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The information below is from a thread I posted elsewhere in June 2018. Due to that forum owner's request I am not allowed to link you directly to that thread, so I've copied the majority of the content and pasted it below. Going on two years of ownership, and really like the combination of the NAVIKS and Ford Ultimate Tow Camera System (with integrated trailer TPMS).
------Below is the slightly edited text and pictures from a June 2018 thread-------
Naviks' Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera Bypass for Ford Truck -- A Review
This review is for those of you that own (or are considering) a Ford truck with the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera system. Please note that I have no association with Naviks or financial interest in the company--this post is my own experience with their product and it is written in hopes it helps someone else on the forum that dislikes Ford's stock camera operation.
Note I purchased Ford's optional rear camera/TPMS kit which is now installed on my 315RLTS. (The NAVIKS will allow me to view behind the trailer as we roll down the road.)
PROBLEM
So the issue is that Ford has disabled the cameras--all of them--once you're moving faster than 3 to 5 mph. The way the system works it should be called the "Ultimate Parking Camera System". Though I really like my 2017 Ford F-350 Platinum, the camera system (except for when I'm parking) is a real disappointment.
SOLUTION
I came across Naviks' product while searching for a solution that allows me to use the cameras when I want to use them. After watching Naviks' video, I decided to get the system with the video interface. ("Video interface" is another input with unused analog RCA and stereo inputs. I'm not using the additional input for anything at the moment but got it for future expansion should the need arise.)
PRICE
Make sure you're sitting down when you see the price. They are very proud of their device! Is it worth it? Read on...
INSTALLATION
A set of panel prying tools (Harbor Freight has small sets that work great) is required--they are not provided by Naviks. If you use a screwdriver you'll mar your interior panels. (Don't use a screwdriver!!!)
The directions are OK, but step 4 tells you to "reassemble in reverse order" and then sneaks in another step on the top of the next page. I caught the discrepancy before reassembling, but it could lead to frustration. I wish they'd called out the size of the screws in the directions, too. (The majority of the screws are 7mm.) It is also unclear how I'm supposed to run the video lines for the auxiliary inputs. I suspect going through the glove box is how I'd do it if I ever utilize that feature. Then I'd have to leave what is basically an extension cord in the glove box.
The electrical connectors that must be removed are stiff and have tiny release mechanisms. Inserting the harness is not hard, but they have a lot of very small pins and care/patience is an absolute must. If you're unfamiliar with automotive-type connectors and how they come apart it could be a challenge.
If anyone is interested in getting a copy of the installation directions let me know and I'll post the PDF.
OPERATION
In a word: FANTASTIC! There is a bit of goofiness in that to turn on the Front Camera you must press the "rear defroster" button 4 times and then press the camera button to turn it on. To turn on the rear cameras you press the "front defroster" button 2 times. All of the different rear cameras are available and every view is available. The view from the camera above the bed (mounted to the upper brake light) is my favorite--I can see everything behind me! Best rear-view mirror ever. Perhaps the most outstanding feature is the appropriate side camera turns on when I turn on the turn signal. (You can manually disable this feature if you want.) I loved this feature in my previous vehicle (a Honda CR-V) and now I have it back in my truck. What's even better is that when I have my favorite rear view enabled and use the turn signal (activating the side camera) the system reverts back to the rear view when the turn signal turns off.
You can watch Naviks' video here:
VALUE
So is it worth $550? <Edit: Currently on sale for $475!> For me the answer is an unqualified "yes". The price is steep--no doubt about it--but I'm very pleased with the device. There are multiple options depending on what system you have and what you want it to do. I decided on this one: https://naviks.com/i-24075925-2017-2...1305%26go%3DGo
ISSUES
1) Doesn't work with Ford's Trailer Reverse Guidance
2) Impact on Navigation Feature
3) Voice Command Disabled
4) Turn Signal View Wonky Activation
5) Doesn't Work With All Ford Trucks
There's electronics and wiring in trucks that have the Ultimate Tow Camera System that is required for the rear camera / TPMS kit to work (and thus the NAVIKS). Forum member ncitro stated, "I think you need the tow technology package from Ford, but the easy way to tell would be to look in your trailer settings in the dash and see if you have the option to configure trailer TPMS." <Edit: So if you don't have a way to configure the TPMS on your truck, the NAVIKS (and the Ford camera system) won't work on your truck. At least that was true in Jun '18--unsure of any changes to the new truck configs.>
PICS FROM THE TRUCK
Took a few pics while driving to/from the CAT scale today. Even with all the limitations of the NAVIKS (and cost!) I really like having the ability to view the cameras while towing. I also installed Ford's wired camera on the 315RLTS and added Ford's TPMS. Here's the pics (any questions, let me know).
