Some owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra are complaining about a peculiar issue that occurs when installing a popular aftermarket component. Specifically, the innovative Rear Camera Mirror offered on both of the new GM trucks gets blocked when installing an aftermarket bed cap, thereby rendering the Rear Camera Mirror useless.
The issue stems from the fact that the front-most portion of an aftermarket bed cap fitted onto high-end versions of the GM trucks blocks the lens for the Rear Camera Mirror, thereby rendering the feature useless. The lens for the Rear Camera Mirror is placed on the rear-most part of the cab’s roof where the truck’s cargo lamp and CHMSL are located. What’s more, the feature is driven by a separate lens than the traditional back-up camera.
For those not aware, the Rear Camera Mirror improves on the traditional rearview mirror by streaming a live video feed of what’s behind the vehicle to a high-definition display in the rear-view mirror, thereby removing from view obstructions such as pillars, headrests, rear window glass or rear-seat passengers.
If at any given point in time, a driver desires a traditional mirror, he or she can simply “push” the mirror stem, disabling the Rear Camera Mirror functionality and transforms the mirror into a traditional rear-view mirror. The Rear Camera Mirror is available on the Silverado LTZ and High Country as well as the Sierra AT4 and Denali as part of the optional Technology Package.
GM Authority has received several letters from owners of the new GM trucks who have put caps on their beds. These owners have claimed that they would gladly pay for the hardware and service work to relocate the lens for the Rear Camera Mirror. GM could theoretically capitalize on this opportunity and offer a kit and an associated service guide for technicians to reposition the Rear Camera Mirror lens to another spot on the pickup truck, potentially next to the back-up camera lens, located on the tailgate handle.
Whether such a solution is even feasible is a whole different matter entirely. In fact, repositioning the Rear Camera Mirror to the tailgate handle would render the Rear Camera Mirror almost useless during towing, since a trailer would block most of the viewpoint of the camera.
2020 GMC Sierra Denali CarbonPro Edition
Nevertheless, a potential relocation solution would not only allow GM trucks to continue offering the only available Rear Camera Mirror in the segment, but it would also become the first automaker to solve the rear visibility issues normally associated with installing bed caps on pickup trucks. Here’s to hoping GM’s team of engineers will find a solution sooner or later.
Have thoughts on the matter? Sound off in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Silverado news, Chevrolet news and, GMC Sierra news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Isn’t a traditional rear view mirror pretty much useless when you put on a bed cap?
GM could sell a thin flexible “strap” that sits on top the the cap via a magnetic strip on the bottom. Think of something as thin a ribbon cable with something like a refrigerator magnet on the bottom so it stays flush and out of sight nor move around.
(if y’all couldn’t tell; I’m bad at descriptions).
One end of the cable would plug into the existing camera, and the other would have a camera on the end that sticks to the top center of the cap.
I plan on purchasing a new truck this year and would really like a cap on my new truck and like the rear vision camera functional. I would think a small module that could be placed on the top of the rear middle of the cap could be a solution. It would probably require a hole Drilled through the top to get power and camera cable installed. On the truck side a connector, maybe behind one of the tail lights with access from the bed could be a solution. Or maybe a wireless option so all that is needed is power to the camera? I’m sure a creative GM accessories engineer could figure this out easily. I currently use a wireless camera to see behind my 30 ft trailer that works well, so relocating should not be that difficult of a problem.
Most caps have a CHMSL assembly at the back. Could the camera be located there and then just run extension wires from the current location?
This is the obviously the best location.
This sounds more like a cap issue than GM issue.
The cap companies should install a brake light and camera combo in the cap as an option then make it so it can be tapped into the light and camera on the cab.
Might note that in most first and snow conditions the camera if installed on the tailgate may be unusable with dirt or snow covering it. The way th3 aero works it usually makes the tail gates covered in dirt and snow.
If it is higher up on the cap the air would help keep it clean if the cap company designs it right.
Highly popular? Yeah, I don’t see too many people running around with these. Less than 5 percent of owners is my guess. Don’t think it’s enough of a problem for gm to care.
Yeah, toppers used to be very popular 20-30 years ago. About the only time I see one in use is by an eighty year old man. Most guys that want a covering for their bed have went to the kind that roll up or fold back.
Why would anyone down vote this? It’s true.
