Struggling to get your dash cam to record while your car is parked, or just tired of that dangling power cable messing up your car’s interior? That’s exactly why figuring out how to install the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with Mini USB port can be a total game-changer for your vehicle’s security and your peace of mind. Forget about constantly plugging and unplugging or worrying about your dash cam only working when the engine’s on. This kit lets your Rexing dash cam become a 24/7 guardian, always watching, always protecting, and all while keeping your car interior looking super clean.
Look, world, dash cams aren’t just gadgets. they’re essential tools for protection and peace of mind. In fact, the global dashboard camera market was estimated at USD 4.03 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit USD 7.64 billion by 2030, showing a strong growth of 9.6% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is largely because people are way more aware of vehicle safety, want quicker insurance claims, and need protection against rising vehicle thefts. With a hardwire kit, you’re tapping into the full potential of that camera, making it part of your car’s permanent security system. It’s truly one of those upgrades you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
Why Hardwire Your Dash Cam? It’s a Game Changer!
You might be thinking, “Why go through the effort of hardwiring when I can just use the cigarette lighter adapter?” And that’s a fair question! But once you hardwire your dash cam, you’ll quickly see that the benefits far outweigh the initial effort. It’s about transforming your dash cam from a basic recording device into a fully integrated, always-on security system.
The Hidden Power of Parking Mode
This is probably the biggest reason most people choose to hardwire their dash cam, especially if you have a Rexing dash cam. When you connect your dash cam directly to your car’s electrical system with a hardwire kit, it gets a continuous power supply. What does this mean for you? It means your dash cam can keep recording even when your car is turned off and parked. This feature, often called “parking mode” or “parking monitor,” is a literal lifesaver for catching incidents that happen when you’re not around.
Imagine this: you’ve parked your car, gone inside, and someone dings your door, tries to break in, or even attempts a hit-and-run. With a standard cigarette lighter connection, your dash cam would be off and wouldn’t catch a thing. But with the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit, your dash cam is still on alert. Many Rexing models, like the V1-4K, V1P, V3, and V5, support this continuous recording feature when hardwired.
The Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit specifically uses a G-sensor to detect impacts. So, if someone bumps your car, the camera instantly wakes up from a low-power “sleep mode” and records a short clip usually around 20 seconds of the incident, safely saving it so it doesn’t get overwritten. Some kits also feature time-lapse recording, which is great for covering longer surveillance periods without chewing up too much SD card space. This gives you crucial evidence for insurance claims or law enforcement, potentially saving you a lot of headache and money. In fact, the rising significance of dashcam footage in insurance claims is a key driver for market growth.
A Clean Setup, No Dangling Wires
Let’s be honest, those cigarette lighter cables can be a real mess. They hang down, get in the way, and just make your car’s interior look cluttered. Nobody wants that. One of the huge advantages of hardwiring is the cleaner, more integrated look it gives your vehicle. The hardwire kit lets you route the cables discreetly behind your vehicle’s trim panels, like the headliner and A-pillar. This means no visible wires running across your dashboard or console, freeing up your cigarette lighter or USB ports for charging your phone or other devices. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the aesthetics and functionality of your car’s cabin. Unboxing & First Look: Getting Started with Your Rexing R4 Plus Dash Cam
Protecting Your Car Battery
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “If it’s always on, won’t it drain my car battery?” That’s a super valid concern, and it’s where the “smart” part of the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit truly shines. These kits come with a built-in low-voltage protection system. This intelligent feature constantly monitors your car’s battery voltage. If it detects that the battery level drops below a certain safe threshold typically around 11.8V or 11.6V for 12V vehicles, the kit will automatically cut power to the dash cam. This ensures you’ll always have enough juice left to start your car, preventing that awful stranded feeling. It’s a thoughtful safety net that lets you enjoy 24/7 surveillance without the worry.
Unpacking the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with Mini USB Port
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of installation, let’s take a quick look at what you’re actually getting with the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit, especially the mini-USB version. Understanding its components and capabilities will make the installation process much clearer.
What’s in the Box?
When you get your Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with Mini USB Port, you’ll typically find a few key components:
- The Smart Hardwire Kit Module: This is the brains of the operation, often a small black box that houses the voltage regulator and low-voltage protection circuitry.
- Power Cable with Three Wires: This is the main harness that connects to your car’s fuse box. You’ll usually see three distinct wires:
- Red Wire: This is for ACC Accessory power, meaning it gets power only when your car’s ignition is on.
