by "Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
Published 06/23/2017 at 22:52
by "Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
Published 06/23/2017 at 22:52
Tags: ram dash cam
; ram
; ram 1500
; dashcam
; caught on dashcam
STARS: 3
Since I suck at reading wiring diagrams and don’t feel like splicing into my Ram’s harnesses, I’m just going to use the plentiful power outlets (one round ‘cigarette lighter’ outlet and power-only USB in the dash, and another similar setup [except the USB is also a data port] in the armrest/console) to power my front and rear dashcams.
Problem is, the armrest outlets are powered 24/7 from the battery, the USB in the dash is as well but I’m only using it for my phone... the other dash outlet is ignition-ON powered so its perfect for the cam.
So imagine my surprise whilst reading the owners manual last night (who does that?) that there’s a page dedicated to telling owners how to move a fuse to turn that armrest outlet from batt to ignition powered!
The manual isn’t quite clear, but there it is:
It also gave me a reason to pop the hood for the first time, and note all the room for activities!
So with the V6 set so far back, the accessory drive is pretty much the only thing past the axle centerline, so its pretty much front-mid-engined.
So with the fuse switched, I plugged the camera’s cord in and ran it down the back of the armrest,
Under the carpet to the storage area beneath the rear seat,
And up to the camera that I had no other choice but to ziptie to the center headrest poles
For the front cam’s wire I just tucked it into the headliner and down the a-pillar and across the dash below the steering column, and this is the only wire that really sticks out
And I only wounded myself once on the sharp plastic bits
There are only a few small things I think I’ll end up doing to the truck, mostly to make it more livable over the next three years I’m leasing it. Stay tuned for some exterior doo-dads that are going on/in next week.
Mini-Daryl approves.
"CRider" (crider)
06/23/2017 at 23:06, STARS: 1
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
6lbs of activities is probably enough, but there’s definitely room for more.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
06/23/2017 at 23:20, STARS: 1
Professional zip tie installation!
"His Stigness" (HisStigness)
06/24/2017 at 02:44, STARS: 0
If there’s a fuse box in the cabin (there generally is), then you can “hardwire” a “charger” to a fuse by piggybacking on a fuse that’s not super important, but only gets 12 volts with the key on. Product links below.
Pico 0956PT 10 Amp ATM Mini Blade Fuse Add-A-Circuit Fuse Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QRSBW0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vMGtzb968NBPF
Spy Tec Mini USB Dash Cam 10 Foot Hardwire Kit for A119 A119S G1W G1WS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MH4ZVHO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tNGtzbSTVT9RM
That’s how I wired the dash cam in both my cars because I didn’t want to splice into the harness. Well actually I did go into the stereo harness on my Mercedes but someone had already installed that so I was fine. But with the Golf the fuse box is drivers side of the dash so it was super convenient. But I’ve had zero issues and installation is a breeze, and it’s very tidy.
"Slant6" (slant-6)
06/24/2017 at 08:17, STARS: 1
I just “hard wired” my dash cam last night. Tapped off the radio fuse into a 2 dollar advance auto 12v socket and hid the mess of wires under the dash.
I did remove my radio plate though and in the process shorted out my radio. When I installed it 2 years ago I just twisted the wires together and insulated them with painters tape, just as a mock up. Guess I forgot to go back and do it correctly.
"404 - User No Longer Available" (toni-cipriani)
06/24/2017 at 08:35, STARS: 0
Is there no separate fuse box in the cabin for interior accessories?
That’s actually my favourite GM feature, separate fuse box for the BCM in the footwell. I just tapped my cam into the “sunroof” fuse for my Solstice with an add-a-circuit, easy peasy.
"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
06/24/2017 at 18:43, STARS: 0
I have hardwire kits that I had tapped to the ignition hot wire in my Mazda that my compass/autodim/homelink mirror was tapped into.
The ONLY fusebox in the Ram is under the hood :(
I tried to find the wires going to the power outlet in the dash so I could tap in there, but everything is tucked away and wrapped up tight that I’d have to pull half the dash apart to gain access. For now just plugging them in will work.
"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
06/24/2017 at 18:46, STARS: 0
Nope. Although some packages include fused accessory switches on the dash for upfitting. But not mine.
"His Stigness" (HisStigness)
06/24/2017 at 21:43, STARS: 0
Ah yeah those vampire clips. I’m sure they’re fine, but they bug me. Probably because as a repair tech I know the proper repair is butt connectors with heat shrink (either built in or added).
And like I said I have this weird aversion to tapping into important things. I think went into the wiper fuse or the charger fuse on the Golf, just in case anything went wrong I could still drive it home without a problem.
That really bites there’s no fuse panel inside the cabin of the truck, and I know the wiring looms on modern cars are a bitch to deal with. I think the only sensible option for a hardwire of the cameras is to send two wires from the fuse panel, but that wouldn’t be easy getting the wires into the cabin.