Buyers Products Relocation Kits for OEM LVDS Cameras are designed to accept and relocate most LVDS tailgate camera found in Ford??, Chevrolet??, GMC?? and RAM?? pickup trucks (8883350). 2022/23 GM?? 1500 model requires the 8883355 kit due to the newly sized camera. The kit includes everything needed to relocate the OEM LVDS camera from a tailgate to a utility body, retaining all OEM screen views, options, and image quality. The LVDS cable is designed to be universal, allowing for use with any LVDS tailgate cameras.
Specifications
| Cable Length | 15 |
|---|
The modern automotive landscape is characterized by an increasing reliance on sophisticated electronic systems, particularly for driver assistance and safety. Rearview camera systems, once a luxury, are now standard equipment on most new vehicles, mandated by regulatory bodies to enhance safety and prevent accidents. For commercial enterprises and individuals who upfit their pickup trucks with utility bodies, service bodies, or other specialized configurations, the relocation of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tailgate camera presents a significant technical challenge. Standard analog camera solutions are often incompatible, leading to loss of critical OEM functionality, degraded image quality, or outright system failure. It is within this critical context that Buyers Products Relocation Kits for OEM LVDS Cameras emerge as an indispensable solution, meticulously engineered to facilitate the seamless transfer of original camera systems while preserving the full spectrum of their capabilities.
These kits are specifically designed to address the complexities inherent in relocating advanced Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) cameras found in popular full-size pickup trucks from leading manufacturers such as Ford®, Chevrolet®, GMC®, and RAM®. The core problem arises when the factory-installed tailgate is removed to accommodate a utility body. The OEM camera, typically integrated into the tailgate handle or bezel, becomes dislocated, rendering the crucial rearview functionality inoperable. Generic aftermarket cameras often fail to interface correctly with the vehicle's sophisticated infotainment and control systems, resulting in error messages, compatibility issues, or a substantial reduction in image fidelity and feature set. The Buyers Products Relocation Kits resolve this by providing a robust, plug-and-play architecture that interfaces directly with the vehicle’s existing wiring harnesses and display systems, ensuring that the transition from tailgate to utility body is functionally transparent to the vehicle's electronics.
A pivotal aspect of modern automotive camera systems is the adoption of Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) technology for video transmission. Unlike older analog composite video (CVBS) signals, LVDS is a high-speed, point-to-point serial communication standard renowned for its superior performance in environments prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noise. In an automotive context, where electrical interference from various components (engine, alternator, ignition systems, HVAC, etc.) is pervasive, LVDS offers significant advantages. It transmits data using a pair of differential wires, where the signal is encoded as the voltage difference between the two wires. This differential signaling inherently rejects common-mode noise, meaning any noise picked up equally by both wires is effectively canceled out at the receiver. This characteristic is crucial for maintaining signal integrity over longer cable runs and in electrically noisy environments, ensuring that the high-resolution video feed from the camera reaches the infotainment screen without degradation, flicker, or artifacting. Furthermore, LVDS supports significantly higher bandwidth than analog signals, enabling the transmission of high-definition video data, which is now standard for many OEM cameras, especially those supporting multiple views, dynamic guidelines, or 360-degree surround-view systems. The engineering behind these relocation kits critically acknowledges and leverages the strengths of LVDS to deliver an uncompromising visual experience identical to the factory original.
Each Relocation Kit is a comprehensive package, containing all necessary components to execute the camera transfer with precision and reliability. The centerpiece of the kit is the specially designed LVDS cable, engineered for universality across various OEM LVDS tailgate cameras. This universality is a key differentiator, as it simplifies inventory management and application for installers, reducing the need for numerous vehicle-specific cable variants. The cable itself is constructed from high-grade, shielded materials to maximize signal integrity and minimize susceptibility to EMI. Its specified length, typically around 15 feet as indicated by the product specifications, is carefully chosen to accommodate the vast majority of utility body configurations, allowing for optimal routing and connection without excessive slack or undue tension. The connectors integrated into the cable assembly are robust, automotive-grade components, designed to withstand the harsh conditions encountered in commercial vehicle applications, including vibrations, temperature extremes, and moisture ingress. These connectors ensure a secure and stable electrical connection, preventing intermittent signal loss or degradation over time.
Beyond the universal LVDS cable, the kits include specific vehicle interface harnesses and mounting solutions tailored to facilitate a clean and secure installation onto a utility body. While the core LVDS cable remains consistent, the input and output connectors that mate with the vehicle’s existing wiring and the camera itself are designed to match OEM specifications precisely. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the kit is truly "plug-and-play," eliminating the need for cutting, splicing, or modification of factory wiring, which could otherwise compromise vehicle warranty or introduce points of failure. The mounting hardware, though not detailed in the brief description, is implicitly part of "everything needed" and is engineered to provide a stable platform for the relocated camera, typically positioned at the rear of the utility body in a location that replicates the original viewing angle and field of vision as closely as possible. This careful consideration of camera placement is vital for retaining critical OEM screen views, such as trailer hitch alignment aids, wide-angle views, or even specific cargo camera functionalities, which rely on precise optical geometry.
