Dash cam placement options

[Dennis C.]

I just purchased a new dash cam for my Ventana. I was thinking of mounting it low on the windshield, near the center. My concern with this mounting position is interference or a partially blocked view because of the wipers.

For those of you with dash cams, where have you mounted them?

[Mighty_J]

In my 4334 Ventana, I installed the dashcam by using vhb to stick the mount to the cabinetry under the front TV. I then ran the cord through the wooden louvres on the back on the TV cabinet and drilled a hole through to the shelf above the control cabinet that’s above the driver’s seat. Plugged it into the open outlet there.

It seems to work well.

[Rob_M]

Top near center. But anywhere it gets full view of the road ahead is fine.

[Lt Dan]

I mounted mine low in the center, just above the dash and between the wipers. The lower wiper does pass it if they are running, but it's not an issue.

[Wacdmc]

Center just above the dash where the camera is just above the wipers. Works fine at this location and no interference issues.

[Dutch Star Don]

I mounted mine in the lower left corner of the windshield. Because of the height of the coach windshield and the wide view of these cameras, it doesn't need to be in the middle. By mounting it in the lower left corner, you can run/hide the wiring in the corner and go through the side of the dash for power.

Something I've learned.....since the coach is so long, with toad in tow, you can often see people coming up on you doing stupid things, like those not paying attention when they merge onto the freeway. When I see this, I got into the habit of voicing it out loud. If something were to happen, it would add context to what the camera may eventually see in an accident or someone cutting you off.

[ScotS]

I mounted a 12 V receptacle high on the cabinet between the cabinet and the windshield behind the shades connected to a lighted switch that I installed in the center cabinet where the power originates. Installed a USB A converter with 2 outlets in the 12 V receptacle. Then mounted 2 dash cam mounts up high on the glass, high meaning above the bottom edge of the cabinets. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/731428 One is in the center but is not above the wipers (not good during rain), and the other is centered above the driver but within the sweep of the wiper, I use this one the most. I also have the camera pointed down a bit to view the area fairly close to the motor home's front end while the horizon is about the top 1/3 of the frame.



The nice thing about powering from the switch is that I can leave it on all the time. I have a 128 GB memory chip in it for about 12 hours of recorded video.


The reason I mounted it up high on the glass is to be able to see over regular cars and pickups during travel and to be able to close the shades during surveillance mode. Of course it can't see over 18 wheelers, but is does get a good view of the road and traffic ahead.


If anyone is interested, I can take some pics and post.



Have a Great and Safe Day!

[Dennis C.]

Thanks for all the comments. I am planning to power the camera by running the wiring through a little access port that I made in the corner of the dash for my GPS, TPMS, etc. I bought the Garmin power cable that allows for “parking mode” so the camera will remain on standby when the vehicle is powered off, and will wake up and make a recording if it detects movement or coach motion.

I think that I’ll mount it low on the windshield, trying to avoid interference with the wipers. I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to mount it in the center or over closer to the driver’s side. I’ll try a few different mounting locations this weekend and see what kind of forward view they provide.

[Mighty_J]

Originally Posted by ScotS

I mounted a 12 V receptacle high on the cabinet between the cabinet and the windshield behind the shades connected to a lighted switch that I installed in the center cabinet where the power originates. Installed a USB A converter with 2 outlets in the 12 V receptacle. Then mounted 2 dash cam mounts up high on the glass, high meaning above the bottom edge of the cabinets. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/731428 One is in the center but is not above the wipers (not good during rain), and the other is centered above the driver but within the sweep of the wiper, I use this one the most. I also have the camera pointed down a bit to view the area fairly close to the motor home's front end while the horizon is about the top 1/3 of the frame.



The nice thing about powering from the switch is that I can leave it on all the time. I have a 128 GB memory chip in it for about 12 hours of recorded video.


The reason I mounted it up high on the glass is to be able to see over regular cars and pickups during travel and to be able to close the shades during surveillance mode. Of course it can't see over 18 wheelers, but is does get a good view of the road and traffic ahead.


If anyone is interested, I can take some pics and post.



Have a Great and Safe Day!

I’d love some pics. I’ve got a new coach arriving in a few weeks and am always looking for ideas for mounting things like this.

[MoHoTripper]

I mounted mine low and in the center, just above the MobileEye device. Ran the cable into the dash and spliced in a hardwire kit to my switched power. When I start the rig the camera goes on.

In my last RV I mounted it at the top of the windshield (Super C), and it was out of the path of the wipers. Thats not what you want. Make sure the camera is in the path of the wipers or all you’ll be recording in the rain is raindrops!

Good luck!

[MRUSA14]

I mounted mine about a foot above the bottom of the windshield and right in front of me. Reason: It has a GPS speed display that I find very useful. It acts like a heads up display. I can glance at it and instantly see my speed without having to take my eyes off the road, as I would have to do to see the in-dash speedometer.

[Rev. Roy]

I mounted mine top center of the window pointing slightly downward. I did that to help ensure being able to record the license plate number if needed. I encountered one RVer who had a camera mounted on his front bumper. I pointed out that it seemed like it would be impossible to keep the lens clean.

[BobGed]

I mounted mine top center of the windshield that is activated whenever the ignition is on. I ran the wires up the 'A' pillar so they are hidden from view.

Even with it mounted up high it still has a good view of events in front of me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oMVTWLEbho

[kekker]

I have the one that is part of your rear view mirror, the camara is on the front side of the mirror and the left side is your viewer, and you can see through it