Because I can
Maybe it’s because 80 yr old men know that the correct verb is: have “gone” to the kind…
Don’t know where you live but in the northern tier of the US, winter and being able to carry larger loads makes having a truck cap very desirable. I hate having to dig all the snow out of the box to carry items or everything getting wet or full of snow when you have something larger to carry in the winter. Bed covers are too restrictive of their use.
I also have dogs. My dogs wouldn’t like being under a bed cover. Would you?
Lol! Are people really this dumb? I install an aftermarket piece but because I do zero research or critical thinking about how it will affect my vehicle and its systems, it’s not my fault and I need to complain to the world?
I’m sorry but if you want to put a pap cap on your new truck they should not complain that the new features don’t work with 30 year old cap tech
I’ve been a builder for 30 years. I’ve had caps on all my trucks over the years and pulled trailers most of the time. The problem is to many people are buying trucks that don’t need them and can’t drive them without technology helping them. Learn how to drive to your truck like a real truck driver use your side mirrors. Technology is great but don’t complain if it doesn’t work because you altered it’s ability to work. Cameras are making people forget how to drive.
Obviously the feature is not for truck caps. I think it’s time we give GM a thumbs up for their trucks. As far as I’m concerned you won’t find a better truck. This is so minor. LOL
If I put a piece of cardboard over the windshield I can’t see out. GM needs to fix this problem.
If someone installs an aftermarket product that interferes with the factory hardware, how is that GMs problem?
GM: “Let’s build our next truck disregarding how the customer might use it”.
Why is everyone talking about wagging the dog. It’s the bed cap maker who needs to retrofit the device to manufacturer specs of the fit. The manufacturer builds a product. The responsibility of the after market designer has to make sure their products fit. Not the other way around.
Truest statement in the conversation.
Correct!! They will need to create a wiring extension and a new 4k camera with a wider viewing angle to account for the camera placement being 6-8 ft further aft. All this plus cab headliner removal and reinstall for camera wiring hookup will significantly increase the cost. Most likely out of the range most will be willing to pay. So if no one will buy it then they will never make it.
Didn’t I read that the rear mirror camera can be shut off and return to original rear view mirror?
So what’s the problem?
I suspect it may already be worked out but no one has checked into it yet with the right cap company.
I am a real believer in mirrors but in this case the camera with a cap would be a great benefit to anyone.
They do take getting use to. I drove a Bolt with one for a while and you have to focus your eyes a little different as you are looking at a screen close and not a mirror image of a far target.
If no one has it fixed yet it soon will be. There is money to be made.
The camera is nice on trucks with hard bed covers that fold over the rear window. You can use it to see behind you and the cargo camera keeps an eye on the load you can not see.
Chevrolet offers a trailer camera; doesn’t this just fix the problem in one fell swoop. Attach it to the camper cap with a removable latch/attachment, and if you then pull a trailer, re-affix to the trailer. (and vise a versa, per need)
How did this option make it this far into production and no one thought about having a cap installed? I remember when GM was run by truck people, not technology people. GM should be embarrassed. Just another nail in the coffin for this underwhelming overpriced truck.
I would think if someone must buy a aftermarket item , wouldn’t you check to see if it would fit your vehicle ???? so lets blame your mistake on GM because you can’t blame yourself for the mistake boy there are loads of brainless people
It’s not the job of GM to solve every problem the customer runs into. Take some initiative and solve some problems on your own.
Some people are just so lazy
All I thought this was a real issue just don’t put a bed cap on your truck problem solved but would you be able to see if it didn’t have this feature this is stupid
Cap on a Work Truck…OK. Cap on a High Country…I’m not seeing it.
I have a 19 high country with a ARE sport cap. I see them everywhere lately. But my mirror camera is useless now. I have been searching for months for a solution. There is nothing plug n play out there. Decided to design something myself.
Any luck with your design?
Mike
I’d like to see it. I have the same problem.
Those of you who put a bed cap/canopy shell on your trucks for style ought to just get a SUV! That’s why; when i (check out what’s the latest automobiles by building my own) on the VR screen after selecting what i want to look at! [Just to see if it spikes my interest]?! If it don’t; i back out of building my wish-ride! SO FAR: ALL 3 BRAND’S DO NOT HAVE WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR! (because i google Future trucks to see what might be of interest)!!
