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AI Dashcam Installation with Suction Mount

Updated

What comes in the box?

  • AI Dashcam
  • Vehicle Gateway
  • Compatible vehicle cable
  • Suction cup mount
  • Alcohol cleaning wipes
  • Cable clips

Tools 

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Phillips #2 screwdriver

Installing the AI Dashcam with a Suction Mount 

Note: Before starting the installation, ensure the following:

  • The parking brake is engaged.
  • The engine is off.
  • The main power switch (if available) is turned off.

Install your Vehicle Gateway

  1. Locate the diagnostic port (e.g., OBD-II), which is typically located in the driver’s side footwell. It may also be found in the center console or under the dashboard near the steering column. 
  2. Following are the possible alternative locations for the diagnostic port:
    • Under the driver’s seat (primary option): The cleanest and most common placement that allows easy cable routing to both the AI Dashcam and diagnostic port while keeping the Vehicle Gateway hidden and secure.
    • Inside the glove compartment: This option works well when under-seat mounting is not feasible. It provides easy access, but cable routing may be more visible depending on vehicle design.
    • Behind the lower dash or driver footwell panel: This is a good alternative when accessible space exists behind the trim. It is close to the diagnostic port and keeps the Vehicle Gateway out of sight.
  1. Connect the compatible cable to the Vehicle Gateway’s serial port and fully tighten the thumb screws to secure the connection. 
  1. Choose a mounting location for the Vehicle Gateway. 
    • Recommended locations for easier installation (highlighted in green) are on the dashboard or behind the diagnostic port, where no panel removal is required.
    • Alternative more concealed locations (highlighted in pink) require dashboard panel removal. 
  1. To mount the Vehicle Gateway, clean the mounting surface with the alcohol swab. Then, peel off the adhesive backing on the Vehicle Gateway and press it firmly in place for 10 seconds.
  1. Connect the other end of the cable to the diagnostic port of the vehicle. 
  2. Turn on the vehicle ignition and verify that both the LEDs on the Vehicle Gateway turn either red or green. 
Note: If the LEDs do not turn red or green, check connections and OBD-II port power. 

Prepare AI Dashcam

  1. Loosen the main thumb screw of the mount with your finger or an Allen key wrench.
  1. Angle the AI Dashcam to access the secondary screw that attaches the camera to the mount. 
  2. Loosen the secondary screw.
  1. Remove the camera from the mount.
  1. Assemble the Medium Joiner to the Suction Cup. Either side of the Joiner will fit into the Suction Cup’s M20 threads.
  1. Assemble the Camera Adapter to the other side of the Medium Joiner and connect the bracket to the camera adapter.
  1. To assemble the suction cup mount, use a ¼”-20 screw with a split washer to attach the bracket suction mount to the AI Dashcam.
  • Alternative mounting: To position the mount on the right side of the AI Dashcam, use the hole nearest the straight edge as shown in the image below.

Connect AI Dashcam

  1. Clean the USB side of the Vehicle Gateway with the provided alcohol swab.
  2. Peel the backing of the adhesive strip from the USB connector of the AI Dashcam.
  1. Connect the USB connector to the Vehicle Gateway.
  2. Press firmly for 10 seconds to ensure proper connection.

Test and Mount AI Dashcam 

Note: We recommend mounting location in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 49 CFR 393.60 guidance. Our mounting position recommendations are not the same as legal advice. For legal guidance, seek independent legal counsel.  
  1. Select mounting location from the following options: 
    • Top mounting location (recommended): Position the AI Dashcam not more than 216 mm (8.5 inches) below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers. For most vehicles, the optimal location is to install it on the right side, just behind the rearview mirror.
  • Bottom mounting location (alternative): Position the AI Dashcam not more than 175 mm (7 inches) above the lower edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers.
  1. Ensure the dashcam is outside the driver’s sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals.
  2. Verify the lens is not obstructed by the sun visors, rear view mirror, or the windshield-shaded sun strip.
  3. Peel off the protective sticker from the lenses of the AI Dashcam.
  1. Hold the AI Dashcam against the selected location with the cable running from the top.
  1. Log in to the Fleet App and tap More > Devices.
  1. Tap the arrow next to Vehicle Gateway.
  2. Search the Vehicle Gateway by its serial number.
  3. Tap the arrow next to the selected Vehicle Gateway and follow the installation steps.
  1. Scroll down to the Dashcam section and tap the arrow. 
  1. This section shows the images captured by the connected Dashcam to ensure proper alignment.
    • Adjust the knob of the double socket arm of the suction cup mount to align the camera.
    • Ensure both the road and the driver remain clearly visible.
  2. To start assembling the Suction Mount to the windshield, use an alcohol swab to clean the windshield at the desired mounting location. Then, wait for the surface to dry completely.
  3. Remove the white protective liner from the Suction Cup’s rubber surface. If the white liner has already been removed, use the alcohol swab to clean the rubber surface. 
  4. Press the suction cup to the windshield and lock the lever on the Suction Cup to secure the assembly in place.
Note: The joiner may need to be repositioned in order to allow the Suction Cup’s lever the clearance to swing to its locking position. If the lever cannot fully lock, reposition the joiner slightly to provide clearance. The suction cup must be fully secured before proceeding to angle adjustments.
  1. To adjust the joiner to the desired position, unlock the Medium Joiner and adjust the angle of the Medium Joiner’s ball joints until the desired position is achieved. Then, lock the Medium Joiner. 
Note: Ensure that the horizon appears level, the upper joint angles toward the windshield, and the lower joint angles toward the driver's compartment. Once the desired angle is achieved, lock the Medium Joiner. Make sure the joiner arm is not obstructing the camera views.
  1. Tuck the cable behind the A-pillar or headliner, and secure it using the provided cable clips to secure the AI Dashcam cable around the edge of the windshield.   
  2. Excess cable should be neatly bundled and secured under the dashboard or along trim edges.
Note: If you would like to remove the camera while you are off-duty, you can easily do so by unlocking the suction cup and unplugging the cable.

Common Installation Issues

If the mount feels unstable or misaligned, check for the following:

  • The suction cup was not locked before adjusting the arm.
  • The camera was installed upside down.
  • The lever does not have clearance to fully lock.
  • The joints were not fully tightened after final adjustment.
  • The camera tilt is excessive or not level with the horizon.

If necessary, remove and reinstall following the correct order.

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