Front + Rear Dashcam for Ford Ranger (with Canopy)

geekcohen on 17/08/2022 - 14:26
Last edited 17/08/2022 - 14:30

Hi all,

Got a Ford Ranger earlier this year and for Father's Day, I am going to get a Dashcam since my previous one has a broken mount and is about 5 years old.

Looking for Front + Rear camera. Front I am okay with finding a solution, but looking for a front+back combo that is suitable for a Canopy (slightly tinted glass) and doesn't require a front to back cable. 12V in the tub is okay, so power is fine, just more the connection to the front unit. Maybe I am better getting two separate cameras? One rear and one front?

What have others done in a similar situation? I would love to hear some similar situations and solutions.

Automotive Dash Camera

Comments

  • pegaxs on 17/08/2022 - 16:12
    +1

    If you dont want to run a cable between the cameras, just get two separate units if you have power down the back of the vehicle.

    My pick is the Viofo 119 V3 with GPS mount and polarised filter. I have these in all my vehicles and they seem to be the best bang for bucks. Obviously dont need the GPS mount for the rear unit if the front has one on it.

    • geekcohen on 17/08/2022 - 16:31

      If you dont want to run a cable between the cameras, just get two separate units if you have power down the back of the vehicle.

      Yeah there is 12V in the tub for Fridges and other stuff I think. I don't use it currently.

      My pick is the Viofo 119 V3 with GPS mount and polarised filter. I have these in all my vehicles and they seem to be the best bang for bucks. Obviously dont need the GPS mount for the rear unit if the front has one on it.

      Awesome, thanks. I will take a look! Didn't consider non-GPS for the rear, but that is a good point.

    • Caped Baldy on 17/08/2022 - 16:44
      +1

      The challenge with this is that you can't hit the save file button.

      • John Kimble on 17/08/2022 - 17:09
        +1

        I think you can buy a Bluetooth remote for some models, just dunno if A119 v3 is compatible.

        https://viofo.com/accessories/90-viofo-bluetooth-remote-cont…

      • pegaxs on 18/08/2022 - 10:25
        +2

        you can't hit the save file button.

        My Viofo unit will literally record for more than 4 hour on it's 128gb card before it starts to recycle. I am not going to have an accident and then drive for another 4+ hours. I'm not going to witness something and drive for another 4+ hours.

        The save file button is basically moot because in the event of a collision, the camera will automatically lock the last file anyway, and even if I am using the camera to capture something I will need later (hello Dash Cams Australia YouTube channel) I am not going to be doing 4+ hours worth of driving before I get home to download it off the card.

        • Caped Baldy on 18/08/2022 - 10:46

          I've got mine to record 1 minute files because of an issue with the last file not saving properly. I'm just thinking it's a pain to go through the files to find the right video for DCOA.

  • donbot on 17/08/2022 - 16:23

    I gave up trying to work it out on mine (same setup as you - canopy on a dual cab ranger), and in the end, opted for a front camera only. Run up the back of me and its your fault anyway - I figure I dont need to try and sort out how to rig it up, and I'm sure with headlights on any car behind me, a rear facing camera is going to have very limited footage anyway (I do a lot of driving in the early hours).

    I installed a Viofo and routed the cable from the USB port in the centre console under the steering wheel in the drivers foot well and recessed into the trim along the door/roof lining and it sits cleanly. Took about 30mins to install, having never done one before.

    I would like to try and find a quality 90 degree angle USB-A to USB-A adapter so I can claim my console back, as with two USB-A cables sticking straight out, I lose the use of it.

    • spackbace on 17/08/2022 - 16:30
      +2

      That looks decent

    • geekcohen on 17/08/2022 - 16:30

      I installed a Viofo and routed the cable from the USB port in the centre console under the steering wheel in the drivers foot well and recessed into the trim along the door/roof lining and it sits cleanly. Took about 30mins to install, having never done one before.

      Thats what I did in my commodore. However, there is a USB port right with the review miror in the PX3 Ranger, so it is super handy for power!

      I gave up trying to work it out on mine (same setup as you - canopy on a dual cab ranger), and in the end, opted for a front camera only. Run up the back of me and its your fault anyway - I figure I dont need to try and sort out how to rig it up, and I'm sure with headlights on any car behind me, a rear facing camera is going to have very limited footage anyway (I do a lot of driving in the early hours).

      Yeah, I had the same thought with my commodore in the past, but kinda want to the two in the new ranger since it is becoming a bit more common.

      • donbot on 17/08/2022 - 20:07
        +1

        Ahh PX2 doesn't have the mirror port. Very handy!

        If you work out how to link the two, would love to know how you did it as I'm more curious than anything!

  • Euphemistic on 17/08/2022 - 22:22

    Is the 12v in the tub ignition switched or always on? Not ideal if it’s always on.

    • geekcohen on 18/08/2022 - 05:48

      I believe it is ignition controlled.

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