When you drive daily, your dash cam works a lot even when you are not using your car or when it is parked. To keep it powered all the time, many drivers now ask “Can I use a battery pack for a dash camera?” The answer can help you keep your car safe when you’re not around.
In this guide, you’ll learn how a battery pack for dash cam works, how it helps your setup and how to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you want to record while parked or avoid draining your car’s battery, this article will answer it all.
Table of contents
What Is a Dash Cam Battery Pack?
Before we go any further, you should know what is a dash cam power pack. It is not like the power bank for your phone. This power source is better and made for dash cams. This dash cam charges while you drive and turns on when the car is off. This makes it great for sitting for a long time.
Designed for Long Parking Hours
One main reason you should get a battery pack for dash cam parking mode is that it will let you keep recording even when your car is off. This type of battery stores power when you are driving and then gives it back to your dash cam later. This means your camera records events like break-ins or hits even when your car is parked.
Keeps Your Car’s Main Battery Safe
Your dash cam will use the battery in your car when you do not have a battery pack with it. It could run out of power which can get you stuck. Your main battery will stay strong if you use a car power pack for dash cam. At the same time, you keep your camera going and keep your car on the road.
Not the Same as a USB Power Bank
A USB power bank is made for phones or small devices. A battery pack for dash cam is much stronger as compared to USB power bank and can be used for higher use. It also charges quicker and lasts longer than a basic power bank. Dash cam batteries can keep working well even when it is heat or cold outside.
Portable and Rechargeable
Most dash cam battery packs are small and easy to store under your seat or in your glove box. Since they are rechargeable, you don’t need to change them again and again. You can also move them between cars if you need to.
Works with Many Dash Cams
Many battery packs are designed to work with different dash cams. If your dash cam supports parking mode, a battery pack can supply power when your car is off and help keep recording going without draining your car’s main battery.
Can I Use an External Battery Pack for Dash Cam?
Yes. You can use an external battery pack for dash cam as it can power your dash cam when your car is off, supports parking mode recording and protects your car’s battery. It’s a smart and safe choice for drivers who want constant coverage without hardwiring.
Benefits of Using a Battery Pack for Dash Cams
Adding a battery pack for dash cam can help you in many ways. You’ll get longer recording time, more flexibility and peace of mind when your car is parked.
Records While You’re Away
With a battery pack for dash cam parking mode, you can keep your dash cam active even when you're not in the car. It records all movement or impacts around your car, which helps when you need proof later.
Saves Your Main Battery
Using a car battery pack for dash cam means your main battery won’t get drained. That’s great if you park for hours or overnight. Your car will still start in the morning and your dash cam will keep recording.
No Hardwiring Required
Hardwiring can be complex and may void your car’s warranty. A battery pack for dash cam skips all of that. You just charge it and plug it in. It’s that simple.
Clean and Easy Setup
If you like keeping your car clean, an external battery pack for dash cam works well. You don’t have to hide wires or take apart panels. Everything stays neat and easy to reach.
Great for Rental Cars or Shared Vehicles
If you don’t drive the same car every day, you’ll still want to use your dash cam. With a portable battery pack, you can use your dash cam wherever you go without needing to rewire or install anything.
How to Use a Battery Pack for Dash Cam Parking Mode
Here is a simple way to set up your battery pack for dash cam parking mode:
- Fully charge the battery pack before first use.
- Connect your dash cam’s power cable to the battery pack’s output port.
- Mount the battery pack under the seat or in the glove box.
- Plug the battery pack into your car's cigarette port to let it charge while driving.
- Turn on parking mode on your dash cam. Once the car is off, the battery pack keeps the cam recording.
- Check your dash cam settings and make sure parking mode works as expected.
Alternative Method: Hardwiring Kits for Dash Cams
If you want your dash cam to keep recording when your car is off, hardwiring is another method that works well. A hardwiring kit connects your dash cam directly to your car’s fuse box. Just like a battery pack, this setup helps enable parking mode so your camera can keep recording while parked.
What’s in a Hardwiring Kit
Hardwiring kits come with power cables, a fuse tap and a voltage cutoff. The voltage monitor protects your car battery from being drained too much. Once set up, it powers the dash cam during parking mode just like a battery pack does.
Permanent Power Option
Hardwiring works best for drivers who always use the same car. It gives a clean and hidden se tup, which means no wires in your way. Once done, you can forget about it.
Needs a Bit More Work
Compared to a battery pack, hardwiring is not plug-and-play. You may need a pro to install it or spend extra time doing it yourself. You also might void the warranty on newer cars.
Choosing the Right Power Solution for Your Dash Cam
Now let’s look at how you can pick the right power source based on your habits.
You Switch Cars Often
If you move between cars, a battery pack for dash cam is best. It works in any vehicle and doesn’t need setup every time.
You Park in Public Areas
If you park on the street or in open lots, parking mode is important. A battery pack for dash cam parking mode will keep recording without draining your battery.
You Want a Clean Setup
If you care about looks, choose hardwiring. It keeps wires hidden and the setup looks factory-made.
You Don’t Want to Void Warranty
New cars can lose warranty if you hardwire anything. A battery pack for dash camera avoids that risk and still gives you full use of your dash cam.
You Use a Redtiger Dash Cam
Redtiger dash cams work great with both setups. Their latest models even support smart parking mode, which works smoothly with a dedicated battery pack.
Conclusion
So, can you use a battery pack for dash camera? Yes, you can. It’s easy, safe and a smart way to power your dash cam when your car is off. You protect your car’s main battery and still get full-time security coverage. Whether you choose a battery pack for dash cam or try a hardwiring kit, think about what works best for your driving habits.
FAQs
Can I use a power bank for my dash cam instead of a battery pack?
No. A regular power bank is not made to power dash cams for long hours. You can use a battery pack for dash camera instead if you want better safety and performance.
How long does a dash cam battery pack last?
A fully charged battery pack for dash cam can last 8 to 24 hours depending on size and camera use. Some dash cam battery packs offer extended runtime which depends on the model and how much power your dash cam uses during recording.
Do I need to charge the battery pack daily?
No. A car battery pack for dash cam charges when you are driving, so it will stay topped off if you are using it regularly without extra effort.
Will parking mode still work without a battery pack?
It might, but it will drain your car’s battery. A battery pack for dash cam parking mode lets you avoid that risk and record longer.
Can I use one battery pack for multiple cars?
Yes. An external battery pack for dash cam is portable and works in any car. Just unplug and move it when you need it.