Question Revisiting the BlackVue DR900S dash cam

[TJ&LadyDi]

I bought this unit a few months back and it has finally worked its way to near the top of my to-do list. In an earlier thread, some folks indicated that they had mounted the unit down low (just above the dash surface) and others indicated mounting it up high (just under the tint line). I'm assuming that both options were mounted to the glass.

How difficult would it be to remove it from the glass if I wanted to move it or, heaven forbid, I needed to replace the windshield? And how hard/easy to get the mount properly leveled? My experience with similar kinds of mounts tells me that when it touches the glass, it ain't easy to make an adjustment. What say?

I've been giving some thought to an alternative to mounting on the glass. The actual dash surface is pebbled and probably wouldn't provide a good grip for adhesive. And, I'm not thrilled thinking what might happen to the dash surface if I ever heeded to remove he mount. So, I have designed and fabricated an aluminum mounting plate that would clamp to the dash surface via a couple of the vent holes. If this actually gets used, I will provide more detail.

My question regarding using this alternative mount is how sensitive the dash cam would be to vibration. While the mount I am considering would be clamped firmly to the dash surface. I doubt it would be quite as solid a mount as having the actual camera mount bonded to the glass. Am I tilting at windmills here?

TJ

 

[sheridany]

Great question @TJ&LadyDi.
I have the same one and not sure where and I sure want to be able to remove the mount. Are you going to hardwire into a 12v line? I am also wondering about how to run the wire especially up high how do you get behind the A pillar plastic cover down the side? Will share what ever I can find out.

 

[Neal]

@TJ&LadyDi - you sir are procrastinating! Mount the CAMERA!!! Post pictures of completed job by the end of the day or you will be placed on poptart restriction!

You want this mounted rock solid so you don't have vibration, it should be mounted to the glass, nowhere else, and no, Lady Di is not going to hold it while driving.

It is easily removed such as for windshield replacement, I did it, so can you.

When you adhere it make sure to clean the glass properly with ISO alceehawl (watch Moonshiners to understand) so it doesn't fall off! Carefully place i.e. make sure it's frickin level, and mount just below the blue tint because that's how Neal did it.

Now if you have a problem with the camera staying adhered as I had issues with in the toad installation (which I'm sure you too will do) then I suggest not using the manufactured booger glue they give you and instead use the 3M hook velcro thingamabob which is my go to for good adhesion yet removable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083M9Q1N3/?tag=rvf01-20

Standing by for completion report...

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

@TJ&LadyDi - you sir are procrastinating! Mount the CAMERA!!! Post pictures of completed job by the end of the day or you will be placed on poptart restriction!

You want this mounted rock solid so you don't have vibration, it should be mounted to the glass, nowhere else, and no, Lady Di is not going to hold it while driving.

It is easily removed such as for windshield replacement, I did it, so can you.

When you adhere it make sure to clean the glass properly with ISO alceehawl (watch Moonshiners to understand) so it doesn't fall off! Carefully place i.e. make sure it's frickin level, and mount just below the blue tint because that's how Neal did it.

Now if you have a problem with the camera staying adhered as I had issues with in the toad installation (which I'm sure you too will do) then I suggest not using the manufactured booger glue they give you and instead use the 3M hook velcro thingamabob which is my go to for good adhesion yet removable.

Amazon.com: 3M Dual Lock Reclosable Fastener SJ3560 250 Clear, 1 in x 4 Ft with Bonus Scotch 1406 Household Scissors

Standing by for completion report...

Oh, @Neal; you are priceless! Without realizing it, you gave me the perfect out.

I really like the idea of the 3M hook&loop fastener you provided a link to. It would appear repositionable to a certain extend if things weren't properly aligned to begin with. And, it can be removed. That's the ideal solution.

And, I especially liked your suggestion of not using the adhesive provided by BlackVue. That would be a HUGE mistake, according to my installation guru.

Both great suggestions and I will be following them to the letter...sometime later in June.

Why the delay (OK, "procrastination)? Well, the absolutely essential 3M fastener material is "not eligible for Prime" and the earliest delivery date is "June 8-11." We are leaving the sticks&bricks on...wait for it...June 7 for Oregon (RV service at Guaranty RV) and then heading to Polson. We will arrive in Polson on...wait for it...June 11! I'll order the 3M stuff and have it delivered to Polson after June 11.

Don't you love it when a plan comes together so perfectly?

TJ

 

[Neal]

...sometime later in June.

