Anytime Backup & Front Camera (Updated 2022 Version)

Anytime Backup and Front Camera (Updated Version) Install & Product Overview For the 5th Gen 4Runner

This mod is very cool as it adds a front camera and allows you to toggle the switch camera view at any time. With that being said, the installation process is quite the process in getting there.

I know Brenan already did this post for an earlier version of this mod, but since then, there have been some revisions. You can see the original Anytime Backup Camera Install here.

Also, Anytime Backup Camera has the install instructions and video here. So why should you waste your time reading this? Well, as I said, this is the updated version and I was confused as hell.

So hopefully this will assist someone out there looking for an overview of the updated version of the Anytime Backup Camera. I am not going to go over the full install as a majority of it will have been covered in the earlier post linked above.

I will be going over the updates and a few things I did differently for my install.

Find it online:

• Anytime Backup Camera (New Version – Updated 2022): Check Price

Wiring Loom for the Anytime Backup Camera

This is the first time I have done loom like this, and the thought of it was daunting until I started. So for those interested in more of how I did the loom and connectors here are a few pointers.

Note: Make sure it’s properly laid out and the lengths are correct before you start cutting and wrapping.

Fishing the expandable braided sleeving is very easy after you start it off. Think of it as finger cuffs and makes more sense. Pulling tightens and pushing loosens.

Make sure to use a lighter or an actual heat shrink gun to melt the ends to keep it from fraying and use heat shrink to clean it up for a professional look (well close enough to).

When it comes to connections that I could hardwire in prior to install I used male and female connectors. This allowed me to spend less time trying to wire in the dash and just plug them together and heat shrink.

The only wiring that I did in the dash was for the grounds as I was not sure of the diameter hole needed for the connection. But it was easy as it was just a crimp and heat shrink.

I used electrical tape to ensure that videos cables stayed connected.

I also taped up any loose ends so they didn’t snag on anything inside the dash.

Electrical Parts Used

• 1/2 inch Flexo PET Expandable Braided Sleeving – BlackRed: Check Price
• 1/4 inch Flexo PET Expandable Braided Sleeving – BlackBlue: Check Price
• Heat Shrink Wire Connector DIY Kit Waterproof Marine Automotive Terminals Set: Check Price
• Dual Wall Adhesive Heat Shrink Tubing Kit: Check Price
• USA Made Crimps: Check Price
• Wire Stripper/Cutter: Check Price

Switch

The main difference is the set up is now one switch instead of 2.

The switch is a three-way rocker with the top being front camera middle is normal factory mode and bottom is the rear camera.

Since it’s a single switch, I installed mine in the upper right blank.

I found this set up to be very intuitive and probably easier than the multiple button setup.

Wiring Harness

While the setup is not billed as a Plug-and-Play system, it sure uses the term plug more than once.

I am not experienced with wiring and electronics but I am getting good after this project. With the loss of a button, there is less wiring to do than the previous version.

While I am sure that it would have been perfectly adequate, I did not feel that it had enough ruggedness to go along with the 4Runner so I made it overland worthy. I beefed it up with expandable braided sleeving and heat shrink and waterproof connectors.

The sleeving was added for abrasion resistance and also heat resistance under the hood. The waterproof connectors not only protect the connection but also give the thin gauge wire more strength.

I even duck taped the video connectors to ensure operation even after many miles on washboard roads.

But to be honest it was twofold one to make sure it held up with the conditions of an overland rig and more to the fact that I tried to make it as easy to install as possible.

It is easier to do all this on a workbench than in the dash.

Backup & Front Camera

Another difference in my install was the placement of my front camera.

I had to choose another location as the brush bar on my low profile steel bumper interfered with the placement.

It ended up just under my emblem. I still want to modify some more since the angle is directly in front, which is cool, but not very useful for offroading or even parking.

It would be useful to be able to see what is directly in front of the vehicle.

Final Thoughts & Review

This modification saved my son’s life.

While camping I was attaching our Smittybilt Scout trailer. I always leave the rear camera on while hooking up the trailer.

After it was hooked up, I was going to stage it in another area so we could sweep our site for any trash (leave it better than you found it, right?).

I began to roll forward when I saw movement in my camera to see my 4-year-old running in between the trailer and the vehicle.

I knew where everyone was in the camp and cleared around the 4Runner and trailer before I got in, but sometimes kids are kids, especially my boys.

The take away for us is the trailer doesn’t move until kids are in their seats.

I also leave the rear camera on for a few miles after hooking up the trailer to ensure proper operation.

It could just be my paranoia but even after I do a thorough walk around checking every strap and door, I still like the fact that I can keep an eye on it.

Another small gripe would be the front camera mount.

It is a solid mount that must be placed with the threads upright so the mounting location must be somewhat flat to ensure line of sight. It would be nice to have a camera mount that can be adjusted so I can see the front end and ground.

In the end, I think that this is a wonderful modification and I think will be on the 2020 4Runner from the factory (it may just be a safety system).

If for some reason Toyota doesn’t add it should absolutely have a 360 camera!

However, I believe that for the cost of this system it should have come closer to the way I modified it.

In total I added in maybe another $5 in a loom, heat shrink and connections, that would have saved an hour of modifying and made a straightforward, faster clean install.

Either way, I couldn’t put a price tag on ensuring the safety of my family and this did it on the first trip!