Dash Cam power source

[BLAK]

I have a brand new 2026 Ram 2500 Limited that I want to add a dash cam to and was wondering how I should power the camera. I don't care about 24 hour surveillance -- past dash cams I have had drained the battery because of that. I only want it to record when the ignition is on. Should I use the usb ports in the center console or hardwire? If hardwiring to the fuse box, which fuse # would you recommend I use?

Thanks

 

[GeauxinUp]

These are plug and play.

 

[BLAK]

Thanks for the recommendation. Those look like a good option. I'm using a dash cam I already have from my old truck.

 

[TRK_GANG74]

I have a brand new 2026 Ram 2500 Limited that I want to add a dash cam to and was wondering how I should power the camera. I don't care about 24 hour surveillance -- past dash cams I have had drained the battery because of that. I only want it to record when the ignition is on. Should I use the usb ports in the center console or hardwire? If hardwiring to the fuse box, which fuse # would you recommend I use?

Thanks

If you don’t want to hard wire it just use the cigarette plug that may have came with it and route the cable out of the way as much as possible. I just hardwired mine and it came with a small box on the wire which will prevent it from draining the battery. It records 24/7 and I’ve had no issues with a drained battery.

 

[BLAK]

do you happen to know if the 12v plug and usb plugs turn off with the ignition?

 

[GeauxinUp]

Thanks for the recommendation. Those look like a good option. I'm using a dash cam I already have from my old truck.

Power Adapter

 

[TRK_GANG74]

do you happen to know if the 12v plug and usb plugs turn off with the ignition?

That I don’t know since the 26 trucks use a new electrical architecture. I’m pretty sure that answer is in your manual. I have a 19 Laramie Longhorn and the Vantrue N4S with the hard wire kit.

 

[BLAK]

Power Adapter

That might be just the ticket. Thanks

 

[Mlarv5]

I use these in all my vehicles. Dongar. They are very well made, and work like a champ.

 

[BLAK]

thanks for the recommendations. I was not aware of these power taps to the rearview mirror before I started this thread. That's why these forums are great!

 

[BLAK]

I thought I would report back on the install. I ordered the power adapter from Amazon that was listed above. The Donger brand looked good, but I had already placed my order with Amazon. I'm always a little skeptical with no-name Amazon stuff, but this adapter kit is surprisingly complete and the instructions are well written. The hardest part was removing the plastic cover from the rearview mirror. I probably would have broken it if I had not found this video on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W53Ku7xoECs&t=13s

It was still hard, but I didn't break anything. After I got the cover off, it was plug and play. Works great. Turns on and off with the ignition just like I wanted.

 

[Mojo88]

@BLAK kindly post a pic or two of the install. This is something I keep telling myself I need to do.

Thanks

 

[GeauxinUp]

@BLAK kindly post a pic or two of the install. This is something I keep telling myself I need to do.

Thanks

I wish I had one to show everybody how awesome my driving skills were this past weekend avoiding a wreck!

 

[BLAK]

@BLAK kindly post a pic or two of the install. This is something I keep telling myself I need to do.

Thanks

Here you go. I left the center cover off until I decide on the best placement of the camera. That center cover is a bear to remove. The surrounding cover is easy to pop off with a trim tool and there is plenty of room inside for the wiring. The white plug you can see is part of the power adapter kit. I had the dash cam mounted higher, but then the right side of the video was blocked. You can see in the bottom photo that I still get a little shadow on the right so I might try moving it again. This dash cam is a VIOFO and it came with clear plastic static sheets to stick to the windshield and then you stick the dash cam to the sheet. That makes it easy to move the camera if you don't get it positioned right the first time. I also recommend using the 12v cigarette lighter plug power cord that comes with the camera to try out different mounting positions. I thought about mounting the camera on the right side of the mirror where it's not in my vision, but I also like to monitor what its doing so I kept it on the driver's side. The power cord in the adapter kit is very short, about 5" I would guess so you need to figure out approximately where you want the camera and then run the power.

 

[Mojo88]

Nice pics, thanks!!! Much appreciated....

 

[ts27330]

do you happen to know if the 12v plug and usb plugs turn off with the ignition?

Do a test should be easy enough.

 

[Mlarv5]

do you happen to know if the 12v plug and usb plugs turn off with the ignition?

On my 25 it did, after a little while.

 

[Halsaver]

I have a brand new 2026 Ram 2500 Limited that I want to add a dash cam to and was wondering how I should power the camera. I don't care about 24 hour surveillance -- past dash cams I have had drained the battery because of that. I only want it to record when the ignition is on. Should I use the usb ports in the center console or hardwire? If hardwiring to the fuse box, which fuse # would you recommend I use?

Thanks

I have plugged my dash cam into the 12v on top of the dash twice and twice my battery has been hard to start afterward. Definitely stay away from plugging it in there. (2020 5th gen)

 

[GeauxinUp]

I have plugged my dash cam into the 12v on top of the dash twice and twice my battery has been hard to start afterward. Definitely stay away from plugging it in there. (2020 5th gen)

There's a fuse to move over to the "B" side to change from always on to ignition switched.

 

[aventur1]

Power Adapter

The Power adapter as mention work great, no wires hanging down.