My truck came with a backup camera on it. It's the one that has the screen in the rearview mirror. Is there a way to get the screen to stay on all the time, instead of only when in reverse? Or is there a system available that would allow the use of an LED screen while in Drive, and not just while in Reverse?

I'm considerin' gettin' an A.R.E. Z-series cap, and I think it might be a little difficult to see through two tinted windows at night. Figured if I could get a rearview camera display to stay on all the time, it would allow me to see what's behind me better.

 

The '08 camera is the same function as the 09+, the reverse circuit is what turns it on. This can be done with a SPDT switch installed inline with the reverse circuit to the mirror.

Example of how the SPDT switch gets installed :
This is the modified 2009 diagram, just install a SPDT switch inline with an external power input. The switch in the reverse position, operates as normal, and in the hot in run position, it would be on all the time.



This is the diagram for the 2008 Camera, so you have the correct wire colors and pin positions.

 

Thanks. I might have to print that out to give to someone else. I'm not in the least bit knowledgeable about electrical stuff. It's all way over my head. Does it seem like it would be a difficult job to do?

Is there a reason to not have the camera/screen on all the time?

 

It is pretty straightforward if you know where the wires are and where to tap them. A reputable installer in your area should know how to do that.

and i dont see a problem with having the camera on at night since your rearview is pretty much useless with the topper your wanting to add.

 

This thread contains links to several aftermarket cameras that would be better-suited to what you're trying to do: a better camera with night vision, a larger monitor, and dedicated wiring that won't require modifying the stock circuits.

BTW SSCULLY
In your first diagram, why do you have the common wire returning thru C305? I'm just curious - I'd have drawn it going in & out to the L of the dotted line. I would have also shown the hot feed tapped into C8P41 from the ADR so it's all on or off at the same time, and factory-fused, but that's just me.

 

That is to extend the circuit to the switch. Guess it could have been a half circle to show it is bypassing the C305 dotted line, but without a pin number assigned to the dotted line for C305, it would stand to reason it is not in the connector ( memory serves me correctly on the 2009, C305 is full ).
I did not want to wipe out the circuit info to the left of the connector dotted line, so what it started as shows up.

The accessory delay relay with an inline fuse would work, but this would have the camera able to be on after shutting off the truck before opening the door. Could prove useful to some ???
I just used the add-a-fuse in a hot in run position fuse, so it can only operate while running.

 

This is what I mean:



Now all the mods are at one physical location, and no more fuses are needed since it's only pulling a logic feed off its own fused circuit.