Hardwire GPS/Dash Cam?

[CRickyRam85]

Hey guys, I'd like to hardwire my GPS/Dash Cam to eliminate the wire running down my dash to the cigarette lighter. I'd like to have it hot with the switch so I don't have to turn it on/off every time. Thinking about drilling a hole down through the RAM tray above the radio at center dash for the cord. Any suggestions on where to run it or anyone see any problems I might run into? Thanks in advance!

CRickyRam85

 

[likes2build]

That is where I'm going to wire mine, there are 2 bigger access holes under the RAM tray in the actual bezel to run the wire through. I have a Bayou Goats mount on the tray so it will be a perfect setup. I bought an extra mat so if I want to remove the mount and cover the wire hole later, nobody will ever know. What are you going to use for the GPS / dash cam?

http://www.bayougoatmounts.com/single-disk-for-the--2013-2018-ram-truck.html

 

[CRickyRam85]

That is where I'm going to wire mine, there are 2 bigger access holes under the RAM tray in the actual bezel to run the wire through. I have a Bayou Goats mount on the tray so it will be a perfect setup. I bought an extra mat so if I want to remove the mount and cover the wire hole later, nobody will ever know. What are you going yo use for the GPS / dash cam?

http://www.bayougoatmounts.com/single-disk-for-the--2013-2018-ram-truck.html

I have a Magellan RoadMate 6230. I currently have it mounted on the windshield so the camera faces straight out and covers the front of the truck equally. I thought about splicing into the wires for the cigarette lighter to the bottom left of the A/C controls. Any ideas?

 

[CRickyRam85]

That is where I'm going to wire mine, there are 2 bigger access holes under the RAM tray in the actual bezel to run the wire through. I have a Bayou Goats mount on the tray so it will be a perfect setup. I bought an extra mat so if I want to remove the mount and cover the wire hole later, nobody will ever know. What are you going yo use for the GPS / dash cam?

http://www.bayougoatmounts.com/single-disk-for-the--2013-2018-ram-truck.html

Oohhh! I see what the mount accomplishes now. That'd be a clean look too. I just might have to go that route.

 

[likes2build]

I have a Magellan RoadMate 6230. I currently have it mounted on the windshield so the camera faces straight out and covers the front of the truck equally. I thought about splicing into the wires for the cigarette lighter to the bottom left of the A/C controls. Any ideas?

That is the exact place to do your wiring and you will probably want to use a switch so if there's a time when you're driving and want to turn it off you can, otherwise you'll have to unplug it. BTW in hindsight, I think I might have rather have had purchased the triple long one just incase I wanted to add a second device. I have the single and it looks OK, the double doesn't look so good but for multiples the triple looks the best.

 

[WY-Dave]

I have a Magellan RoadMate 6230. I currently have it mounted on the windshield so the camera faces straight out and covers the front of the truck equally. I thought about splicing into the wires for the cigarette lighter to the bottom left of the A/C controls. Any ideas?

It quite $$$, but this way you won't have to tap.

https://www.quadratec.com/products/96080_9801.htm

 

[likes2build]

Interesting but I'd like to know if our trucks have a compatible connector. I think I'll message the supplier and see. I like plug and play for when it's time to sell!

 

[CRickyRam85]

That is the exact place to do your wiring and you will probably want to use a switch so if there's a time when you're driving and want to turn it off you can, otherwise you'll have to unplug it. BTW in hindsight, I think I might have rather have had purchased the triple long one just incase I wanted to add a second device. I have the single and it looks OK, the double doesn't look so good but for multiples the triple looks the best.

Do you know if I will need a 12 volt to lower voltage converter?

 

[CRickyRam85]

It quite $$$, but this way you won't have to tap.

https://www.quadratec.com/products/96080_9801.htm

Okay, dumb question. . . . what am I looking at here?

 

[likes2build]

Do you know if I will need a 12 volt to lower voltage converter?

Yes, you need a lower voltage. My Garmin runs on 5 volts so I planned on tucking the factory Garmin power cord inside the dash and just poking the lead out through the tray at my GS mount. I attached a picture of what I bought and I'll wire in a switch. It might look silly but it will be inside the dash and nobody will ever see it.

 

[likes2build]

Done!!!!

 

[CRickyRam85]

Done!!!!View attachment 154564

That looks like a sweet setup! I like it. I have concerns with my camera being able to see over the raised dash and hood. I'll have to play with my articulated mount and see what I can come up with.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

This may help...
https://www.ramforum.com/threads/mpgrimm2s-cellphone-and-hidden-power-setup.87940/.

M² Mods.

 

[likes2build]

In the end I decided that the ligher / plug-in GPS power supply was an ugly tacky set-up and ordered a hardwired GPS power supply off ebay for $2.99 coming from China. 12V in, 5V out with 2 amps and has a GPS plug on the end.