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This backup camera takes the guesswork out of hooking up your trailer and driving in reverse. Visual cues on the color monitor and audible alerts ensure that you can back up safely and hook up without a hassle. Simply plugs in for installation.
Features:
Specs:
Note: If your vehicle is not equipped with a factory tow package, you will need to hardwire the camera to your vehicle's reverse lights. 2013 and newer vehicles may require connection to an external power source.
Designed for towing but great for everyday use, the Smart Hitch backup camera improves safety by providing you with visual cues and audible alerts when you are backing up. It also simplifies the towing process by making it a one-person job to align your trailer hitch ball with your coupler.
Switch between Hitch Mode and Everyday Mode by simply pushing a button on the side of the monitor. In Everyday Mode, the monitor will display a grid in red, yellow, and green that alerts you to the distance of objects on the display with red indicating that the object is very close to your vehicle and green indicating the object is at a safe distance. This grid works in conjunction with SmartZone sensors that beep to alert you of objects and distances. The beeps intensify as you get closer to an object.
In Hitch Mode, the monitor provides center-line assistance for easy hookup to your trailer coupler. The grid creates a target as you back up, ensuring that you keep your vehicle in line with the coupler as you get closer. This allows one person to hitch up to a trailer without the need for a spotter.
The Smart Hitch camera plugs inline with your factory 7-way, RV-style trailer connector, maintaining the function of the trailer connector at the rear of your vehicle. If your vehicle is not equipped with a factory tow package, you will need to hardwire the camera to your vehicle's reverse lights.
The camera and sensors are connected to a bracket that installs behind your license plate. Simply remove your license plate, mount the bracket, and re-install the license plate using the included hardware. You can adjust the angle of the camera and the sensors to ensure maximum visibility.
To complete installation, run the wire from the camera mounting bracket to the monitor in the cab of your vehicle. This wire provides power to the monitor. The monitor can be mounted to your windshield, dashboard, or center console with foam tape. Remember to mount the monitor somewhere where it will not obstruct visibility as you drive. Some vehicles may require an extension harness (sold separately) to complete the connection between the monitor in their cab and the camera mounting bracket at the year of their vehicle.
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Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (819 Customer Reviews)
This backup camera takes the guesswork out of hooking up your trailer and driving in reverse. Visual cues on the color monitor and audible alerts ensure that you can back up safely and hook up without a hassle. Simply plugs in for installation.This backup camera is excellent quality and super easy to install. The pre-wired plug made it simple to install to the existing trailer harness. Routing the cable was easy following existing framework and cables. I had plenty of wire to be able to mount the display in the center of the dashboard. The image quality is amazing.
I bought this back up camera for my 2005 Chevy Tahoe for the sole purpose of hitching up to my trailer. It has met all my expectations beginning with ease of installation. Best of all, in hitch mode, the hitch ball and trailer coupler are displayed. No more getting in and out or banging into the coupler. Just back up until the ball is directly under the coupler. Get out once and hook it up. It's great when a product delivers!
I just did the installation on my 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. Installation was fairly easy for this broken down man thanks to the video's that you share! I didn't know what the quality of the monitor would be but I was impressed! The small sized monitor will not be in the way of my view. I placed it on the far left side on my dash. Now I can hitch up to my camper without getting in and out of my truck a half dozen times! Thank You!
Good product, install was mostly simple. Adhesive for mounting in the vehicle doesn't seem that it will be effective for very long.
Code Product
HM50002 Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Hitch Aligner System
Absolutely best purchase I've ever made! I own a 2004 F-150 Ford Lariat and pulled a 30ft. Travel trailer for 10 years without this product. I didn't find out about it until I traded for a Motorhome with a backup camara. I kept my truck but still had difficulty backing in & out of parking spaces. This camara is a life saver. My truck has the new wider wheel base and equipped with the trailer tow pkg. and the bed has a tonnal cover on it, so it's difficult to judge how close I am to something when backing up. It comes with easy installation instructions and works fantastic. I'm 77 yrs. old and installed it myself. It would be a lot easier if I had a lift but no such luck. The installation instructions are very simple if you have any kind of "do it yourself " mechanical experience. The hardest part is running the 20 Ft. Wire under the truck and zip tying it up. That's where a Car Lift would make it a snap. Scooting around on your back at my age is not recommended. There are videos on YouTube that show you how to remove & replace almost any part or trim piece on almost any vehicle. I mounted my camara on the left drivers side dash right by the windshield post. Perfect position for my truck. I have a dash cover and the screen mounting has a glue attachment, not a suction cup. I removed the adhesive cover on the camara and the same on a piece of Velcro and I stuck it to the fabric of the dash cover for a secure mounting that I can lift off if needed. I've showed it to a couple of friends who are going to buy one even though they don't tow anything. It's an amazing amazing Back Up Camara well worth the price.
Ron H.
1/11/2017
Its still working like brand new! Fantastic back up camera! The camera and sensors work great especially when backing in or out of parking spaces. I wish I had it the 10 years I was towing a travel trailer. Lining up the trailer hitch would have been a piece of cake! It has been a life saver any time I have to backup anywhere. Especially in large parking lots with other cars nearby or distracted people walking behind me. Wouldnt go anywhere without it.