Bed View Camera (that's my Goldwing)
I use a Garmin RV770 for Navigation and have the rear view (camera on the back of the 315RLTS) on the truck's display at all times while traveling. Really like being able to see what vehicles are doing behind me! That's the bikes hanging off the back of the trailer at the lower bottom of the pic.
---End of copied information---
If you have any questions, fire away.
Howard
------Below is the slightly edited text and pictures from a June 2018 thread-------
Naviks' Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera Bypass for Ford Truck -- A Review
This review is for those of you that own (or are considering) a Ford truck with the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera system. Please note that I have no association with Naviks or financial interest in the company--this post is my own experience with their product and it is written in hopes it helps someone else on the forum that dislikes Ford's stock camera operation.
Note I purchased Ford's optional rear camera/TPMS kit which is now installed on my 315RLTS. (The NAVIKS will allow me to view behind the trailer as we roll down the road.)
PROBLEM
So the issue is that Ford has disabled the cameras--all of them--once you're moving faster than 3 to 5 mph. The way the system works it should be called the "Ultimate Parking Camera System". Though I really like my 2017 Ford F-350 Platinum, the camera system (except for when I'm parking) is a real disappointment.
SOLUTION
I came across Naviks' product while searching for a solution that allows me to use the cameras when I want to use them. After watching Naviks' video, I decided to get the system with the video interface. ("Video interface" is another input with unused analog RCA and stereo inputs. I'm not using the additional input for anything at the moment but got it for future expansion should the need arise.)
PRICE
Make sure you're sitting down when you see the price. They are very proud of their device! Is it worth it? Read on...
INSTALLATION
A set of panel prying tools (Harbor Freight has small sets that work great) is required--they are not provided by Naviks. If you use a screwdriver you'll mar your interior panels. (Don't use a screwdriver!!!)
The directions are OK, but step 4 tells you to "reassemble in reverse order" and then sneaks in another step on the top of the next page. I caught the discrepancy before reassembling, but it could lead to frustration. I wish they'd called out the size of the screws in the directions, too. (The majority of the screws are 7mm.) It is also unclear how I'm supposed to run the video lines for the auxiliary inputs. I suspect going through the glove box is how I'd do it if I ever utilize that feature. Then I'd have to leave what is basically an extension cord in the glove box.
The electrical connectors that must be removed are stiff and have tiny release mechanisms. Inserting the harness is not hard, but they have a lot of very small pins and care/patience is an absolute must. If you're unfamiliar with automotive-type connectors and how they come apart it could be a challenge.
If anyone is interested in getting a copy of the installation directions let me know and I'll post the PDF.
OPERATION
In a word: FANTASTIC! There is a bit of goofiness in that to turn on the Front Camera you must press the "rear defroster" button 4 times and then press the camera button to turn it on. To turn on the rear cameras you press the "front defroster" button 2 times. All of the different rear cameras are available and every view is available. The view from the camera above the bed (mounted to the upper brake light) is my favorite--I can see everything behind me! Best rear-view mirror ever. Perhaps the most outstanding feature is the appropriate side camera turns on when I turn on the turn signal. (You can manually disable this feature if you want.) I loved this feature in my previous vehicle (a Honda CR-V) and now I have it back in my truck. What's even better is that when I have my favorite rear view enabled and use the turn signal (activating the side camera) the system reverts back to the rear view when the turn signal turns off.
You can watch Naviks' video here:
VALUE
So is it worth $550? <Edit: Currently on sale for $475!> For me the answer is an unqualified "yes". The price is steep--no doubt about it--but I'm very pleased with the device. There are multiple options depending on what system you have and what you want it to do. I decided on this one: https://naviks.com/i-24075925-2017-2...1305%26go%3DGo
ISSUES
1) Doesn't work with Ford's Trailer Reverse Guidance
I tried the Trailer Reverse Guidance (TRG) feature but I could not get the last step ("calibrate") to work. I tried everything I could think of...refused to calibrate. As a last resort I removed the Naviks harness and the trailer calibrated within ~100 feet of putting the truck in drive.
Whether the TRG is worth using is a debate for another thread--I am posting this experience here so anyone who may be considering the Naviks harness goes in with "eyes wide open".