- Yellow Wire: This is for constant Battery power, meaning it’s always hot, even when your car is off.
- Black Wire: This is your ground wire, which needs to be connected to a metal part of your car’s chassis.
- Mini USB Connector: This is the end that plugs directly into your compatible Rexing dash cam.
- Fuse Tap Cables or Add-a-Fuse kits: Many kits, including Rexing’s, come with various types of fuse taps to match different fuse sizes in your car. These are crucial for making a safe and professional connection to your fuse box.
- User Manual: Don’t skip this! It has specific instructions and diagrams for your kit.
- Installation Tool Crowbar/Pry Tool: Often included to help you safely tuck wires behind trim panels.
The cable length is typically around 13 feet, which gives you plenty of slack to route it cleanly around your vehicle, from the dash cam all the way to the fuse box. Discovering Rexing Skating: Your Guide to a Classic Roller Skating Style
Compatibility Check: Is Your Dash Cam a Match?
This is a critical step! The Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with Mini USB port is specifically designed for Rexing supercapacitor models. This includes popular dash cams like the V1-4K, V1P-4K, V3 Basic, V3, V2 Pro AI, V1P-3, V1P Pro, V1 Max, V1P Max, V1GW-4K, V1PGW-4K, S1 Series, and V5 Series.
Important Note: This particular kit is NOT compatible with Rexing battery models such as the M1, M1 Pro, M2, M3, V2, and V360. Always double-check your dash cam’s model number and the hardwire kit’s specifications to ensure they’re a perfect match. Using the wrong hardwire kit can lead to power issues or even damage. Some Rexing hardwire kits come with Type-C ports for newer models, so make sure you have the Mini USB version for your specific dash cam.
The “Smart” in Smart Hardwire Kit: Features You’ll Love
The “Smart” in the name isn’t just marketing fluff. it refers to some really practical features that enhance your dash cam’s functionality:
- 24/7 Parking Surveillance: As we talked about, this kit keeps your dash cam powered even when your engine is off, allowing it to protect your car all the time.
- G-Sensor Activation: The kit’s internal G-sensor automatically detects impacts. If your car gets bumped, the dash cam instantly records a short video clip like 20 seconds to capture the event.
- Energy Saving Parking Mode: This feature extends how long your dash cam can monitor while parked. Instead of continuously recording, it enters a low-power “sleep mode” and only wakes up to record when an impact or motion is detected. This saves battery and SD card space.
- Time Lapse Recording: Some advanced parking modes offer time-lapse recording, which records footage at a lower frame rate, making video files smaller and allowing for longer surveillance periods on smaller SD cards.
- Low-Voltage Protection: We touched on this already, but it’s worth highlighting again. This built-in protection system ensures your car battery doesn’t drain completely, automatically cutting power to the dash cam if the voltage drops too low typically 11.8V or 11.6V.
- ACC Feature: The kit detects when your vehicle’s engine is off, automatically switching the dash cam into parking mode, and then back to normal recording when you start the engine.
These features work together to provide comprehensive, worry-free surveillance for your vehicle, whether you’re driving or parked.
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Getting Started: Prep Work Before You Tap In
Alright, you’ve got your Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit and your compatible dash cam. Now it’s time to get ready for the installation. A little preparation goes a long way in making this process smooth and frustration-free.
Essential Tools for a Smooth Install
You don’t need a full mechanic’s toolkit, but having these items on hand will make your life a lot easier:
- Circuit Tester / Multimeter: This is a must-have! It helps you identify which fuses are constant always on and which are switched only on with ignition. You can grab an inexpensive one that does the basics.
- Fuse Puller: Often included in your car’s fuse box, or you can use small needle-nose pliers.
- Wire Stripper/Crimper: While some fuse taps are plug-and-play, you might need this if you’re connecting wires or if your kit requires it.
- Zip Ties / Electrical Tape: For neatly securing cables and making sure nothing rattles or dangles.
- Trim Removal Tool / Plastic Pry Tool: Super helpful for safely prying open interior panels and tucking wires without damaging your car’s trim. Your Rexing kit might even come with one.
- Screwdriver/Wrench Set: For accessing fuse box covers and attaching the ground wire to a metal bolt.
- Your Car’s Owner’s Manual: Absolutely vital for locating your fuse box and understanding your car’s fuse layout.
