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Andy Waddell · 05-06-2015, 02:56 PM

Hi everyone! We just bought a used 2004 Coachmen 258DB Freedom Class C. Very nice, 25k miles, well taken care of. Our first RV. Anyway, to my question...

I have a wireless backup camera I'm installing and I'm looking for a switched-ignition battery feed in the rear of the coach somewhere. Reason is that I want the camera powered up whenever the engine's running, not just when the vehicle is in reverse. I like the idea of being able to look at the backup camera for confirmation that it's safe to switch lanes. So I need the camera to be on whenever the vehicle is running. Any ideas of a circuit in the rear of the vehicle that could be tapped into that only provides 12v when the ignition switch is ON? I see there's a circuit in the 7-way trailer connector called "Fused Battery Lead/Aux Power" but I'm guessing that's hot all the time if it's a battery lead. But maybe not...anyone know if that's switched or hot at all times? Or another switched B+ circuit? Thanks!! BTW, Chevy C3500 chassis, 6.0L V8.

EDIT: Just went out and checked the Aux Power lead. No luck, not powered either vehicle off OR running. Must be it's not connected up front wherever it's supposed to be connected.

Andy

BFlinn181 · 05-06-2015, 04:51 PM

In the back I don't know of any chassis wires except tail lights. It might be simpler to run a single wire under the chassis to the rear for the power.

emcee · 05-06-2015, 05:13 PM

I used the tail light circuit. Turned the parking lights on whenever I wanted to power up the camera.

nothermark · 05-06-2015, 05:32 PM

Your other option is to go here:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...bodybuild.html

Find your chassis and check the wiring for the 7 pin trailer connector. The wire bundle is probably laced up over the rear axle or gas tank. There is a switched 12 VDC for the supply to the towed vehicle battery charging in the spec. I know it is in the newer chassis but I do not know about your year. I'd tap the running lights, YMMV so your answer may be there. ;-)

twinboat · 05-06-2015, 06:26 PM

It's a Chevy

Andy Waddell · 05-07-2015, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emcee

I used the tail light circuit. Turned the parking lights on whenever I wanted to power up the camera.

Good idea, this is what I went with. Easy to access, and if you forget and leave the light switch on the vehicle tells you when you exit by dinging at you, so there's no chance of leaving it on by mistake. Thanks!!

Andy