Backup camera connection to Ram

[Harlan27]

I have a 2021 International 27 and a 2021 Ram Laramie 1500. The truck display has the ability to connect to other “aux” cameras, but I’m unable to get the signal from the Airstream camera. Airstream tells me the camera gets power from the 7-pin cable, but does not send the camera signal back to the tow vehicle on the cable; the camera sends a Bluetooth signal to the separate monitor that came with the trailer.
Has anyone figured out a way to see the trailer rear camera view on he truck screen?
Thanks!

[SeaLevel]

Originally Posted by Harlan27

I have a 2021 International 27 and a 2021 Ram Laramie 1500. The truck display has the ability to connect to other “aux” cameras, but I’m unable to get the signal from the Airstream camera. Airstream tells me the camera gets power from the 7-pin cable, but does not send the camera signal back to the tow vehicle on the cable; the camera sends a Bluetooth signal to the separate monitor that came with the trailer.
Has anyone figured out a way to see the trailer rear camera view on he truck screen?
Thanks!

I thought the Airstream provided camera utilized WiFi, not Bluetooth. Have you looked at the manual for your truck to see what the "aux" camera functionality supports? Does it require a hardwired connection, like the GMC/Chevy trucks with the invisible trailer option?

[LNBright]

In the Ram, it isn't a wireless camera setup: it's looking for a camera to be plugged in on the back bumper.

[77 R GO C MH]

Also, be sure your headlights are turned on, not just auto, to get picture on the camera screen.

[rhpeahl]

I considered this on my Ram, but ultimately used the monitor that came with the camera. happy I did, as we can use the RAM screen for navigation while using the trailer camera for rear view while driving.

I bought a Proclip mounting base and mountings for the monitor that fits perfectly on the dash above the navigation screen.

[Harlan27]

Yes, I have tried with the lights in the “on” position. I do believe you’re correct about the truck looking for a hardwired connection from the 7-pin cable. I’m wondering if there’s some way / some device that would take the signal from the camera and incorporate that into the 7-pin cable.
Not sure if that technology exists.

[LNBright]

I don't think it's the 7-pin, that's for the lights, brakes, etc. Camera port will be in addition to that. At least on the GMs it is a separate port, I don't see how it can be other than a separate port. The 7-way has no way to bring in a camera signal.

Not being overly familiar w/ the Ram world, I'd suggest really comparing your truck's specifics (window sticker, packages that you have) against all the other options, to see if your truck does indeed have a towing camera package or not.

[jeffmc306]

You’ll find a lot of information about the RAM Aux camera on the truck forums. If properly equipped, you’ll find a 12 pin connector above the 7 pin in the bumper. Below is a photo of the 12 pin / 7 pin connector used for the RAM aux camera in the bumper.

The RAM aux camera kit isn’t cheap and comes with a wired harness that you’ll need to install. That one is for the HD truck but I imagine the 1500’s are similar. Talk to your local RAM dealer’s parts department for the details.

The Voyager camera included with your International will only work with the wireless monitor that came with it (not the RAM 12 pin). You might want to try the Voyager setup and see what you think.

I did what another poster suggested and got the optional Voyager 6” universal mount just above the radio. Works great!

[Harlan27]

Thanks Jeff!
That’s a pretty definitive explanation; very helpful. Too bad it’s not plug and play as Ram might have you believe.

[pianolaw]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

You’ll find a lot of information about the RAM Aux camera on the truck forums. If properly equipped, you’ll find a 12 pin connector above the 7 pin in the bumper. Below is a photo of the 12 pin / 7 pin connector used for the RAM aux camera in the bumper.

The RAM aux camera kit isn’t cheap and comes with a wired harness that you’ll need to install. That one is for the HD truck but I imagine the 1500’s are similar. Talk to your local RAM dealer’s parts department for the details.

The Voyager camera included with your International will only work with the wireless monitor that came with it (not the RAM 12 pin). You might want to try the Voyager setup and see what you think.

I did what another poster suggested and got the optional Voyager 6” universal mount just above the radio. Works great!

Hey Jeff thanks for sharing your setup. Can you provide some links for the products you mention particularly the voyager 6" universal mount? Thanks

[jeffmc306]

pianolaw, sure thing - happy to do so.

Voyager makes two universal mounts, 4" and 6". eTrailer sells both, here's the 6" one that I used.. The mounting base was about 1/4" too wide to fit in my RAM truck's top recess. I made my own from 1/8" thick 2" wide stock to use the two factory mounting screws rather than install Rivnuts. I repurposed an old mousepad to cover the plate.

Here's the RAM factory auxiliary camera kit (requires Auxiliary Camera Prep Package XFQ). That one is for a 2500-3500. 1500's are similar.

The nice thing about the Voyager is it's on all the time. I'm pretty sure the Factory Aux unit only works when in reverse or for a few seconds when going down the road. If your truck did not come with the XFQ prep package, you'll need to purchase and install that harness and get the computer updated.

Let me know if you're looking for anything else!
Jeff

[pianolaw]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

pianolaw, sure thing - happy to do so.

Voyager makes two universal mounts, 4" and 6". eTrailer sells both, here's the 6" one that I used.. The mounting base was about 1/4" too wide to fit in my RAM truck's top recess. I made my own from 1/8" thick 2" wide stock to use the two factory mounting screws rather than install Rivnuts. I repurposed an old mousepad to cover the plate.

Here's the RAM factory auxiliary camera kit (requires Auxiliary Camera Prep Package XFQ). That one is for a 2500-3500. 1500's are similar.

The nice thing about the Voyager is it's on all the time. I'm pretty sure the Factory Aux unit only works when in reverse or for a few seconds when going down the road. If your truck did not come with the XFQ prep package, you'll need to purchase and install that harness and get the computer updated.

Let me know if you're looking for anything else!
Jeff

Thanks Jeff. I have a 2017 2500. Not sure my dash area is same as yours as there is just a narrow indentation on the top. But I'll check it out some more. I agree it's nice that the Voyager is always on as I use it as a rearview mirror - can't imagine towing without it as it really helps seeing what's behind me.

Chris