I Installed a Dash Cam

[WildFord]

I have to check my video out of F7N to see if it is 4k as well.....but the funny thing I just realized, our BS 12V power outlet are constantly ON!! who needs park mode?? and better be ready to charge/jump your car when the dash cam is connected thru the cigarette lighter 12v outlet.

I didn't realized it basically recorded all last night and all day today??!!!! I was trying to figure out the fuse box connection I noticed the camera stays on!

anyway, the Redtiger parked mode fuse connection kit came with just small fuse connection (not as shown on the Amazon picture) so I can't connect that to fuse No. 24 or 20 (spares).

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[WildFord]

I found a simple item to mount the rear cam to adjust the angle since the BS rear hatch area does not have a mounting surface parallel to the ground. OP uses a self made wedge. I was lazy, so I Googled and Amazoned it....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZUDT1K?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

this created a little more angle so the camera isn't pointing at the ground. it worked!!

I would say if you are buying these wedge, maybe a little more lift than 2"x1/4" rise will do even better.

 

[ShaneGTA]

I've installed this dashcam in both the Bronco and my Edge.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0861M2VXT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I used the 12v plug version. What I've figured out, the 12v plugs are time delayed. After 30min the lose power in both vehicles.

 

[MoFoCo]

I just installed a Thinkware F70, ~$70. If you want a cheap set-it-and-forget-it camera, this is the best option I've seen. Good picture and build quality. The only con so far is that it has an annoying voice that announces the start of recording every time you turn the car on. No screen or wifi connection; the VHB-tape mount only has adjustment for pitch up/down, so you better stick it on straight the first time.

 

[RSH]

My wife was recently involved in a fender bender in a parking lot. She backed out of her spot, then noticed a nearby car was also backing out. The wife stopped, then tried to honk the horn while at the same time put the car back into drive to get out of the way. She was ultimately unsuccessful at either, and the other car smacked into her bumper. Since my wife was stopped it was clearly the other driver's fault, yet they told their insurance company my wife backed into them. Classic my-word-against-yours. So, I decided it's time to get some dash cams.

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Since your wife and the other vehicle were both backing out more or less at the same time, how would your dash cam if it was installed helped the situation.

Be mindful, a lot of people get distracted watching the dash camera video display or phone instead of actually looking at the road and surroundings.

 

[Mark S.]

Since your wife and the other vehicle were both backing out more or less at the same time, how would your dash cam if it was installed helped the situation.

My wife noticed the other car backing out and stopped. That means the other person backed into a stationary vehicle. That seems pretty clear cut to me.

Be mindful, a lot of people get distracted watching the dash camera video display or phone instead of actually looking at the road and surroundings.

If you read through my installation log you'll see I mounted the camera on the other side of the rearview mirror—I can't even see it from the driver's seat unless I lean way over to the right.

 

[RSH]

My wife noticed the other car backing out and stopped. That means the other person backed into a stationary vehicle. That seems pretty clear cut to me.


If you read through my installation log you'll see I mounted the camera on the other side of the rearview mirror—I can't even see it from the driver's seat unless I lean way over to the right.

I see the details in the rest of your storied installation. That will be fun, hopefully you and yours won't be involved in a future situation that will warrant such.

 

[PugDad]

Oh man...I had the exact same accident a few years ago in my Ridgeline. The guy was on his phone and not paying attention. He was a little weightlifter guy, started screaming his fat head off. If he wasn't too short to reach my face I'm sure he would have tried to punch me. I fought with adjusters, and they finally told me they wouldn't hold me at fault...found out later they still wrote it up as my fault.

I've tried a dash cam before, but it died. Great writeup, maybe I'll follow your example.

"Too short to reach my face" priceless.

 

[JWPVB]

Hi Mark, Talking about details…..– This is the most comprehensive instruction that I was lucky to find.

I just got 2 REDTIGER F7N Touch for my BS and my wife’s BMW (didn’t open the boxes yet) and I was wondering, almost 2 years later, how do you feel about this camera now.
I always enjoyed your very informative postings.
Thank you
Judah

 

[Mark S.]

Both cameras are still functioning perfectly. Thanks for the kudos!

 

[bsport456789]

Thanks OP, I had all of the hardware but hadn't gotten around to getting it done and your post inspired me, thanks for the steps!

I used this handy interactive diagram to figure out which fuse slots to use under the glovebox, and I used #3 (not used) that you recommended for the ACC power and #5 (door lock/unlock) for the BATT (always on) power.

https://www.startmycar.com/us/ford/bronco/info/fusebox/2021/trims-sport#anchorfusebox1

I used the fuse splitters from the redtiger kit I bought (that provides the ability to power it while parked and turn it off after 24 hours) along with the camera - all together I spent about $120.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CHVPZG9D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C1Z4MQF8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

When it came to running the wires from the back liftgate, I just pulled down the plastic header that is there and fed the wires down behind it. I had to start the pull from the far left side and then pull down towards the center and then popped it back into place pretty easily.

I fed the wire through the wiper water hose grommet, I'll hot glue it down to prevent any leaks just in case. I had my daughter help run the wires from the front to the back using the plastic pry tool that came with the kit -being sure to wear the "Michael Jackson" glove that came with it to keep the fabric/header from getting dirty.

Then I mounted the camera to the right of the rear-view mirror so that it is out of the way of the driver.

I took maybe an 1-2 hours or so, but most of that time was me trying to figure out where to best place the camera and hunting for the proper powered fuse to use. The actual install wasn't very long at all.

 

[Chiefthepup]

I ordered a 10-pack (link below), mainly because I'm always tinkering, but you can likely find a single at your local auto parts store.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08G1KPX7W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a quick question that I can’t seem to find an answer to on here so I’m shooting it here. If my #3 fuse is already tapped for my auxiliary fuse box, I’m assuming I have to find another location for a switched on fuse to tap into?

or, i just realized i can run it to the engine bay and tap into the aux fuse box than run the other wire either direct to battery with an inline fuse or find an always on fuse in the passenger fuse box. Nvm I think I just figured it out haha

 

[Chiefthepup]

update: ran all the wiring to the engine bay and got everything connected and it all works fine but the wires are so tiny I just can’t relax. They are definitely intended to be in an interior fuse box setting. I should have stopped when I saw how tiny they were but I learn the hard way. So today I’m going to reroute it all to passenger fuse box. My plan is to splice the cameras switched on wire into the #3 fuse tap wire since it only controls a relay and than fuse tap (after I test to confirm) the always on camera wire to fuse 20.

Update: got it all connected in passenger fuse box and I can now relax. Spliced/Soldered the switched on wire to my #3 fuse tap wire that feeds to my auxiliary fuse box relay. That fuse is a 10 amp fuse and have zero issues with it switching on the relay and powering the camera.
Ran always on wire to fuse tap in slot #20. Bottom post is the 12volt side. The fuse tap is squeezed in next to the circuit breaker but fits. Routed rear camera cable behind air bags along ceiling and through the curved boot leading into lift gate. (That was a process getting through the boot. Will give any advice if anyone else is curious about the details of that process) everything works perfectly ?
Only sharing here for future readers that are caught in the terrible rabbit hole of dash cam install information

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