Dash cam recommendations that don’t drain the 12v?

Seeking Advice Forum
1

I’ve been thinking about adding a dash cam after seeing all those insurance scam videos, but I’m hesitant because I’ve been dealing with the notorious 12v drain issues. Has anyone here installed a dash cam that doesn’t keep pulling on the battery?

2

FitCamX is a great option for the EV6, especially if you have the Wind trim or higher. It’s fully integrated, so you don’t have a bulky camera on your dash.

3

Thomas said:
FitCamX is a great option for the EV6, especially if you have the Wind trim or higher. It’s fully integrated, so you don’t have a bulky camera on your dash.

Yep, FitCamX is a solid choice. Works like a charm!

4

Thomas said:
FitCamX is a great option for the EV6, especially if you have the Wind trim or higher. It’s fully integrated, so you don’t have a bulky camera on your dash.

Thanks! I’ll check it out.

5

Thomas said:
FitCamX is a great option for the EV6, especially if you have the Wind trim or higher. It’s fully integrated, so you don’t have a bulky camera on your dash.

Just installed mine today—loving it so far!

6

Thomas said:
FitCamX is a great option for the EV6, especially if you have the Wind trim or higher. It’s fully integrated, so you don’t have a bulky camera on your dash.

Quick question: do you have front only, or did you get front and rear? Did you install it yourself? Sorry, I’m new to all this.

7

@Kenneth
I only have the front, and it was super easy to install—took about two minutes! They even have a video tutorial that walks you through it.

8

Thomas said:
@Kenneth
I only have the front, and it was super easy to install—took about two minutes! They even have a video tutorial that walks you through it.

Great to hear! That’s the one I’m looking at, so that helps a lot. Thanks!

9

@Kenneth
I went with the front and rear setup and had it installed by Best Buy.

10

Thomas said:
FitCamX is a great option for the EV6, especially if you have the Wind trim or higher. It’s fully integrated, so you don’t have a bulky camera on your dash.

I looked up FitCamX on Amazon but have a question: I upgraded my rearview mirror to the one with the built-in garage opener. Would this dash cam work alongside that, or would it need to use the same plug?

11

@Robert
It includes a Y splitter so both the mirror and the camera can use the same power source without issues.

12

Thomas said:
@Robert
It includes a Y splitter so both the mirror and the camera can use the same power source without issues.

That’s perfect—thanks for the info!

13

The USB-A data port stays on for around 10 minutes after you turn off the car, or permanently if it’s charging. Just make sure to use the USB-C port for dash cam power.

14

emma said:
The USB-A data port stays on for around 10 minutes after you turn off the car, or permanently if it’s charging. Just make sure to use the USB-C port for dash cam power.

Didn’t realize it stays on if it’s charging—good to know!

15

It doesn’t really matter which camera you get if the 12V source turns off with the car. If you tap into the mirror harness for power, you’re all set. FitCamX is convenient because it’s designed with a pass-through harness, but other setups work too.

16

Any camera connected to the USB-C port will only be on when you’re driving. Once you lock up and walk away, it powers off. I’ve had a Garmin Mini hooked up this way for 18 months with zero issues.

17

I used the Dongar adapter to get power from the rearview mirror, which is controlled by the ignition. No power draw when the car’s off!

18

I’ve had a front dash cam plugged into the cigarette lighter via a USB adapter for over two years and never had any issues with battery drain.

19

If we have the rearview camera, can we still add a dash cam? I’d love full 360° protection, like the Tesla Sentry Mode.