Finding Your Car’s Fuse Box: A Little Detective Work
The fuse box location varies significantly from car to car. It could be:
- Under the dashboard driver’s or passenger’s side.
- In the glove compartment.
- In the engine bay.
- In the trunk.
Your car’s owner’s manual is your best friend here. It will clearly show you exactly where to find it and how to open the cover. Once you locate it, carefully remove the cover. Take a picture of the fuse layout before you start, just in case you need to reference it later!
Understanding Fuse Types: Constant vs. Switched Power
This is the most crucial part of the prep work. Your Rexing hardwire kit needs two types of power connections: What is CHAdeMO Charging? Your Go-To Guide for This EV Fast-Charging Standard
- Constant Power Always Hot – for the Yellow Wire: This fuse slot provides power even when your car is off. This is what keeps your dash cam running in parking mode. Examples often include fuses for the radio, interior lights, or power seats but always verify with your tester!.
- Switched ACC Power Hot when Ignition On – for the Red Wire: This fuse slot only provides power when your car’s ignition is on or in the ACC position. This tells your dash cam when the car is running and when to switch between normal recording and parking mode. Examples often include fuses for the radio, cigarette lighter, or wipers.
How to Test:
- Turn your car completely OFF and remove the key.
- Set your circuit tester or multimeter to 12V DC.
- Connect the ground clip of your tester to a bare metal bolt on the car chassis a good ground point.
- Carefully probe the metal contacts inside each fuse slot after removing the fuse, if using a multimeter with probes.
- For Constant Power: If the tester lights up or shows 12V when the car is off, you’ve found a constant power source.
- For Switched Power: If the tester doesn’t light up when the car is off, but does light up when you turn the ignition to ACC or ON, you’ve found a switched power source.
- Always choose fuse slots that are rated between 10A-30A for dash cam wiring to ensure enough power, and always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to avoid tapping into fuses for critical safety features.
Take your time with this step. Getting these connections right is key to your Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit working correctly.
Step-by-Step Installation: Wiring Your Rexing Dash Cam Like a Pro
Now for the main event! Follow these steps carefully to install your Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with Mini USB port. Remember, while this guide is comprehensive, vehicle layouts can differ, so always consult your specific kit’s manual and your car’s owner’s manual.
Step 1: Connecting the Ground Wire The Black One
This is usually the easiest part. Cracking the Code: How to Make Restaurant-Quality Eggs at Home
- Locate a sturdy metal bolt or screw near your fuse box. This needs to be a point that’s directly connected to the car’s chassis, ensuring a good electrical ground. Avoid painted surfaces.
- Loosen the bolt or screw enough to slide the C-shaped connector or fork terminal from the black ground wire of your hardwire kit underneath it.
- Tighten the bolt or screw securely. Give the wire a gentle tug to make sure it’s firmly connected and won’t come loose. A solid ground connection is super important for reliable operation.
Step 2: Tapping into Constant Power The Yellow Wire
This wire ensures your dash cam gets power for parking mode.
- Referring to your notes from the “Understanding Fuse Types” section, identify a constant power always hot fuse slot you tested earlier.
- Use your fuse puller to carefully remove the existing fuse from that slot.
- Take one of your add-a-fuse/fuse tap cables. Most come with two slots. Insert the fuse you just removed into the slot farthest from the wire of the add-a-fuse.
- Into the second slot the one closer to the wire, insert a new, smaller fuse usually 2A-5A, provided with your hardwire kit or dash cam, or you can purchase a suitable one. This fuse protects the dash cam circuit.
- Now, connect the yellow wire from your Rexing hardwire kit to the add-a-fuse cable. This typically involves crimping the yellow wire into the add-a-fuse wire. Make sure it’s a tight, secure connection.
- Plug the assembled add-a-fuse with both fuses back into the empty fuse slot in your car’s fuse box. Double-check that it’s seated firmly.
Step 3: Connecting to Switched ACC Power The Red Wire
This wire tells your dash cam when your car is running.
- Identify a switched ACC power fuse slot you tested earlier.
- Just like with the constant power, remove the existing fuse from this slot using your fuse pull.
- Take another add-a-fuse cable. Insert the car’s original fuse into the farther slot and a new, smaller fuse 2A-5A for the dash cam into the closer slot.
- Connect the red wire from your Rexing hardwire kit to this second add-a-fuse cable, crimping it securely.
