Dash cam install (hard-wire) guides on 2008 Ram?

[brfr2005]

I just received a dash cam for xmas and would like to hard wire it in. It'll be mounted on the rear view mirror.

2008 Ram 1500

I've heard the overhead console provides constant power - is that correct? If so that's not an option as I don't want to turn it on and off each time.

Where would I find the power rear sliding window outlet? Is that my best bet or should I look into the fuse box?

Any tips greatly appreciated. I will admit I'm not the most experienced with trucks in general, especially electronics.

 

[PCA4208]

Why do you need constant power? Wouldn't you want the dash cam to turn off when the truck turns off so you don't end up with a dead battery first time you use it? If you absolutely need constant power then most likely will have to route a wire all the way to the fuse box and find an empty fuse spot with constant power.

 

[mdifilippo]

The last line is all that needs to be said. Either A) run the wire to hide it in the headliner and plug it into a 12 volt ignition controlled power port OR bring it to a shop if you want it to run constant. There are two major options for running a dashcam "constantly" even when the truck is off. 1) a battery setup, when the truck is on the dashcam runs off of the car's battery and the car's battery charges secondary batteries, when the truck turns off the secondary battery kicks in. 2) A power management system that allows the dashcam to continue to be powered via the car battery for a predetermine amount of time OR until the battery reaches a particular voltage rating before turning off.

Why do I seem so harsh about doing it yourself? Using an "add a fuse" or any sort of power tap can be dangerous to the electrical system in the truck, you can EASILY end up killing your battery with a dashcam if it sits for a day or two running. Know what sucks? Driving down the road late at night, and suddenly having a fuse blow. You also don't mention a brand, some dashcams have batteries built in (less than ideal as the batteries will wear out faster with the temps that can be reached in the vehicle as well as a blown cell can be dangerous in the car), while the good ones use a super capacitor so that when the power is cut it has enough power to stop, and save the current recording. Also, you'll use up a lot of recording space by running it constantly, some dashcams have an "overwrite" mode and other's don't.

 

[justin13703]

Guys he said that he DOESNT want constant power...

I believe the cigarette lighter under and to the left of the radio has switched power there, and actually runs off of the Retained accessory power circuit, so your dash cam would work like your radio does, it would stay on, even after you turn the key off, until you open your door, then it would shut off. Just like your radio does. You can splice into it there for power and ground. No “add a fuses”, power taps, threat of killing your battery, or blowing some magical fuse that’s gonna leave you stranded. You’re literally only going into the cig lighter circuit.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to use a small inline fuse for the dashcam, but if not the circuit will already be somewhat protected by the tipm monitoring it.