Garmin Mini Dash Cam Installed

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G213

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So if you haven't read any of my posts before, know that I am very particular about my modifications. (Yes, I'm type A lol) I really don't like mods that add extra "stuff" to the truck so whenever possible, I'm always thinking about how I can best hide things while maintaining or gaining functionality.

A little backstory; I grew up, learned to drive and owned many cars in New York. NYS has it's pros and cons, but it's not the most car-friendly state. NYS is one of the few states that still requires your registration to be attached to your windshield; they do not use plate tags for renewals. On top of this, they also require a yearly safety and emissions inspection, which they mark using a second sticker next to the registration sticker. So what you end up with is this.

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Not to mention, the inspection sticker has to be replaced every year and the registration sticker replaced every two years. So in short, it's ugly and quickly becomes a gunky eyesore.

Since moving to the West Coast (best coast :D)...among many benefits, one thing I immediately loved about Cali was the use of plate tags for registration and no inspection stickers. (Plus no safety inspections)

So all that said, the absolute LAST thing I ever want to do to my truck is add something to the windshield that I have to look at. But with the advances in technology and not-so-nice people in the world today, dash cameras are becoming a necessary evil.

Now prior to finding this Garmin, I had a Rexing V1 Gen 3 dash camera mounted at the tip top of my windshield, to the right of the dot matrix. It's a great device, never gave me any trouble. But I hated having this black box with a screen so obviously mounted to my windshield.

Example Picture of Rexing V1...not my install but you get the idea.
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So I've been hunting for a while to find a more "steathy" dash cam. My first thought was to use one of Rexing's rear facing cameras as the primary and hiding the main unit in the glove box. But even still, their rear cameras are somewhat noticeable and do not record in 4K (which was the reason why I got the Gen 3 to begin with) Then I toyed with maybe making my own, but upon taking apart the Rexing, I found that the camera was connected to the board using a flimsy ribbon cable and wasn't something one could easily improvise with. The BlackVue models seemed like a potential solution...but despite not having a screen, you still have this black tube mounted on your windshield. Plus BlackVue cameras aren't cheap. Since then I've been on the hunt for a better solution.

Finally one night a few weeks ago, I stumbled onto Garmin's Mini Dash cam. It's the size of a car key (literally), has no screen, is controlled via Bluetooth app and supports up to a 128GB card. SCORE! It got delivered today and I couldn't wait to install it.

I mounted it behind the rearview mirror. Perfect place since I can't see it and it still gets a clear shot of the road. I then used some black fabric wire loom to route the power cable along side the existing cables for the rearview mirror and auto wipers sensor. I'm stoked on how it looks.

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Between that and the Escort Redline mounted up as high as possible and slightly concealed by the dot matrix, I'm totally happy with the results. (Sticker in the top right hand corner of the camera view is for my car wash, which I can't see behind the rearview so I don't mind)

If you're looking for something small, out of the way and don't mind not having a screen, definitely check out this camera.

Also, if someone is interested in my Rexing V1 Gen 3; give me a shout. All I have is the camera, no mount, memory card or cord. The mounts are on Amazon for 6 bucks and it's powered by a standard mini-usb, which you can hardwire or use via 12v powerpoint. Retail is $140; I'll take $75.00. Free UPS ground shipping (continental US). (If this text is still here, it's available)
 
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JohnBrowner

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Good viewing angles Dude. Now I think between buying camera like have you or Eyecam FD1000. I need a good and reliable device with camera stabilization, gps tracker system,high-resolution and affordable price.
 

JohnBrowner

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MADEXP

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Hard wire to the back to the fuse box? If not, where did you get your power. I am hard wiring a dash cam this weekend, and I am no a research mode. Thx
 
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