Want to unlock your Rexing dash cam’s full potential, especially when your car is parked? Hardwiring it with a USB-C kit is often the best move for continuous power and peace of mind. It’s like giving your dash cam an always-on bodyguard, constantly looking out for your ride. This isn’t just about keeping the battery charged. it’s about enabling crucial features like parking mode, which means your camera is recording even when you’re not around. Forget about constantly plugging and unplugging a cigarette lighter adapter or worrying about a dead battery. a good hardwire kit provides a clean, reliable, and discreet power source straight from your car’s fuse box. We’ll walk you through why it’s a must and how to set it up without a hitch.
If you’ve ever thought about how cool it would be for your dash cam to keep recording even when your car is off, you’re in the right place. One of my go-to tricks? Just start typing something into YouTube’s search bar, those autocomplete suggestions are basically a peek into what people are actually looking for, and “Rexing hardwire kit USB C” often pops right up. It’s clear a lot of us want that continuous protection for our vehicles.
When you invest in a Rexing dash cam, you’re already making a smart choice for on-road security. But to truly get the most out of it, especially those awesome parking surveillance features, a Rexing hardwire kit with a USB-C connection is a total game-changer. Think of it as upgrading your dash cam from a part-time observer to a full-time guardian. Instead of relying on your car’s accessory port, which only powers up when the ignition is on, hardwiring taps directly into your vehicle’s electrical system. This means your dash cam gets a steady diet of power, allowing it to keep an eye on things 24/7, even when you’re grabbing groceries, at work, or just chilling at home. Plus, it frees up your cigarette lighter or USB port for other devices, which is a neat bonus if you’re like me and always have a phone charger or another gadget plugged in.
Why Ditch the Cigarette Lighter for a Hardwire Kit?
Seriously, why go through the “trouble” of hardwiring when you could just plug it into the cigarette lighter? Well, there are some pretty solid reasons that make it worth the extra effort.
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Continuous Power & Parking Mode: Your 24/7 Watchdog
The biggest reason, hands down, is continuous power. Standard dash cam setups usually cut power when you turn off your car. That means if someone bumps your car in a parking lot, tries to break in, or even just scratches it, your dash cam might not catch a thing. A hardwire kit fixes this by providing power directly from your car’s battery, allowing your dash cam to operate even when the engine is off.
This constant power enables parking mode, which is like having an extra set of eyes on your vehicle round the clock. Rexing’s intelligent hardwire kits, especially those with USB-C, are designed to work seamlessly with their dash cams to activate advanced parking features.
Here’s how parking mode often works with a hardwire kit:
- G-Sensor Impact Detection: If your car experiences an impact, like a fender bender or vandalism, the G-sensor in your dash cam detects it and automatically triggers recording. The kit ensures there’s enough power for the camera to wake up and record a short clip of the incident.
- Motion Detection: Some intelligent kits can sense motion around your vehicle and start recording. This is super handy for capturing suspicious activity. Rexing’s “Premium Parking Mode” does exactly this, powering up the dash cam automatically when motions are detected.
- Time Lapse Mode: Instead of recording full-length video continuously, some dash cams can record time-lapse footage, capturing everything that happens at a lower frame rate. This saves storage space while still giving you a comprehensive overview.
Having this 24/7 surveillance gives you incredible peace of mind. According to one source, parking mode is essential for recording incidents when your vehicle is off, providing peace of mind for owners. Imagine walking back to your car and finding a new dent, but thanks to your hardwired dash cam, you’ve got video evidence of exactly what happened. It’s invaluable! Rexing hardwire kit install
Battery Protection: Smart Tech for Your Car
Now, you might be thinking, “Won’t keeping the dash cam on 24/7 drain my car battery?” That’s a valid concern! But here’s where Rexing’s hardwire kits shine. They come with a built-in low voltage protection LVP system. This smart feature monitors your car’s battery voltage and, if it drops below a pre-set threshold often around 11.8V or 11.4V for a 12V system, or 23.5V for 24V systems, the kit will automatically cut power to the dash cam.
This means you won’t ever come back to a car that won’t start because your dash cam was too power-hungry. The LVP ensures you always have enough juice to get your engine going. It’s a crucial safety net that makes continuous surveillance worry-free.
Clean Installation: A Tidy Dash, Happy Driver
Let’s be honest, nobody likes a messy dashboard with cables dangling everywhere. Using your cigarette lighter or a standard USB port often means a visible wire running across your console. Hardwiring eliminates this clutter entirely.
