Tundra Backup Camera System

Toyota Tundra Backup Camera Installation

We noticed a short time after we purchased our 2012 Toyota Tundra that we might have a visibility problem. The very large size of the truck is one thing, but the head rests for the back seat, really make it difficult to back out of a parking space. The tall hood also makes judging adjacent vehicles and objects pulling into parking spaces. The solution? A front and rear camera system. I researched factory (OEM) equipment. I was able to determine that the truck is pre-wired for a backup camera, but found a lot of confusion with just what camera would work with the 2012 model year Tundra. Then there was the cost factor, anywhere from $125 to $1000. The pre-wired equipment was very inviting, but cost is a very real issue to come to grips with, so I did a lot of Internet searching.
I searched Ebay to Amazon and beyond. Then I ran across www.wayboinc.com  A electronics outlet located in China. I looked over their cameras and monitors and decided to send an email to see what they might have for our 2012 'Tundra. I got a quick response from Arthur Zhan. They didn't have a system that would work with our OEM wiring, but he sent a picture a very nice camera that would fit right into the front Toyota Logo (very nice!). Not really thinking front camera, I started getting prices on various rear camera's and mirror/monitors. I was quite surprised at the low cost of all the parts.
I ended up ordering a very nice CCD backup camera, the front "Logo" camera and a clip on 7 inch mirror/monitor with two video inputs and a remote control. There a touch buttons on the right side of the mirror so I'm not sure of the need of a remote. I also ordered a 'Wireless send/receive modules to preclude running wires. Cost; front camera $16, rear camera (HD/Low Light) $32, 7 inch combination mirror/monitor  $35, wireless kit $11. All cameras come with hard wiring included. Shipping (from China) was $32 and took approx. week. When my order was being prepared for shipping, Arthur emailed me that he was including an additional front camera, at no extra cost, that would integrate into the front 'Logo' better.

Here's all my 'STUFF'

I got a 12 volt power supply out of the garage and hooked everything up to see how it all worked! I know' What A Mess!' Yes, but everything worked PERFECTLY! I even tried the wireless modules and at 12" separation, the picture was just as good as 'hardwired'!

Here's the first front camera I was going to use. See it in the lower left corner of the Toyota Logo!

Here's the front camera I ended up using.

Side view of front camera, still hard to see-huh!

Here's the back camera I picked CCD, small and adjustable.

 Here's the back camera installed in the tailgate handle housing. A little hard to see!

Here's a side view of the rear camera, a little easier to see. It's really small!

Here's the 7 inch mirror/monitor I picked. I has spring clips on the back that lock over the OEM mirror. The wires are run into the overhead console, then under the headliner to the 'A' pillar and down to behind the drivers side kick panel. This is where I routed all the wires (video & power). 

Here's a view of the rear camera with the Tundra backed up to within inches of the Sami.

Here's a view of the front camera, showing how close I can pull up to the junk in the garage.

I just finished the installation today. The camera look like they are going to work GREAT! The only concern at this point is with the mirror/monitor. When driving the mirror/monitor mode is a very dark purple color, not a customary silver. With sunglasses and at night the dark nature of the mirror make viewing cars to the rear very difficult. I have discussed this with Waybonic and they indicated all the large format rearview mirror have the same dark coloring. The have many other monitors, both replacement OEM mirrors or stand alone. They also have a large format monitor built into a replacement driver side sun visor. Both options are less than $30 plus shipping, so we will try the one we have now and decide in a few weeks. My be continued!