Dash Cam Fitting

[Dewi 24]

I've never fitted a dash cam to any of my cars but decided to have one in the Corolla (2022). Quick question to those who have fitted one - Where did you wire it into? I'm not keen on having it via the cigarette lighter socket but want to be careful not to upset any of the CANBUS wiring or any other bits of "black art" wiring that cars come with these days. Is there an accessory point / port to wire it to hidden away somewhere? Any advice / suggestions will be appreciated, thanks 😊

P.S - Any recommendations for a decent make / model would also be very welcome

[Obsidian Estate]

I have mine in the fuse box on the passenger side via a piggyback fuse holder. I've always fitted it this way (had the camera about 10 years) apart from in my GT86 as they have a handy 12v outlet in the glovebox.

[simond64]

I had mine hard wired, I used dashcams.co.uk and owner is very experienced & knowledgeable, he comes to fit at your house, I got a fine view gx1000 which he supplied and fitted, no issues with Battery drain in parking mode

[Mjolinor]

As most are USB with a 12olt to 5v(USB) converter I used one of these connected to the 12v in the rev counter socket on my Aygo. Very simple to do, in fact I have never done an easier one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304452358407

 

[Louie]

I have mine plugged into the diagnostics socket under dash drivers side. Halfords fitted mine and it came  with rocker on/off switch and Halfords wiring connectivity. The good thing is no hard wiring involved as it could affect manufacturer's warranty. Halfords currently will only work on hybrid/petrol/diesel  vehicles so if you have an EV you are out of luck.

[mpm235]

11 hours ago, Dewi 24 said:

I've never fitted a dash cam to any of my cars but decided to have one in the Corolla (2022). Quick question to those who have fitted one - Where did you wire it into? I'm not keen on having it via the cigarette lighter socket but want to be careful not to upset any of the CANBUS wiring or any other bits of "black art" wiring that cars come with these days. Is there an accessory point / port to wire it to hidden away somewhere? Any advice / suggestions will be appreciated, thanks 😊

P.S - Any recommendations for a decent make / model would also be very welcome

"P.S - Any recommendations for a decent make / model would also be very welcome" 

 On the Dash Cam forums, Viofo Dash Cams are often mentioned to be the best you can get 👍

[simond64]

5 hours ago, mpm235 said:

"P.S - Any recommendations for a decent make / model would also be very welcome" 

 On the Dash Cam forums, Viofo Dash Cams are often mentioned to be the best you can get 👍

Have a look at dashcams.co.uk This guy will only fit dashcams that meet strict criteria, after lots of research and having had 3 different brands previously fitted by Toyota and Halfords I was impressed and realised my previous mistakes. I now have a fine vu gx1000 front and rear hardwired and the parking mode works as this cam has one of the lowest power drains in park mode. 

 

[Guest]

@Dewi 24 I would recommend Nextbase - especially if you're looking for a rear view camera as the 322GW and up have an extra output for this, and they sell it. whole range stocked at Halfords. Handy little well-maintained app too.  And when the time comes they now also sell / offer a mail in Battery replacement for £35 so you could potentially get 5+ years from one making it a decent investment.  I have a 322GW + rear module. 

Another reason is they have a hard-wire kit for £25 also at Halfords (who I think can also fit the whole thing for you using the kit). This doesn't splice or cut wires, it uses a piggyback fuse. My local Toyota dealer actually was able to advise me on the correct fuse to 'piggyback' from on the Avensis as I was having bother with some turning off power when the start/stop cuts the engine out, then others allowing 24/7 power draining my Battery..  No issues since they advised. I presume each car and configuration is different so if you need to, definitely pop in and ask them which one they use when they fit the Toyota Dashcam (made by Nextbase too). 

I've tucked the wires up through the back of the glovebox, through the A-pillar (pops off with no tools) and then the rear one along the roof line tucked in neatly. It's easy enough if you're comfortable to do it. Only need a star head screwdriver to loosen and add the 'ground' part of the hardwire kit to a ground under the side sill plastic trim. I'd be happy to help you if you decide to give it a go, even via video call or something if it would help. 

Ps, look at Nextbase's refurb section. When my 522GW got replaced I got the £120 322GW for £77!  Came in a box as new with all the original accessories and same warranty as well. Bargain imo! 

[Guest]

2 hours ago, simond64 said:

has one of the lowest power drains in park mode. 

That sounds good.  My main issue with Nextbase (and I presumed all cams) was the 15 min Battery (from new) getting worse FAST to the point where park mode might as well not exist.. 😕 

[simond64]

38 minutes ago, SB1500 said:

That sounds good.  My main issue with Nextbase (and I presumed all cams) was the 15 min battery (from new) getting worse FAST to the point where park mode might as well not exist.. 😕 

Nextbase pre the new QI have a tiny lithium ion Battery and you won’t get many mins parking mode. Having had Nextbase I wouldn’t recommend it at all, as I said look at dashcams.co.uk and ignore the articles in the media, this is a very experienced company and fit at home all over the country, they won’t offer most products you find at Halfords or Toyota. many think you need 4k, you don’t, there’s more to it than that. 

[Louie]

Hi Guys

I did a fair amount of research before i purchased my current Dashcam as i did have one before and it turned out to be rubbish.  I decided I did not want one with a screen, it had to be as compact as possible, robust, easily installed  and reliable so i went for the Blackvue ( https://blackvue.co.uk/)  ( and have had mine for three years) and it has not missed a beat.  You can view the Dashcam contents immediately using your mobile or take out the device's micro simm and view it on a laptop/PC. The software is very versatile and  intuitive and your stuff can be viewed in 4k. The Dashcam can be setup to carry out a variety of tasks when on the move or  parked up. The dashcam can be easily removed overnight when parked up and replaced when you are ready to go. 

There are lots of deals floating around on the web for this dashcam so don't grab the first one you see.

 

[Guest]

10 hours ago, simond64 said:

Nextbase pre the new QI have a tiny lithium ion battery and you won’t get many mins parking mode. Having had nextbase I wouldn’t recommend it at all, as I said look at dashcams.co.uk and ignore the articles in the media, this is a very experienced company and fit at home all over the country, they won’t offer most products you find at Halfords or Toyota. many think you need 4k, you don’t, there’s more to it than that. 

I'd be open to trying another brand next time. Parking mode definitely is disappointing because of the Battery as you say - I agree.  I mostly bought another as they originally told me they can't ship me a Battery to NI (because of postage restrictions) and that I couldn't avail of the mail-in replacement.  Between that and me ordering a new (cheaper model) they emailed me to correct themselves and say that actually I could have posted my 522GW in, but it was too late, already ordered the other. 

I agree too, 4K is a bit of a farce. 1080p is fine. Things like a decent night mode are more important, and a longer park mode too, I'd trade resolution for that. 

I usually just recommend Nextbase as they get the job done (most people probably aren't as particular about parking mode as me) and they are widely available at Halfords or online, usually discounts and easy enough to use or seek help with.

maybe next time I'll give that brand a try.