The hardwire kit allows you to route the cables discreetly along the edges of your windshield, under the trim, and down to your car’s fuse box. The result is a factory-installed look – clean, professional, and virtually invisible. This not only makes your car interior look much tidier but also reduces distractions while driving.
Enhanced Reliability: No More Accidental Unplugs
How many times have you or a passenger accidentally bumped the cigarette lighter plug, disconnecting your dash cam? Or maybe a sharp turn caused it to come loose? When your dash cam is hardwired, these little mishaps are a thing of the past. The connection is secure and hidden, meaning your camera will stay powered and recording without interruption. This robust connection provides a stable power supply, ensuring your dash cam captures every important moment. Rexing Trail Camera Manual: Your Ultimate Guide to Setting Up and Capturing Incredible Footage
Decoding Rexing’s Hardwire Kits: USB-C vs. Mini-USB Smart vs. Intelligent
Rexing offers a couple of different hardwire kits, and it can sometimes get a little confusing with names like “Smart” and “Intelligent” alongside different USB port types. Let’s break it down to help you figure out what’s what.
Generally, the key differences often come down to the type of USB connector and the specific dash cam models they’re designed for, as well as their advanced parking mode capabilities.
The Intelligent Hardwire Kit USB-C/Type-C
This is often the more advanced option, especially if you have a newer Rexing dash cam.
- Features: The Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit often featuring a Type-C port is built with a Premium Parking Mode. This means it has an integrated sensor that detects motion, or an impact via the dash cam’s G-sensor, and then automatically powers up your dash cam to record. It also includes ACC Accessory detection, allowing the dash cam to automatically switch between normal recording and parking mode when your vehicle’s engine turns on or off.
- Compatibility: This kit is designed for a wide range of Rexing dash cam models, including popular ones like the R4, DT2, M2 Max, R316 Series, RH2 Series, and CPDuo Multimedia Receiver. If you have one of these, or a newer Rexing model, chances are the Intelligent Hardwire Kit with Type-C is what you need.
- Specs: These kits typically accept a wide input voltage 12V-30V and output 5V at 1.5A or 2A, which is standard for most dash cams. Cable lengths are usually generous, around 11.5ft to 13ft, giving you plenty of slack for routing.
- Important Note: When using the Intelligent Hardwire Kit, Rexing explicitly states NOT to enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s settings. The kit itself manages the motion sensing and power, and enabling it on the camera can cause conflicts or malfunctions.
The Smart Hardwire Kit Mini-USB and Type-C Versions
The “Smart Hardwire Kit” typically refers to Rexing’s more general hardwiring solution. Rexing gps module
- Mini-USB Version: This version is generally designed for older or specific Rexing supercapacitor models, such as the V1-4K, V1P, V3, and V2 Pro AI. While it provides constant power with low voltage protection around 11.8V, the key difference here is that this specific Mini-USB kit does not inherently support its own parking mode functionality. Instead, it simply provides continuous power, and if your dash cam model itself has a parking mode feature like G-sensor detection, it will be able to utilize that power to run it.
- Type-C Version: This is where it gets a little more integrated. Rexing also offers a “Smart Hardwire Kit” with a Type-C port. Based on recent product descriptions, this Type-C Smart Hardwire Kit does include features like 24/7 surveillance, low voltage protection, and ACC detection. This means it functions very similarly to the “Intelligent” kit in terms of enabling parking mode and battery protection for compatible Type-C dash cams. It’s compatible with models like the R4, DT2, M3, M2 Max, M2-4, M4-4, and RH2 Series.
The takeaway? If your Rexing dash cam has a USB-C port, you’ll likely be looking for a Type-C hardwire kit from Rexing, whether it’s called “Smart” or “Intelligent.” Both seem to offer the crucial parking mode and battery protection features that users are looking for. The “Intelligent” might just be a specific branding for their most comprehensive, wide-compatibility Type-C kit. Always double-check your dash cam’s model number and the hardwire kit’s compatibility list to be absolutely sure.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Rexing USB-C Hardwire Kit
Alright, let’s get down to business! Installing a hardwire kit might sound intimidating, but I promise, it’s totally doable, even if you’re not a car expert. Just take your time, follow these steps, and you’ll have that dash cam powered up 24/7 in no time. A quick heads-up: The specific wire colors for constant and switched power can sometimes vary slightly between brands, but for Rexing, the yellow wire is usually for constant power, and the red wire is for switched power. Always double-check your kit’s instructions!.
