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Dashcam and Auxiliary Battery

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by rogerthat, Sep 6, 2019.

  1. rogerthat

    rogerthat Active Member

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    I'm paranoid about taxing the auxiliary battery. Is there any worry at all in running a dashcam powered via the cigarette lighter input? If there is any risk at all, I'll just run the cam with a power bank instead.
     
    #1 rogerthat, Sep 6, 2019
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    only problem is if you run cam all night when car is not turned on...
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Sep 6, 2019
  3. rogerthat

    rogerthat Active Member

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    There would be no power though cigarette lighter input if the Prius is off, right?
     
    #3 rogerthat, Sep 6, 2019
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Yes, correct... The only time this would be an issue while driving is if your 12v battery was old and starting to die. But with a healthy battery there's no issue.
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Sep 6, 2019
  5. rogerthat

    rogerthat Active Member

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    My 12v battery is about 5 years old, but seems to be healthy. However, if there is any risk in putting excessive strain on it, I'll go with the power bank option instead.
     
    #5 rogerthat, Sep 6, 2019
  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    No risk, it's just a small draw... What's the amps on fine print of dashcam plug?
     
    #6 PriusCamper, Sep 6, 2019
  7. rogerthat

    rogerthat Active Member

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    Haven't bought the dashcam yet, but looking at a few cheapo models - likely the Aukey DR02.
     
    #7 rogerthat, Sep 6, 2019
  8. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    One advantage of it running on a separate power supply is if you get pulled over and a psycho murdering cop orders you to turn off your car before he shoots you so your dashcam can't record it.... Or another one is if you're in a major accident and your wires don't come unplugged it will keep filming after the car has shut down. Of course you'll have to have a bombproof auxiliary power configuration for that to survive a crash.
     
    #8 PriusCamper, Sep 6, 2019
  9. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Why not just replace the battery? 5 years is a pretty good career for one of those. Drive paranoia-free!
     
    #9 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Sep 6, 2019
  10. rogerthat

    rogerthat Active Member

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    I tend not to replace things when they show no signs of failure. I'm just interested in finding out if running a dashcam could contribute to the auxiliary battery wearing down.
     
    #10 rogerthat, Sep 6, 2019
  11. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    The answer is no. The dc to dc converter can easily support a dash cam and fully charge the battery at the same time. Now a coffee pot?
     
    #11 Skibob, Sep 6, 2019
  12. rogerthat

    rogerthat Active Member

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    Great, that's the answer I was looking for.
     
    #12 rogerthat, Sep 6, 2019
  13. George W

    George W Active Member

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    In my 2008 Touring, there is no power on the cigarette lighter when the car is off.
     
    #13 George W, Sep 10, 2019
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