Backup Camera self-install summary

It took me 8 hours and is working like a champ. The instructions were good so I'll detail where I deviated from them and where I ran into trouble.

No special tools other than a T-40 and T-45 bit to get the bad panels and hooks off, you can pick those up at most any hardware store for a few bucks.

1. I changed locations of the camera mount to below the handle. No problems doing that, the angle is just fine for me when adjusted to it's max up position. I can see just a bit of my bumper and a good 50 feet behind but not quite the horizon line which is just fine for me.

2. I did not take off the rear bumper. In doing so I did not use one of the two anchor plates which helped strap down the wire harness near the bottom corner of the tailgate. I don't see any trouble here as the harness seems to stay in place and not binding on the bumper, save a bunch of time doing this.

3. I did not take off the top roof cover. The only reason I see for this is for easier removal of the bed cover that holds the upper cargo light. That piece came out and back in no problem without having to remove the top roof cover.

4. The directions specify a torque of 25 ft lbs for the 6 bolts that hold the rear seat in. I think this is incorrect as the Service Manual states a 35 ft lb torque and must be re-installed in a certain sequence. When putting the rear seat back in install the bolts in this order. (1) center left (2) center right (3) left lower (4) right lower (5) left upper (6) right upper.

5. I broke some clips that held down the top tailgate plastic cover. There's about 20 of them. To remove them I found it's best to rotate them 45 degrees and then pull out else you'll probably snap one of it's teeth off. They are in square holes so rotating them so the two teeth are at the corners allows them to come out easily.

5.5. Connecting the two wire harnesses together at the back seat area should be done carefully. I noticed the small metal connector leads appeared to be directional meaning if put in upside down they might not make a good contact. Wish I would have taken a picture of that as it difficult to explain. One of the 4 sides of the metal connector seemed to have a clip of sorts on it and looking into the white harness connector I could see which way was best to put them in. When I inserted them I did hear a faint click so I knew I had a good connection. Then I fastened the lock on the white harness connector and was good to go. You'll see what I mean when you get to this step.

6. Installing the wire harness under the driver seat carpet was a bit of trick. I had to use some stiff wire and feed it under the carpet starting from under the seat to the door jam. Then I taped the wire harness to the stiff wire and pulled it back thru.

7. Install everything back together in reverse order and your done.

8. An un-documented feature is you can adjust the screen brightness when the camera is on using the Zoom button on the LCD display, up is brighter and down is dimmer.

One more pic of the back and view screen.

Very nice. It looks like it was a lot of work. You have more guts than I do. I could not even think if tearing apart a $30k+ vehicle myself.

Congratulations!!! Looks good. Did you have any problems with the connector behind the back seat?? Did you leave it or hardwire??

Congratulations!!! Looks good. Did you have any problems with the connector behind the back seat?? Did you leave it or hardwire??

It worked as is for me so I didn't need to hard wire them. I did notice the small metal connector leads appeared to be directional meaning if put in upside down they might not make a good contact. Wish I would have taken a picture of that as it difficult to explain. One of the 4 sides of the metal connector seemed to have a clip of sorts on it and looking into the white harness connector I could see which way was best to put them in. When I inserted them I did hear a faint click so I knew I had a good connection. Then I fastened the lock on the white harness connector and was good to go.

Very nice work vert.

1/ Are there a lot of special tools required...??

2/ Other pics I have seen show the camera of center towards the passenger side. Centered seems like a better idea, is there a reason why they have it off centered...??

Very nice work vert.
1/ Are there a lot of special tools required...??
2/ Other pics I have seen show the camera of center towards the passenger side. Centered seems like a better idea, is there a reason why they have it off centered...??

No special tools other than a T-40 and T-45 bit to get the bad panels and hooks off, you can pick those up at most any hardware store for a few bucks.

Can't mount the camera in the center above the handle as you'd hit it everytime you open the tailgate down, try it, you'll see what I mean. Having it high might give a slight better field of view possibly but I'm totally satisfied with the field of view I have with it down low. I can't see the horizon in the screen but I can still see a good 50 feet behind which is all I need since I'm only concerned about close objects.

I also didn't want it mounted up high as I think it's much more prone to damage being close to the edge. I'd probably knock it off with something eventually loading the bed with crap which I often do.