Gather Your Tools
Before you start, make sure you have these handy:
- Your Rexing USB-C Hardwire Kit: Make sure it comes with fuse tap cables for various fuse types.
- Circuit Tester / Multimeter: This is non-negotiable! It’s how you’ll find the right fuses.
- Fuse Puller: Your car might have one in the fuse box, or you can get a cheap one.
- Crimping Tool optional: If you need to attach different fuse taps than the ones provided or adjust wires.
- Zip Ties or Cable Hiding Clips: For a super clean installation.
- Trim Removal Tool optional but recommended: Helps you safely pry open car trim panels without scratching anything.
- Small Wrench or Socket Set: For attaching the ground wire.
- Flashlight: To see into those dark corners of your car.
Locating Your Fuse Box
Your car likely has one or two fuse boxes. Common places are: The Ultimate Guide to the Rexing GT Wheel: Features, Performance, and Setup
- Under the dashboard on the driver’s side often near your left foot.
- In the glove box.
- Under the hood usually for engine components, but sometimes has a few interior fuses.
- In the trunk or under the rear seats.
You’ll generally want to use the fuse box that’s closest to where you’re installing your dash cam for easier cable routing. Check your car’s owner’s manual for the exact location and a diagram of your fuse box.
Identifying Fuse Types: Constant vs. Switched
This is arguably the most crucial step. You need to find two specific types of fuses:
- Constant Power BAT/B+: This fuse is always on, even when your car is off. This is where you’ll connect the yellow wire from your Rexing hardwire kit. It provides the continuous power needed for parking mode.
- Accessory Power ACC/Switched Power: This fuse only gets power when your ignition is on or in the ACC position. This is where you’ll connect the red wire from your Rexing hardwire kit. This tells your dash cam when the car is running and when to switch between normal and parking mode.
- Ground: The black wire is your ground connection.
How to use your circuit tester:
- Turn your car completely off and remove the key.
- Attach the alligator clip of your circuit tester to a bare metal part of the car’s chassis a bolt, screw, or any unpainted metal.
- Carefully touch the tip of the circuit tester to the small metal points on the top of each fuse in your fuse box.
- Fuses that light up the tester are constant power fuses. Make a note of a good one.
- Now, turn your car’s ignition to the ACC accessory position don’t start the engine.
- Repeat the process, testing fuses.
- Fuses that light up only now and didn’t before are switched power fuses. Find a suitable one.
- Once you’ve identified a constant and a switched fuse, choose ones that aren’t critical to your car’s safety, like your radio, sunroof, or unused spare slots. Avoid fuses for airbags, ABS, or engine control.
Making the Connections
Your Rexing kit should come with fuse tap cables add-a-circuits. These are brilliant because they allow you to tap into an existing fuse slot without cutting any wires.
- Constant Power Yellow Wire: Take the fuse from your chosen constant power slot. Insert it into the bottom slot of a fuse tap. Insert a new, lower-amp fuse often 2A or 3A, check your kit’s instructions into the top slot of the fuse tap. Connect the yellow wire from your hardwire kit to the wire coming out of this fuse tap. Plug the fuse tap into the constant power fuse slot you identified.
- Switched Power Red Wire: Do the same for your chosen switched power fuse slot. Insert its original fuse into the bottom slot of another fuse tap, a new lower-amp fuse into the top slot. Connect the red wire from your hardwire kit to the wire coming from this fuse tap. Plug this fuse tap into the switched power slot.
- Ground Black Wire: Find a nearby metal bolt on the car’s chassis. Loosen it, slip the hardwire kit’s black wire ring terminal under it, and tighten the bolt securely. Make sure it’s bare metal for a good connection.
Routing the Cables for a Tidy Finish
Now that the connections are made, it’s time for the aesthetically pleasing part: Rexing V1 SD Card Format: Your Ultimate Guide for Crystal Clear Recordings
- Start from the fuse box and route the main power cable towards your dash cam.
- Use your trim removal tool or just your fingers, carefully! to tuck the cable neatly under the headliner, along the A-pillar, and around the dashboard.
- Use the included cable clips or zip ties to secure the wire in place, especially around airbags or moving parts, to prevent it from interfering with anything or getting pinched.
- The goal is for the cable to be virtually invisible once you’re done.
Final Connection and Testing
- Plug the USB-C end of the hardwire kit into your Rexing dash cam.