Just wait till people start dropping that stupid tailgate on their trailer hitches enjoy 3rd place GM you will be there for a while
Aftermarket cameras are like $10 online. The aftermarket or some DIY person will come up with a tie into the existing harness and problem solved.
Ok so GM does offer additional wireless cameras for trailering, that could in theory be linked to feed into the rear mirror camera.
I suspect a customer would assume that once the Truck Cap is installed, the camera is supposed to sense it’s presence and it would automatically go into Transparency mode as if the Cap is not there…Lol, that’s not how things are working here, this where one would have to be “Smarter Than The Average Bear”, when it comes to additional Add-ons to your vehicle.
I have a 2019 Sierra with this option and didn’t really care for it at first BUT after using it a few days the rear view camera is really nice. And after adding a bed cap it basically made the camera useless. And like most trucks with bed caps the normal rear view mirror is almost just as useless. Since there is already a camera on the tailgate (backup camera), wouldn’t it be possible to splice into that cameras wires and feed it to the rear view mirror/monitor? Assuming the tailgate camera is always on regardless if the truck is moving or not. Just a thought.
really no added benefit of putting a bed cover on. if you need secure covered storage. a Yukon or suburban would be the solution. bed caps dont add any value or appearance points
I am picking up a crate engine from the distribution dock that is 75 miles from me. It rains a lot here. I’m going hunting for a week, it snows and gets icy, I need to haul a tent, clothing, tire chains, chainsaw, and some firewood. I also may want to stop and eat somewhere I cant watch my truck while I am. Canopy seems to fit the bill to me.
“you dont need one” is less constructive than “if you want to do X, it will create Y problem”
nobody needs a cap on their PICK UP TRUCK. want an suv buy one
I totally agree with that
For those of you suggesting to buy an SUV must have a pretty one sided life. I wouldn’t want to through my deer in the back of an SUV and I also like to have the cap to securely out my luggage and golf clubs when traveling on vacation. I’m concerned the reduced space provided by a tonneau cover would be enough. Sure I can buy or rent a trailer, but that kills MPG and then I have to store and register a trailer. Especially now that I traded in my ford with an 8’ bed for a gmc with only a 6.6’ bed. Lastly, I looked at a Yukon, it was over $5k more and I couldn’t throw a deer in the back. GMC should make a kit to relocate the camera to the top back of the cap where the mid tail light is.
I’ve noted that several of you who comment regarding SUV vs other vehicles invariably compare the SUV with 2 vehicles as in a pickup truck & a sedan. When comparing what vehicles can do for you consider only one vs a SUV and a second one vs the SUV. Obviously, if you go out and purchase two vehicles they should have some advantage over one SUV.
Has anyone figured this out?
You can relocate the camera to the back of the cap. Your body shop guy can extend the wire for the camera. The wire is not an optical cable. The problem is…GM will void your electrical warranty. So if anything electric goes wrong, and I understand this is a long list of things, GM will blame the issue on someone relocating your camera.
That’s not how it works. A manufacturer cannot void your warranty due to aftermarket parts/work UNLESS they prove the warranty issue was due directly to the modification.
Ran into this issue with Kia of all things. Dealers and perhaps even manufacturer were implying, if not outright stating, that you HAD to use Hyundai/Kia oil filters, other wise youd void the warranty. That’s not true. It’s called the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. That’s what describes the warranty denier having to prove the cause.
Thanks for the comment.
Where do I access the wire to the camera?
In the cab by the mirror or inside cab near the back where the camera is located?
Or do I need to remove the third brake light assembly?
What type of wire would you recommend?
I’m sorry I can’t help on where to access the wiring. If the camera is in the 3rd brake light, I’d probably start there, but there may be a connector in an easier to access location, such as near where it passes through a body panel. I’d certainly rather not snake a wire between cab sheet metal if that is how it’s run presently. It may just be run through the metal though, and be behind the interior trim.
I CAN say that if you care about it working like OEM, as long as possible, you need to spend the time to find a proper mating connector (and if the ends you need are not available, using a high quality OEM style male/female connector like Delphi/Aptiv’s Metri-Pack line) and use automotive rated wire, SXL, GXL or TXL. Mouser.com is a HUGE resource for terminals, connectors, etc., but you will spend time finding the right components. Tools to crimp metri-pack are found for $18 and will look like factory when you are done.