I hope my DH doesn't come across this photo. He wanted ours mounted in the middle too. It looks MUCH nicer. Good work, V. I admire you.

From another Steel Blue owner. . .

Nice pix, vertrkr. The pile of kids toys in the corner is a classic. I can relate.

8. An un-documented feature is you can adjust the screen brightness when the camera is on using the Zoom button on the LCD display, up is brighter and down is dimmer.


I love this un-documented tip. I think this will help when pulling into shade or partial shade, the only time I've had trouble seeing what we're backing up toward.

Hail to Vert ! Great shots, must have dazed at each one for 10 minutes at least !! At this point I can only say 1 thing.....





U DA MAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cool:

I know it has been a long time since this thread has been used, but I was curious if you would post a picture of what you can see out of your rear view camera. I'm thinking of installing one and am a little torn about where to install it on the tailgate.

Thanks for your input. I read it before I got my camera. Now I'm halfway there. Between that and the instructions it is going fine. All the outside stuff is in, and back togeather. First off I went for your location below the handle. If it works like you say 30' is plenty. Every car or truck I have ever owned is dented in the back from hooking up to trailers (and my Dad's van from a tree when I was a teenager). Yea, and like the other guy said, "I would go nuts if it was off center." One more thing Consumer's magazine says there are 1,800 back up fatalities a year and as these camera's become more common this number should go down.

I've decided to add the Backup Camera to my newly-purchased Ridgeline, but am torn as to where to install it...the stock position or the "Vertrkr-inspired" position in the middle (below the handle). Looks like three ROC'ers (Vertrkr, djdj, and bpante) have installed the camera in the middle...but I haven't seen anyone post any navi screen shots from the camera in this position. What do the three of you think? Are you happy with the camera in the middle? Any downside? Any screen pics available?

We have the OEM off side mount, so I can't answer definitively about the middle mount, but I will say that it's such a wide angle lens it won't make much difference. Our off center view looks centered. You can see the views in the following thread:

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=563&highlight=back+camera

Look at post #16, 17 & 24 for back up views.

If the off center looks this good, how could the centered view look worse? Hopefully someone who has it centered will post photos for you too.

I also wanted to add in this thread that inspired by vertrkr, we inquired at the dealer about the cost of having the body shop paint our camera housing. We were given an estimate of $45 for a paint matched job. The weather's been too bad and I haven't decided if I want to spend that much money or not, so we haven't done it yet.

Thanks for the quick reply Truckin'...just another demonstration of how helpful the folks on this board are!!! I'd seen the views from your OEM-mounted cam, and was very impressed.

Mounting the cam (as Vertrkr has) lower, and on the flat part of the tailgate, as opposed to the slanted-out top section of the tailgate specified by the OEM, should restrict the view somewhat. Sure...I'd be able to see great when hitching the trailer...but I'm curious if you can see well enough for parallel parking maneuvers?

BTW, Vertrkr has inspired me, as you're considering, to get the camera housing painted. $45 for something I plan to keep for a LONG time sounds okay to me. Thanks again for the post...and for your others on the board, which I've found extremely helpful!

I've decided to add the Backup Camera to my newly-purchased Ridgeline, but am torn as to where to install it...the stock position or the "Vertrkr-inspired" position in the middle (below the handle). Looks like three ROC'ers (Vertrkr, djdj, and bpante) have installed the camera in the middle...but I haven't seen anyone post any navi screen shots from the camera in this position. What do the three of you think? Are you happy with the camera in the middle? Any downside? Any screen pics available?

I've been meaning to post a pic, just been lazy, I'll do so today if I can. The biggest diff between the two is my middle mount lowers the view angle because it's not mounted on the slant the top of the tailgate has. Not really an issue for me as I use the camera for close in support to check for kids, bikes, what ever. I'd say my mount give you a view of about 50 feet behind you. The regular off-center mount you can see above the horizon line.

I choose the center mount not for having a centered viewing angle but rather just for looks and protection of the camera as I'm always bending over the tailgate and I'm sure I'd hit the camera if it was mounted near the top.

