Do I need to remove the bumper to install a backup camera?

From reading some posts here and around I can't really find much info on installing a backup camera. The only reasonable option seems to be one that replaces one of the license plate lights with a camera, but the only place I see that for sale is on alibaba and I don't really want a cheap crappy camera that takes a month to ship from china... I can't find any more for sale that might be higher quality and more reliable... I do have a camera that requires drilling a small hole and I think I could do that and fish the wire into the trunk. However to mount it properly I'd need to put a nut on the other side to secure it down and there's no way my hand is getting in there to do it. I could just use double sided tape or superglue but that seems a little iffy... I also don't see a way to get the trim off inside the trunk very easily so I could access back there. Is taking off the bumper cover really the best bet? Is there some other camera that would make this easier?

Try Maxspeed-motorsports.com I believe it is. There are threads on here about it. I'm kind of new to the forum and maybe someone will post the link. It will be the way I go when the time comes. Check their website out. I googled them.

Not necessary to remove the bumper. Just remove the driver-side taillight assembly an you can fish the wires easily. I just use a cheap (<$20) camera from Amazon . I wired it's power to the same switched fuse as my aftermarket radio. So I can use it without being in reverse. Otherwise you can power it by tapping the backup light. Also, there's convenient places to connect the ground in that corner.

I was wondering what aftermarket radio unit you use? I would like to add a rear camera to my '14 base with CDR31 but can't decide on whether to change the head unit. i am currently relying on my phone with Android Auto . Thanks.

I don't think that will let me get my hand in there to tighten a nut down on the camera post will it?

Sorry, I don't remember. My camera has a bracket held with two screws. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H3ZN3JK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . I ran the cable down behind the licence plate frame and through an existing hole in the bumper cover.

I removed the bumper when I was installing the mine. It's really not that difficult and certainly makes it easier to fish the wires, drill the hole and attach the nuts. Regarding camera selection, I have the Coolint CT-107B which I ordered from Amazon . Lately it's been flaky where ~third of the time it just shows me a blank screen so just be aware.

Ah yeah, the one I got uses a nut: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H852D49/ I'm thinking unless there's some way to remove the carpet and bits from the inside of the trunk, removing the bumper might be the best / only option...

Interesting, I did have a Coolint 107B that was DOA, they replaced it without question, now have two installed (front/back) for almost 2 years now no problems with either.

YMMV, but rather then repeating everything I found while installing my solution have a read in this thread, lots of good information to be had, IMHO a properly installed camera solution that shows on the PCM is best... https://www.planet-9.com/981-diy-discussion/114895-cayman-roofcam-rear-vision-solved.html But if you want an easier installed option and don't mind using your phone then there are a number of wireless options out there,

No need to remove bumper, just fish wire through; attached photos show how.

I didn't have to drill a hole in my bumper nor remove the bumper. I installed the wire through the right License Plate Light. You only see 2-3 inches of wire, but it's not even noticeable one the license plate and camera are installed. You can just fish the wire through from the right tail light. Works like a charm. I tapped the camera power from the black/blue reverse light wire on the left side of the luggage compartment. I will say this was on a 981 and not a 987.

Mine was a triangular version, with a threaded post. I did drill a small mounting hole (3/16"?) in the bumper above the license plate. I removed the left bumperette to get my hand in there with a 8 or 10mm wrench to tighten it down. It was painful. Little hands and arms would help. Getting the bumperette back on was a bear, and I posted here for help. Eventually I got it back on. The backing plate comes free and then you have to have something behind it to push against to reseat it. Not fun. So, while you can do it that way, I am not sure you should.