DIY Dashcam Hardwire Kit

[Boatbuilder88]

I was shopping online for a dashcam hardwire kit to use with one of the OEM Aux switches. My son suggested that we use the long USB cable that came with the dashcam and cannibalize an old car charger adapter to use as a voltage regulator. A couple of solders and crimp connectors later… Success!

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[CaseOfAle]

I don't know if this is r/techsupportgore or r/techsupportmacgyver but I do know this is an awesome solution! Did you end up wiring it to a switch, or to the accessory lead under the dash?

 

[ConqSoft]

I always just install a hidden 12v plug somewhere behind the kick plates in my vehicles and then run the standard power cable that came with my dash cam to that. Then it’s easy to switch out if I upgrade cameras, etc.

For the Wrangler I wired it behind the passenger kick plate. I tapped into the factory switched power wire, so it turns off and on with the ignition.

Some dash cams have modes where they will record even with the vehicle is off, so if I had one of those I’d use the constant power wire instead.

 

[Boatbuilder88]

I don't know if this is r/techsupportgore or r/techsupportmacgyver but I do know this is an awesome solution! Did you end up wiring it to a switch, or to the accessory lead under the dash?

@CaseOfAle Thanks! We wired it to one of the Aux switches.

 

[aro]

I always just install a hidden 12v plug somewhere behind the kick plates in my vehicles and then run the standard power cable that came with my dash cam to that. Then it’s easy to switch out if I upgrade cameras, etc.

For the Wrangler I wired it behind the passenger kick plate. I tapped into the factory switched power wire, so it turns off and on with the ignition.

I like your idea. Which one is the standard power cable in your photo? Did you tap into it? The red one is the 12v?

 

[ConqSoft]

I like your idea. Which one is the standard power cable in your photo? Did you tap into it? The red one is the 12v?

The solid red wire is just the wire coming off the 12v plug I purchased. It’s tapped into the ignition power. If you have the AUX switches, it’s part of the bundle for those connections:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...cable-color-code-wiring-identification.13026/

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I like your idea. Which one is the standard power cable in your photo? Did you tap into it? The red one is the 12v?

@aro
?.... Does your JL have Aux buttons?

 

[aro]

I don't have the Aux switches.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I don't have the Aux switches.

@aro I'm not sure what you are wanting to power with 12v in your JL's cab.. ? Also, do you want on all the time 12v power or ignition switched 12v power.

Careful where you grab 12v from... what you splice into as Can Bus can get pissy with you and cause issues..

Provide specifics here and we can point you better.

Here is a recent thread asking about 12v for dash cam... READ the whole thread...
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/can-i-splice-here-for-dashcam.53521/

 

[aro]

@aro I'm not sure what you are wanting to power with 12v in your JL's cab.. ? Also, do you want on all the time 12v power or ignition switched 12v power.

Careful where you grab 12v from... what you splice into as Can Bus can get pissy with you and cause issues..

Provide specifics here and we can point you better.

Here is a recent thread asking about 12v for dash cam... READ the whole thread...
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/can-i-splice-here-for-dashcam.53521/

I need 12V for a dashcam, only when ignition is on. I installed dashcams in several cars that have a fuse box in the cabin... it's easy... but the Jeep is different.

I read your reply in that thread and I agree; I definitely don't want to tap into something that might even potentially create problems.

The cigarette lighter approach sounds solid. Now I have to research how to get the cable there. I've had the JL only for a few days, I don't even know where the lighter is

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Snip:

The cigarette lighter approach sounds solid. Now I have to research how to get the cable there. I've had the JL only for a few days, I don't even know where the lighter is

You can get it here. It's on sale right now. ($29+) Install is easy. No splicing. Adapter Install will take you say 15-20 min.. Adapter is Can Bus friendly.
https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/12-volt-power-adapter-jeep-wrangler-jl

Adapter Install instr: https://www.quadratec.com/sites/def...p-Wrangler-JL-Installation-Instructions_0.pdf

Wire run from dash cam:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/can-i-splice-here-for-dashcam.53521/post-1168314

 

[aro]

You can get it here. It's on sale right now. ($29+) Install is easy. No splicing. Adapter Install will take you say 15-20 min.. Adapter is Can Bus friendly.
https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/12-volt-power-adapter-jeep-wrangler-jl

Adapter Install instr: https://www.quadratec.com/sites/def...p-Wrangler-JL-Installation-Instructions_0.pdf

Wire run from dash cam:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/can-i-splice-here-for-dashcam.53521/post-1168314

I love how clean this is! Thank you, wasn't aware of that adapter.

 

[Hudson]

Just another option for power - Quadratec has a 12v adapter cable that installs below the radio. You have to pop off the climate control console - easy to do- and you need to buy a set of 5v USB adapters to step down the 12v.

Here‘s a thread with the write up, I am going to do this as I’ve used my Aux switches and spare power cables up and I want something I can wire up under the center mount.

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