I had researched backup camera systems for my 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. I had gone in to one of the electronic stores to actually see what my options were. When I came to etrailer.com and saw the Hopkins Smart Hitch, I was impressed with the price and the features of the camera. I had looked at Garmin, Rand McNally, and a few others that were over twice the cost and had fewer options.
I called etrailer to make sure the unit would fit in my truck, Michelle was very helpful and took my order. The unit was shipped that day and was delivered within 3 to 4 days. I had it professionally installed, though I know I could have done it myself.
I am really pleased with all aspects of this camera. The audible signal (not available on some of the higher priced cameras) is really helpful - and the green, yellow, red bars give a true perspective of the proximity of obstacles. Being able to toggle between trailer hitch mode, and everyday backup mode is as easy as pushing a button.
I really don't think you'll find a better camera for the price. And, etrailer's customer service is excellent.
Carl M.
11/15/2017
Thank you for the follow up. I do like the camera, and it has worked really well. The only thing that has changed is that I dont get the visual marker lines showing up any more. They come on for the first few seconds and then turn off. The camera works perfectly other than that.
Straightforward installation in to an older vehicle - wired in to one of the reverse lights for power. Surprisingly good image quality. Object detection (sound) works well. Has withstood harsh vibrations from many miles of pot-hole and washboard unpaved road. Adhesive on camera base didn't stick to my dash - installed in the cold, used heat gun to warm adhesive prior to sticking to dash - but solved that with a screw.
Very happy with this backup camera I added to my 2005 Tacoma. Everything needed to install was included and it's been working great for several months now.
Great product. Good addition to my older truck without a factory camera. The provided cable was long enough to run through a crew cab truck with 8' bed without issue. I would change a few things if I could. 1. Larger screen, 2. ability to connect it to an aftermarket stereo, and 3. ability to view while in gear other than reverse.
I purchased my first smart hitch back-up camera about 10 yrs. ago and love it.
The license plate camera electronics failed due to seal failure and water intrusion. I could not find the stand alone camera unit for sale so I purchased the complete system.
When I received the new system I applied RTV around the outside of camera assembly where the electronics are assembled together. Not sure if the new units seal has been improved so hopefully this will help to prevent water intrusion.
First unit worked flawlessly for years so I am very pleased.
Bought it for ny husband to help hook up camper. He likes it and it makes our hookups easier. Our daughter has a narrow drive so it is essential when backing out. Our truck doesn't have really bright backup lights so adding some to the camera attachment would have been helpful.
Denise
7/6/2023
Great. Thanks for asking.
Followed the installation instructions from the video provided on the website and it was a breeze. I recommend using conduit to protect the wire at the beginning and end of the feed through the frame. I also used it to protect the wire and connections at the rear of the vehicle (tape connections as suggested in video). I mounted my camera in the center dashboard console and hid the wire for a custom installation. I ran the wire along the knee console under the steering column and fed the wire upwards. I pulled the front dash console which requires using a plastic tool so you don't mess up the dash (very easy to do-check youtube). I drilled a hole in the top of the center console and fed the monitor wire down and connected the wire coming from the camera and tucked above the radio. This can only be done if you remove the face of the radio. Again, make sure you use a plastic tool to remove the radio face and watch a video. It looks great in the vehicle.
Scotty
12/14/2015
Gary how did you mount the camera to the pocket on the dash above the radio? To keep it from moving?
Anonymous
12/19/2015
Hello Scotty,The unit comes with double sided tape to mount. I trimmed the rubber mat around the base of the unit that lays in the pocket. You cant see the base as it is hidden by the raised edge of the pocket. Thanks.
Back-up camera has performed very well with no problems. It was super easy to install and I love the ability to switch between regular back-up view and trailer hitch view. It makes hitching my trailers super easy and backing up safer. Thanks for the great service and value.
Richard S.
2/21/2018
Excellent! If you tow a trailer very often, you absolutely will love this camera. I use my two trailers a lot and this makes the hook-up effortless. It is a must have!
Here are some photos of my install on a 2006 Toyota Tundra.
Notes:
Photo 1 is of my front plate with an uncut license frame.
Photo 2 is the back plate with the frame cut to accommodate the camera.
Photo 3 shows the location I choose to mount the display.
Photo 4 close-up (the device to the right is an aftermarket Bluetooth hands-free phone interface)
Par-t-foul
3/8/2020
Back-up lines are very accurate. Love it. My employer installed on his dump truck.
This is a great little camera that makes hooking up to the trailer a much easier and safer endeavor. I got a slick little dashboard mount for the screen that keeps it out of the way, but still easy to see when backing up. If you don't have a backup camera on your vehicle, this is very useful and low cost improvement
Jim
7/28/2017
I still have the truck and camera. Its still working...the only issue I have is the back up guide lines dont display when backing up to the trailer.The camera and screen work as a visual guide, but I miss the guide lines. Its odd that they come on when I start and shut off the truck, but just for an few seconds, then dissappear. Strange, I dont know if its a setting, or an issue.