- Start your car. Your dash cam should power on and start recording in its normal driving mode.
- Turn off your car. After a few seconds, your dash cam should switch into parking mode you might see an indicator light change or hear a chime. If it’s an Intelligent kit with a separate motion sensor, make sure that’s also installed and connected, usually near the dash cam itself.
- Crucial Reminder: As Rexing advises, do NOT enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s internal settings if you are using an Intelligent/Smart Type-C hardwire kit. The kit itself manages this feature. Enabling it on the camera can lead to conflicts.
Maximizing Your Dash Cam’s Potential with Hardwiring
With your Rexing dash cam hardwired, you’ve essentially supercharged its capabilities and brought a whole new level of security to your vehicle. It’s not just about recording your drives anymore. it’s about comprehensive, all-around protection.
Parking Monitoring Features: Always on Guard
The primary benefit of hardwiring is unlocking your dash cam’s full parking monitoring suite. Whether it’s the G-sensor detecting an impact from a careless driver or motion detection catching someone loitering around your vehicle, your dash cam is ready to record. This continuous surveillance is a crucial deterrent against theft and vandalism, and it provides invaluable evidence if an incident does occur.
Think about the peace of mind knowing that even when your car is parked at a busy mall, overnight in your driveway, or in an unfamiliar area, your dash cam is diligently watching. One account mentioned a car being parked in 114-degree summer heat and the Rexing setup working perfectly, showing the reliability of these systems even in extreme conditions.
Security Benefits: Documenting the Unexpected
In the unfortunate event of a hit-and-run, a break-in attempt, or even someone keying your car, having video evidence can make a huge difference. Without hardwiring, your dash cam would be off, leaving you with no footage. With a hardwired setup, however, your dash cam is actively monitoring, ready to capture those critical moments. This isn’t just for major incidents. it can also help resolve minor parking lot disputes or even prove you weren’t at fault in a parking lot fender bender. Rexing Companies: The Logistics Powerhouse
Battery Health Management: Smart and Safe
The low voltage protection built into Rexing hardwire kits is a testament to smart design. It ensures your dash cam can perform its surveillance duties without ever compromising your car’s ability to start. This intelligent power management means you get all the benefits of 24/7 recording without the worry of coming back to a dead battery. It’s a win-win for security and vehicle health.
Common Hardwiring Hiccups and How to Fix Them
Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Hardwiring, while straightforward, involves connecting to your car’s electrical system, so a minor misstep can lead to issues. Here are some common problems people run into and how to troubleshoot them.
Camera Not Turning On at All
This is usually the most frustrating problem, but often the easiest to fix.
- Check Ground Connection: A bad ground connection is a very common culprit. Make sure the black wire is securely attached to a bare metal bolt on the car chassis, not painted metal or plastic. Loosen it, sand off any paint, and re-tighten.
- Check Constant Power Fuse: The yellow wire needs constant power. Use your circuit tester to re-verify that the fuse tap for the yellow wire is indeed in an always-on fuse slot, even with the car off. Also, check that both fuses in the fuse tap the original car fuse and the kit’s fuse are good and correctly seated.
- Check Kit’s Output Voltage: The little box in the hardwire kit steps down your car’s 12V/24V to 5V for the dash cam. If this box is faulty, or the output isn’t right, the camera won’t power up. While rare, it’s worth checking if you have a multimeter to test the output at the USB-C end.
- Cable Connection to Dash Cam: Ensure the USB-C connector is fully and securely plugged into your dash cam.
Parking Mode Not Activating/Deactivating Correctly
This indicates an issue with the accessory switched power connection or how the kit is communicating with the dash cam. Can you add beadlocks to any wheel
- Check Switched Power Fuse ACC: The red wire is key here. Re-verify with your circuit tester that the fuse tap for the red wire is in a fuse slot that only gets power when the ignition is on and loses power when off. If it’s constantly on or off, parking mode won’t engage correctly. Try a different accessory fuse slot.
- Dash Cam Settings Conflict: Remember that crucial note: Do NOT enable parking mode in your dash cam’s menu settings if you’re using a Rexing Intelligent or Smart Type-C hardwire kit. The kit’s internal logic is designed to control this, and having both enabled can cause conflicts, leading to erratic behavior e.g., camera going into parking mode with the ignition on, or not entering it at all when off.
- Firmware Update: Sometimes, an outdated dash cam firmware can cause issues with new hardwire kit functionalities. Check Rexing’s support page for your specific dash cam model to see if there are any recommended firmware updates.
