3rd party dashcam - safe for 12V battery?

[paullixiao]

Have a Gen2 R1S and about to install my Viofo 329 dash cam that I had in my old car. I have it hooked up to the USBC port in the center console (right one) and it seems to power fine and also seems to turn off about a few minutes after car is locked.

I just want it for while driving to capture license plates or as an additional backup to gearguard, so don’t need parking mode at all.

It seems that if it turns off while parked, then it shouldnt drain the 12V battery? I’m just a little worried with all the 12V battery issues that I have been hearing.

Does anyone else do the same and have had any issues?

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[ElGuano]

I think the USB-C ports, like the 12v accessory port, is tied to "Accessory power" mode, meaning they will de-power entirely shortly after the car is locked, and when it is asleep. But you can override this by using Camp Mode.

My recollection is that there are some 12v circuits that emulate "ignition mode," some that do "accessory mode," and if you tap directly into the 12v battery or bus, you can have constant 12v even if the car is sleeping.

 

[hammick]

We have dash cams in both our G2 R1S and Sierra EV. Both are powered 24/7. The R1S is through the OBD II port and the Sierra is through an always hot fuse tap. Neither have created any 12v issues in the several months they have been installed.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Dash cams generally do not draw enough power to be a concern. But if you install one that has its own battery for when parked that could be a different story. Look at manufacturer’s product spec on power draw.

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