled one hole in the plug under my seat and that was it. Was plenty of you tubes videos on how to install this back up camera.
Thanks etrailer great product and fast shipping
Hopkins S.
5/11/2017
John S, Hopkins appreciates your business and we are grateful you purchased our Smart Hitch Backup Camera. We think you will really like this product. Thank you!
Even me, an unlearned and unskilled in mechanical ways anyway, installed this camera in less than a hour. Easy installation ever! Camera works great on my 2011 F-150 Crew Cab and the cable is plenty long; don't purchase the extra length of cable unless you have a long bed truck. The 7-plug idea is superb and longest time spend is putting plastic ties on cable underneath truck. Your only tuff decision is where to put the monitor for viewing. Great product, tickled with it! Now my wife uses the camera and backs in everywhere. Oh, and the beeping for getting close to objects is really nice. I use it mainly to back up to a trailer and I always back into parking spaces. Superb good item.
Leeb
6/6/2016
Even better now, Im used to it dont think I could back up without it!
I installed a Hopkins backup camera and needed the wire harness extension to reach the monitor properly. Delivery happened quickly and I completed he install without issue. Everything works great and I enjoy the "just as advertised" result. Would recommend to anyone.
Richard
10/18/2017
Product still works great, use it everyday. Very happy with it.
I installed it myself (very simple - Watch the videos for the install)
I had to contact Hopkins for a missing nut and they sent it to me FedEx but not only the missing nut they sent me a brand new monitor! What amazing customer service!
Once installed I went to pick up my travel trailer and I was amazed at how easy it was to hook up. I got it on the first try thanks to this great camera.
So I am mad I didn't get this sooner it is great!
Dallas D.
12/12/2017
I still love the back up camera and wish I would have bought it sooner! It was easy to install and has made it possible for me to hook up my RV without any help.
purchase the Hopkins Smart back up system, insulation was easy but the extension cable was faulty. Contacted etrailer and they order a new one for me, received the same day and it works fine, no issues.
Mike
2/15/2019
this product continues to work with out any issues glad I bought it and pleased you stand behind your products.
I bought the camera system and this extension because I have a 2007 Silverado crew cab long box. The camera system sure does help when backing my extra long truck. So far it has worked flawlessly. The only problem I had was keeping the monitor screen stuck to my windshield. On a couple really hot days it was hanging by its cord by noon. I got some rear view mirror glue from the store and cleaned the window and the mount really good before gluing them together and I have not had a problem since. My father-in-law liked it so much he bought the same kit and extension cable for his GMC Envoy. It was much easier routing the cable on my truck than it was on the Envoy. The license plate on his car was on the lift gate. It took three times as long routing the cable from under the car up inside the body to the roof then through the rubber boot into the lift gate and down to the license mount. If I had to do that one again I would just pay someone to do it for him.
All in all it is a great system for older cars that do not come with a factory backup camera.
Product was delivered in a timely manner and was of made of good quality, the only thing was there was no security connection nut on the cables where the join together.
I purchased 2 camera units about 6 months ago and postponed the review until I had used them for awhile. 1 camera for a 2000 Silverado 4 door extended cab/6 ft bed and 1 for a 1987 F700 dump truck with a 16 ft bed.
I also purchased the 5 ft and 25 ft extention cables. For the Silverado the main cable was about 3 ft. short so the 5 ft cable was required and as expected, short for the Ford dump truck. On the Silverado I ran the camera wire under the carpet/mat thru the floor board {driver side. The required hole size for the cable grommet is too small for the cable end to pass thru, so I purchased a 3/4" grommet to complete both installations.
My first attempt hitching my trailer was amazing for it was dead on and all I had to do was lower the tongue onto the ball...THESE CAMERAS ARE GREAT!
Buy this product! My truck came with a factory hitch and wire harness so install was a piece of cake on a 2009 Dodge Ram. I was surprised when I bought this product that it already came pre-wired to a factory style harness. The monitor cable extension was necessary for this install.
To install:
-Unplug your factory harness, plug theirs in its place, and then plug the factory into the back of theirs.
-Use some electrical tape to clean up the wiring
-Zip tie the main wire along the inside frame rails to the front drivers side
-Locate the plastic body plug and drill through to accommodate the main wire. Fish the wire through the hole. Take care not to drill into the carpet.
-Pull the drivers door sill body panel and use a 10mm socket to pull off the hand assist on the a-pillar. Fish the main wire to your desired mounting location.
-Plug in the monitor and secure all connections with electrical tape. Mount camera with license plate, put truck in reverse to confirm the camera turns on.
-Re-install the a-pillar and door sill body panels, tape and tuck the excess wire
-Mount your monitor in the final location
-Enjoy :)
Still going strong after a year+!!! I really like the screen size. Once I was able to get a visual of where to place the trailer tongue in reference to the ball hitch it was a one shot deal from then on. Hooking the boat up now (by myself) is a piece of cake!!! If your installing this on a long bed crew cab truck make sure to order the extension cord or you will be to short to reach the dash...
Quick ship. excellent packaging. Backup Camera works great. Had to order extension video cable because my truck is F250 with a long bed. I'll be back.
Hopkins S.
6/5/2017
That’s the kind of comments we love to hear Skip H!!! Hopkins appreciates your business and we are grateful you purchased our Backup Camera. We think you will really like this product. If you have any concerns or questions, please get in contact with etrailer customer service. Thank you!
Fast shipping & easy installation on my 2012 Ram 2500 4 Door. I also purchased the 5ft. extension and did need it for install. Instead of drilling I ran it through the engine bay & fished it through the fender/door jam. I chose to mount it on the dash instead of the windshield for the time being. The metal connectors inside the connection sleeves are small & somewhat fragile, so don't just jam the connectors together or you could bend one. Once together everything is fine. Very happy with the purchase & forsee this saving some spousal arguments over which way to backup & how far!
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John P.
2/9/2016
Still works like new. Very pleased.