Battery Drain Despite Low Voltage Protection
While rare with Rexing’s LVP, if you notice your car battery draining faster than it should, even with the LVP kicking in, here’s what to consider:
- LVP Threshold: Some hardwire kits have adjustable LVP settings though Rexing’s are typically fixed. Ensure the LVP is set appropriately for your battery type and age. While the kit cuts power at a safe level like 11.8V, if your battery is old or weak, it might still struggle to start your car after even a short drain.
- Excessive Parking Mode Recording: If your dash cam is constantly triggered in parking mode e.g., in a very busy area with constant motion, it will draw more power. While the LVP should prevent a full drain, consistent, heavy use in parking mode will still reduce your battery’s charge.
- Parasitic Draw: A faulty hardwire kit very rare or another electrical issue in your car could be causing a small, constant draw. If all else fails, a professional auto electrician might be needed to diagnose a parasitic draw.
Electrical Issues Window Malfunctions, Error Codes
This is much rarer, but it can happen if you tap into the wrong fuse or if your car’s electrical system is particularly sensitive.
- Some users have reported issues like power window malfunctions or error codes after hardwiring, especially if they tapped into fuses for sensitive systems.
- Solution: If you experience any unexpected electrical problems after installation, immediately disconnect the hardwire kit from the fuse box. Reinsert the original fuses. If the problem resolves, then the issue was related to the fuse taps or the chosen fuse slots. Consult your car’s manual thoroughly or seek professional help to identify less sensitive fuse locations.
Remember, a little patience and methodical troubleshooting can usually resolve most hardwiring issues. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rexing’s customer support or consider professional installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a dash cam hardwire kit?
A dash cam hardwire kit is a device that connects your dash cam directly to your vehicle’s fuse box, instead of using the cigarette lighter or USB port. This allows the dash cam to receive a continuous power supply, even when the car’s engine is off. Rexing M2 Firmware Update: Your Ultimate Guide to a Smoother Dash Cam Experience
Why should I hardwire my Rexing dash cam?
Hardwiring offers several key benefits: it enables 24/7 parking surveillance for continuous monitoring, provides built-in low voltage protection to prevent your car battery from draining, results in a much cleaner, wire-free installation, and frees up your car’s accessory ports.
What’s the difference between Rexing’s “Smart” and “Intelligent” hardwire kits, especially with USB-C?
Generally, Rexing’s Intelligent Hardwire Kit often Type-C offers a “Premium Parking Mode” with advanced motion and impact detection, designed for a wide range of newer Rexing dash cams. The Smart Hardwire Kit has a Mini-USB version for specific supercapacitor models, provides continuous power but camera handles parking mode and a Type-C version that functions similarly to the Intelligent kit, enabling 24/7 surveillance and low voltage protection. Always check compatibility for your specific dash cam model.
Will a Rexing USB-C hardwire kit drain my car’s battery?
No, Rexing hardwire kits come with built-in low voltage protection LVP. This system monitors your car battery’s voltage and automatically cuts power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a safe threshold typically around 11.8V or 11.4V, ensuring you have enough power to start your vehicle.
Can I install the Rexing hardwire kit myself, or do I need a professional?
Many people successfully install hardwire kits themselves by following detailed instructions and using a circuit tester. Rexing also provides installation videos and manuals. However, if you’re uncomfortable working with your car’s electrical system, professional installation is always an option and can ensure everything is done correctly.
Do I need to enable parking mode in my Rexing dash cam’s settings if I use a hardwire kit?
For Rexing’s Intelligent or Smart Type-C hardwire kits, it’s generally recommended not to enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s internal settings. These kits are designed to manage the parking mode functionality themselves, and enabling it on the camera can lead to conflicts or malfunctions. Mastering Your Rexing Dash Cam: The Ultimate Guide to SD Card Formatting & Performance
What should I do if my dash cam isn’t powering on after hardwiring?
First, check all your connections. Ensure the black ground wire is securely fastened to bare metal. Re-test your constant yellow wire and switched red wire fuse connections with a circuit tester to confirm they are in the correct type of fuse slot. Also, make sure all fuses original and in the fuse tap are properly seated and not blown.
What voltage does the Rexing hardwire kit output?
Rexing hardwire kits typically convert your car’s 12V-30V input to a stable 5V output, often at 1.5A or 2A, which is the standard power requirement for most dash cams.
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