How To: Constantly powered under-dash switched circuit

Hey there, I will consider this to be my introduction to the forum. I purchased my Tacoma 5 days ago and love it. I cannot wait to bolt more crap to it. With that in mind I searched the forum for topics like this one. I found this thread https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/always-on-12v-power-outlet-mod-3rd-gen.432620/#post-12477343 but did not feel that my soldering skills would be up to par for that job. Additionally it would place my constant power really far from the dash cam. What follows is my solution to the problem of an always on switchable circuit, location and wiring. I hope it is helpful.

So today I decided to install my dash cam. I like for it to be constantly powered so that it may one day capture the face of anyone messing with my truck while parked.

First order of business was to find a constantly powered fuse spot under the dash. Luckily there is one open fuse slot and it is constantly powered. It is in the bottom left of the sticker. And is the first slot from the front on the right as you reach under the dash.


I wanted to also be able to switch this circuit off easily. In my old FJ I had the battery go dead when I was away for a trip to Ecuador. I had forgotten to unplug the dash cam circuit when I left. So this one has a switch in it which will be affixed to the left side of the fuse block. Note the black wire is ground and will be attached to the fuse block mounting nut.


Toyota was nice enough to put a perfectly sized hole in the ODB bracket. So I put my 12v receptacle in it and secured it with a zip tie. Be sure to insulate your wire really well as there are many sharp corners in this area.


I then ran the power wire up the A pillar under the weather stripping and headliner to the mirror area. Here is the rexing dash cam in its installed position.



Here is an upskirt shot of the entire install under the dash.


And just because here is my new truck.


Btw while looking under the hood I found this.


Anyone know what that white wire is on the headlight wire bundle?

While we are at it. Anyone know what the spare plug in this photo goes to when in use? It is currently just stuffed into a keeper slot in the panel.
Addendum -----> This is the wiring for a bed light according to this thread. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-cab-cargo-light-switch.436440/#post-12743485


I hope this helped someone out in the quest to provide power to the many electronics that can be added to the Tacoma.

 

Welcome bud! Nice post. Is the white wire a ground? It appears to be bolted up like one

 

There is a ground in the photo, but I am referring to the bundle under the black bundle.

 

Nice. I plan to add a dash cam in the next couple weeks. Good to know what fuse slot I should use.

 

Nice Writup! Can you share which dash am you are running and how it's worked for you? I'm in AZ and out heat has killed many I've tried...

 

I have a Rexing V1

$95 REXING V1 - 4K Ultra HD Car Dash Cam 2.4" LCD Screen, Wi-Fi, 170° Wide Angle Dashboard Camera Recorder with G-Sensor, WDR, Loop Recording, Supercapacitor, Mobile App, 256GB Supported

https://www.amazon.com/Rexing-Dashb...id=1468807163&sr=8-2&keywords=rexing+dash+cam

So far I have had no problems with it. I live in NM and while we do not have the heat you do, it may be a good one to try. I was previously using it in my FJ.

 

Nice write up. How visible is the Dash cam from outside the windshield?

 

Not that visible. Sorry for the crappy photo. It could be mounted even higher making it less visible. I decided on this position because the screen is fully blocked and will not blind me at night should it light up.

 

Very stealthy. I bought a Rexing v1 on Prime Day for $80. I can't wait to install it.

 

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I have a GoPro dash cam and have wanted to do this .... thanks for the DIY article.
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Nice write up and welcome

 

Thanks for the write up! I am planning on getting one of the Rexing v1 too and installing it in the same spot. The only difference is I want it to turn on and off with the truck. I travel a lot so my truck is turned off for long lengths of time.

Would you happen to know the easiest way to wire it? It will be my first time hard wiring anything in a car/truck.

Thanks!

 

You can use he exact same technique omitting the switch and using the add A circuit in another location. One that is cycled with the ignition. You wilol need to experiment to find one.

 

Used the same fuse location as OP for the constant power, too easy.. My setup is the Blackvue DR650 2CH front and rear camera with power magic pro.

 

Nice project. Thanks for the write-up.

 

Nice find "AM1" fuse constant on. All of my trucks I add a SAE plug power port. Once I have a 12 VDC power plug installed, I use my SAE / USB adapter between my truck, motorcycle, RV, and my boat. I have a few of the sae / usb adapters... the battery tender one is the only one that ALWAYS work with my POS IPHONE.

Remember... Always wire the positive to the covered probe (insulated from shorting to frame of truck).






also cool as shit....

 

Been looking for these. Great Idea!

 

looks good. how did you get your cover for the pannel back on?

 

it stays off unfortunately.

 

Reviving an old thread but how long do you think you can go without starting the truck before you start to hurt the battery... 4/6 hrs?