New "Ford Truck Bed Camera" in Ford App

[moritzes]

(Sorry if this has been posted; couldn't find it through search.)

Looks like a new security feature streaming Bed Cam has been added as a self-installed option (maybe for 24-25s only?)

In Ford app->security screen there is now an entry for "Truck Bed Live Stream" with option to add a Ford Truck Bed Camera ($499).

Not a third brake light cam, but a wireless standalone with a built-in rechargeable LiFePO4 battery (we know what that's for!)
Some screen shots:

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[Buyer2021]

Note this cam mounts inside the rear window, not outside the cab like the OE bed cam.

Ford Truck Bed Camera | Accessories | Ford.com

FORD TRUCK BED CAMERA| Part Details for M-1650-SC | Ford Performance Parts

Link to pdf installation instructions

I can't imagine leaving stuff in the bed or living in a place that would make this necessary or even worthwhile, but I guess there are folks that do.

All looks to me like another money-making subscription racket for Ford.

 

[moritzes]

Note this cam mounts inside the rear window, not outside the cab like the OE bed cam.

Ford Truck Bed Camera | Accessories | Ford.com

FORD TRUCK BED CAMERA| Part Details for M-1650-SC | Ford Performance Parts

Link to pdf installation instructions

I can't imagine leaving stuff in the bed or living in a place that would make this necessary or even worthwhile, but I guess there are folks that do.

All looks to me like another money-making subscription racket for Ford.

I suppose if you were worried about/had experience with someone breaking into your tonneau it could be helpful.

 

[obert]

Probably more for construction guys with tools and supplies that might want this but if it is subscription based maybe not

 

[Buyer2021]

I suppose if you were worried about/had experience with someone breaking into your tonneau it could be helpful.

So, what do those folks do, spend all their time monitoring a wall of cams like the security guards at some buildings?

Seems that a motion-detecting alarm with smartphone alert would be just as effective and likely much less $.

Oh well, whatever, carry on.

 

[moritzes]

Probably more for construction guys with tools and supplies that might want this but if it is subscription based maybe not

Yeah, it needs the Ford Security Package to work. -- $80/year. That's what gets you theft alerts and start inhibit so people may already have/want that.

 

[moritzes]

Seems that a motion-detecting alarm with smartphone alert would be just as effective and likely much less $.

I think that's essentially the "Theft Alert" feature in the Security Package. My biggest issue is probably the $500 cost -- you can get a really excellent rear-facing dash cam for less than that, and some have their own power supply, like this. Not something I need/am interested in, but could have a use case, I suppose.

 

[sporkfed]

I can't imagine leaving stuff in the bed or living in a place that would make this necessary or even worthwhile, but I guess there are folks that do.

Some of us live in apocalyptic hellscapes where criminals are just another protected class.

 

[Dougpaw57]

So since I have the 2025 Platinum (703A) with the bed camera, is this going to work on my truck?

EDIT: I see it in the app, but it's a completely different system than the bed camera I already have.

 

[Rossi6998]

I never understood why Ford did not install a camera to keep an eye on the bed while hauling stuff and driving down the road. I know this camera is for a different purpose, but they could have killed two birds with one stone...

 

[Off-RoadRCSB]

I think I’d rather get one of those wolf box rearview mirrors cams for this use case. I believe you can tap it directly to the battery and it records 24/7.

 

[Powerboost_Law]

Some of us live in apocalyptic hellscapes where criminals are just another protected class.

Yes, they call that place Canada, our justice system is an absolute joke. Of we had a screw around and find out system like the US, things would be a lot different around here.

 

[spiritrider1]

I was part of the testing group for Canvas - the name of the former company that came up with this product. Once they realized it was going to fall flat on its face, they hawked it to Ford who gobbled it up.
it was a less than pleasant experience (mildly put). Bulky additional hardware, not well thought out, and didn’t work properly half the time. It was happily returned after the trial completed.
I personally wouldn’t care for it. All you get is a video notification of who’s stealing your stuff. That’s not security.
It’s mind boggling that Ford engineers would even go this route when the vehicle infrastructure ALREADY has the underpinnings to be adapted for this internally. I know not all have a bed camera (functional or not) but it would be a far better option to make that the monitoring camera. It’s built in, no need for OBD2 connections that must remain plugged in, no boxes stuck to your window blocking rearward view, no hub the size of an Acme brick taking up space on the passenger area somewhere…
I’m just a stupid, low educated, garden variety dude that works two jobs+ to feed my family. What do I know of engineering and product testing? Nothing. But I know THIS POS is for the birds and I’m giving you all fair warning…

 

[moritzes]

I was part of the testing group for Canvas - the name of the former company that came up with this product. Once they realized it was going to fall flat on its face, they hawked it to Ford who gobbled it up.
it was a less than pleasant experience (mildly put). Bulky additional hardware, not well thought out, and didn’t work properly half the time. It was happily returned after the trial completed.
I personally wouldn’t care for it. All you get is a video notification of who’s stealing your stuff. That’s not security.
It’s mind boggling that Ford engineers would even go this route when the vehicle infrastructure ALREADY has the underpinnings to be adapted for this internally. I know not all have a bed camera (functional or not) but it would be a far better option to make that the monitoring camera. It’s built in, no need for OBD2 connections that must remain plugged in, no boxes stuck to your window blocking rearward view, no hub the size of an Acme brick taking up space on the passenger area somewhere…
I’m just a stupid, low educated, garden variety dude that works two jobs+ to feed my family. What do I know of engineering and product testing? Nothing. But I know THIS POS is for the birds and I’m giving you all fair warning…

Super helpful assessment. Fair warning, indeed! Thanks, Juan.

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