Did you use the relay with your HitchCam?

[mountainbiker]

The HitchCam comes with a relay. The instructions say "If the HitchCam is going to be installed on a GM vehicle that is not driven regularly [like an extend stay in the field or sitting at the airport], there is a risk of battery drain ... [and] we recommend the installation of the ... relay kit."

As the instructions are suppose to cover all GM vehicles, they (I suspect) are a bit generic or slightly different for the H3. Here are some questions I have

Did you install install the relay?

Is the ignition wire easily located? Did you tap it under the fuse panel? Was it black or pink?

Is the trailer power easily located? Was it under the panel too? Was it red?

[mountainbiker]

HitchCam got back to me really quick. They sent me a specific sheet for the H3 with wire locations and colors. (The sheet I originally had was for the H2.) Also, the relay kit should be used as the the unit is constantly drawing power even if the monitor is switched to only display an image when reversing. It looks like the relay cuts the power to the (red wire at the) trailer hitch socket when the ignition is not on. Otherwise, the socket will always provide power.

[f5fstop]

What is the parasitic current draw when not used? The relay certainly won't hurt that's for sure.

[mountainbiker]

What is the parasitic current draw when not used?

HitchCam didn't say, and I failed to ask. However, you sure wouldn't think it is much, and I probably couldn't even measure it with my (analog) meter. The other option the instructions mentioned is that you could unplug the HitchCam camera plug from the trailer hitch socket.

I am or at least will be away from the H3 for extended periods of time, so I don't want the hassle of a weakened battery. LOL- we remember my battery pains at beginning of my H3's life. Hmmmm- what to do, what to do?

[f5fstop]

if you will be parking it for a long period, i recommend disconnecting the battery, or purchasing one of those solar chargers that trickle charge the battery via the power accessory plug. they put out about an amp in bright sunlight, but more than enough to negate any parasitic drain from computers and hitch cams

[Steve - SanJose]

I have a Hitchcam on my H3. But the longest I've left the vehicle sitting unused was 2 weeks straight and no battery problems so far.

[mountainbiker]

Good info F5 and Steve. Here is that instruction sheet if anyone is interested in the mod they suggest.

[mountainbiker]

Do you have this much of a gap between your HitchCam and receiver?

[Steve - SanJose]

I just looked at my Hitchcam and it's the same as your pictures.

[mountainbiker]

Thanks Steve.

I had to use two foam spacers. It seemed odd to have to do so. The HitchCAM seems to be expecting the locking pin hole to be further back. I sent HitchCAM an email, so I'll let you know.

[Steve - SanJose]

Ok, I'll await your feedback from them. My Hitchcam was installed by the local dealer.

[mountainbiker]

My Hitchcam was installed by the local dealer.Steve, did your local dealer

- use two foam spacers or some other extended/bigger spacer?

- add the relay (like above) to shut off power to your hitch when the ignition is off?

- my HitchCAM has a slightly amount of play in the receiver. I was thinking of stuffing some additional foam inside the hole to eliminate this movement. Do you notice this play in your installation? Does it have any effect on your image when in motion in ACC mode or cause noise/rattle?

[Is the Biju Lounge down on First Street still there? LOL- oh the good ol' days.]

[Steve - SanJose]

MB,


Looks like 2 spacers, just like your pictures
Don't know about the relay, but I've had no battery problems
No play at the receiver. No image problems, no noise, no rattle.I think the Bijou Lounge is gone (but I could be wrong). Ajax Club is gone. Fancier Agenda Club across the street seems to do well. Old Fox theater was fully restored and is now the California theater.

I hope above info helps some.

[mountainbiker]

Any idea which is the trailer hitch cable loom?

Do you know how many wires (4, 7, or more) it contains and the colors of the wires?