Using cheap wire (often Chinese copper clad aluminum) along with garbage connectors like scotch locks or butt connectors that have no place on a vehicle, will ENSURE the install fails at some point, with frustrating, intermittent problems in the mean time. I’ve found eBay to be a good source for American, automotive grade, solid copper wire, in a multitude of colors, often in the exact color GM used.
If you can’t tell, I do not half-ass projects. Do it right, or don’t do it. The frustration (and even potential danger of a short) of bad electrical installs is not worth trying to cut corners. Not everyone has the same results, but GM doesn’t use cheap wire and inferior connectors, and you know they would if they thought they could get away with saving the money.
It’s not just an issue with a “cap”. Any cargo loaded in the bed that blocks the camera renders the view useless. An easy remedy would be to allow the use of the backup camera that is already mounted on the tailgate.
I have a 2019 AT4 and I love everything of it other than speed limiting at 98 miles an hour…not that we have to go that fast but if you want to pass somebody that little extra power would be nice. As to the rear camera issue I don’t have that problem and I don’t want to promote covers but the bakflip mx4 comes to rest against the rear pillar and doesn’t interfere with the camera it’s a great cover on second note if you want to put GM’s aftermarket roll bar with the Sierras script on the truck… the camera does get blocked so if GM could turn around and have that camera installed into that third brake light on the roll bar that would be great wish you all luck enjoy the rides….. ACFT PRO
To all, as I posted a while back. I spoke directly to GM’s corporate office, a dealer and a body shop. The fix is simple, but if done you void the entire electrical warranty, cause GM will blame any future electrical issue on fixing this problem. The fix is to extend the video lead to the back of the cap and mount the camera there.
They legally cannot void the entire electrical warranty because of that modification. The Magnuson Moss warranty act (more commonly know as lemon law) says that a manufacturer must prove that your modification caused the issue to happen. The problem is the manufacturer knows that it will cost you too much money to fight them in court.
Call GM! They think they can. I’m not an atty, nor did I call one to confer.
I’m just letting everyone know what the law is since manufacturers try to get away with finding any way they can to void your warranty. And they know most people don’t know their warranty rights.
Any progress on the design?
Does anybody make a camper top for a carbon fiber bed?
Bill,
Where can we access the video lead?
Under the dash somewhere?
Or at the 3rd brake light?
You could get the Garmin GPS unit that will let you view up to 4 remote cameras that are wireless. Put one on the back of the cap.
My biggest issue is the factory offered sport bar blocking the camera. From my research there’s no available spacer kit to allow the camera to function properly…any ideas?
I thought about this I’m fixing to get a cap on my 2019 Sierra 1500 denali.
It seems like a simple fix to me just put a spoiler all the way across the top of the roof and remount the 3rd bright light in the spoiler in the middle where the camera is.
Field adjustments happen all the time In my world that’s what I’m gonna do with mine no problem.
I hope they give me my millions for coming up with that simple one!
C’mon everybody. Let’s solve this glitch once and for all.
Has anyone figured the solution to a camper shell blocking the rear camera mirror? It’s not a GM problem. I would have just thought that after four years someone would have a solution. ARE or Leer is who I would expect to offer a relocation kit. If anyone has had any luck please share. Thanks
Why not a simple software solution where the driver could just select which camera to use? If I’m towing a camper and have the optional rear camera installed on the camper, the mirror could use that camera feed and the rear view mirror would show me what’s behind me without the need for the invisible trailer function taking up the display in the vehicle … which could then be used for tire pressure monitoring, or GPS, or …
I would like to see a “fix” that allows the camera feed from the rear of a trailer to be seen on the interior rear view mirror rather than on the Infotainment screen. I do like the side view images when a turn signal is used, but don’t want the screen “off” for all other features (maps, audio) while the trailer image is hogging the screen
Wow here we are going into 2024 and still no solution to the Rearview Mirror issue and truck cap “camper”. The could have easily offered a third break light with camera relocation. Or even aftermarket camera that plugs into trailer camera spot.
Yup, I have a brand new 2024 2500 HD Crew Cab with a completely useless feature we paid for. Who doesn’t add a cap to a pickup these days? GM screwed the pooch on this one!
Time for aftermarket bob to step up! GM ain’t gonna.
99% of pickup truck buyers don’t. I hardly see them anymore.