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I really like keeping accessories on my 4Runner as OEM-looking and as discreet as possible. I don’t like having cables or accessories sticking out and making the installation look aftermarket.
On the forum, I noticed that most people recommend using a mount that attaches to the rear roof area for the rear dashcam.
Personally, I didn’t think that was a great solution. Not only does it look less OEM, but it also takes up valuable space. Imagine loading something large into the cargo area that fits perfectly, only to have it hit the camera because it’s mounted on the roof.
I thought there had to be a better way.
So I came up with the idea of mounting the rear camera directly to the tailgate and drilling a hole through the tailgate to route the cable inside.
I used a 1/2" metal drill bit and carefully drilled the hole. The result was exactly what I was looking for — clean, discreet, and almost completely OEM-looking.
For my installation, I routed the cable through the larger plastic conduit where all the tailgate wiring runs.
BUT… after doing it this way, I realized there may actually be an even easier option: routing the dashcam cable through the smaller plastic tube that carries the water to the rear windshield washer. That route looks like it could be much easier for getting the cable through the tailgate.
Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out. No camera hanging from the roof, no wasted cargo space, and a much cleaner look.
Sometimes the best solution is just thinking outside the box.
What do you guys think? Would you drill the tailgate for a cleaner OEM-style installation?
On the forum, I noticed that most people recommend using a mount that attaches to the rear roof area for the rear dashcam.
Personally, I didn’t think that was a great solution. Not only does it look less OEM, but it also takes up valuable space. Imagine loading something large into the cargo area that fits perfectly, only to have it hit the camera because it’s mounted on the roof.
I thought there had to be a better way.
So I came up with the idea of mounting the rear camera directly to the tailgate and drilling a hole through the tailgate to route the cable inside.
I used a 1/2" metal drill bit and carefully drilled the hole. The result was exactly what I was looking for — clean, discreet, and almost completely OEM-looking.
For my installation, I routed the cable through the larger plastic conduit where all the tailgate wiring runs.
BUT… after doing it this way, I realized there may actually be an even easier option: routing the dashcam cable through the smaller plastic tube that carries the water to the rear windshield washer. That route looks like it could be much easier for getting the cable through the tailgate.
Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out. No camera hanging from the roof, no wasted cargo space, and a much cleaner look.
Sometimes the best solution is just thinking outside the box.
What do you guys think? Would you drill the tailgate for a cleaner OEM-style installation?
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