How did you hard wire your dash cam?

I've got a 2020 Limited. I'm looking hard at the Viofo A119V3. I'm considering getting the SimpleUSB connector, but it's out of stock again and also, using it, I can't use the true parking mode that this unit offers.

So, my question is to you guys that have hard wired yours so it's hot when the truck is turned off (using the Viofo hard wiring accessory), how did you run your wires? I don't want to remove anything during install if that's possible. Don't really want to remove the pillar or anything else. I'm hoping the wires can just be tucked away along the edge of the windshield and pillar. And I definitely don't want to interfere with any air bags.

Also, is there an existing hole in the firewall to route the cable through?

I'm hoping others have had good results wiring this unit up without tearing into things too bad and can share ideas. If it doesn't look like it can be, I'll most likely end up waiting and getting the SimpleUSB and forget about the parking option. It would be a waste though, because that's a pretty sweet feature to give up!

Thanks in advance,
Ted

 

Fuse box under the dash driver side. Not sure if there are any always hot circuits there though, I have mine off a heater circuit or similar with an add a fuse.

 

Oh, I didn't realize there was a fuse box there. I thought there was only the one in the engine compartment. I'll have to check that out. Thanks.

 

I think they sell adapter plugs that tie into the rear view mirror and grabs power from there.

 

You can tap the power off the mirror

 

Thanks. Yes, they do. That's the SimpleUSB I was talking about. It's out of stock again (I don't know of any other brands that works for the Tacomas) and also there is no power when the truck is turned off, so the parking feature would not work on the Viofo unit.

Ted

 

Thanks. No power on mirror when truck is turned off.

Ted

 

Need to get the Viofo hard wire kit for your model number. I've got the A129 pro duo and had no problems with the install. I'm in the sunroof and usb for the add a fuse taps.

 

Buy this and you can use parking mode and a clean install.

$18 VIOFO HK3 Acc Hardwire Cable for A129, A129 Plus, A129 PRO, A129 IR, A119 V3, Enables Parking Mode, Low Voltage Protection (Fuse Tap Not Included)

https://www.amazon.com/VIOFO-A129-H...otive&sprefix=viofo+har,automotive,203&sr=1-2

 

Thanks. The A129 pro looks like a really nice unit with the 4K and WIFI. I'm looking at that one as well, but the price is getting up there... Do you get a good view out your back window with the rear camera? Or does the bed obscure most of the view?

The only thing about the fuses you used is I don't believe that they are hot when the truck is not running so you can't use the parking feature, right???

Ted

 

That's the wiring kit I was referring to in my OP. How did you run the wires? Did they just tuck in nicely around the windshield/pillar or did you have to remove trim to route them? Was there an existing hole to run the wire through the firewall or did you end up drilling one?

Thanks,
Ted

 

Need to get the Viofo hard wie kit for your model number. I've got the A129 pro duo and had no problems with the install. I'm in the sunroof and usb for the add a fuse taps.

The back view is ok, it's a truck so not much you can do with the tailgate there. Those taps I did on mine work for start up and parking feature.

 

You run the wire above your windshield and down the A pillar into the fuse box in the cabin like shown above from someone else ^. No need to go through the fire wall into the engine bay. You just need to get some fuse taps because that hardwire kit does not come with any.

 

Thanks, I guess I'll have to decide if it's worth the additional money to me. Thanks for the info.

Ted

 

Awesome! Thanks I'll check that fuse box out. I didn't even know it was there. I thought there was only one in the engine compartment. That would be sweet if I can use the parking feature on the unit.

Thanks,
Ted

 

If you're spending the money on the dashcam where it has the feature you might as well use it. It's not hard to wire up anyone can do it, goodluck!

 

I see your point. Do you feel that using parking mode drains your battery much? I know there are settings so you can have the power shut off when/if the battery reaches are certain voltage levels. I wonder if in the long run if it will end up taking a toll on the battery's life... I imagine you can easily turn the camera off when parking someplace where you don't need it like in your garage at home.

Thanks,
Ted

 

I used taps that were spaced away from each other. This helps the Meso cover and its knock out tabs play well together with the add a fuse taps.

 

If you're afraid it will damage your battery leave it at the highest setting (12.4v). I believe though most people leave it in the middle at either 12 or 12.2v which is safe.

 

I run a similar setup on my truck, I also run the MESO cover. I installed a VAVA dual cam, ran the wires behind the driver's A pillar. I removed it and zip tied the wires so it would not interfere with the airbags, ran the second wire above the curtain airbags to back. It took me around 30 minutes being extra careful to not damage any of the plastic.