Buyers Products Camera Interface Cables for RAM??, Ford?? and GM?? Trucks allow you to connect your backup camera system to your vehicle's OEM radio/display, offering seamless integration with your truck. The cables utilize the truck's factory wiring for ease of installation. Many variations offered based on truck make and model. NOTE: If your truck model features a digital camera, you will need an 8883350 or 8883355 Relocation Kit in lieu of these Camera Interface Cables.
Specifications
| Cable Length | 41.00" |
|---|
Technical Overview: Camera Interface Cable for GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis (2016-2019)
This document provides a comprehensive technical overview of the Camera Interface Cable specifically designed for GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis models manufactured between 2016 and 2019. This product facilitates the seamless integration of aftermarket or auxiliary camera systems with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) infotainment and display units present in these vehicles. It addresses a critical need for fleets and individual operators who require enhanced visibility and safety features beyond the standard offerings, particularly in applications involving specialized upfits, towing, or complex maneuvering scenarios.
Product Rationale and Application Context
Modern commercial vehicles, including the GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis, are increasingly equipped with advanced safety and driver-assist technologies. Central to these is the backup camera system, which significantly mitigates risks associated with reversing maneuvers. However, the integration of non-OEM camera solutions often presents technical challenges, primarily related to electrical compatibility, signal transmission protocols, and physical connectivity with the vehicle's existing infrastructure. This interface cable is engineered to overcome these hurdles, providing a plug-and-play solution that preserves the integrity of the vehicle's electrical system while expanding its functional capabilities.
The GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis platform is widely utilized in diverse applications, including utility service vehicles, tow trucks, flatbeds, dump trucks, and various vocational upfits. In many of these configurations, the OEM backup camera may be obstructed, removed, or insufficient for the specific operational demands. For instance, a long flatbed might require a camera at the very rear of the bed, or a service body might necessitate multiple cameras for side and rear visibility. This interface cable enables the integration of such supplemental camera systems directly into the factory display, leveraging the intuitive user interface already familiar to the operator.
Technical Specifications and Design Philosophy
The Camera Interface Cable for GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis (2016-2019) is precisely engineered to meet the stringent requirements of automotive electronics. With a cable length of 41.00 inches, it offers sufficient reach for typical installation scenarios without introducing excessive slack that could interfere with other vehicle components or create electromagnetic interference (EMI). The choice of materials for the cable sheath, insulation, and connectors prioritizes durability, resistance to environmental factors (temperature fluctuations, moisture, vibration), and optimal signal integrity.
Connector Type and Pin Configuration
A critical aspect of this interface cable's design is its use of OEM-compatible connectors. These connectors are specifically molded and keyed to mate perfectly with the existing ports on the GM vehicle's infotainment unit and wiring harness. This ensures a secure, reliable connection, preventing accidental disconnections due to vehicle vibration and maintaining electrical continuity. The pin configuration within these connectors is precisely mapped to align with the GM vehicle's camera input specifications, transmitting video signals (typically composite video, CVBS) and, where applicable, auxiliary power or control signals.
For the 2016-2019 GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis models, the infotainment system generally utilizes a multi-pin connector for camera inputs, often integrated within a larger harness bundle. This interface cable typically features a male connector designed to plug into the female camera input port on the OEM head unit and a corresponding female connector to accept the aftermarket camera's video output. The internal wiring adheres to automotive standards, using twisted pairs for video signals to minimize noise and signal degradation, especially over the specified cable length.
Signal Compatibility
The cable is designed for seamless integration with analog composite video (CVBS) signals, which are standard for many aftermarket backup camera systems. It ensures that the video signal from the aftermarket camera is transmitted cleanly and without attenuation to the OEM display. The impedance of the cable and connectors is carefully matched to 75 ohms, a standard for video transmission, to prevent reflections and maintain signal quality. This ensures that the image displayed on the OEM screen is clear, sharp, and free from artifacts.
Power delivery via the cable, if applicable, is designed to be low-voltage DC, typically 6V or 12V, sourced from the OEM unit or a dedicated camera power supply. The cable's conductors are appropriately gauged to handle the required current draw of typical aftermarket cameras, preventing voltage drop and ensuring consistent camera operation.
Integration with OEM Systems
The primary advantage of this interface cable is its ability to bypass the need for extensive wiring modifications or third-party modules that could void vehicle warranties or introduce electrical complexities. By utilizing the truck's factory wiring, the installation process is significantly simplified, reducing labor time and the potential for errors.