- Plug this assembled add-a-fuse back into the empty switched fuse slot in your car’s fuse box.
A quick tip: If you find that your dash cam stays on all the time even when the car is off, or if parking mode isn’t activating correctly, you might have accidentally swapped the constant and switched power wires. It’s a common mistake, and sometimes reversing the yellow and red wire connections on the fuse taps can solve it.
Step 4: Tidying Up the Wires
This is where you make your installation look professional.
- Start from your dash cam and gently tuck the Mini USB power cable into the headliner the fabric lining the roof of your car.
- Carefully route the wire down along the edge of your windshield, towards the A-pillar the vertical support between your windshield and side window.
- Use your plastic pry tool to gently pull back the A-pillar trim or the rubber weather stripping and tuck the cable neatly inside.
- Continue routing the cable down towards the fuse box, making sure it doesn’t interfere with airbags or other safety mechanisms.
- Once you reach the fuse box area, bundle any excess cable with zip ties and secure it out of the way, possibly tucking it into the empty space behind the fuse box or kick panel. The Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit often comes with about 13 feet of cable, so you’ll likely have plenty to work with.
Step 5: Final Connection and Testing
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- Plug the Mini USB connector from the hardwire kit firmly into your Rexing dash cam’s power port.
- Crucial Step: When using the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit, DO NOT enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s settings. The intelligent hardwire kit automatically handles parking mode sensing via its motion sensor and G-sensor, overriding the dash cam’s internal setting. If you enable it on the dash cam itself, it can sometimes cause conflicts or prevent the kit from working properly.
- Start your car. Your dash cam should power on and begin recording normally.
- Turn your car off. After a few seconds, your dash cam should go into its parking mode often indicated by a blue light or a specific icon, depending on your model. You can gently rock the car or tap it to see if the G-sensor triggers a recording.
- Check your dash cam’s screen or app to confirm it’s working as expected. If everything looks good, congratulate yourself – you’ve successfully hardwired your Rexing dash cam!
Troubleshooting Common Hardwire Kit Hiccups
Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t worry, many common issues with hardwiring a dash cam are fixable. Here are some of the most frequent problems and how to tackle them:
Parking Mode Not Activating?
This is a common frustration after hardwiring.
- Check the Red and Yellow Wires: This is the primary culprit. If your parking mode isn’t working, it’s highly likely the yellow constant and red switched wires are either swapped or incorrectly connected. The yellow wire must go to a fuse that’s always on, and the red wire must go to a fuse that’s only on with the ignition. Go back with your circuit tester and re-verify each connection.
- Dash Cam Setting: Remember what we said? Do not enable parking mode in your dash cam’s settings when using the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit. The kit itself controls the parking mode function through its own motion sensor and G-sensor. Check your dash cam’s menu and ensure its parking mode setting is disabled. If you’ve just installed a motion sensor, make sure it’s not blocked by anything like your rearview mirror.
- Kit Compatibility: Double-check that your specific Rexing dash cam model is compatible with the Mini USB hardwire kit. e.g., Supercapacitor models are generally compatible, battery models are not.
- Supercapacitor Charge: Some Rexing dash cams with supercapacitors might need a bit of a charge for all functions to work properly initially. If the screen turns on but then says “connect hardwire kit” or something similar, take your car for a decent drive like 30-90 minutes to let the supercapacitor build up its charge. Alternatively, you can sometimes charge the camera directly via a USB phone charger with a Mini USB cable overnight indoors.
- Firmware: Occasionally, outdated dash cam firmware can cause conflicts. Check Rexing’s support page for any available firmware updates for your dash cam model.
Dash Cam Stays On All the Time?
If your dash cam never turns off, even when the car is off, it usually points to an issue with the switched power connection.
- Swapped Wires: This is almost certainly the cause. Your red wire ACC/switched power is likely connected to a constant power source instead of a switched one. Re-test your fuse slots with the car off and on using your circuit tester. You might need to reverse the red and yellow wire connections on your fuse taps.
- Fuse Box Issue: In rare cases, the fuse box itself might have a constant power supply to a slot that should be switched. This is uncommon in modern cars, but worth considering if re-wiring doesn’t help.
