Power source for dashcam?

[Tom in MF]

I want to install a dashcam high up on the windshield to the right of the rear view mirror. Anyone know of a good ignition switched power source up I can tap into? Short of that, any tips for running the power cord down to the center console?

 

[Jeppo]

Everything you need to know is in this thread:

https://www.explorerst.org/threads/dashcam-install-heavy-pics.726/

 

[Tom in MF]

Everything you need to know is in this thread:

https://www.explorerst.org/threads/dashcam-install-heavy-pics.726/

Great! Thank you!

 

[cheetoduster]

Do you want it running all the time, including parking mode, or are you just interested in running it while the vehicle is driving? The later is easiest to power with an adapter connected to the powered mirror.

 

[Chairborne Ranger]

I've used the Dongar adapters that run off the mirror power and they are easy to install and work well. The downside is they only provide power when the vehicle is running so if you need fulltime juice they aren't your answer.

 

[Tom in MF]

I've used the Dongar adapters that run off the mirror power and they are easy to install and work well. The downside is they only provide power when the vehicle is running so if you need fulltime juice they aren't your answer.

That would meet my needs since it's usually garage kept and I'm always parking waaaaay out on the end of the parking lot.
Thanks for the Dongar recommendation - that's exactly the solution I was hoping for. Watched their video and seems simple enough.
Thanks guys!

 

[ptcomputergeek]

I was curious if anyone here has tried the DONGAR Dash Cam Power Adapter with a Garmin dash cam with a built in battery, I was wondering if the built in battery will last long enough for the parking guard feature.

 

[ptcomputergeek]

Are there any videos for installing the dongar dash cam power adapter? It sounds really simple, but I am stuck in step one, find the power cable powering my auto dimming rear view mirror. I do not see any cables! Maybe my 2026 is different than the 2025?

 

[cheetoduster]

Are there any videos for installing the dongar dash cam power adapter? It sounds really simple, but I am stuck in step one, find the power cable powering my auto dimming rear view mirror. I do not see any cables! Maybe my 2026 is different than the 2025?

Did you pull the trim piece off covering all the electronics on the windshield?

 

[ptcomputergeek]

Did you pull the trim piece off covering all the electronics on the windshield?

I read that piece just snaps in, but it does not seem to come off that easy. Are there any tricks to getting that off without breaking it? Thanks in advance!

 

[cheetoduster]

I read that piece just snaps in, but it does not seem to come off that easy. Are there any tricks to getting that off without breaking it? Thanks in advance!

Trim tool, preferably plastic, to get under the edges and lift enough to get your finger tips in. Then pull, pretty hard. It'll probably come off entirely in one shot, instead of one clip at a time.