Aftermarket Dashcam install how-to and review

[Positronic]

Just happened across this video earlier this afternoon of a YouTuber i've watched with a 2024 Tacoma who installed an aftermarket dashcam on his Tacoma shortly after proving the value of a dashcam in another vehicle of his. I'm assuming the wiring and pigtails would also work in a 6th gen 4Runner so thought i'd share for those who may be looking for a bit more functionality than the stock dashcam or at least some idea's of other options that are out there. As stated in the video this creator does seem to be sponsored by this vendor so mods let me know.

 

[Dphotos]

I have a Vantrue camera and the app is really wonky with the App and the camera erases the prior footage. Every time I start the car it erases the footage and starts a new one. The camera is not suppose to erase prior files. The installer said he would replace the camera plus I put a rear camera in too and he cracked some of my back plastic interior back panel to hid the cord. The interior installer got a bunch of good reviews. I was not thrilled about his workmanship. . On my 4Runner he got the power from the tailgate and disconnected the back window motor when installing the rear camera. When I buy my Gen 6 4Runner I want the same camera set up with different cameras. If the dealer damages the plastic interior panels they it would be an easy fix for them so I have to decide if I will have the dealer do it or I find a different installer.

 

[Nodak]

I have a Vantrue camera and the app is really wonky with the App and the camera erases the prior footage. Every time I start the car it erases the footage and starts a new one. The camera is not suppose to erase prior files. The installer said he would replace the camera plus I put a rear camera in too and he cracked some of my back plastic interior back panel to hid the cord. The interior installer got a bunch of good reviews. I was not thrilled about his workmanship. . On my 4Runner he got the power from the tailgate and disconnected the back window motor when installing the rear camera. When I buy my Gen 6 4Runner I want the same camera set up with different cameras. If the dealer damages the plastic interior panels they it would be an easy fix for them so I have to decide if I will have the dealer do it or I find a different installer.

i personally only go with either viofo or blackvue dashcams. i have a viofo 229 pro 1ch in our tundra and viofo 129 pro 1ch in my 4R.

will be buying a 329 pro 1 ch for the new 4R, havent decided on the 2ch one yet since i dont know a trusted installer to run the wire and roof liner mount for the rear camera.

 

[davester]

Doesn't Toyota offer an accessory dash camera you can purchase and have installed by the dealer?

Why did you choose to buy aftermarket?

 

[Nodak]

cause the oem version, feature wise and cost are sub par compared to aftermarket ones.
i mean i can get a viofo 4k 1 ch for about 100-200 cheaper than the oem one.

if you have it part of the original purhcase price of the vehicle, the oem dashcam is $499. if you add it after the fact, its going to cost even more for the dealer to install.

 

[davester]

Thanks. I think I will still likely go with the Toyota model, if it offers 4k and I can download images, it's good enough for me!

 

[Nodak]

Thanks. I think I will still likely go with the Toyota model, if it offers 4k and I can download images, it's good enough for me!

1080p

also you only get 3/36 warranty if it came with vehicle, otherwise is 12 months warranty.

 

[Nodak]

Resolution Full HD 1920 x 1080
Video FPS 30 or 60 FPS (selectable, 30 FPS Default)
Sensor 2MP Sony STARVIS Image sensor
Aperture F 1.8
Recording Format .MP4 (H.264)
Lens Viewing Angle

H: 116⁰ ±5%
V: 60⁰ ±5%
D: 142⁰ ±5%

Number of effective pixels About 2 Million pixels
Power Supply 12VDC
Power Consumption

Normal Recording : 650mA
Parking Mode : 5mA

Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Memory Card

Industrial Grade 16GB Class10 MicroSD
(Max 128GB, FAT32 Format)

Clock

GPS Set (Time zone & Day Light Savings
Selectable)

Vehicle Battery Protection 12.2V Safety Cut-Off
(Parking Mode Recording) -20⁰ to 65⁰ C / -4⁰ to 149⁰ F
Operating temp range -30⁰ to 85⁰ C / -22⁰ to 185⁰ F
Storage temp range