Avoiding fuse tap / add a fuse / dash cam install

Hi All,

Will be receiving a Thinkware U1000 2 channel and was wondering if there are empty fuse slots that can be used to avoid a fuse tap. The camera requires a constant and an ignition connection.
Going to have it professionally installed but want to be somewhat informed about it. because they usually default to the camera's instructions and will just tap a fuse.
I think if the camera can have it's own power supply. it would be a cleaner installation.
This is going into a 2021 TRD OR DC.

Thanks

 

If you won't ever be towing there is a harness tucked away on the drivers side kick panel and you may be able to find power in one of those wires.

 

There is a switched empty slot on the inside fuse panel, put the constant on an addafuse with the HAZ.
That's the cleanest you're going to get.

 

I got the exact same camera in the mail today, and I'm planning on tapping into the dome light fuse with add-a-fuse and meso custom tall fuse cover to avoid having to cut the OEM fuse cover.

Any particular reason to avoid add-a-fuse?

 

If it's getting professionally installed, I'd rather do the fuse tap than whatever they decide to splice into when you tell them to stay away from the fuse box.

To an installer, speed is what pays the bills, not quality. And they try not to sacrifice speed when the customer starts making special requests.

 

$37 Dongar Dash Cam Power Adapter (12-pin Type A) - Compatible w Toyota Tacoma (15-23), select Highlander, Tundra, Sienna; Honda Ridgeline & more. USB Power, Connects to Rearview Mirror. Easy Install!

https://www.amazon.com/SimpleUSB-Mi...s=tacoma+mirror+adapter&qid=1618854622&sr=8-2

Would this work? People on the forums seem to think highly of it and its entirely plug and play, no additional wiring.

 

I prefer not to mess around with the electrical in my cars/trucks. and just in case I don't want any issues with the warranty if anything comes up. the manual specifically states to not modify the fuses or fuse boxes. I know adding a fuse is still modifying but I think it would be a safer option to a tap.
What I found so far in other posts. the bottom left corner is empty and is constant. and the 6th from the top on the right hand side is switched and empty. now I just need to find out if the current on those two will be enough.
Also the truck has no heated seats or sunroof and I think those Fuses are in this box too. also from another post. I think the sunroof is constant and I would think the heated seats would be switched.
and I don't think I'll ever tow anything. but would like to keep that option open. that's usually when I end up needing something. as soon as I get rid of it. .. LOL.

 

is this constant-on? if so that could work

 

I’m not telling them to stay away from the fuse box. But if I can find the 2 empty spots in the fuse box that could work instead of taping an already used fuse. I would think that’s the better option.

 

This might work. But that would be like a fuse tap and that is what I’m trying to avoid.

 

Fair enough. If you have empties, definitely use those. Dashcams don't draw a lot of power to be a worry anyway. Just bear in mind that if you tap into a wire, chances are it's still going through the fuse box, it's just routed through a longer, thinner path.

 

I have the "Simple 29$ USB Mirror Dashcam" and love it.

Installation took two-minute. I can get a picture later on if requested.

 

I wouldn't want them to tap into a wire. If it ends up been the only option. it would be a fuse tap.

 

Your only other option would be to run a new wire through the firewall and directly to battery. That's a bit of overkill for something that pulls less than 0.5 amps at any given moment.

 

And excuse the ignorance but I have to ask. Am I understanding this correctly? all of the fuse box outputs have the same output power with the limiting factor been the fuse. so for example if there is an empty spot and I could use a 10, 20 or 30A fuse according to the limit the hardware requires and that should be fine? or does each fuse spot have a limit of what fuse can be used?
Electrical and plumbing have never been my thing... LOL.

 

Sort of, yes. The upstream hardware has to be considered too (wire diameter and whatnot) but yes, it all has the same voltage and same potential from the battery. The fuse is the safety switch that breaks whenever the circuit draws more current than you want it to.

 

add-a-fuse is not the same as tapping.

Tap;


Add A Fuse;


Add a fuse keeps original fuse circuit, and adds another fused power source.
Tap is sourcing power through the same fuse. Not as good.

Installers are probably going to use a vampire clamp on a wire anyways..

 

Thanks for the clarification. I would go with the add a fuse option if I have to. and if the installer doesn't do what I ask without a good explanation. some body is not getting paid or redoing the job correctly... LOL. this is why I'm here trying to understand this a little.

 

Tacoma uses micro 2 fuses, right? I have a '22 and will be installing mine the same way I always have. Add a fuse is the simplest method. Those mirror adapters are not very good. For one, reports of blowing fuses, which means they are using crappy capacitors because if anything should blow, it would be in the adapter. Two, they are not constant on meaning no parking mode. They just look shady too. I'd rather solder into existing wires than use one of those, but since the add a fuse is an option on literally every vehicle now days, that should be the way to go. Any installer who does otherwise should be avoided.

My first time installing a dashcam took me a couple hours with the add a fuse. Most recent one was less than an hour. It's incredibly simple.

I just need to know what size add a fuse to get, since the truck is still at the dealer getting my goodies put on it

 

It’s the terminals that limit current in each circuit and the size of the buss bars and main power cables that limit the total current through the panel. That’s why ATO fuses can be found up to 40A while ATM fuses are limited to 30. If you can’t use an empty slot then add-a-fuse to one with a lower fuse value in it. Try to avoid circuits that already have 20A fuses, I consider them already full.