A study by the National Safety Council estimates that around 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash in 2021. This is an almost 18% increase from 2020 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years. If you own a fleet of semi-trucks, it is essential to ensure the safety of your drivers and cargo.

An excellent way to achieve this is by installing cameras in your fleet of trucks.

Easy Installation Tips for Semi-Truck Camera Systems

Once you have purchased a camera that is in line with your needs and is compatible with your current technology, the next step is to install it. 

Camera system installation procedures vary depending on the way you choose to mount them. These include:

• Flush mounted: This is a flat design with the mount built into the camera. 
• License plate frame: In this option, the blind spot detection system camera can be mounted directly on the license plate bolts. Cameras are also installed on the top of the license plate bar.
• Bracket mounted: In this, the camera is mounted on the vehicle’s rear on a bracket, which is drilled into the vehicle. 

These tips will make it easy for you to get your semi-truck camera system in place and ready to use. 

 Step 1: Gather the tools

 The first step is to get all your tools in place to install the semi-truck camera system. You will need:

• Philips and flathead screwdrivers
• Cordless drill
• Trim and panel removal tools
• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape
• Wire connectors
• Automotive multimeter

Step 2: Prepare the area of installation

The next step is to assess and prep the best spot for installing the camera. The location that you choose should be one that doesn’t interfere with the driver’s line of view.  

Also, ensure that you remove all the hardware including screws from the area so that the cables can be routed properly. 

Turn off your vehicle and disconnect the battery terminals. Any power in the vehicle may lead to an electrical short circuit leading to serious vehicular damage or injury.  

Step 3: Mounting the camera

To mount the camera in the desired location, position it on the vehicle. Now, using a marker, mark the area where the cord of the camera will touch the vehicle. 

Depending on the make of the vehicle and the type of camera that you are installing, remove the interior panels from the tailgate, hatch, or door. Drill a hole to accommodate the camera’s wiring. 

Once the wire is inserted, add a rubber grommet. This will help hide the metal edges and protect the wire from the elements. 

Run the wiring through the drill and install the camera as per the instruction manual from the manufacturer. 

Step 4: Finishing the wiring process

Now that the semi-truck camera system is installed, you will need to power it. While some cars come with special power terminals for cameras, all the cars have fuse boxes, which can be used to connect the camera. 

You can use a multimeter to know which terminal of the fuse receives power when the truck is turned ‘on’. Once you know this, just use a fuse tap and insert it in one of these pins. Make sure to tuck in the wires neatly to avoid making the truck look messy and reattach the trim pieces that you removed during the process. 

Step 5: Preparing the reverse signal wire

For your semi truck camera system to work and to show you the video feed, it should know when your truck is in reverse. While some camera systems have automatic signal testing, some don’t. In case your camera doesn’t have this sensor, you need to prep your wiring for it. 

Identify a source of signal, which is a wire with a positive 12-volt power when your truck is in reverse. Tap into this wire with a splice. Now, pair the signal wire with the video wire and do the routing.

Step 6: Check the camera connection

Now that you have installed the camera along with the wiring, it is time to wrap up the process and check the camera for its video quality and functioning. 

Reconnect all the battery terminals safely and start your truck. Put it in reverse to see if the camera’s monitor is functioning. If it works, turn off your truck’s ignition. 

If it doesn’t, relook at the wiring and other steps to check for any errors. Tidy up the truck by removing excess tape, Velcro, and other such material. Your truck is now safe to drive!

Educate your drivers about the newly installed system and how to use it. 

Summing Up

Semi-truck camera systems go a long way in making your fleet and drivers safe and efficient and ensuring they are protected at all times. The best way to gain these benefits is to get professional guidance while installing your camera system. At Rear View Safety, we not only offer the latest fleet cameras with cutting-edge technology but also help you install them. Get in touch with us to know more about how to install your semi truck camera system, give us a call today.