Struggling to figure out how to get your new Rexing V33 Plus up and running in your car? I remember my first time trying to install a dash cam, and honestly, it felt like a puzzle with too many wires! But don’t worry, installing your Rexing V33 Plus, whether you’re just using the cigarette lighter or going all-in with a smart hardwire kit for that seamless, always-on protection, is totally doable. This guide is going to walk you through everything, step-by-step, to make sure you get it right. By the time we’re done, you’ll have your Rexing V33 Plus dash cam, with its awesome 3-channel recording front, cabin, and rear!, neatly installed and ready to capture every moment on the road and even when parked. This isn’t just about sticking a camera to your windshield. it’s about making sure it’s secure, hidden, and working perfectly to give you that peace of mind.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Before we even think about touching your car, let’s make sure you’ve got everything laid out. Think of it like prepping for a cooking show – all your ingredients and tools! should be ready to go.
Essential Components from Your Rexing V33 Plus Box:
- Rexing V33 Plus Dash Cam Main Unit: This is the brains of the operation.
- 3M Adhesive Mount: For attaching the front camera to your windshield. Make sure you use the 3M tape for the mount.
- Car Power Connector Cigarette Lighter Adapter: This long cable usually measures about 12 feet, which is generally plenty for routing.
- V33 Rear Camera with Extension Cable: This cable is often around 22 feet, giving you lots of length to reach the back of most vehicles.
- Cabin Camera Integrated or separate depending on model: The V33 Plus is a 3-channel system, meaning it has front, cabin, and rear cameras.
- Micro SD Card 64GB usually included: You’ll need this for recording, and Rexing recommends Class 10/UHS-3 or higher, up to 256GB, or even 512GB in some models.
- Cable Management Tool / Pry Tool: A little plastic tool to help you tuck wires.
- Adhesive Cable Spacers/Clips: To secure your cables.
- Quick Start Guide and User Manual: Always a good idea to skim these!
Tools You Might Need Especially for Hardwiring:
- Rubbing Alcohol and Microfiber Cloth: For cleaning your windshield.
- Plastic Trim Removal Tools: These are super handy for gently prying open trim panels without scratching your car’s interior. You can find these at most auto parts stores or online.
- Zip Ties and Electrical Tape: Great for bundling excess cables and keeping things super tidy.
- Circuit Tester / Multimeter: Absolutely essential if you’re planning to hardwire your dash cam, as it helps you identify the right fuses.
- Fuse Taps Add-a-Circuit: These let you safely tap into your car’s fuse box without cutting any factory wiring. Make sure you get the right size for your car’s fuses mini, low-profile mini, ATO/ATC, etc..
- Crimping Tool: If your fuse taps don’t come pre-attached.
- Wire Strippers: For hardwiring, if needed.
- Small Socket Wrench or Screwdriver: To loosen a ground bolt for hardwiring.
Understanding Your Rexing V33 Plus Dash Cam
The Rexing V33 Plus is a fantastic dash cam, especially because it offers 3-channel recording. This means it records not just the road ahead front, but also the interior of your vehicle cabin, and what’s happening behind you rear. This comprehensive coverage is a huge win for security, whether you’re trying to monitor driving behavior, record ride-share journeys, or simply have a complete picture in case of an incident. It typically records in 2K 1440p resolution for all three cameras simultaneously.
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A key feature is its ability to support parking mode, which we’ll talk about more when we get to hardwiring. The camera is also equipped with a G-sensor, which automatically saves footage during collisions, and loop recording, so you don’t have to manually delete old files.
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Step-by-Step Installation: The Easy Way Cigarette Lighter Power
This is the quickest way to get your V33 Plus powered up and recording. It’s great if you want a simple setup and don’t mind having a cable running to your cigarette lighter.
1. Preparing Your Windshield
First things first, you want a strong, lasting mount. Clean the area on your windshield where you plan to mount the front camera really well with rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Any dirt or grease can weaken the adhesive.