Automatic Display Activation
When an aftermarket camera is connected via this interface cable, the OEM radio/display unit is designed to automatically detect the video input and switch to the camera view when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This functionality is native to the GM infotainment system and is preserved through the use of this purpose-built interface cable. The cable effectively translates the aftermarket camera's signal into a format recognized by the OEM system, triggering the display activation logic.
Preservation of OEM Functionality
Importantly, the installation of this interface cable does not interfere with other OEM functionalities. Features such as navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, radio operation, and climate controls remain fully operational. The camera input is treated as a dedicated input channel by the OEM system, ensuring harmonious coexistence with all other infotainment features.
Installation Procedure and Best Practices
While the cable is designed for ease of installation, certain best practices should be followed to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Access to OEM Head Unit
Installation typically requires access to the rear of the OEM radio/display unit within the dashboard. This often involves carefully removing trim panels and fasteners to expose the head unit. Technicians should consult the vehicle's service manual for specific instructions on dashboard disassembly for the 2016-2019 GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis models.
Connection Points
The interface cable will connect to a designated camera input port on the OEM head unit. The other end of the interface cable will typically provide a standard RCA-type female connector (or similar automotive video connector) for the aftermarket camera's male video output cable. Ensure all connections are secure and fully seated to prevent intermittent signal issues.
Cable Routing and Management
Proper cable routing is crucial. The 41.00-inch length provides flexibility, but the cable should be routed away from moving parts, sharp edges, and high-heat sources within the dashboard and firewall. Use zip ties or automotive-grade cable clips to secure the cable, preventing rattling, chafing, or damage from vibration. Ensure the cable does not interfere with the proper reinstallation of dashboard components.
Testing
After installation, thoroughly test the camera system. With the vehicle safely in park, cycle through the gears to engage reverse and verify that the camera image appears on the OEM display. Check for image clarity, proper orientation, and responsiveness. If multiple cameras are being integrated (via a separate video switcher, if applicable), test each camera individually.
Digital Camera Note and Relocation Kits
The "NOTE" regarding digital cameras is a critical distinction. Some advanced OEM camera systems, particularly in newer or higher trim levels, utilize digital video signals (e.g., LVDS - Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) rather than analog composite video. Digital camera systems offer higher resolution and more robust signal transmission over longer distances but are not directly compatible with analog interface cables.
If a 2016-2019 GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis model is equipped with an OEM digital camera system, simply replacing the OEM camera with an aftermarket analog camera and using this interface cable will not work. In such cases, the OEM digital camera system often feeds into a separate module (e.g., a camera interface module or body control module) that then converts the digital signal for the display. If the intent is to relocate the existing OEM digital camera (e.g., from the tailgate to the rear of an upfit body), a specific digital camera relocation kit (such as the 8883350 or 8883355) is required. These relocation kits are designed to extend the digital signal lines and maintain the integrity of the digital communication protocol, rather than converting signal types.
This Camera Interface Cable is specifically for integrating analog aftermarket cameras into OEM displays that accept analog video inputs, or into systems where the OEM analog camera input is available for repurposing. It is imperative for installers to verify the type of camera system (analog or digital) present in the specific GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis vehicle prior to selecting the appropriate integration solution.
Quality Assurance and Compliance
Buyers Products is committed to manufacturing products that meet high standards of quality and reliability. This Camera Interface Cable undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compliance with relevant automotive industry standards for electrical performance, environmental resistance, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Each cable is inspected for proper connector mating, wiring integrity, and overall build quality to guarantee reliable operation in demanding vehicle environments. The materials used are selected for their durability and resistance to common automotive contaminants like oils, greases, and cleaning agents.
Conclusion
The Camera Interface Cable for GM 2500/3500 Cab Chassis (2016-2019) represents a sophisticated yet user-friendly solution for expanding the visual safety capabilities of these robust commercial vehicles. By enabling the seamless integration of aftermarket analog camera systems with existing OEM infotainment displays, it significantly enhances driver awareness during reversing and maneuvering, particularly for vehicles with specialized bodies or towing configurations. Its technical design prioritizes compatibility, ease of installation, and long-term reliability, making it an indispensable component for vocational fleets and individual owners seeking to optimize safety and operational efficiency without compromising the integrity of their vehicle's electrical architecture. Careful consideration of the vehicle's existing camera system type (analog vs. digital) is paramount to selecting the correct integration solution, with this specific cable serving as the optimal choice for analog camera applications.