Easy kit to install! Great picture as it's a wired system so no flickering. Simple to unplug the factory harness and plug the Hopkins harness in. Then run the wire up under the bed/cab and zip tie in place to keep from flopping around. I have an '04 Silverado Crew cab with a 6 1/2' bed and I ran the wire up into the engine compartment and thru a grommet in the upper drivers side of the engine bay. Mounted the screen in the center console area by the cig lighter and had about a 1/2' of spare wire left...
Great value!
Jim M.
11/27/2014
I have an 07 Classic Silverado Crew with a 6.5 bed. Did you need the extension cable to connect the wires to the cab? Thank you
Bob P.
12/1/2014
No, did not need the extension cable. Placing the screen up on top of the dash and Im betting you would....I did ask for and receive the extension tho, just didnt need it. But - I think Ill use it as Im planning on modifying the camera location by putting it up on the tailgate handle to get more of a downward view of the receiver. The lens as it is now is too level with the receiverbumper so it has to be real close before its there... System is still a great bargain!
Camera still works fine. Not really designed for trucks or taller vehicles with a drop hitch. I had to angle (block) out top of my plate more than an inch for it to pick up the hitch.
Timothy J.
7/2/2023
Still working fine, lot easier to hook up my trailer.
The T Connecter makes for a VERY EASY install! The system does exactly what it was intended for and makes trailer hook ups a breeze, the only down side to this system is the monitor size, not really a deal breaker, it is still large enough to see what's is going on behind the truck just wish it was larger. Had to do a little modification to adjust the camera angle, but over all a great product.
Daniel
4/25/2020
Works as it did day 1, Should have done this long ago
For the price, you can't beat it. I just installed it. Other than the sensors and distance lines being a little wacky, I can back straight to my trailer hitch, and that beats getting in and out of the truck 20 times. Relatively easy install on my 2001 Chevy.
Michael
10/3/2021
Excellent. Easy to install.
Been wanting a backup camera for years. Finally bit the bullet and got one. Easy install and works like a charm. No more jumping in and out of the truck to hitch up a trailer. Also makes backing into close spaces much easier.
This Unit is exactly what I needed, this unit has sensors for distance detection and warns you with beeps as your getting closer to an object, the camera unit installation is Farley easy and holds the License plate (Plate needs to be alone frames wont let you install the camera / Sensor unit what's nice of this unit is if you have and EOM 7 way Then you can use the tee adaptor that comes with it which lets you tap into the backup circuit without having to go into the rear taillight and tie into the backup light. the sticky part is running the wiring from the back to the front of the truck but with patience I got it done, had to drill a small hole under the drivers seat ( actually there is a existing hole through the metal part the seems to be sealed by some black sealer) I sealed around the wire I installed with black silicone sealant, then ran the wire under the carpet over to the driver side door up the molding and to the let side of the dash as shown in the photo. it works great now I can backup in the drive way without fear of hitting the garage door as it beeps as I get close to the door, and it can be switched to a tapered sense so you can use it to line up with a trailer hitch without getting in and out of the truck to do so. I like the unit.
Easy to install. Hardest part is running the wires. Install videos are a great help. Just enough wires to mount on the dashboard or lower console on Mega Cab. You will need the extension, separate order, if you want to put the monitor above the center mirror and you have a looonge wheelbase vehicle. Adapter had to be cut off as stated for my year, 2006. Red and black wires are light gauge. So I made the cut on the thicker wires off the adapter.
worked great on my 2013 silverado. only issue i had was the adhesive for the mounting pad did not hold up very well in the heat. used some double backed gorrilla tape to fix it
Terry M.
11/15/2021
although the truck is now sold, product was a good fit for an aftermarket add on worked great while I had it
Well I finally got around to do the review, and let first say install took a little while couple of hrs only because I wanted to hide everything ,I am mechanically inclined and have the panels tools to remove everything and do it correctly. I purchased the extension wire for 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited and actually not needing it the length of cable it was definitely long enough (with about 1 ft) extra tucked under the driver door panel, but guess depending on where you locate the monitor I mounted mine in corner of the windshield. Wish they would of have extended the Red wire for the reverse light (8 -10 inches ) longer I don't like extra splicing. Then finished the install and start it up throw that sucker in reverse and nothing on the screen!! My Bad reverse light wire had a bad connection!! (Lol) corrected it and Presto works great , whatever ground, power you hook up leave that area open to double check your connections... As far as backing up this thing is awesome gets me right under the coupler ( wife thinks I'm a bad***) ..I drive a Tractor trailer for a living little different hooking to a pin on a trailer, but anyhow this camera system is great beats getting out of the truck 3-4 times!! And night time is just as great!!
Oh Thank you etrailer for the instructional videos, very detailed...I wouldrecommend this back up system to a friend!!
Snap to install, works great, no more getting out to check the alignment of either trailer. Hook and go, should have done this years ago.
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Kenneth
8/23/2023
Excellent!!! A year later and it’s like the day I installed it