How to install a backup camera

Backup camera installation is straightforward, and you can do it yourself if you're even just a little handy. All vehicles are a little different, but the process for installing a backup camera is pretty similar no matter what you drive. You need to:

• run the video cable from the camera to the video screen up front
• supply the camera with power
• make a good ground connection 

Once you see that you can do this, read our backup cameras buying guide and check out our selection of backup cameras to find the best one for your vehicle.

How to hook up your backup camera

Let's start with an overview of the installation process. Cris shows you how the "convenience wire" that runs parallel to the RCA signal cable can be used to power your camera from the radio's harness. Since you're connecting your signal cable to the rear of the radio anyway, this is often a, dare we say, "convenient" way to grab power.

How to wire a backup camera in a truck

Hooking up a backup camera in a truck can be a challenge due to the length of the wire run on the outside of the body. Cris shows you how to run your backup camera wires safely.

How to run the wires in an SUV, crossover, or hatchback

The hinged rear hatch provides a small challenge here, but Cris knows how to navigate that and shows you the best way from back to front. He uses a full-size SUV for this demonstration, but the same principles apply for any vehicle with a rear hatch.

How to wire a backup camera in a sedan

With a trunk instead of a truck bed or a rear hatch, installing a backup camera in a sedan is perhaps the most intuitive, but Cris has some good tips to make it go smoothly.

We're here to help

Ready to get started? Don't forget to take a look at our backup cameras buying guide or head straight over to our full selection of backup cameras.

Everything you buy from Crutchfield comes with free lifetime tech support from people like Cris. They're highly trained and love to help our customers achieve DIY success.