Troubleshooting Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera System

Question:

I have had a Hopkins Smart Hitch Camera system for about 4 years. Recently we went camping and I used the camera as usual to hook up the trailer. When we arrived at the campground, I noticed the camera was not working. I have checked the wiring and everything looks good. The back up lights on the truck 2011 Ford F150 are functioning. What could be the problem? Should there be 12v power to the license plate camera and the monitor when in reverse? I cannot detect any power to either of these places. Could the problem be a bad connection to the OEM plug? Thank you for your time.

asked by: Bill G

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera # HM50002 should be delivering 12V signal to the camera and monitor when the reverse lights are activated. It sounds like you have the reverse lights functioning correctly on your truck, so I recommend checking the red wire between the trailer connection and the camera for power using a circuit tester like # PTW2993. If you have power there, then I recommend checking the wire between the camera and the monitor. If you need a replacement that wire is # HM3100504061 but you will need to splice in the one end.

expert reply by: Jason S

Brian V.

5/9/2020

I have a hair-brained idea. There are some blind spots when towing something behind my Class C. It already has a reverse camera but like most, its on only when the vehicle is in reverse. I happen to have a never used Hopkins Smart Hitch camera/sensor system lying around and I am wondering if I could wire it to be on when the running lights are on rather than the reverse lights. Thanks

Chris R.

5/12/2020

You can do that! You'd need to hardwire the Smart Hitch instead of utilizing the 7-Way connector, but you can indeed just run the power wire to the running lights circuit on the truck instead of to the reverse lights wire. This will essentially give you an observation camera (assuming your running lights are on).