New GM Trucks Getting Bed Cap-Related Complaints
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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.
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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.
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.