Rearview Mirror: 12v to USB-Micro USB adapter

I've been thinking about better ways to protect my new 21 Taco TRD Sport, and wanted to invest in a decent dashcam. I'm quite keen on minimalism when it comes to wires and keeping a clean cable management, so I've considered looking at using the rearview mirrors back port to hook up a 12v adapter that allows me to hook up a USB to Micro USB for the dashcam, instead of using an adapter in the lower port of the console.

I saw this

$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!

Adapter and wanted to use it with this Camera, but the adapter looks like something that someone casually made in a garage with the right tools and materials, and the reviews looked mixed and mentioned some scary terms relating to fuse blowing and widespread electrical failures. It said it supports anything less than 2A and the power input of the camera in the link above is 5V-1.5A.

So my ultimate question is, if anyone is familiar with this specific process? Have you hooked up an adapter like this before? Have you hooked up a dashcam this way? Will this void any Warranties? Should I consult my local dealership about installation? Any tips or extensive information would be quite helpful as I'm doing as much research as I can to learn the total scale of proper installation without busting my electrical, battery, or anything else along the way. Thanks guys.

 

Welcome to TW. I was going to buy this myself so looking forward to seeing what others have to say.

 

I have the adapter for my dashcam. Just unplug the connector on the back of the rearview mirror and connect it to the adapter and then the adapter to the mirror just like in the pictures. Real easy install. Mine works great. As for warranty, if this voided the warranty, then plugging anything into the power port would also. Don't over think it.

 

I use one to power my Garmin Mini dash cam. I absolutely love it. Installation only takes 10 seconds, and it provides switched power, so the cam automatically comes on when I start the truck. I don't imagine you'd have any issues with warranty, plus it only takes a few seconds to remove before you visit the dealer if you're that concerned about it. The adapter isn't the prettiest thing, but it seems very well made, and there are quite a few of us using it with no issues.

Here's a thread that discusses the adapter-
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/well-that-was-an-easy-dash-cam-install.650486/

And just a side note- make sure you install the dash cam in a spot where it isn't blocking the light sensor on the front of the mirror or else the mirror will always be dark.

 

Thank you so much, this is exactly what I was looking for.

 

I definitely needed to hear that, thank you!

 

Thank you! Hope you figure it out!

 

I agree with all the above comments. Works well. I installed it with the truck off (not sure If others had issues because the truck was on during install?) Or it may have been an issue during beginning of production which has since been rectified. I've brought mine to the dealership and they don't seem to notice it, I have it and the garmin mini behind the review mirror. I can barely notice it when I'm driving. And, like Nathan said, make sure it isn't blocking the sensor on the mirror.

 

I read those reviews before I bought mine. The guy got a defective one that was shorting power and blowing a fuse. It was a manufacturing error on that one. It happens, mistakes can be made. All it did was blow a fuse.

 

Well update from install, so far so good everything has worked completely fine with no issues. I installed it with the truck off and everything was fine. Thanks guys!

 

Has anyone figured out if the parking mode works with the camera, just plugged into the back of the rearview mirror and engine turned off or is there a workaround? Please advise this would help me a lot and probably save me some money. I am talking about the Garman mini 2

 

The only workaround is to hardwire the cam to an always active usb port.

 

Not really unless you hard wire the camera which defeats the whole purpose of the Dongar.

 

I have it in my tacoma and Odyssey.