Hardwiring your dash cam ensures parking mode protection and eliminates the need for a dangling cigarette lighter cord. Here’s how to do it.
Why Hardwire?
Hardwiring your dash cam to the fuse box:
- Enables parking mode (records when parked if motion/impact detected)
- Eliminates visible power cord
- Automatically powers on/off with the truck
- Cleaner installation
What You Need:
1. A hardwire kit — Comes with most quality dash cams or available separately ($12-20). Includes the low-voltage cutoff circuit that prevents battery drain.
2. Mini fuse tap — Plugs into an existing fuse slot in the fuse box. Connect to an “accessory” circuit that turns on with the ignition.
3. A grounding point — Any bare metal bolt in the cab will work as ground.
Fuse Box Location in Silverado:
Under-dash fuse panel (driver’s side) has accessible accessory circuits. Use a fuse tap on a circuit that turns off with the key.
The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 with GPS Hardwire:
The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 includes a hardwire option. Its supercapacitor design is ideal for hardwiring because it charges/discharges quickly, tolerating the constant connect/disconnect cycle better than a lithium battery cam.
Parking Mode:
With hardwire power connected, the cam uses the low-voltage cutoff circuit to detect when the truck has been off for a set period, then enters standby while monitoring for motion or impact triggers.
Battery drain with parking mode active is typically 20-40mA — safe for daily drivers parked overnight.