Best Backup Cameras for Trucks

Why Install a Backup Camera?

Visibility in larger vehicles, like pickups, Jeeps, and SUVs, can be limited, especially after increasing ride height. Backup cameras provide a clear, unobstructed view of your vehicle’s surroundings, preventing collisions with stationary objects, pets, or other individuals. This tech is also helpful for those with mobility issues, negating the need to twist your body or crane your neck while reversing. 

Other benefits include easy hitching to a trailer, thorough cargo viewing, and easy parking while reversing into a spot or down a narrow driveway.

Backup Camera History and Federal Mandates

Believe it or not, the backup camera dates decades back by over half a century! In the mid-fifties, GM debuted the first-recorded backup camera system aboard the 1956 Buick Centurion Concept: a hyper-futuristic amalgamation of exciting tech, aviation-inspired design cues, and mid-century modern chic. While the concept never made its way into production, it still holds the title of the first-ever backup-camera-equipped automobile.

The technology’s first implementation into a production vehicle came from Japanese manufacturer Toyota aboard the 1991 Soarer: a luxury sport coupe we received in the States as the Lexus SC300. Still, the U.S. didn’t receive a backup-camera-equipped production vehicle until 2002’s Infiniti Q45 sedan. Over the following decade, backup cameras found their way onto several luxury vehicles and trim classes, though word of the impending mandate didn’t come until 2014. 

In 2014, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) announced a new regulation mandating that all vehicles manufactured from 2018 be fitted with reverse cameras. This ruling aimed to save approximately 60 lives per year, not to mention the countless injuries and pet deaths prevented.

Backup Camera Styles

Backup cameras aren’t a one-size-fits-all product; manufacturers produce several styles, offering alternative camera mounting locations, monitor types, and installation procedures.

Camera Mounting Locations

To begin, let’s discuss camera sensor locations. Depending on your preferred viewing angle and use, backup cameras come configured for several mounting locations, including: 

• Tailgate handle

• Third brake light

• Rear emblem

• License plate

• Tailgate protector

• Jeep/SUV spare tire

Each location offers different benefits and viewing angles. For example, license plate mounts feature a low, wide field of view, whereas third brake light mounts feature a comprehensive view of your truck’s bed, trailer, and rear surroundings. The tailgate handle, rear emblem, and spare tire mounts land somewhere between, offering a more comprehensive view than license plate mounts, yet a far lower view than third brake light cameras.

Monitor Mounting Locations

Next, let’s tackle monitor mounting locations. While it’s commonplace to integrate a reverse camera into a video-compatible aftermarket double-din radio, not every vehicle has one installed. Purchasing an aftermarket radio adds another additional cost. Not to mention that some consumers may appreciate the simplicity of an analog factory radio.

Fortunately, this isn’t the only monitor mounting solution. We also carry rearview mirror mounts, which function as standard mirrors when powered off but contain hidden displays that power on when you shift your vehicle into reverse! Auxiliary monitors are another option; however, the additional screen occupies more space than other options.

Wired Vs. Wireless

Lastly, we have wired versus wireless camera systems. Traditionally, backup cameras require lengthy installation processes involving routing wires through the chassis and disassembling interior plastics. While time-consuming, wired systems have proven reliable. 

Alternatively, we offer fully wireless systems featuring simple installations and accepting multiple camera inputs.

Top Backup Camera Systems

With benefits, history, and variations covered, it’s time for the main course. In this section, we cover our experts’ top five backup camera recommendations, offering exceptional innovation and unparalleled quality.

BringIt SwitchBack SOLO - Down Tailgate Camera

There’s nothing worse than having a useless backup camera when you need it most, as is often the case with tailgate-mounted reverse cameras. Whether tucked into the tailgate handle or fitted into the rear emblem, as soon as you lower your tailgate to haul oversized cargo, that camera points directly at the ground. 

Fortunately, we have a solution: the BringIt SwitchBack SOLO. This innovative camera system consists of a tailgate-cap-mounted camera that installs flush with the top of your pickup’s tailgate. With the tailgate closed, this system utilizes your vehicle’s factory backup camera; however, power diverts to the BringIt camera with the tailgate down, retaining rear-facing visibility. 

