Community Forums

DeeGee · 02-06-2017, 12:07 AM

Currently I power my dash cam from the USB port on the front of the dash. I'd like to install a new port in the top of the dash right under the camera. Someone (I think Chuck) mentioned taking power from the wire for the dash AC unit, because it was a nice fat wire and wouldn't notice the draw. Well, there are a LOT of nice fat wires on that connector! Does anyone know the best way to tap into this? All the fat wires here, including the blue and yellow ones at the bottom, go to the dash AC switches.

Unplanned Tourist · 02-06-2017, 12:20 AM

Find the one that is powered on with the ignition key and shave enough insulation off to be able to solder your power wire for the USB to it. Seal the connection up with good sealing tape, and Bob's your uncle.

brobox · 02-06-2017, 04:41 AM

I used a large 3M connector, double folded the end of the TPM into the 3M connector....it was small.

hogdriver · 02-06-2017, 06:26 AM

I called Spartan when wiring my dash cam and they talked me thru locating an Ignition On-Hot wire right behind the ignition switch. I can't recall the color but as I remember each wire is stenciled with it's purpose. Call Spartan CS.

My Spartan diagram shows Red w Yellow stripe 12 ga wire for Ignition Accessory. Call CS to verify.

Cruzer · 02-06-2017, 01:03 PM

I just ran a wire from the ignition-hot fuse block in the basement compartment beneath the driver's seat. I tapped into the back of the fuse block and assigned it to one of the open fuse slots. I actually ran a number of wires from both fuse blocks for a number of accessories that I installed, such as heated windshield washers, SmarTire TPMS, Clock, Viair compressor, fire extinguisher system, etc.

Matt D · 02-06-2017, 01:38 PM

Mark, is your fire extinguisher powered from a switched ignition source?

Personally, I would suggest moving that to an unswitched 12V supply.

I wouldn't want to be in a situation where my engine misbehaves, I turn it off only to discover it's on fire. Or, to have a fire occur when the engine isn't running. Think of that coach where the wash crew cut a hyd line and it burned.

Food for thought.

-Matt

Cruzer · 02-06-2017, 02:12 PM

The extinguisher activates non-electrically by sprinkler heads so it will go off even if the batteries are disconnected if they sense excessive heat. The in-dash alarm module is controlled by the key switch to prevent a current draw when dry camping.