For DIY Enthusiasts: Breaking Down the Vantrue Hardwire Kits

Once installed, you can feel the safety benefits of dash cams every time you drive. However, they need power to record. If you want your dash cam to continue watching your car even when the car is turned off, you should consider hardwiring it.

Using a Vantrue hardwire kit, it can stay powered, protecting your car from theft and damage. While it’s possible to connect it to an external power source, hardwiring eliminates the need for a separate device.

If you want to know how to hardwire your dash cam or whether it’s worth the effort, this guide will explain why hardwiring is helpful and how to do it step-by-step.

As a disclaimer, hardwiring your dash cam requires some knowledge of your vehicle’s electrical system. If you aren’t comfortable with handling electrical components, then consider getting the help of a professional instead.

What is a Hardwire Kit?

A hardwire kit is a package that helps connect a dash cam directly to the car’s electrical system. This setup allows the camera to turn on with the ignition, ensuring that it automatically starts recording the moment you start driving.

These kits typically come with a fuse tap, which lets you connect the power to the fuse box without damaging the original wiring, and voltage regulators, which will ensure that the camera receives a stable power supply and prevent any damage to the device.

Hardwired Dash Cam vs. USB-Powered Dash Cam

When it comes to how the dash cam receives power, there are tangible differences between plugging it into the car’s lighter socket or USB port compared to hardwiring it.

Unlike USB-powered dash cams, hardwiring keeps the device powered on. There is no need to plug and unplug the dash cam whenever you drive. Once it’s hardwired, you don’t need to remember to turn it on.

Hardwiring directly connects to the car’s fuse box, freeing up the USB port or accessory outlet for other uses, like charging your phone.

USB-powered dash cams work immediately without any additional installations. But if you want a setup that works all the time, even if you forget to plug your camera in, then a hardwire kit can be the right choice.

Benefits of Hardwiring a Dash Cam

Since the dash cam is getting constant power directly from the electrical system, you can be assured that it is able to capture everything without needing to remember to turn it on or off every time you enter and exit your vehicle.

Installing a hardwire kit lets you take advantage of parking mode features, enabling 24/7 security against theft. Parking mode simply means that it continues to record even if the car’s ignition is off, detecting motion and impact, which can collect evidence for any damage or theft done while you’re away.

Because it’s no longer reliant on any dangling wires, you can easily hide and organize the cables out of sight, creating a clutter-free dashboard that looks neat and professional.

Vantrue dash cam hardwire kits come with a smart low-voltage protection system that automatically shuts off the power to the device when the battery starts getting low, preventing the dash cam from draining it too much.

How Can I Install a Vantrue Hardwire Kit?

So, how to install a Vantrue hardwire kit? Let’s break down the process one step at a time. If at any point you feel lost, then you can consult the Vantrue hardwire kit user manual for more illustrated instructions.

Preparing for Installation

Before starting the installation, double-check if you have the following supplies with you:

• Dashboard camera
• Hardwire kit
• Fuse tap
• Wire stripper
• Electrical tape
• Zip ties

Once you have everything, you can start searching for the fuse box in your car. It can often be found under the dashboard or near the glove box. If you can’t find it, try consulting your car’s manual for its location.

Connecting to the Fuse Box

After locating the fuse box, you need to connect the camera’s power cable to it. This will power the camera as soon as the car is turned on.

To connect the fuse tap, first remove a fuse from the fuse box. Then, insert that fuse into the fuse tap included in your hardwiring kit. Insert the fuse tap into the empty slot in the fuse box. You can then finish the connection by connecting the camera’s power cable to the fuse tap.

Grounding the Wire

Next, you need to ground the wire to a suitable grounding point in your car to make sure that the camera will function properly once powered.

Find a suitable grounding point in your car, like a metal bolt or screw. Now, strip the end of the wire carefully and wrap it securely around that grounding point. Once it’s nicely wrapped, tighten the bolt or screw to secure the wire in place.

Securing the Wires and Testing

Now that the camera’s power cable is connected to the fuse box and properly grounded, you need to secure and conceal the wires.

The wires can be tucked behind the car’s interior panels and trim pieces. You can secure the wires along the car’s existing wiring harness using zip ties and cover any exposed wires with electrical tape.

Once everything is done, it’s time to test the installation. Plug the hardwire kit into your dash cam and start the car to see if it powers on with the ignition. When the car is turned off, check if the parking mode turns on.

Key Factors Before Installing a Vantrue Hardwire Kit

Before you hardwire your dash cam, check if the hardwiring is compatible with the kit and this type of installation. Not all hardwire kits are the same, so always pick one that matches your camera model.

While hardwiring is not generally considered a car modification, it is recommended that you check in with your car insurance provider to check whether hardwiring a dash cam would affect your coverage.

Electric cars have different electrical systems from traditional cars. If you’re unsure how to navigate the wiring, consult a professional installer or contact the car manufacturer for guidance.

Conclusion

Hardwiring a dash cam ensures a continuous power supply, a tidier interior, and longer-lasting security against theft. While installing it might seem complex at first glance, it’s manageable once it’s broken down step-by-step. And if you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, then you can always ask a professional or a car-savvy friend to lend a hand.

If you’re thinking of hardwiring your dash cam, then Vanture hardwire kits are easy to install and use. These kits are guaranteed compatible with your Vantrue dash cams, and because they’re dedicated to quality, all Vantrue products come with a 12-month warranty.

Order now to make your dash cam experience better and hassle-free.