Dashcam wiring

[NonHyphenated American]

I'm looking to install a dashcam that needs a constant on power source to be able to record when the vehicle is off to record hit and runs and people loitering around my vehicle, etc. The camera has an autopower shutdown in the even there is nothing observed for a long time and the wiring harness has an on/off switch and low voltage kill switch. I already have a direct positive wire 14ga with an inline fuse from the battery for my Midland 15w GMRS radio. Would it be safe to tap into that positive wire for the dashcam to do it's thing and power the dashcam and GMRS when the vehicle is on?

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[BourbonRunner]

Have you selected a cam yet? The one I just bought for my BMW had a kit available that came with fuse taps ready to go for both ignition triggered and standby when the vehicle is off. One tap into a 12v constant, one on a switched. No wires are tapped. Frankly, with as goofy as electrical systems go nowadays, I am reluctant to use wire taps anymore. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7LRLL14?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[NonHyphenated American]

I was looking at the Cobra Sc400d. I was wanting to avoid running another wire from the battery into the cab. I dont have the factory aux switches. I think my voswitch occupies the fuse that can be constant on or only if the ignition is on. I may upgrade my MXT275 to the 575 and wire the 575 a different way.

 

[Mr._Bill]

I'm looking to install a dashcam that needs a constant on power source to be able to record when the vehicle is off to record hit and runs and people loitering around my vehicle, etc. The camera has an autopower shutdown in the even there is nothing observed for a long time and the wiring harness has an on/off switch and low voltage kill switch. I already have a direct positive wire 14ga with an inline fuse from the battery for my Midland 15w GMRS radio. Would it be safe to tap into that positive wire for the dashcam to do it's thing and power the dashcam and GMRS when the vehicle is on?

That should be fine. Just make sure the max draw from the two combined isn't more than the fuse is rated for.

 

[steven1955]

Here's where I powered my Wolfbox G930 mirror dashcam with the hardwire kit. (I have a 2023 Diesel Rubicon.)

Accessory power from fuse F52, Cigarette Lighter.
Continuous power from fuse F98, SW Bank.
Note the orientation of the fuse taps. This orientation puts the new fuses in parallel with the original fuse.
If you are using fusetaps that come with fuses make sure they are a suitable size. My fusetaps came with 15A fuses where 2A or 3A would be more appropriate. I have 5A installed until I come across some 2A or 3A

 

[Lost1wing]

I have a few power cables that power off of the obd2 port. They work well. There is a switch on it that you can turn off the constant power and use it with ignition power. They come in micro usb, mini usb and type c that I know of. Bought mine in 2021. They all still work as they should.

 

[Mister Lamb]

This kit keeps your 12V charger always powered.

https://www.cooltechllc.com/wrangler-parts-accessories/111-jl-powerport-kit.html

The problem I ran into was that my Garmin never knew when the car was off and I didnt need recording 24/7.

Thankfully the USB in the little 'Media' hub provides juice constantly but also recognizes when the car is off so the camera knows to go into 'Parking Guard.'

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