Review on Alpine Electronics HCE TCAM1 WRA 2007 Up Wrangler by Justin Ferguson

I installed this in my 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon which came with an Alpine 430N radio. The first thing to know is that it requires an adapter for the current Wrangler radio, which can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Electronics-ALP-HRN-CAMCH-HCE-TCAM1- WRA-2007 . -2017/dp/B06XYSMB7N/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1512501180&sr=8-2&keywords=alpine+jeep+wrangler+backup The installation of this product is complex and requires the following components in addition to the camera and adapter. : (1) some plastic trim removal tools (available from your local auto parts store, for example: https://www.amazon.com/Motivx-Tools-11pc-Trim-Removal/dp/B01FPPOQ6I/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie= UTF8&qid=1512501249&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=trim+delete+tool&psc=1); (2) some embedded cable connectors like: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ALAE89M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3HMB6GLG0WJ17&psc=1); (3) a pack of cable ties like this: https://www.amazon.com/TR-Industrial-TR88302-Multi-Purpose-Cable/dp/B01018DC96/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1512501411&sr=1 -4&keywords = zipper+ties+black); (4) 7mm, 10mm and 19mm sockets and wrenches; and (5) a set of Torx sockets for removing the passenger side cargo anchors from the cargo area. Installation took about 2.5 hours, and I consider myself pretty handy with cars and wiring, so take the time to get it right. To do this, you need to remove the interior plastic trim in the jeep's passenger compartment from the rear corner to the passenger's footwell. It was difficult and required patience to remove the trim panels without cracking or breaking any parts. This is where a good set of trim removal tools comes in handy, and you'll want to use the nylon versions so you don't scratch your Jeep. It also requires removing the center of the dashboard, which is integral with the driver's side. I had no idea how to do this, but luckily there are some great videos on YouTube (this one is great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtzrNJVTPl4). The dashboard must be removed to access the rear of the Alpine radio to plug in the adapter. After the adapter cable has been routed to the passenger footwell, you need to connect the cable that goes to the reversing camera to the two cables in the footwell wiring harness. Alpine doesn't provide connectors for this - built-in cable connectors are handy, allowing you to connect the camera to existing cables WITHOUT cutting the existing wiring harness. There is also a ground connection which requires you to strip the wire and wrap it under a 10mm screw in the passenger footwell (I used a "crimp" ring connector for the ground). Once connected, you'll need to wrap electrical tape around the connectors several times to protect them from damage, and then use plenty of zip ties to tie the new wire to the existing wiring harness on the jeep's rear door. and then aim at the backup camera on the spare wheel. There is an extra wire that I twisted into a bundle and hid in the back door. Alpine supplies several mounts of different lengths depending on your wheels. For factory bikes, use a "short” mount. Once the installation is complete and all panels are back on (again, be patient and careful), the unit's "third brake light" will act as a backup. a light that illuminates the rear seen by the camera, but the camera doesn't work - to do this you need to take your jeep to your local dealer who needs to 'flash' the radio to activate the rear view camera which is disabled from the factory the Wrangler as there is no factory backup camera. This is easy and takes less than an hour, but can only be done at the dealership. Once the dealer job is done you will have an amazing rear view camera with your own reverse light and brake light functions. A few tips: Since the camera has its own "third brake light", you can remove the factory brake light, which sits above the spare wheel, when it is removed to get a better view of the rear through the rear window. Also, you really need two people to install the replacement - once you've installed the camera mount, you can't just slide the replacement over the lug nuts and hope for the best. You need to place it carefully so you don't damage the hose bracket which goes through the center hole of your spare wheel's wheel and is made of steel but not strong enough to hold the spare wheel alone. All in all this is a great product. and I'm very glad to have it as the Wrangler's rear view isn't great, but be prepared to have to disassemble your jeep a bit to access the radio and wiring harness. While not very difficult, it does require the right tools and some patience.