2. Mounting the Front Camera
The ideal spot for your front dash cam is usually right behind your rearview mirror. This placement keeps the camera out of your line of sight, which is super important for safety, and ensures it captures a clear view of the road.
- Apply the Electrostatic Film Optional but recommended: Some Rexing kits come with an electrostatic film. If yours does, apply this to the clean windshield first. It makes removing the adhesive mount easier later without leaving residue.
- Attach the 3M Mount to the Camera: Stick one side of the 3M adhesive to the dash cam mount.
- Position the Mount: With the 3M adhesive on the mount, carefully position it on the electrostatic film or directly on the windshield. Make sure it’s square to your car’s roof and hood lines. Firmly press the mount onto the windshield.
- Wait! This is crucial. Rexing recommends waiting at least 20 minutes after applying the mount before attaching the actual camera. This gives the adhesive time to bond properly.
3. Inserting the Memory Card
While you’re waiting for the mount to set, grab your Micro SD card.
- Power Down: Make sure your dash cam is completely off before inserting or removing the memory card.
- Insert the Card: Gently push the SD card into the slot on the main unit until you hear a satisfying click. It should be securely in place.
4. Routing the Power Cable
Now for the fun part: making those cables disappear! The goal here is a clean, factory-like look that doesn’t obstruct your view or get in the way of passengers. Rexing v33
- From the Camera to the Headliner: Start by connecting the car charger cable to the main dash cam unit. Then, gently tuck the cable into the gap between your car’s headliner the fabric ceiling and the windshield. A plastic trim tool will be your best friend here, helping you push the cable into the trim without damaging anything.
- Down the A-Pillar: Guide the cable along the headliner towards the passenger side A-pillar the vertical pillar between your windshield and the front door. Carefully tuck the cable behind the A-pillar trim. Be extremely cautious not to obstruct any airbags if your car has them in the A-pillar.
- Under the Dashboard: Once you reach the bottom of the A-pillar, route the cable under the dashboard or along the edge of the glove compartment.
- To the Cigarette Lighter Port: Finally, bring the cable out near your car’s 12V DC power outlet cigarette lighter.
5. Connecting to Power
- Plug the car charger cable into the 12V DC power outlet.
- When you start your car, the Rexing V33 Plus should automatically power on and begin recording. If your cigarette lighter port is “always on” constant power, the camera might not turn on/off with your car.
6. Mounting the Rear Camera and Routing its Cable
The V33 Plus comes with a rear camera to give you full coverage.
- Placement: Mount the rear camera at the top-center of your rear windshield. Make sure it has a clear view and doesn’t interfere with your rear wipers or defrost lines. Clean the area thoroughly first, just like with the front camera.
- Cable Routing: This is the longest cable run! Connect the rear camera cable to the rear camera. Then, carefully route this cable along the headliner from the front unit all the way to the back of the car. Use your trim tool to tuck it neatly under the roof lining and side panels. You can often follow existing cable routes or seams in your car’s interior.
- Connecting to Main Unit: Plug the rear camera cable into the designated rear camera port on your main V33 Plus unit.
7. Post-Installation Checks
- Power On: Start your car and confirm the dash cam powers on automatically.
- Format SD Card: This is super important for optimal performance and to avoid recording issues. On the camera, go to the Setup Menu, find the “Format” option, and confirm. This will delete all data, so if you had anything on there, back it up first.
- Check All Cameras: On your V33 Plus screen, you can usually toggle between camera views front, cabin, rear by holding the UP button. Make sure all three cameras are displaying correctly.
- Adjust Angles: Fine-tune the angles of your front, cabin, and rear cameras to ensure they capture the best possible view.
Level Up: Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit Installation
If you want the cleanest look, freeing up your cigarette lighter port, and enabling the parking monitor feature for 24/7 surveillance, hardwiring is the way to go. This is where your Rexing smart hardwire kit comes in.
Why Hardwire?
