How To Install a Dash Camera, Tips & Tricks on Hardwiring a Thinkware Dash Camera

The most popular question I get asked about dash cameras is how to wire up a dash camera easily, especially if you want to hardwire it so it can use the motion detection features or battery monitoring.

Hatch vehicles are the hardest to do correctly and I have seen some terrible installations over the years so I thought I would do a guide for all of you out there in video land.

Hopefully this either helps you install the camera yourself or if you are unsure what's involved it gives you a bit of insight!

Camera used is the Thinkware F770 :

There are tonnes of great cameras on the market though and most install the same.

Tools required for installation:
- socket set
- non-marring pry bar
- soldering iron and solder
- cable ties
- tesa tape
- soapy water
- screwdriver (used for most vehicles not this one)

[notawinnernotaloser]

This has to be the best instructional video ever made, that tech guy needs to be in a trade school teaching apprentices, he's brilliant and completely comprehensible throughout the entire shoot, well done.

[onenikkione]

Excellent video. just a couple tips. make sure the unit you purchased works before doing a full install and run your rear wiper and make sure the camera will view thru the small area that gets cleared by the wiper (for those of us that drive in snow and or dirt roads).

[basillongman]

This video is indeed helpful. As a electrician it was refreshing to see and listen to you walking through the process. If followed no one will be wrong.
The route of the cables and pulling apart the various areas was most important.
Thanks.

[OntarioGuy]

I have recently decided to install a dash and rearview cam. This is the best install video I have seen. It also made me decide to just run the cables down the side of the front window and along the floor underneath the seats and mats.

[SirGregory]

Best Dashcam DIY install I've seen. Easy-to-understand Aussie voice also.

[WikkedR]

Very thorough and comprehensive video. You are obviously experienced and comfortable completing this installation. For those less experienced I would offer this advice… Aside from a plug and play device, any time you are tinkering with anything electrical in your vehicle, disconnect the negative battery terminal before you begin.

[davetaylor]

Very good video but two cautions if someone is doing this themselves. First, always make sure the front to rear cable is routed behind any airbag unit when installing the cable. If the cable is in front of the airbag unit it may not deploy correctly and increase the risk of injury in an accident. Second, some high end car audio systems have a pin code. If the power is removed from the audio system by unplugging it, you will need the pin code to reactivate the system when you plug it back in. Make sure you know the pin code before starting the dash cam installation.

[DW-phxg]

Video very well done. Warning for handy people that are installing on newer vehicles be very cautious of side airbags. DO NOT RESTRICT THEM.

[robertpopa]

One tip for joining & soldering wires, stagger the joins. Give 3 to 4 mm ( about 1/4 inch) between joints. This is to prevent accidental shorts between the joints.

[Naeidea]

I bought a dashcam(Thinkware X700) with the hardwire kit and while I don't consider myself a clueless idiot I had never approached anything like this ever. I have watched a few videos in the past on how to do this thing properly and I ended up just closing the video halfway through because it never showed me the things you did.

I had a functioning dashcam but I didn't really want to just yank the interior out in case I broke them, you are the only person who demonstrated this and how easy and effortless it is to do so.

I have now hidden 90% of my dashcam cables, unfortunately the front cables are not doable as the dash is just too loose, the wires fall out after a few miles. Not you, you were 100%. I just need some tape to keep them from falling out.

[siderealvision]

Good info never gets old. Recently bought a Thinkware F200 Pro dual channel dashcam and spent the next 24 hrs immersed in Youtube tutorials on installation.
Came back to your video as perhaps the most comprehensive how-to tutorial. Also didn't hurt that you made it look easy - enough so that I gave it a go.
Happy to report that the install went well - a couple of small glitches, but nothing insurmountable. Also liked your explanation and use of sound system/radio/stereo to hook up hardwire power and accessory - much easier than fiddling with fusible links, etc .
Kudos for an excellent (and helpful) production.

[iamtapu]

One of the best video for dashcam installation in hatchback / SUV. shows the proper installation method for a car like that. Also answers a lot of small questions that will help a lot if you listen carefully. For example, I was thinking what type of lubricant to use while passing the cable through the rubber gromet thing on the back of the vehicle and this video also describs you can simply use soapy water . Well done. very casually done video. made it look like we call can do it.

[strangefire]

one of THE most useful and comprehensive tutorial in installing a rear dash cam. i applied it and its 100% effective. THANK YOU!

[pridepark]

Very rarely comment on videos but that was impressive presentation and with no distracting cheesy music. Very well explained and highlighted options (eg via rear grommets for professional neatness) & pitfalls (eg radio code) etc, At start thought your install cost was expensive but with work, detail and care put into it I'd be happy pay it. Well done guys.

[GilbertNichols]

Great job explaining it. I'm going to have someone more agile than myself, mate, to do it on my car. Thanks for sharing your time and experience. You are definitely worth the value you charge to do any installation.

[anthonypaynter]

That's the best video I've ever seen about wiring in front & rear cameras. I've had a wifi camera in the back & they have always been very hit & miss to operate. I will hard wire it from now on. Thanks for a very informative & helpful video.

[fritzdiefenderfer]

great video! Everyone seems to skip over how to get the cable into the wire tubes between the headliner and the liftgate. This gives me all the answers I need to finish this up tomorrow. Much appreciated

[jamesbarlett]

One thing I would have added to the rear camera is if you are looking for the clearest possible view position it just down far enough that the tip of the rear wiper can clean the glass in front of it. My back window gets filthy and covered in snow in the winter which could make it harder to read licence plates. Great video lots of detail.

[theebonyone]

I've watched numerous how-to videos on this installation, and I have to say, this is probably the best one I have seen. Keep up the good work guys!!!!

[DREAM]

Just watched here in the UK. I’m 86, best instructional video ever, well done x😊