How to Install Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera System on Vehicle Without 7 Way Connector

Question:

the plug on the equipment i purchased does not fit into the receptical on my vehicle. what do i need to do next?

asked by: Steven

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you do not have a 7 way at the rear of your vehicle. You will have to hardwire the wires for the camera into the reverse light circuit for it to work. The plug-in connector that comes with this system was designed to work with the round US style connectors that come on the factory tow package wiring. Without knowing your vehicle, I cannot say if you have the factory tow package.

To remove the connector, you can simply cut the red and black wires going to the connector. The black wire should be grounded to either an existing ground stud or to a clean bare metal surface. The red wire should be spliced into the reverse light wire. The easiest place to access the reverse light wire is behind the taillight assembly in the trunk compartment. I recommend using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test each of the wires. Have a helper sit in the driver's seat, engage the emergency brake, hold the brake pedal down and put the vehicle in reverse. Using the circuit tester, test for the wire that has power by probing each of the wires.

Check out the video where we show how we cut off the 7-way connectors and splice the wires in.

expert reply by: Chris O