- Parking Mode: This is the biggest reason! When hardwired, your dash cam can continue recording even when your car is off, usually triggered by motion or impact. This protects against hit-and-runs or vandalism when parked.
- Clean Installation: No dangling wires from the cigarette lighter port.
- Free Up Power Ports: Keep your 12V socket available for other devices.
- Battery Protection: Rexing’s smart hardwire kits usually include low-voltage protection, which means they’ll cut power to the dash cam if your car battery voltage drops too low, preventing a dead battery.
1. Gather Your Hardwire Kit Components
Your Rexing smart hardwire kit typically includes: Rexing V1P: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Installing, and Mastering Your Dash Cam
- Control Box: This regulates power and provides low-voltage protection.
- Three Wires usually:
- Yellow Constant Power/BATT: Connects to a fuse that’s always on, even when the car is off. This powers the parking mode.
- Red Accessory/ACC/Switched Power: Connects to a fuse that only receives power when your car’s ignition is on. This tells the dash cam when the car is running.
- Black Ground: Connects to any bare metal bolt or screw on your car’s chassis.
- Mini-USB or USB-C Connector: For connecting to the dash cam.
2. Locate Your Car’s Fuse Box
Your car’s fuse box is usually located in one of a few places:
- Under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- In the glove compartment.
- Under the hood less common for dash cam power, but possible.
- In the trunk for rear-mounted fuse boxes.
Consult your car’s owner’s manual to find the exact location and a diagram of your fuse box. This diagram will also tell you what each fuse powers.
3. Identifying Fuse Types and Power Sources
This is where the circuit tester or multimeter comes in handy. You need to find two specific types of fuses:
- Constant Fuse Yellow Wire – BATT: This fuse is always on, even when your car is completely off and the keys are out of the ignition. Good candidates are fuses for interior lights, power seats if they work with the car off, or hazard lights. Use your circuit tester to probe the metal contacts on top of the fuses. If the tester lights up with the car off, you’ve found a constant fuse.
- Switched Fuse Red Wire – ACC: This fuse only receives power when your car’s ignition is turned on or in the ACC position. Good candidates include fuses for the radio, cigarette lighter if it turns off with the car, or wipers. Turn your car to the ACC position, or start it, and test fuses. If the tester lights up only when the ignition is on, you’ve found a switched fuse.
Important: When selecting fuses, try to choose ones that are rated between 10A-30A. Never tap into fuses for critical safety features like airbags. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
4. Connecting the Hardwire Kit to the Fuse Box
- Use Fuse Taps Add-a-Circuits: These are the safest and easiest way to tap into your fuse box.
- Remove the original fuse from your chosen constant power slot. Insert it into the lower slot of your fuse tap.
- Insert a new, lower-amperage fuse e.g., 2A or 3A, often provided with the hardwire kit into the upper slot of the fuse tap. This protects your dash cam.
- Crimp the yellow wire from your hardwire kit to the wire coming from the fuse tap that leads to the dash cam’s fuse slot.
- Repeat this process for the red wire and the chosen switched power fuse slot.
- Plug in the Fuse Taps: Insert the fuse taps into the now-empty fuse slots in your fuse box. Make sure they are oriented correctly to draw power from the “hot” side of the fuse slot.
5. Connecting the Ground Wire Black
- Find a nearby metal bolt or screw on your car’s chassis. This could be under the dashboard or near the fuse box itself.
- Loosen the bolt, place the O-ring connector from the black ground wire under it, and then tighten the bolt securely. The connection must be to bare metal, not painted surfaces, to ensure a good ground.
6. Routing Hardwire Cables and Connecting to the Dash Cam
- Route the hardwire kit’s main cable with the Mini-USB or USB-C connector upwards, similar to how you routed the cigarette lighter cable: along the A-pillar and headliner to your dash cam.
- Connect the power connector to your Rexing V33 Plus dash cam.
7. Post-Hardwiring Checks
- Test Ignition: Start your car. The dash cam should power on and begin recording.
