I've been debating a dashcam too...but here's something I'm wondering: how much hassle is the setup really? I've seen some pretty slick installs that look almost invisible, but is that DIY-able or do you have to get it professionally done? Also, does anyone know if dashcams drain your battery noticeably if the car sits for a while? My classic sits in the garage more than I'd like to admit, so battery drain would be a deal-breaker for me.
"Also, does anyone know if dashcams drain your battery noticeably if the car sits for a while?"
Had the same worry myself. Installed mine DIY-styleβwasn't too bad, just took patience routing wires neatly. Battery-wise, my weekend cruiser sits idle often...no noticeable drain yet, but I opted for one with voltage cutoff just in case.
Had the same concern about dashcams draining batteries, especially since I often park at trailheads for days. I ended up getting one with a built-in low-voltage cutoff, similar to yoursβfelt safer that way. Been about a year now, and no battery issues yet...knock on wood. Good call on the DIY install too; saves money and you know exactly how it's wired.
I've been considering a dashcam setup myself, but curiousβdid you notice any significant battery drain before switching to the low-voltage cutoff model? I commute daily and park overnight at train stations, so battery reliability is key for me. Also, was the DIY install straightforward enough for someone who's handy but hasn't messed much with car electronics? I've done basic wiring before, but nothing too complex...
"did you notice any significant battery drain before switching to the low-voltage cutoff model?"
I had a similar setup a couple years back, and yeah, I did notice some battery drain after leaving my car parked for extended periodsβespecially in colder weather. Nothing dramatic, but enough to make me slightly nervous about starting reliably every morning. Switching to a low-voltage cutoff was definitely worth it. DIY install was pretty straightforward too, especially if you're already comfortable with basic wiring. Took me about an afternoon... mostly spent double-checking YouTube tutorials and triple-checking connections, haha.