One more note--after calibrating the trailer I reinstalled the harness and the TRG continued to work. It was the "calibrate" step when adding a new trailer that refused to work.
Whether the TRG is worth using is a debate for another thread--I am posting this experience here so anyone who may be considering the Naviks harness goes in with "eyes wide open".
One more note--after calibrating the trailer I reinstalled the harness and the TRG continued to work. It was the "calibrate" step when adding a new trailer that refused to work.
2) Impact on Navigation Feature
Switching between the Naviks camera views and the Sync 3's Navigation screen disrupts the Ford's GPS input. As I was traveling along I-10 just west of Tallahassee the nav showed us up in Alabama, traveling a straight line headed northwest. After a rest stop and power-cycling the truck the nav found my correct location.
As a test I again selected a Naviks camera view and then went back to the Nav. Again, the GPS lost my location but within a few moments came back.
BL--if the onboard Nav is your choice for guidance, I'd skip the Naviks.
I'm also disappointed that when the truck is put in reverse the front camera (even when deliberately chosen as the source) flips to the rear camera. When I was recently parking my 315RLTS at my home for the first time, I needed to see in FRONT of me, not behind, as I got straightened out before backing through my double-gates. Quite annoying it kept turning off as I alternated between Reverse and Drive.
As a test I again selected a Naviks camera view and then went back to the Nav. Again, the GPS lost my location but within a few moments came back.
BL--if the onboard Nav is your choice for guidance, I'd skip the Naviks.
I'm also disappointed that when the truck is put in reverse the front camera (even when deliberately chosen as the source) flips to the rear camera. When I was recently parking my 315RLTS at my home for the first time, I needed to see in FRONT of me, not behind, as I got straightened out before backing through my double-gates. Quite annoying it kept turning off as I alternated between Reverse and Drive.
3) Voice Command Disabled
With a view enabled via the NAVIKS the Sync 3's voice command is disabled. As soon as I turn off the NAVIKS'-enabled camera view, voice command returns.
4) Turn Signal View Wonky Activation
I've found one more issue with the NAVIKS. In the features list it says you can turn off the left and right side cameras when the turn signal is activated. That's true if you're NOT viewing a camera. With a camera activated (usually the one on the back of the camper so I can see behind me) when I activate a turn signal the view switches to the corresponding camera (left or right side). I can't consistently get the camera to stop switching--I want it to stay on the rear camera. What's double-annoying is when the turn signal is turned off the view switches back to the default rear view--the camera on the tailgate. The DW keeps busy switching the view back to the camper's camera so I can monitor what's going on behind me.
I called NAVIKS and sent them videos. They acknowledged it was an oversight in their testing--no resolution to date.
Sometimes when I engage the rear camera when I activate the turn signal it does not switch (as described in the previous post). Sometimes it does. I can't figure out why. <Edit: Still doesn't work consistently to this day, but it is only a minor annoyance.>
I called NAVIKS and sent them videos. They acknowledged it was an oversight in their testing--no resolution to date.
Sometimes when I engage the rear camera when I activate the turn signal it does not switch (as described in the previous post). Sometimes it does. I can't figure out why. <Edit: Still doesn't work consistently to this day, but it is only a minor annoyance.>
5) Doesn't Work With All Ford Trucks
There's electronics and wiring in trucks that have the Ultimate Tow Camera System that is required for the rear camera / TPMS kit to work (and thus the NAVIKS). Forum member ncitro stated, "I think you need the tow technology package from Ford, but the easy way to tell would be to look in your trailer settings in the dash and see if you have the option to configure trailer TPMS." <Edit: So if you don't have a way to configure the TPMS on your truck, the NAVIKS (and the Ford camera system) won't work on your truck. At least that was true in Jun '18--unsure of any changes to the new truck configs.>
PICS FROM THE TRUCK
Took a few pics while driving to/from the CAT scale today. Even with all the limitations of the NAVIKS (and cost!) I really like having the ability to view the cameras while towing. I also installed Ford's wired camera on the 315RLTS and added Ford's TPMS. Here's the pics (any questions, let me know).
Bed View Camera (that's my Goldwing)
I use a Garmin RV770 for Navigation and have the rear view (camera on the back of the 315RLTS) on the truck's display at all times while traveling. Really like being able to see what vehicles are doing behind me! That's the bikes hanging off the back of the trailer at the lower bottom of the pic.
---End of copied information---
If you have any questions, fire away.
Howard
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