Ok, here's the pic of the view with my camera center mounted below the tailgate handle. The quality is bad, had to force a no flash pic as the flash recflected too much off the screen but with no flash it had a long shutter t ime so it's a little blurry and washed out as I couldn't hold the camera steady enough.

Did anyone figure out in the Pilots camera covers fit the Ridgeline?

Thanks vertrkr!! Your new pic answers my question. I believe your central camera mounting position gives a great view out back, so I don't see any downside at all.

I second jmsolt's request....anyone yet determine if the Pilot's camera covers (pre-painted in factory colors) fit the Ridgeline's camera?

I just had mine installed at the dealer as part of the purchase and it was, of course, in the higher off-center position. IMO this has advantages and disadvantages.

1) Disadvantage: You can't see the bumper in the higher mount so there is no really good idea of close proximity to objects.

2) Advantage: Wider FOV and if one thinks about it, you need to see more on the passenger side anyway where you cannot see directly at all and the side mirror is more distorted (being convex).

IMHO, either position is will work once one gets used to it.

I did note that mine has a black housing and not body color, which seemed odd. Not a big deal as it matches the gate rail, which it is close to, but not what I expected.

Take Care

Bill McL

You can't see the bumper in the higher mount so there is no really good idea of close proximity to objects.


To correct myself - I just braved the cold and readjusted the camera to point just a hair down from where the dealer had it and now I can see the back of the bumper. Pretty much ideal now. Easy to adjust, just remove the cover by taking out the two torx screws on the bottom. Then slide the cover down to disengage the top clips and take it off. Finally adjust the pointing and reinstall the cover. Takes maybe 5 minutes.

Take Care

Bill...that information is helpful...thanks!! Looks like I should get some torx bits for my ratcheting driver. Thanks for the followup message too. I gulped when I read in your first post that you couldn't see the bumper. Yikes, that's something I definitely need to see. So, your followup let me breathe again. :)

For those who did the install themselves, how do you remove all of the pieces
that have tabs and clips? I'm thinking of doing the install myself but after reading the install instructions it's not clear to me how to remove these pieces.
Is it just a matter of pry and pop off or something more?

Vertrkr you mentioned the tailgate cap clips were a bit of a problem and that they should be twisted. Are the easily accessible to do this?

Thanks for any input on this.

Where is every one buying their back-up cams?..

I will do the install myself. I looked on HandA website but I didnt see one there.

Also, I like the license plate camera I saw on another threat (I lost the thread) but I was curious if that came with the wiring...

I know that HandA has them... don't remember where I found them there.

But I got mine from collegehillshonda.com... it was a few dollars cheaper there.

Ok.. I see it on both web sites.. I dont know how I missed it yesterday.. same price on both... thanx for the new Honda accessories web site..

I just completed the install of the backup camera. Thanks for all the tips. I also installed the BasicKoncepts electric tailgate lock at the same time. It got a little confusing looking at two sets of instructions and I used the same path for all wiring going to the cabin-area. I didn't even break any clips off the tailgate topper.

I did lose a plastic clip in that angled-side panel that has the cargo light when trying to pop it back in. I can order it with the passenger tail light I cracked with my cordless drill. :mad: Had it on the drill setting accidentally and the drill came around when tightening the bolt on the tailgate and hit the lens. Ugh! I hope they aren't too expensive.

Other than my little mishap, everything went well. It took me about 8 hours as well to do both items. It's not bad but just a little tedious. Would have been nice if it wasn't 90+ with no clouds and I don't have a garage.

--AJ

Where did you position the camera? I'm doing my install Tues. I'm definitely planning to do it centered. And leaning toward below the handle. Above the handle a close second.

Here's my picture collection...

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1118

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4771

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=563

Can't mount the camera in the center above the handle as you'd hit it everytime you open the tailgate down.


Hi Vertrkr,

I've got a question about an alternate mounting location for the camera. I'm looking for a wider view of the rear bumper. I was wondering if I installed the camera on top of the tailgate handle, would it give me the wider view I'm looking for? I want to come close to seeing most of my bumper for parking purposes. I notice you mentioned, mounting the camera on top of the handle would hit with the tailgate down. What would it hit exactly?
I thank you for your info & pics.
P.S. Excellent job on the install.

