This 2016 Chevy Silverado HD is equipped with a new Trailering Camera System with up to five cameras on the truck. This option was just recently introduced. (It is also available on GMC Sierra trucks). You can either get it when buying a new Silverado truck, or you can retrofit a 2014-2016 truck that was originally equipped with the trailering package. This system costs $999 before installation.
The camera system comes in handy when towing trailers or just running empty, but it still has room for improvement. There is a camera on the bottom of both side mirrors. The views from these cameras are activated when you turn on the corresponding blinker. These work while stationary or moving; however, the entire screen is taken over by the camera view when the blinker is on. This is not always convenient, because you might be following a navigation map or checking the radio stations while waiting to turn with your blinkers on. While in park or in reverse, you can access the additional camera selection menu on the center console by pressing and holding the “Home” button for several seconds. This menu allows you to combine different camera views and also access the camera that is mounted on top of the cab and pointing into the bed, or the wireless camera that you can install on the back of your trailer. When you throw the truck into reverse gear, the center monitor defaults to the camera that is on the back of the tailgate. It takes 10 seconds or so to access the camera menu and switch cameras. I wish this could be done quicker and easier. Nonetheless, having extra cameras is very helpful, especially when hooking up trailers by yourself or maneuvering the truck and trailer in tight spaces. It made hooking up the BigTex gooseneck trailer a breeze, and it’s always helpful to know what is behind your trailer when backing up.
