8-21-09 So I decided to install some reversing "aids", not because I needed them but because I figured they would be fun projects that I could kill some time with, and that I did!! I installed a 4 sensor reverse system that beeps when I get too close to something behind me. It only engages when in reverse. It's wired to the reverse light and draws very little current. The speaker is located behind the rear passenger seat because it's quite loud and I don't intend on losing my hearing to a noisy beeper. The control module is located under the truck, sealed to perfection from the elements.

I decided to install a video reverse monitor system and a custom dash pod to house my GPS unit. I didn't do too bad for my first time around. It's covered in black velvet and made of plexiglass and MDF. I thought about gluing all the pieces together, but if something went wrong or I wanted to replace/remove my GPS unit, then it would be hell so I just screwed them together. It holds really nice, and is scsrewed to the base plate with resin smeared between the MDF and plate (since fiberglass resin adheres very well to wood and plastic).

I installed a reverse camera just underneath the trailor reciever. It has infrared nightvision capabilities. The video quality is okay, partially due to the convex plastic done over the lense for protection. It's powered by the reverse light since it draws very little current and I only want it on when I'm in reverse. The video is automatically reversed in the camera.

The GPS unit, reverse monitor, and subwoofer amplifier reciever their power from a relay that recieves it's power from (go figure) the 4awg running to the amplifier. Since it's in the cab, it's a short distance and all I had to add was a distributor. The relay is switched from the remote wire that runs from the head unit and used to run to the amplifier. Now it goes into the relay and is just grounded so it implicates very little load on the headunit. The GPS and amplifier both turn on when the radio turns on, but the reverse monitor is in standby until I throw her in reverse since the camera only comes on in reverse.

This project took a lot longer than pictured. A lot of wire cutting and splicing had to be done in numerous areas. The original idea was to make a whole "pod" like with the Roadmate Magellan FD71 for the F150s but then Pooh Bear and Bunnie couldn't sit and watch me drive, lol. Also, doing a full fiberglass pod on the dash panel would leave lots of room for errors since there would be fleece, resin, fiberglass, bondo, sanding, primer, and paint. That would made it difficult and I'd much rather keep it simple. Maybe one day (when I get better at this) I'll move to doing a better enclosure. Until then, I love this setup!

Page 1: Intro
Page 2: HIDs, 3rd brake light, tailgate LED bar
Page 3: Mods list and some to come
Page 4: Subwoofer, build and install
Page 5: Reverse sensors, reverse camera and monitor, GPS install