- Test Parking Mode: Turn off your car and remove the keys. The dash cam should switch to parking mode often indicated by a different LED or screen icon. Gently shake the car or tap it without causing damage, of course! to see if the G-sensor or motion detection triggers a recording.
- Verify Low Voltage Cutoff: While you can’t easily test this immediately, ensure your hardwire kit’s settings sometimes via DIP switches on the kit itself or in the dash cam’s menu are configured for your car’s battery type and voltage. This protects against excessive battery drain.
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Adding the Rear and Cabin Cameras 3-Channel Setup
If you’re going for the full 3-channel experience, you’ll need to route the cables for the rear and cabin cameras if not integrated. The V33 Plus typically has an integrated cabin camera and a separate rear camera.
1. Rear Camera Cable Routing
We covered this briefly in the cigarette lighter section, but it’s worth reiterating for hardwire too:
- Placement: Again, mount the rear camera on the top-center of your rear windshield for the best view.
- Routing: The rear camera cable is long for a reason! Start from the main unit, tuck it along the headliner. When you reach the rear of the car, you can route it down the rear pillars, along the side of the trunk liner, or even under the carpet if you’re really aiming for invisibility.
- Cable Management: Use your trim tools to hide the cable under door sills and interior panels. Secure any excess cable with zip ties.
2. Cabin Camera If separate
For the V33 Plus, the cabin camera is often integrated into the main unit, making its setup simple: just mount the front unit. However, if you have a separate cabin camera for some reason e.g., an older model or an add-on, follow similar routing principles. Mount it to capture the interior clearly, typically pointing towards the back seats, and route its cable back to the main unit, usually along the headliner.
3. Connecting All Channels
Ensure all camera cables front power, rear camera, and any separate cabin camera are securely plugged into their respective ports on the main Rexing V33 Plus unit.
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Post-Installation Checks and Settings
Once everything is wired and mounted, it’s time for the final touches to make sure your Rexing V33 Plus is working optimally.
1. Powering On and Initial Setup
- Start your vehicle. Your dash cam should power on automatically. If hardwired, it will enter driving mode.
- Set Date and Time: This is critical! Accurate timestamps are essential for any footage used as evidence. Navigate through the camera’s menu to set the correct date, time, and time zone.
- Format SD Card: We’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Always format a new memory card within the camera to ensure compatibility and prevent recording errors.
2. Adjusting Key Settings
Dive into the camera’s menu system to customize it to your preferences. The V33 Plus has an easy-to-navigate menu, though it might take a moment to get used to the buttons.
- Loop Recording: Most dash cams have this on by default. It records over the oldest files when the card is full, ensuring continuous recording.
- G-Sensor Sensitivity: This sensor detects impacts and sudden braking, locking the current footage to prevent it from being overwritten. Adjust the sensitivity – too high, and every bump will lock a file. too low, and it might miss important events.
- Parking Monitor if hardwired: This feature usually has settings for sensitivity motion or impact detection and duration. Some kits also have low-voltage cutoff settings that can be adjusted.
- Video Resolution: The V33 Plus records in high resolution for all three channels. You can usually choose different resolutions, but the default is often the best.
- Audio Recording: The V33 Plus allows you to toggle the microphone on or off.
3. Viewing Angle Adjustment
- With the camera powered on, check the live view for all three channels on the dash cam’s screen or via the Rexing app if your model has Wi-Fi.
- Adjust the physical angle of each camera slightly to maximize its field of view. For the front camera, ensure it captures both lanes of traffic and the horizon. For the cabin camera, make sure it covers the interior adequately. For the rear camera, ensure a clear view of the road behind you.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common issues and what to check:
- Camera Not Powering On:
- Cigarette Lighter: Check if the charger is firmly seated in the port. Test the port with another device to ensure it’s working. Check the fuse for that port in your car’s fuse box.
- Hardwired: Double-check your fuse tap connections. Make sure both constant yellow and switched red wires are connected to active fuses. Verify the ground wire black is securely attached to bare metal. Ensure the dash cam’s power cable is plugged in correctly to the hardwire kit.