Power Issues and Battery Drain Worries
- Low-Voltage Protection: If your dash cam is turning off too quickly in parking mode, it could be that your car’s battery voltage is dropping faster than expected, and the low-voltage protection is doing its job. The Rexing kit typically cuts off at 11.8V or 11.6V for 12V vehicles. If your car battery is old, it might not hold a charge as well.
- Dash Cam Keeps Rebooting/Turning Off: Rexing dash cams are designed to be connected to a power source while recording. the internal battery is usually for emergency situations only. If it’s rebooting or turning off quickly, it suggests an inconsistent power supply from the hardwire kit. Double-check all your connections – ground, constant, and switched – to ensure they are secure and providing stable power.
- Amperage Mismatch: While the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit is designed to provide 5V/1.5A or 5V/2A output, ensure your dash cam doesn’t require significantly more amperage than the kit can provide. Mirror dash cams, for example, can sometimes be more power-hungry. Always verify your dash cam’s power requirements against the kit’s output.
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and are still facing issues, don’t hesitate to contact Rexing’s customer support. They often have dedicated teams to help with installation and technical questions, and they even offer extended warranties if you register your product. Getting Help with Your Rexing Dash Cam: Contact Numbers, Support, and More
Keeping Your Hardwired Setup Running Smoothly
Once you’ve got your Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit installed and your dash cam is happily recording 24/7, a little ongoing care will keep everything working perfectly.
- Regularly Check Connections: Every few months, just take a quick peek at your fuse box connections. Make sure the fuse taps are still seated firmly and the ground wire is tight. Wires can sometimes wiggle loose with vehicle vibrations over time.
- Monitor SD Card Health: Dash cams constantly write and rewrite data to the SD card, which can wear them out over time. It’s a good habit to format your SD card monthly check your dash cam’s manual for instructions and consider replacing it every 12-18 months, especially if you experience recording errors. Always use a high-endurance, U3-rated microSD card for dash cam use.
- Clean Your Dash Cam Lens: A dirty lens can significantly degrade video quality. Give it a gentle wipe with a microfiber cloth regularly.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Rexing frequently releases firmware updates that can improve performance, add features, or fix bugs. Periodically check the Rexing USA support website for your specific dash cam model.
- Listen for Unusual Noises: If you hear any rattling from your dash cam or see loose wires, address them immediately to prevent further issues.
- Battery Health: While the hardwire kit has low-voltage protection, if your car battery is old or weak, continuous parking mode recording might still put a strain on it. If you find your car struggling to start, it might be time to test or replace your car battery. You can also adjust the low-voltage cutoff settings on some kits though the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit has a fixed cutoff.
By following these simple maintenance tips, your Rexing dash cam and hardwire kit will continue to provide reliable protection for years to come. Installing a hardwire kit truly elevates your dash cam experience, turning it into an integral part of your car’s security system. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle is always being watched!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dash cam hardwire kit for?
A dash cam hardwire kit connects your dash cam directly to your car’s fuse box, providing a continuous power supply. This allows features like parking mode to work even when your car is off, giving you 24/7 surveillance, and it also creates a much cleaner installation without visible wires. Rexing P2 Review: Your Ultimate Guide to This Compact Body Camera
Is the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit compatible with all Rexing dash cams?
No, the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with Mini USB port is specifically designed for Rexing supercapacitor models e.g., V1-4K, V1P, V3, V5 series. It is not compatible with Rexing battery-powered models like the M1, M2, or V360. Always check your dash cam’s model and the kit’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
How does the parking mode work with the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit?
When your car is turned off, the hardwire kit’s built-in G-sensor detects impacts. If an impact occurs, the dash cam wakes up from a low-power sleep mode and records a short video clip typically 20 seconds of the incident. This footage is then saved to your SD card. The kit handles the parking mode automatically, so you should not enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s settings.
Will the hardwire kit drain my car’s battery?
The Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit includes a low-voltage protection feature. It monitors your car battery’s voltage and will automatically cut power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a safe level usually 11.8V or 11.6V for 12V systems. This ensures you’ll always have enough battery power left to start your car.
What if my dash cam stays on all the time after installing the hardwire kit?
If your dash cam stays on even when your car is off, it usually means the red switched ACC wire from the hardwire kit is connected to a constant power source in your fuse box instead of a switched one. You’ll need to re-test your fuse box with a circuit tester to find a fuse that only gets power when the ignition is on, and then correctly connect the red wire to that fuse. Sometimes, simply reversing the red and yellow wire connections on the fuse taps can fix this.
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