 

[Neal]

Oh look what I found:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QNMBB28/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[NWIP]

@TJ&LadyDi I might have another out for you in delaying install. Not sure how much 3m you would need but I have exactly 3” piece you can have for free, delivery in Polson June 12th?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Oh look what I found:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QNMBB28/?tag=rvf01-20

But it doesn't have the free 3M scissors!

OK...OK...I ordered it. It will be here on Tuesday.

TJ

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

@TJ&LadyDi I might have another out for you in delaying install. Not sure how much 3m you would need but I have exactly 3” piece you can have for free, delivery in Polson June 12th?

Thanks, Bill. I went ahead and ordered a roll of the stuff since I will probably use it for other things.

TJ

 

[sheridany]

I'm sure you too will do) then I suggest not using the manufactured booger glue they give you and instead use the 3M hook velcro thingamabob which is my go to for good adhesion yet removable.

@Neal I tried the double lock 3m product on a different home mod and i want to confirm this is strong enough to hold the dash cam going down a rough road?

 

[Neal]

@Neal I tried the double lock 3m product on a different home mod and i want to confirm this is strong enough to hold the dash cam going down a rough road?

I use it for the dashcam in my toad as the sticky stuff that came with the dashcam would never hold up. It hasn't come off to date. The 3M latch stuff is strong!

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

OK...once again, this project has worked its way to the top of my to-do list here in Polson. In looking at mounting locations, I find that putting it just below the tint stripe at the top of the windshield, as some have suggested, moves it above the wiper line. Mounted in that location, whenever we encountered rain, the camera would be looking through water. I'm thinking that's not the ideal situation.

In order to get the camera within the wiper area, it would have to be mounted at least 15" below the tint line on our 2018 MADP. That would put it in the middle of the view area when we are parked at our site here in Polson; certainly LadyDi's preferred location.

So, I'm thinking of moving the mounting location down to just above the dash. Has anyone mounted theirs down low? Are there issues to doing so that I haven't considered? And, does the camera need to be mounted centered side-to-side? Are their any issues with mounting it somewhat closer to the driver side?

Why does life have to get this complicated?

TJ

 

[Neal]

What percentage of your driving since your VTLE has been in the rain?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

What percentage of your driving since your VTLE has been in the rain?

Probably 25-30%. This is the Pacific NorthWet, @Neal.

TJ

 

[Neal]

Probably 25-30%. This is the Pacific NorthWet, @Neal.

TJ

Mount camera to top, relocate east. Done.

 

[Neal]

In all seriousness, obviously it's personal preference. My preference is out of sight and out of mind. Even when raining it's highly unlikely that it will affect the view that much. I posted a video once on this site of me running over an object and that was with rain. It wasn't that bad. I would not want it mid-window, it's ugly including wire. I didn't care for it at the bottom which is also out of wiper range but also provides less of an overall picture IMHO.

 

[NWIP]

Although not he same unit as yours I mounted mine low in between the wiper blades. I find that when in rain the blades moving thru the viewing area is not very noticeable. I included pic of where I mounted and a screen shot of vieW. Hope it helps.

 

[Neal]

Keep in mind that this camera, at least in my coach is "always on" and therefore serves as a security camera in the CG, other uses while driving. I also have a 2CH BlackVue in the toad with the gadget that allows it to stay on until the voltage gets to a certain level or a timer value, however configured, so my toad is always recording front/back as well, for security.

 

[redbaron]

Keep in mind that this camera, at least in my coach is "always on" and therefore serves as a security camera in the CG, other uses while driving. I also have a 2CH BlackVue in the toad with the gadget that allows it to stay on until the voltage gets to a certain level or a timer value, however configured, so my toad is always recording front/back as well, for security.

Same setup on my coach and toad for same reason.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Well, we finally got it done! The BlackVue 900S is mounted just below the tint line on the windshield.

The power cable was run up to and across the top facia plate to the pillar, and down a circuitous path to a new 12VDC socket* I installed alongside the existing J-1939 diagnostic port socket. It was a snug press fit, so I didn't bother securing it with screws. Power came from one of the existing 12VDC sockets in the center console and was run to the new socket with 14AWG red/black Zip cord.

* Amazon.com: Polarlander 12/24V Outlet Marine Boat Caravan Car Cigarette Lighter Splitter Power Socket Adapter Connector: Automotive

The new socket is switched with a L-Series "Dash Cam" rocker switch from the OTR Switch Guys: High quality Carling Technologies custom laser-etched rocker switches, using Carling Technologies L-Series line of rockers and switches

It took a bit of fiddling to get the camera connected to the BlackVue app and the settings where I wanted them. In the end, it all seems to work as advertised.

TJ