[fourfourto]

The trailer hitch wires are in the back above the bumper on the left side in a cluster,I beleve there are 7 wires.open rear hatch ,there under the lip .

yellow- left rear stop /turn
white -trailer ground
dk blue -trailer aox supply
dk green- right rear stop/turn
red- batt positive
brown -trailer park lights
lt green -back up light


There is also a cluster for th trailer brake located under dash to right of wheel towards the radio.

[mountainbiker]

Thank you Fourfourto. Unfortunately, I need the wire loom containing in the engine compartment by the fire wall as I need to install a relay to kill the power to the hitch when the ignition is off. (See the HitchCAM instruction sheet in my earlier post.) My Service Manuals (vol 1 and 2) don't reference the trailer wiring.

[mountainbiker]

I am still in search of the mystery hitch power wire (in the engine compartment). However, here is the monitor using the magnetic vent mount. The cable looks a hair better than in this picture, but it is still a bit difficult to hide the bad boy...unless I drill a hole.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r177/mountainbiker63/HitchCAM/DSC00602-sm.jpg

[fourfourto]

Run that wire through the vent,it shoud bend around were the vent slides in.:beerchug:

[mountainbiker]

Run that wire through the vent,it shoud bend around were the vent slides in.
The wire is wrapped around one of the vent slates like a "C" to (1) hold it in place, and (2) I needed the connector to be inside the vent, because the connector is about 1" and the mount is so close to the vent. Or are you saying run the wire through the heat/ac vent tubing?

Find me the power wire to the hitch (inside the engine compartment), and I'll be your best friend :clapping:

[fourfourto]

Yeh :D run the wire through the vent and out where the duct connects to it .(or drill a small hole in the duct you cant see it.)
As for the wire,use a positive wire(off accy plug or in the cluster to right of the wheel towards head unit )and use a relay to power it off a keyed power,the yellow wire going to the rear wiper switch works with the key fwd and back ,run it to coil side of relay use the 12v power wire on the other side.
The relay comes with a diagram.:beerchug:

[mountainbiker]

As for the wire,use a positive wire(off accy plug or in the cluster to right of the wheel towards head unit )and use a relay to power it off a keyed power,the yellow wire going to the rear wiper switch works with the key fwd and back ,run it to coil side of relay use the 12v power wire on the other side.
The relay comes with a diagram.
Sorry, need one wire only: the 12v red (in the engine compartment) leading to the hitch. The hitch is powered ALL the time. I need the relay inline with this red wire, and I do not want to put the relay at the hitch end. I have the wiring diagram for the relay. I have the Helm manuals. I have a butt load of wires in cable looms after running my roof lights, grille lights, reverse light, and rear fog light. Have a look through your Helm manuals, or have a look here for the magical wire:

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r177/mountainbiker63/HitchCAM/DSC00575-sm.jpg

Steve - SanJose ... next time you are making happy snaps of your H3 could I trouble you to grab one of your engine compartment by the battery. Or do you know where your installer installed the relay for your HitchCAM?

[fourfourto]

Why not use a loop end connector and run a wire off the battery(with a fuse close to the battery off course)
I did that to run the relay for my airhorns and another one for my compressor.
Dont try to put loop under terminal nut(that only backs off dont remove it)put the loop over nut and use a 2nd nut (10 mm I think)

You would have to run a new wire back to hitch.

[mountainbiker]

LOL - What are you on about? I need one red wire. I don't need loop connectors, extra wires ran to the hitch, engine compartment lights, air compressors, etc.

Reminds me of a joke -- "How many H3ers does it take to find a red wire?"

:jump:

Steve - San Jose ... save me.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r177/mountainbiker63/HitchCAM/thewireineed.jpg

[fourfourto]

whoops, I thought you needed a positive under the hood,not looking for a certain wire that leads to back.
Sorry must of had a beer to many yesterday.
:beerchug: Good luck finding wire:D

[mountainbiker]

LOL :giggling:

[mountainbiker]

If you're looking at this post because you bought yourself a HitchCAM and need to install a relay, then have a look over at this thread also http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24495