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Review on πŸ“· Hopkins Smart Hitch 50002 Backup Camera and Sensor System by Mike Hernandez

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Beware of splice connectors

Spent 3 hours removing the tailgate trim on my 2009 Tahoe and routing wires. Since the license plate is on the back door, I connected the camera to the reversing light. I set everything up, tested the camera. Nothing. I guessed the bundled splice connectors and reconnected them a couple of times. Nothing yet. At this point I was very annoyed at the prospect of another 3 hours for disassembly and return, but instead ordered a multimeter (should have had at the start of the project!). Tests showed that the butt connections to the reverse light were poor. I redid the connections with compression fittings and now everything works as advertised. Lesson learned - don't use the connectors provided - use a compression fitting or swivel connector. I specifically chose this kit because the LCD draws power from the reverse light and is therefore not always on. In a Chevy truck, finding a separate power supply for the LCD would be a problem as most circuits are 12V (e.g. cigarette lighter). ) become hot when the ignition is switched off and thus harbor the risk of battery discharge.

Pros
  • Absolute Legend
Cons
  • Disappear