This product features a vehicle-specific design and a simple plug-and-play fit. BringIt backs the SwitchBack SOLO with a 3-year warranty. 

Features: 

• Functions even when the tailgate is lowered

• Vehicle-specific design

• SwitchBack camera activates when the tailgate opens

• OEM camera activated with the tailgate is closed

• Easy installation, no tools required

• Plug-n-play, factory-fit connections

• Installation hardware included

• 3-year warranty

Brandmotion Wireless Transparent Trailer System

Are you having trouble seeing your surroundings when hitched to a trailer? Consider increasing visibility with the Brandmotion Wireless Transparent Trailer System! This innovative, 2-camera system offers an uninterrupted view of your trailer and behind, increasing visibility and, thus, safety! 

Brandmotion includes everything necessary for installation, including two wireless cameras, a pre-wired power harness, vehicle-specific camera mounts, and a rearview mirror with an embedded 9.66″ full-color display, ensuring outstanding image quality. 

Brandmotion backs the Wireless Transparent Trailer System with a limited 1-year warranty. 

Features: 

• Large, vibrant 9.66″ full-color display

• Includes a 2-camera system, pre-wired power harness, and universal power harness

• Mounting adapter is included; no drilling is required

• Waterproof and shockproof case

• 120º–155º horizontal field of view

• Installs in 30–120 minutes

• Limited 1-year warranty

Brandmotion Tailgate Replacement Camera

If you miss your pickup’s reverse camera after swapping your camera-equipped tailgate with a 5th wheel tailgate, installing a flatbed, or removing the tailgate altogether, restore functionality with the Brandmotion Tailgate Replacement Camera! 

This camera system includes a high-quality, 420p-resolution CMOS camera affixed to a standard license plate mount. However, unlike most universal cameras, this product features a plug-and-play connector to integrate directly into your pickup’s tailgate wiring harness, restoring full reverse camera functionality with minimal wiring. 

Brandmotion backs the Tailgate Replacement Camera with a 1-year warranty. 

Features: 

• Adds a backup camera to your pickup after you remove your tailgate

• Integrates into your factory display

• High-quality CMOS camera

• 648 x 488 resolution 420p

• 0.5-Lux for better illumination and a sharper image

• 150° horizontal and 100° vertical field of view

• Parking grid lines available

• Color image with automatic white balance

• Waterproof case with anti-fog lens

• Some drilling required

• 1-year warranty

ECCO Gemineye Back-Up Camera Kit

If you’re looking to outfit your ride with a backup camera while retaining the factory audio system, consider installing a system with an auxiliary monitor, like the ECCO Gemineye Back-Up Camera Kit! 

This comprehensive kit includes everything necessary for installation, including a high-end, IP67-rated infrared camera sensor, a 65-foot harness, and your choice of a 5, 6, or 7-inch monitor! Additional features include integrated sunshades for superior visibility in direct sunlight and expandability for multiple camera sensors! 

ECCO backs the Gemineye Back-Up Camera Kit with a 1-year warranty. 

Features: 

• LCD high-resolution color monitor

• IP69 waterproof (camera)

• Includes 65' cable

• Available 5, 6, or 7-inch monitors

• Monitor sunshade for superior visibility

• Expandable to multiple cameras

• 1-year warranty

Edge CTS3 Backup Camera

While the Edge CTS3 is an effective monitoring device, did you know that it doubles as a reverse camera display? Introducing the Edge CTS3 Backup Camera: a license-plate-mounted sensor and wiring kit that integrates into your existing Edge CTS3 monitor, clearly displaying your surroundings! 

This kit includes everything necessary for a hassle-free installation, aside from the Edge monitor. Each order features a durable alloy license plate mount, high-quality camera sensor, RCA to USB video signal adapter, and all necessary wiring!

Edge backs the CTS3 Backup Camera with a 1-year warranty. 

Features: 

• License plate mount

• Durable alloy construction

• Corrosion-resistant finish

• Includes RCA to USB video signal adapter

• Enables camera view with Edge CTS3 monitor (sold separately)

• Adjustable camera angle

• Night vision LEDs for optimal lighting

• IP67 waterproof

• Auto-engages camera when reverse is detected (only on automatic applications with gear PID available)

• Quick and easy installation

• 1-year warranty