How to: Quick and easy dash cam install - Viofo

[PuffDr4gon]

Here's a quick and easy dash cam install I did on my RHO in about 20 minutes. All you'll need is a plastic trim tool to remove the rear view mirror housing. Please note this power method only works while the truck is running or accessory mode is on. If you want it to power while off and in park this method is not for you.

I used a Viofo A229 Pro cam, but this install should be able to power other dash cam make/models. The key component is the Dongar power harness (which comes with the plastic trim tool). Note: It comes with a USB-C, Mini USB, and Micro USB in the kit but you'll most likely need a longer one then what is provided depending on camera mounting location.



I found the Dongar on Amazon for around $40

https://a.co/d/eza4tYO

Step 1: remove the rear view mirror trim. It's 2 pieces. Start by removing the piece in the middle then the outer housing. It pried off very easily.

Step 2: find the power dimming mirror harness and push the tab in to separate it from mirror.



Step 3: connect the Dongar harness inline with the vehicle harness. It can only go one way. Arrange your harness how you like. I found going up over some wires best.



Step 4: reattach your trim and snap into place



Step 5: figure out where you want to attach your camera. There is a flat portion on the mirror trim that I'm trying out. When sitting in the driver seat the camera is behind my rear view out of site. I might move it to a more traditional site later but I just had my front window tinted and didn't want to use the double sided tape on it.


And that's pretty much it! The rear view camera still works as well:


View from drivers seat showing camera is mostly hidden:


Dash cam FOV at this mounting location:

 

[frogjbm]

It seems like most people like this brand and model. But does anyone else think something out there now or about to come to market is even better? If so, why?

 

[Irongoats]

Nice writeup!

 

[NEBOYSA]

It seems like most people like this brand and model. But does anyone else think something out there now or about to come to market is even better? If so, why?

You know I used to use this brand for many years before and refuse to use them last 4 years. I had bad luck with two in a row cameras where they would not keep date/time/GPS or my settings would reset to factory after few days. Happened on both cameras within a year and they would refuse to help or replace. It's very good camera for money but I refuse to buy them now.

 

[fercho1531]

Here's a quick and easy dash cam install I did on my RHO in about 20 minutes. All you'll need is a plastic trim tool to remove the rear view mirror housing. Please note this power method only works while the truck is running or accessory mode is on. If you want it to power while off and in park this method is not for you.

I used a Viofo A229 Pro cam, but this install should be able to power other dash cam make/models. The key component is the Dongar power harness (which comes with the plastic trim tool). Note: It comes with a USB-C, Mini USB, and Micro USB in the kit but you'll most likely need a longer one then what is provided depending on camera mounting location.



I found the Dongar on Amazon for around $40

https://a.co/d/eza4tYO

Step 1: remove the rear view mirror trim. It's 2 pieces. Start by removing the piece in the middle then the outer housing. It pried off very easily.

Step 2: find the power dimming mirror harness and push the tab in to separate it from mirror.



Step 3: connect the Dongar harness inline with the vehicle harness. It can only go one way. Arrange your harness how you like. I found going up over some wires best.



Step 4: reattach your trim and snap into place



Step 5: figure out where you want to attach your camera. There is a flat portion on the mirror trim that I'm trying out. When sitting in the driver seat the camera is behind my rear view out of site. I might move it to a more traditional site later but I just had my front window tinted and didn't want to use the double sided tape on it.


And that's pretty much it! The rear view camera still works as well:


View from drivers seat showing camera is mostly hidden:


Dash cam FOV at this mounting location:

MY GOD I GIVE YOU A 20 OUT OF 10 clear explanation without beating around the bush without making the explanation long.... it is not the configuration I want but it was very clear

 

[frogjbm]

You know I used to use this brand for many years before and refuse to use them last 4 years. I had bad luck with two in a row cameras where they would not keep date/time/GPS or my settings would reset to factory after few days. Happened on both cameras within a year and they would refuse to help or replace. It's very good camera for money but I refuse to buy them now.

Man that’s too bad, really appreciate the feedback from your experience!

 

[PuffDr4gon]

You know I used to use this brand for many years before and refuse to use them last 4 years. I had bad luck with two in a row cameras where they would not keep date/time/GPS or my settings would reset to factory after few days. Happened on both cameras within a year and they would refuse to help or replace. It's very good camera for money but I refuse to buy them now.

Dang, I've ran a Viofo A129 Pro since 2021 and moved it to 2 different vehicles and still no issues. Decided I'd upgrade to a new one on the RHO. So far so good. I'll post back if it fails.

 

[PuffDr4gon]

Installed the rear dash cam today. No write up this time. Again, it was very easy. Just some cord mgmt and routing the cable to the camera. There was a ton of space in the headboard. Just use common sense on your wiring path and you'll figure it out.

Before you ask: yes, I took my rear head rests off

 

[NEBOYSA]

Dang, I've ran a Viofo A129 Pro since 2021 and moved it to 2 different vehicles and still no issues. Decided I'd upgrade to a new one on the RHO. So far so good. I'll post back if it fails.

Maybe it was issues with their 119 v2 and v3. The v2 still records perfect 5+ years I just don't set time and do my own settings. It has issues with not turning on sometimes but I already got used to it and just hit menu button and it turns on.

 

[PuffDr4gon]

Maybe it was issues with their 119 v2 and v3. The v2 still records perfect 5+ years I just don't set time and do my own settings. It has issues with not turning on sometimes but I already got used to it and just hit menu button and it turns on.

Did you try updating the firmware? A lot of times that can solve some of these issues.

 

[NEBOYSA]

Did you try updating the firmware? A lot of times that can solve some of these issues.

When it was happening I did but eventually after few months gave up. It was on my back up car so didn't care especially since it was recording fine I just hated 3 minutes long clips.

 

[NEBOYSA]

I'm actually very curious now after 4+ years of no firmware updates to go do it just to see if they finally got it sorted.