Vantrue N4 Pro Dashcam installed

[Sector281411]

So I have been wanting a dash cam for quite a while but never could quite pull the trigger. Recently on the Big A there was a pretty good deal on the Vantrue N4 Pro and I picked one up.

I wanted to get it installed before a trip to Colorado in a few weeks. I bought and paid for mine and have no relationship with Vantrue at all.

installation:

installation for me was a breeze but I have experience in taking vehicles apart for almost 20 years. The installation instructions were not that clear but with help from a few related videos on YouTube I was able to get it installed in about two hours taking my time and a few breaks. I did not use the anti-static sticker they send as it just seemed unnecessary so I used alcohol to clean the windshield and used the adhesion promoter it comes with and have not had any issues. Running the wires from fuse panel through passenger side door frame was easy. The wiring kit I bought (SOLD SEPARATELY) is by Vantrue and It allows you use switch combinations to set the voltage that the system will shut off. I made a slight adjustment here and ONLY wanted the system to turn on when I am driving. The install kit wiring comes with ground and multiple fuse blocks for many fuse types. One fuse block connects to an ignition on source while the other connects to an always hot source by design. I connected both of mine to ignition on sources. It turns on and off with ignition and I am happy with it for now. Annoyingly you MUST connect the always on source to something or the system will not power on at all.

Mounting:
I mounted the camera as high as I could on the passenger side close to the rear view mirror. In Texas it cannot obstruct the drivers view and I can barely see it.

NOTE**** initially I did not connect the rear camera and only discovered after running it that the USB C cable comes straight out of the top of the unit and I was not able to have it plugged in where I mounted the camera. I considered lowering the unit but ultimately bought a low profile right angle USB C adapter and it works great.

The rear camera is mounted between two of the defrost lines on the passenger side of the back window.

Video:
The quality of video on this unit is very nice and I bought a high speed 512GB Samsung SD card that works perfectly. No need to pay inflated Vantrue prices. I also bought the front camera filter that screws on and gives more rich colors on videos.

Overall I am very happy with this unit and can answer any questions you may have.

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[Puch]

Nice write up. I’m looking for one with rear camera, but don’t k know how/where I would mount the rear camera on a soft top? Probably end up with front only.

 

[Sector281411]

Nice write up. I’m looking for one with rear camera, but don’t k know how/where I would mount the rear camera on a soft top? Probably end up with front only.

Yeah not sure on soft top but the camera does have an interior facing camera as well that may be able to see out the back for you. Never had a soft top so cannot say for sure.

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[Sector281411]

Here are some more pictures of the install.

 

[ErylFlynn]

I didn't feel comfortable doing fuse taps so I just have mine power up with the vehicle. Use the 12v cig adapter to provide power. Found I needed both wires connected to it for the camera to power up. If I learn of a good place to tap into for always on power I might switch over that way.

I also noticed you did the same thing I did and got a 90 degree adapter. Not sure why the cable isn't 90 degree out of the box.

What I like about this camera is how good the images are. I can actually ready many of the license plates in the videos it captures. Down side, the back camera is only 1080p, and the image is meh due to the factory tint on my hardtop.

 

[Sector281411]

I didn't feel comfortable doing fuse taps so I just have mine power up with the vehicle. Use the 12v cig adapter to provide power. Found I needed both wires connected to it for the camera to power up. If I learn of a good place to tap into for always on power I might switch over that way.

I also noticed you did the same thing I did and got a 90 degree adapter. Not sure why the cable isn't 90 degree out of the box.

What I like about this camera is how good the images are. I can actually ready many of the license plates in the videos it captures. Down side, the back camera is only 1080p, and the image is meh due to the factory tint on my hardtop.

I’m not sure why they didn’t add the 90° cable. It does make a lot more sense. I thoroughly tested the fuse blocks before I put them in. I didn’t have any issues during testing so using them there was no big deal. I do wish that the cables going from the voltage control box to the fuse area was a little bit longer. I found a place for it to go on the side panel next to the dash on the passenger side but that was really my only option..

 

[WanderingJ]

Im starting my hunt for a camera and this was on the list, after I was almost ran off the road by someone who thought we were nascar drivers and tailed me so close, I couldnt see the front of their car anymore and just the top of their head. In the one photo, looks like you have the cabin cam on. can you view it in an app and would it pick up a plate? I have softtop and think someone mounted the back camera to their light/sound bar. May try that unless that cabin one can get enough outside. Though, I thought about a waterproof one and mounting to license plate

 

[Sector281411]

There is a phone app and I have front, cabin and rear cameras installed. Front and rear can definitely read plates

 

[ErylFlynn]

My rear doesn't do as good a job reading plates, the tinted hardtop does not help the image quality.

 

[40x40]

I’m not sure why they didn’t add the 90° cable. It does make a lot more sense. I thoroughly tested the fuse blocks before I put them in. I didn’t have any issues during testing so using them there was no big deal. I do wish that the cables going from the voltage control box to the fuse area was a little bit longer. I found a place for it to go on the side panel next to the dash on the passenger side but that was really my only option..

hi any chance you might have pics showing the routing to the fuse box? i'm pondering a hole in the firewall if necessary. if both fuse box connections are switched, i guess that would mean the camera will not record/photograph if bumped into when parked, if you have a motion sensor?

 

[Sector281411]

hi any chance you might have pics showing the routing to the fuse box? i'm pondering a hole in the firewall if necessary. if both fuse box connections are switched, i guess that would mean the camera will not record/photograph if bumped into when parked, if you have a motion sensor?

Yes it will ONLY power on when the vehicle ignition is in the run position. I ran the wires from the fuse box to the interior just like this guy did in this video and have had no issues.

 

[ErylFlynn]

What I got was the idea to use a USB battery for the parked car on feature. Maybe get something with a remote or remote switch so I can have my dashcam running when I park it some places.

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