Hardwiring Dash Cam

Looking at picking up a Garmin dash cam mini and at the same time all the required hardware to install it. I am wondering if there is a better way of hardwiring it into the 4Runner.


As of now the plan is to (from the dash cam) run the cable up towards the headliner, across the headliner, down the driver’s side A pillar/weather stripping, and into the fuse box.


The next part is what I’m trying to streamline (if possible). As of now the most streamlined way of wiring it up was to use a Blackboxmycar mini USB hardwire kit (USB end goes into dash cam) and other end connects to an add-a-fuse.


It would be nice if there was something out there that plugged straight into the dash cam and the other end straight into the fuse panel with no additional connections, splicing, soldering required.


I am curious how the OEM Toyota dash cam on the 4Runner in hardwired in. Does Toyota have a plug and play connection for it? Does anyone know how Toyota hardwires it into the vehicle?

 

Dongar Technologies has a plug and play harness that plugs into your mirror wiring! I have same camera and it is easy and works great! (On Amazon)

 

I will look into it thanks

 

Ya that will work way better! Defiantly going that way. Just sent them an e-mail. Not sure what model ill need for the 2021 4Runner...

Also I'm assuming you got a super short USB to micro USB cable? I believe the Garmin mini comes with one but its to long if using Dongar Technologies connector....

 

So I took a look behind the rear view mirror and to my surprise it looks like I do not have a power supply to it (from what I can see). I’m surprised because my rear view mirror has auto dimming. How is this system supposed to work without a power supply? I was really hopping to use Dongar Technologies adaptor to power my dash cam.

Am I missing something here?

 

After seeing the video by that Chloe chic, I had the exact same thought until I saw there was not a plug on the back of the back of the mirror like there is on a Tacoma. I’m guessing the wiring is under the trim cover that sits against the inside of the front windshield but nothing with a plug to plug an adapter in to.

I also want a dash cam but do not want to have wires hanging all over the place. I want to have all wiring hidden for a cleaner look. I saw a YouTube video on hardwiring a dash cam and while it still was not as clean of an install as I would like, it was better than having wires hanging down.

 

Ya strange, my parents 2018 4R limited and my 2020 Tundra both have a power cable running into the back of the rear view mirror.... but my wife’s 2021 4R TRD off-road doesn’t.

Ok so from what I see the best options for running the wires (if you have to) while keeping it clean are:

#1. hardwire the dash cam to the fuse box using an add a fuse or

#2. get an OBD power cable to micro USB (or whatever connection your dash cam needs)

As of now I’m leaning towards option #2. I like that most of the OBD cables have a switch on them allowing you to have constant power supply (for parking mode) or just when the vehicle running.

Anyone here have any recommendations/thoughts/experience using this style of cable for a dash cam?

I have attached a couple pics of this OBD cable.

 

So ended up picking up the OBD power cable (posted above) and it works great. Clean easy install!

 

Can you post some pics of the camera installed on your windshield, where you ran the cable, plus the OBD power cable installed?

I feel like I'd be bumping into that OBD connector, does it stick out?

 

I don't think the OBD end will get in the way. I'm 5'11 180lbs and drive with regular running/hiking shoes. I ordered this off Amazon so if you do end up having a clearance problem you can always return it.

 

Honz - that looks like a great setup. I'm going to have to add one!

 

following.

 

According to their website, the connection is behind the shroud. I didn’t check on mine. Did you happen to see it when running your ODBII cable?

https://www.dongartechnologies.com/4runner/

 

oooh, finally what i was looking for, thanks for the thread OP !
I find the dongar solution to be the best, the idea is to get rid of the cable behind the liner, yes ! While the odb one is nice too, it's not really a solution for me - I run the power cable behind the passenger liner, under the glove box, under the passenger footwell cover and into the armrest plug.
of course Amazon.ca does not carry it, why would they. bah.

 

The ODB wiring solution looks great and very clean! I was very tempted to use it for my dashcam, but this solution doesn't properly protect your battery if you want to use the parking monitor. It cuts off power at 11.6V which means your battery will be basically dead by then. So I went with the power magic pro.

 

@Honz Nice! This looks like one of the cleanest installs for the 2020+ 4Runner. Has parking mode been working correctly with the OBD cable? Any issues with the Garmin mini overheating? How about battery drain? Is the cutoff working correctly?

 

Thanks, I have not used the parking mode on the OBD power cable and not planning to. My primary reason for the dash cam was to use it while driving. My first choice would have been to go with Dongar Technologies power cable (which would not give you a parking mode option) but unfortunately it is not an option with my 4R. I have not had any overheating issues (at least that I have noticed). Unfortunately, I can’t provide any info regarding battery drain or if the cutoff is working correctly (because I have not used it). I can say in normal mode (power cuts off to mini within 5min) that I have had no battery issues to date.

Cheers

 

The OEM instuctions look to have pretty good pics and instructions . Nice that it helps with all the clips/panels that need to be pulled. It also details grabbing power. Hopefully it will help with any Dash Cam install.

 

Thanks for the follow up. Dongar Technologies does have a newer cable that works with our 2021s but it requires some disassembly.
https://www.dongartechnologies.com/product/2020t4r/

 

Thanks! That’s a lot of surgery for a dash cam.

 

I like the looks of that kit.

 

Just got it done. Took about 10-15 mins. I have a 21 ORP.

 

This is best method by far by using mirror power adapter:

$37 Dongar Dashcam Power Adapter (7-pin Type B) for Select Economy Mirrors. Compatible w/Select Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, & More. Connects to Rearview Mirror, Built-in USB Power Source, Easy Install

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FQ7C9B8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8

 

Which camera are you using and are you happy with it?

 

I just installed the Viofo A129 4k. It seems to be ok. I really like the thinkware cameras, but they do not use a mini or micro usb plug.

 

With my experience Viofo is an excellent dash cam. I've been using Viofo A119 since 2017 paired with Sandisk high endurance cards. I bet your newer A129 4k would be even better.

As for my new 4Runner I'm trying Blackvue DR590X (the cheaper Full HD one). Just installed with the parking mode cable. Will see how it goes.

I do regret a little bit. Blackvue DR590X is not small as I thought it would. I wish I bought Viofo A129 4k. I bet it would have given me a more discrete look.

 

Could you post a picture of where you mounted it? I just lost my 2018 Tacoma to a red light runner who swore he had a green light when he didn't and I wish I had been running a dash cam. I'm curious as to where you mounted it because I'm not letting this happen again.

 

Sharing my pics. This is A119 the older version but it's same shape.





Link-
https://youtu.be/s2qCGowWx-Q

 

Thanks!