For what it's worth...I installed my camera as shown in the instructions. I think there is some logic to it. You get a wider field of view than if it is in a lower position. In addition, you see more of the passenger side of the vehicle which is probably good for some parking situations like parallel parking.

I have one of those hitch-steps and I can see that, the bumper and the dropped-step underneath the license plate. My guess is that if you mount it dead center beneath the handle you will see less and probably not see either corner of the truck. I really don't see the advantage except asthetics maybe. Personally, I like the factory location.

--AJ

I have my camera directly over the tailgate handle and I love having it there.

It does not get in the way like I would have thought when lowering the tailgate. The black trim at the top of the tailgate makes a terrific handle when dropping the tailgate.

The field of view is pretty good. Vertically it goes from the horizon down to where it just hits the bumper at the bottom. Horizontally it actually allows me to see vehicles as they pass until they are in my peripheral vision -- helping to alleviate the blind spot on the sides of the truck somewhat. (I have mine wired so it can be turned on at any time, not just in Reverse).

If I were to do it all again it would do it exactly like I did it the first time--centered directly over the tailgate handle.

I have mine wired so it can be turned on at any time, not just in Reverse.

How'd you do that?

How'd you do that?
Well I don't have the navigation system so I wired the camera into my video system and set it up so that it receives power whenever the truck is running. I just switch to video source 4 on one of my LCD sceens whenever I want to see the camera. The reverse signal is also wired into the video source selector so whenever I put the truck in reverse it automatically turns on the LCD screen with the camera selected.

[QUOTE=djdj]I have my camera directly over the tailgate handle and I love having it there.

So, My theory is correct. You can install the factory camera above the tailgate handle, which I believe will give me a greater view of the rear bumper for parking purposes.
Any pics available of the camera on the tailgate & it's view?

I'm not sure it matters where it is actually. The wide-angle lens has such a huge viewing distance I don't think location by a few inches will change much. I haven't measured but I can see quite a ways behind me and my bumper at the same time.

Just finished and went centered above the handle.

Just finished and went centered above the handle.


Hi Paulmooney,

Great job with the install & pics. Can you post a picture of the nav screen showing the line of sight from the rear camera? I want to see the differance between installing it on top of the tailgate handle & underneath it.
Thank you

Screen pics are hard to take. Here's my best effort quickly and I'll do another in daylight and in an open area so you can get a look to the horizon and out to the sides. On the real screen at the bottom you clearly see the hitch step and step on the bumper. I adjusted the camera downwards some on install to allow it.

Note because of forum restrictions this pic was resized to 640x480. I can email anyone that asks 1024x768 ones.

Any pics available of the camera on the tailgate & it's view?
I have a few in my original thread:
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4771

[QUOTE=paulmooney]Screen pics are hard to take. Here's my best effort quickly and I'll do another in daylight and in an open area so you can get a look to the horizon and out to the sides. On the real screen at the bottom you clearly see the hitch step and step on the bumper. I adjusted the camera downwards some on install to allow it.

Thank You

Hi, does anybody know where I can get just the wiring harness for the backup camera? The Honda camera is ugly as hell; I won't put that monstrosity on the back of my RTL w/Nav and Moonroof. I found a nice small camera that will flush mount, and look more like one of the backup sensors (just a little bigger). It has 2 RCA male plug ends on it; so I need the harness to connect from the camera at the rear bumper to the DVD unit under the drivers seat. I'd appreciate any help from my Ridgeline-owner brothers. My e-mail address is perrygoldstein@hotmail.com THANKS!

Hi, does anybody know where I can get just the wiring harness for the backup camera? The Honda camera is ugly as hell; I won't put that monstrosity on the back of my RTL w/Nav and Moonroof. I found a nice small camera that will flush mount, and look more like one of the backup sensors (just a little bigger). It has 2 RCA male plug ends on it; so I need the harness to connect from the camera at the rear bumper to the DVD unit under the drivers seat. I'd appreciate any help from my Ridgeline-owner brothers. My e-mail address is perrygoldstein@hotmail.com THANKS!
I don't believe it is being offered separately, so, the only option, I guess, would be to buy the full kit. Just don't buy the separate mounting kit since you won't need it.