- Rear/Cabin Camera Not Detected:
- Ensure the extension cables are fully plugged into both the main unit and the respective cameras.
- Check for any kinks or damage in the cables.
- Parking Monitor Not Working Hardwired:
- Confirm your hardwire kit is correctly connected to both a constant BATT and switched ACC fuse. Without constant power, parking mode won’t function.
- Check the parking mode settings in your dash cam’s menu.
- Ensure the low-voltage cutoff isn’t set too high, which might prematurely shut off the camera.
- GPS Not Working:
- Ensure the GPS module if external is correctly connected and has a clear view of the sky e.g., mounted on the dash, not hidden under metal.
- Check GPS settings within the dash cam’s menu.
- “Card Error” or Recording Issues:
- Always try formatting the SD card within the camera first.
- Ensure you’re using a high-quality, Class 10/UHS-3 or higher Micro SD card. Lower quality or incompatible cards can cause issues.
- The card might be corrupted or at the end of its lifespan. try a new, reputable brand SD card.
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Pro Tips for a Clean and Stealthy Install
A professional-looking install not only looks better but also minimizes distractions and keeps your cables safe.
- Use Trim Removal Tools: These plastic tools are invaluable for prying open panels and tucking wires without damaging your car’s interior.
- Follow Factory Wiring Paths: When possible, run your dash cam cables alongside your car’s existing wiring harnesses. This often provides natural routes and secure points.
- Avoid Airbags: This is critical. Never route wires across or in front of airbag panels. If an airbag deploys, it could damage the wiring or, worse, injure passengers.
- Secure Wires: Use adhesive cable clips good quality ones that won’t fall off in heat! and zip ties to secure loose cables, especially along the A-pillar and under the dashboard. Electrical tape can also help bundle wires neatly.
- Bundle Excess Cable: Don’t just leave a coil of wire dangling. Bundle any excess cable neatly with zip ties and tuck it away in a discreet spot, like behind the glove box or inside the fuse box area.
- Test Before Fully Sealing: Before you completely button everything up and tuck every wire away, do a full test of the dash cam system. Power it on, check all cameras, and ensure everything is recording. It’s much easier to fix something when you haven’t fully committed to hiding the wires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Micro SD card does the Rexing V33 Plus use?
The Rexing V33 Plus generally supports Class 10/UHS-3 or higher Micro SD memory cards. While some manuals state up to 256GB, newer versions or different markets might support up to 512GB. Always use a high-quality, reputable brand.
How do I enable parking mode on my Rexing V33 Plus?
To enable parking mode, you absolutely need to hardwire your Rexing V33 Plus using a Rexing smart hardwire kit. This kit provides constant power to the dash cam even when the car is off, allowing the parking monitor feature to activate when motion or impact is detected.
Can I install the Rexing V33 Plus myself, or do I need a professional?
Many people successfully install the Rexing V33 Plus themselves, especially using the cigarette lighter power method. Hardwiring requires a bit more technical comfort with your car’s fuse box and electrical system, including identifying constant and switched fuses. If you’re not comfortable, a professional installation is a great option for a clean and reliable setup. Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit: Your Ultimate Guide to 24/7 Dash Cam Protection
Where is the best place to mount the front camera?
The ideal place to mount the front camera is usually directly behind your rearview mirror. This position keeps it out of your line of sight, which is crucial for safety, and ensures it captures a wide, unobstructed view of the road ahead, typically within the area cleared by your windshield wipers.
How do I play back videos from my Rexing V33 Plus?
You can play back videos directly on the dash cam’s screen using the navigation buttons. Alternatively, you can remove the Micro SD card, insert it into an SD card adapter, and then into your computer or a card reader. The videos are typically stored in the \CARDV\MOVIE folder, with locked videos in \CARDV\MOVIE\RO. Rexing also provides GPS playback software for computers.
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