Understanding the LTS (License Trim Surround) Camera System
Upgrading to an LTS (License Trim Surround) backup camera is one of the cleanest aesthetic and functional modifications you can perform on a modern truck or SUV. Unlike universal bracket cameras that bolt onto the license plate and obstruct the view, an LTS camera integrates directly into the factory tailgate handle bezel or license plate trim surround. This provides an OEM-plus look, optimal wide-angle geometry, and superior weather resistance. However, a proper LTS camera installation requires navigating complex tailgate wiring harnesses, managing flexible hinge boots, and overcoming modern vehicle Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) lighting circuits.
According to MECP certification standards, improper splicing into modern CAN-bus or PWM-controlled reverse lighting circuits is the leading cause of aftermarket camera failure and flickering. This guide provides the exact wiring diagrams, pinout configurations, and relay bypasses necessary for a flawless integration.
Required Tools and Wiring Specifications
Before beginning the teardown, ensure you have the correct materials. Using undersized wire or improper connectors will lead to voltage drop and video signal degradation over the 15-to-20-foot run from the tailgate to the dashboard.
| Component | Specification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Power/Ground Wire | 18 AWG Stranded Copper | Handles 12V load over long runs without voltage drop. |
| Video Cable | RG59 Coaxial / Shielded RCA | Prevents alternator whine and EMI interference. |
| Relay (For PWM Trucks) | Standard 12V 5-Pin (Bosch Style) | Isolates camera power from PWM reverse light signals. |
| Connectors | Adhesive-Lined Heat Shrink Solder Sleeves | Waterproof and vibration-proof splices. |
| Hinge Lubricant | Dielectric Grease / Wire Pulling Lube | Prevents wire chafing inside the rubber tailgate conduit. |
LTS Camera Pinout and Adapter Wiring Diagram
Most high-quality aftermarket LTS cameras utilize a 6-pin waterproof connector at the camera head, which adapts to a standard RCA video plug and bare power leads. Below is the standard pinout configuration for the LTS 6-pin to RCA adapter harness.
| Pin Number | Wire Color (Typical) | Function | Connection Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red | 12V+ Power | Reverse Trigger Relay (Pin 30) |
| 2 | Black | Ground | Chassis Ground / Tailgate Latch Bolt |
| 3 | Yellow (Center) | Video Signal (+) | Center Pin of RCA Plug |
| 4 | Yellow (Shield) | Video Shield (-) | Outer Ring of RCA Plug |
| 5 | Green | Grid Line Toggle | Leave floating for ON, Ground to turn OFF |
| 6 | White | Mirror Image Toggle | Ground to flip image (for front mount) |
Step-by-Step LTS Camera Installation Procedure
Step 1: Tailgate Disassembly and LTS Housing Swap
Begin by lowering the tailgate and removing the interior plastic access panel. This is typically held in place by 10mm hex bolts or heavy-duty push clips. Locate the factory license plate light and handle bezel. Disconnect the OEM harness. If your LTS camera replaces the entire handle bezel, carefully depress the locking tabs on the exterior and push the assembly inward. Feed the new LTS camera pigtail through the tailgate cavity toward the main wiring grommet. Pro Tip: Use a piece of 1/4-inch corrugated split loom to protect the camera wires from the sharp metal edges of the tailgate inner skeleton.
Step 2: Routing Through the Tailgate Hinge Boot
The most critical point of failure in any tailgate camera installation is the flexible rubber hinge conduit. Over time, opening and closing the tailgate will fatigue and snap rigid wires.
- Disconnect the rubber boot from both the truck body and the tailgate.
- Insert a fiberglass fish tape from the body side toward the tailgate.
- Tape the camera RCA and 18 AWG power wires to the fish tape using electrical tape, creating a smooth, tapered leading edge.
- Coat the tape bundle generously with dielectric grease or dedicated wire pulling lubricant.
- Pull the wires through gently. Do not force them, as the RCA plug is fragile.
Step 3: Overcoming PWM Reverse Signal Issues (Crucial for 2015+ Vehicles)
Modern vehicles, particularly the 2015+ Ford F-150, 2019+ Chevy Silverado, and most RAM trucks, do not send a clean 12V DC signal to the reverse lights. Instead, the Body Control Module (BCM) uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to power the LED taillights. If you tap directly into a PWM reverse wire to power your LTS camera, the camera will flicker, shut off, or display a "No Signal" error on the head unit because the voltage rapidly cycles between 0V and 12V.
The Solution: 12V Relay Bypass
To provide clean DC power to the camera, you must use a standard 5-pin automotive relay wired as follows:
- Pin 86: Connect to the vehicle's PWM Reverse Light wire (this acts as the trigger).
- Pin 85: Connect to a solid chassis ground.
- Pin 87: Connect to a clean 12V+ Ignition or Battery source (fused at 5A).
- Pin 30: Output to the LTS Camera Red 12V+ wire AND the Head Unit Reverse Excitation wire.
When the BCM sends the PWM signal to Pin 86, the relay coil energizes, snapping Pin 30 to Pin 87, delivering a rock-solid 12V DC current to the camera and head unit.
Step 4: Head Unit Integration and Reverse Excitation
Route the RCA cable through the vehicle's main floor harness grommet and up behind the dashboard. Plug the RCA into the head unit's "Rear Camera In" port. Next, locate the head unit's reverse excitation wire (typically Purple for Pioneer, Orange/White for Alpine, or Light Green for Kenwood). Splice this wire to the same Pin 30 output from your relay. This tells the infotainment screen to automatically switch to the video input when the relay activates. For deeper technical integration standards, refer to the Crutchfield backup camera integration guide for brand-specific pinouts.
Video Signal Shielding and EMC Considerations
Automotive environments are electrically noisy. Alternators, ignition coils, and fuel pumps generate Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Adherencing to SAE J1113 Electromagnetic Compatibility standards is vital for clear video. Always use a fully shielded RG59 coaxial RCA cable rather than cheap, unshielded copper wire. If you experience "alternator whine" (horizontal scrolling bars on the camera feed), it is caused by a ground loop. Ensure the camera ground (Pin 2) is grounded directly to bare metal on the tailgate, and that the RCA shield is only grounded at the camera head, not at the head unit chassis.
Troubleshooting Common LTS Video Failures
Use this diagnostic tree if your installation does not function correctly on the first test:
- Symptom: Screen turns black, displays "No Signal" when in reverse.
- Cause: Head unit reverse excitation wire is not receiving 12V.
- Fix: Test the head unit purple/orange wire with a multimeter. If 0V, check the relay Pin 30 splice or the head unit ground.
- Symptom: Camera feed flickers rapidly or shuts off after 3 seconds.
- Cause: Tapped directly into a PWM reverse light circuit without a relay.
- Fix: Install the 5-pin relay bypass as detailed in Step 3 to stabilize the voltage.
- Symptom: Image is upside down or mirrored incorrectly.
- Cause: LTS camera orientation triggers are misconfigured.
- Fix: Locate the Green and White loop wires on the camera pigtail. Cut or ground the specific wire according to the 6-pin table above to flip the image axis.
- Symptom: Scrolling horizontal lines on the display (Ground Loop).
- Cause: Voltage potential difference between the tailgate ground and the dash ground.
- Fix: Run a dedicated 18 AWG ground wire from the camera pigtail all the way to the head unit chassis ground, bypassing the tailgate hinge ground path entirely.
By following these precise wiring protocols and respecting the electrical architecture of modern vehicles, your LTS camera installation will yield a reliable, high-definition reverse view that functions seamlessly with your vehicle's OEM systems.