Powering a dashcam ?

[Advntrbound]

I ordered a Garmin mini 2 and want to power it discretely. I would prefer not running a USB cable from the dash around the window to the mirror. What are some options to make this a clean install?

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[jwilson2899]

Do you have the factory aux switches? If so you could use the hot and ignition wires under the dash to get power from. Then you're only trying to run/hide small wire in the trim panels and behind the dash.

 

[Free2roam]

I ran mine from the fuse box under the cowl. Up the pillar and tucked it all into the trim. Minus where it sticks out from the top into the rearview mirror

 

[Advntrbound]

I.dont have factory aux switches

 

[jav_eee]

You’re still gonna have to run a wire but it won’t come out the front of your dash.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0886DNNSP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Free2roam]

I do but used the fuse box and fuse taps to make it happen.
Nilight 10 Pack Micro 2 Fuse TAP 12V Car Add a Circuit ATR Blade Fuse Adapter with 20A Fuse Micro II Fuse Holder Add On Dual Circuit Adapter for Cars Trucks Boats (50058R) https://a.co/d/csNh7fy
Worked perfectly I believe I used F52 switched power and 102 for the always on power source if you have the USB ports.

 

[Lost1wing]

They make an obd2 plug that will power your camera. Type c, mini USB, micro usb, and the new iPhone plugs are available. There is an on/off button for it. If you camera has a motion sensor, you can leave it on while parked. Otherwise, you can leave it off and only power the camera when you start the Jeep. Enough cable to tuck under the dash and trim to hide most of it.
REARMASTER Universal OBD Power Cable for Dash Camera,24 Hours Surveillance/Acc Mode with Switch Button(Mini USB Port) https://a.co/d/6BDlqxr

 

[Bonanza]

I tapped directly into my auto-dimming rear view mirror power. Undo the plastic trim piece behind the mirror, clip the wires, connect the converter (12v to 5v microUSB), and it turns on/off with ignition. The trim piece won't fit in there as well as it did before, but the camera is behind the rear view mirror. Out of all the options I researched on here, that was the best way.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H7X37T6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[firemedic2714]

Not the OP, but thanks for posting all the answers. I've been contemplating a dashcam, too.

 

[Bonanza]

Jeep definitely needs to take a page from the Bronco book and run power to the dash.

 

[Lunentucker]

I tapped directly into my auto-dimming rear view mirror power. Undo the plastic trim piece behind the mirror, clip the wires, connect the converter (12v to 5v microUSB), and it turns on/off with ignition. The trim piece won't fit in there as well as it did before, but the camera is behind the rear view mirror. Out of all the options I researched on here, that was the best way.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H7X37T6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll say it again.
@JeepCares - Put a friggin usb somewhere useful, like on the mirror assembly.
Better yet, tie an SD card into the forward facing camera and mount it in the dash.
@Bonanza - great job doing what they should have done!

 

[jwilson2899]

Jeep definitely needs to take a page from the Bronco book and run power to the dash.

If you get the factory Aux switches, then you get a full time and ignition only wire under the dash.

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