A paramount feature of these Relocation Kits is their ability to retain all OEM screen views, options, and original image quality. This means that users will not experience any compromise in the functionality or visual fidelity they are accustomed to from their factory system. Dynamic parking guidelines, which adjust with steering wheel input, zoom functions, and any multi-camera views (if the OEM system supports them via the tailgate camera input) are fully preserved. The advanced processing capabilities of the vehicle's infotainment system, which interprets the LVDS signal, remain unhindered, delivering crisp, clear, and real-time video feedback. This level of integration is achieved through the careful engineering of the LVDS cable and associated adapters, which maintain the precise electrical characteristics required by the OEM camera and vehicle interface, including impedance matching, voltage levels, and signal timing. Any deviation in these parameters could lead to degraded image quality, latency, or even non-recognition of the camera by the vehicle's head unit. Buyers Products has invested in rigorous testing to ensure these kits meet or exceed OEM performance specifications.
Compatibility is a critical consideration for any automotive accessory, and these kits are designed for broad application across the most prevalent commercial truck platforms. Specifically, the 8883350 kit caters to a wide range of Ford®, Chevrolet®, GMC®, and RAM® pickup trucks. However, the automotive industry is in a constant state of evolution, and camera technologies, like other vehicle components, undergo revisions. A notable example is the 2022/23 GM® 1500 model, which introduced a newly sized camera. To address this specific design change, Buyers Products offers the specialized 8883355 kit. This proactive approach ensures that even as OEM specifications evolve, commercial vehicle operators and upfitters have a reliable solution that maintains full compatibility and functionality. This dedication to specific model year variations underscores the technical depth and commitment to current market needs that defines these relocation kits.
Installation of sophisticated electronic components like LVDS camera relocation kits typically requires a professional approach, although the "plug-and-play" design significantly streamlines the process. The process generally involves carefully removing the OEM camera from the tailgate, routing the extended LVDS cable from the new camera location on the utility body to the vehicle's original camera harness connection point, and securely mounting the camera in its new position. Proper cable routing is paramount to ensure longevity and prevent signal interference. This involves protecting the cable from sharp edges, heat sources, and moving parts, utilizing conduit or loom where necessary, and securing it with appropriate fasteners. The robust construction of the LVDS cable within the kit, including its protective outer jacket, is designed to withstand the mechanical stresses and environmental exposures of undercarriage or utility body routing. Adherence to best practices for automotive wiring ensures that the system operates reliably for the lifespan of the vehicle and its upfit.
A deep dive into the technical intricacies reveals why these kits are superior to generic solutions. Signal integrity is paramount for LVDS. The specific cable used is not merely a copper wire; it's a precisely engineered transmission line. The differential pairs are twisted at a specific rate to minimize crosstalk and external noise pickup. The characteristic impedance of the cable (typically 100 ohms for LVDS) is carefully controlled throughout its length and at its connectors to prevent signal reflections that can degrade image quality. Each connection point, from the camera to the vehicle’s head unit, must maintain this impedance matching. The high-quality connectors in the kit are designed to ensure this critical parameter is met, even after repeated connections and disconnections in the field. Furthermore, effective shielding, often involving foil and braid layers, protects the delicate LVDS signals from both ingress of external electromagnetic noise and egress of the LVDS signals themselves, preventing interference with other vehicle electronics (EMI/EMC compliance).
Power delivery to the camera is also handled with precision. OEM cameras often receive power directly through the same multi-conductor harness that carries the LVDS data, sometimes utilizing specific voltage levels and current limits. The relocation kit's adapters are designed to correctly carry these power lines and maintain stable voltage, ensuring the camera operates within its specified electrical parameters. This prevents issues such as intermittent camera operation, image dropout, or premature camera failure due to improper power supply. The integration also considers aspects like camera activation signals; typically, the vehicle’s reverse gear engagement triggers the rearview camera. The kit ensures that these control signals are correctly propagated, maintaining the seamless OEM activation sequence without modification to the vehicle's primary electrical system.
Beyond raw functionality, the benefits of utilizing a purpose-built OEM LVDS Camera Relocation Kit extend to several critical areas for commercial operations. Firstly, safety is significantly enhanced. A clear, high-resolution rear view is essential for maneuvering large vehicles, especially those with limited rear visibility due to a utility body. It helps drivers detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles, reducing the risk of costly accidents, property damage, and personal injury. This directly translates to lower insurance claims and improved operational safety records. Secondly, compliance with regulatory standards, such as those set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for rearview visibility, is maintained. Commercial vehicles often face stringent inspection requirements, and retaining OEM camera functionality ensures that vehicles remain compliant and road-legal after upfitting.
Furthermore, productivity and efficiency are improved. Drivers can maneuver their vehicles more confidently and quickly in tight spaces or congested job sites, reducing downtime associated with difficult backing maneuvers or potential collisions. This contributes to faster job completion and more efficient fleet management. From an investment protection standpoint, using a dedicated relocation kit helps preserve the integrity and value of the vehicle. Modifying factory wiring or installing incompatible aftermarket systems can lead to electrical problems, voided warranties, and reduced resale value. The Buyers Products solution, by providing a seamless, OEM-grade integration, safeguards the vehicle's sophisticated electronic architecture and helps maintain its original functionality and value proposition. It represents a professional, reliable, and technically sound investment for any owner or fleet manager considering a utility body upfit. The engineering excellence embedded in these kits ensures that the advanced capabilities of modern OEM camera systems are not lost but rather thoughtfully and effectively extended to new applications, providing peace of mind and operational superiority.
