Dash Cam recommendations that are easy to hide the wires? Maybe even hard wire?

[TexasCajun]

I dont have any experience wiring anything in a car, so looking for a suggestion from someone who has done an install with the same non skills.

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[cafecito]

I haven't done any of it specifically, but this video of an aftermarket infotainment system from Quadtratec shows a ton of great options for hiding wires behind trim panels, routing wires behind the dash/glovebox/steering wheel, etc. It's long, but pretty eye-opening and worth a watch if you plan on doing any wiring and cable management.



Ultimately it depends on where you want to mount it and where you're getting the power for it. Do you have a camera already, or have your eye on one?

 

[sharpsicle]

I have a Blackvue DR650 mounted behind the rearview mirror. It's hardwired down the pillar to an always-on module behind the glovebox. Not hard to do with a little patience.

 

[Delhux]

I did a hardwire install of a Thinkware Q800 Pro with front and rear cameras a while ago.

I had the aux switches included in my build, so I had easy access to some hardwiring cables behind the glove box and an easy-to-get-to ground wiring nut just behind the carpet on the passenger side of the center console (near where the passenger’s left leg would be).

To wire discreetly from the windshield (to the right of the safety package “box”), I was able to follow some quadratic install instructions for a 50” light at on a JL. It was pretty easy, just ran the cables along the top of the windshield, and just had to pop off the passenger grab handle to run the wires along that front pillar.

The aux wiring bundle had a color code wire from the battery which could be an “always on” option, so I could use it for parking mode as needed (the camera has options for the voltage level at which it will turn off to avoid battery drain).

I’m pretty sure the video was this one (relevant section starts at 5:24).:

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

I have a Viofo A119 V3, it's reasonably priced and had some good reviews. Hard wired it to a Aux switch (used their kit), was a simple installation, clean with no exposed wire. My first dash cam so I didn't know what features I would like, this unit is pretty basic. So far so good.

 

[TexasTJ]

I’m also running a Viofo A119 V3, hardwired to the fuse box. Ran the wire along the top of the windshield, down the passenger A pillar, folded the windshield, and ran the wiring under the cowl to the fuse box.

 

[TexasCajun]

@cafecito @sharpsicle @Delhux @TroutFishingInAmerica

Thank you all. Based on the feedback I got mine set up this morning. The usb cord that came with it was long enough that I ran it all the way to the usb port in the center console.

 

[robd1438]

I just installed a Thinkware U1000 with their ODB hardwire kit. Ran the cable from the odb port up the drivers side a pillar and out near the rearview mirror. So far works great!

 

[cafecito]

Looks good man!

 

[Pedal Metal]

I'm using a Mercylion A30-2CH hidden dashcam from 2020 or so. It does a reasonably good job.
Blackvue DR750X-2CH is another 2CH option that has an app that you can view the cameras and is very sleek so it's more hidden although more expensive compared to the Viofo.

Would you be able to share a pictures of this install?

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