TL;DR: A 3-channel dash cam records the front, rear, and inside of your vehicle simultaneously, giving you a full picture of every angle. This setup offers complete protection by capturing incidents outside and inside the car. Ideal for rideshare drivers, families, and anyone concerned about all-around safety.
Key Takeaways:
- A 3 channel dash cam covers front, rear, and cabin views for complete protection
- DIY installs often lead to crooked angles, loose wires, or failed Parking Mode
- Small installation mistakes can ruin your footage or damage your car
- Getting it professionally installed ensures it works the right way from day one
Why the Extra Camera Matters More Than You Think
Most people think two cameras are enough for a dash cam setup. But what happens when someone rear-ends you and drives off? Or your parked car gets side-swiped and there’s no footage? That third camera makes all the difference.
A 3 channel dash cam setup records the front, interior, and rear views of your car. It covers more angles, adds peace of mind, and is especially useful for rideshare drivers, parents of teen drivers, and anyone who leaves their car parked in busy public areas.
How to Install a 3 Channel Dash Cam Yourself
Installing a 3 channel dash cam may seem doable, but it’s far more complex than people expect. Routing the cables, mounting each camera correctly, and tapping into your vehicle’s power system without damaging it takes skill and precision.
One wrong connection or a poorly mounted unit can lead to unusable footage or worse, electrical issues in your car.
Even minor mistakes, like placing a camera slightly off-centre or leaving wires exposed, can reduce recording quality and cause long-term problems.
Many DIY installations end up getting redone, which means more time, more money, and a whole lot of frustration. But before we dive into why professional installation is the smarter move, here’s a quick overview of how a DIY install typically goes.
Step-by-Step: A Typical DIY Installation
Step 1: Mount the Front Camera
This camera typically sits just behind the rearview mirror, where it can record the road ahead without getting in your way.
Make sure it’s mounted low enough to avoid the mirror’s shadow but high enough to stay out of your direct view. It needs to be perfectly level; an uneven mount can cut off important parts of the road in your footage.
Step 2: Position the Cabin Camera
If your unit has a separate cabin camera, it should be mounted either on the windshield or roof liner. Place it:
- High enough to see all passengers
- Away from direct light to avoid glare
- Centered for the best coverage
Step 3: Install the Rear Camera
This is usually mounted on the inside of your rear windshield. To do this right:
- Start routing the cable from the front unit through the trim
- Use your trim removal tool to avoid damaging panels
- Keep the cable tight and out of sight as you move it toward the back
Step 4: Choose Your Power Source
You’ve got two options:
- Use the 12V socket for simplicity
- Hardwire to the fuse box for constant power and Parking Mode
If you hardwire, be sure to follow your fuse diagram closely. A wrong tap could disable something important like your airbag or interior lights.
Step 5: Tidy Up the Wires
Zip ties and cable clips help secure everything neatly along the edges or behind panels. Clean cable work isn’t just about keeping things tidy; it also stops wires from shifting around, which can lead to rattling noises or distractions while you drive.
Taking a few extra minutes to secure them properly helps keep everything safe, quiet, and in place.
Step 6: Test and Adjust Settings
Turn the car on and make sure each camera is recording. Walk around the vehicle and check all angles. Then:
- Set the date and time
- Adjust resolution and sensitivity settings
- Enable Parking Mode if available
Getting this part right ensures your system does its job when it matters most.
This walkthrough gives you the basic process, but it’s the small details that make or break a clean and reliable install. If you want a closer look at the typical workflow and the technical parts involved, check out this breakdown of the steps involved in a dash cam install. It’s a great way to see what’s ahead before you begin.
What Can Go Wrong With DIY
- Mounting the cameras even slightly off-centre can throw off your whole setup. You might miss key details like number plates or lane markings if the camera isn’t perfectly aligned.
- Trying to hide cables behind panels without the right tools can easily cause scratches, cracked clips, or loose trim. Repairing these mistakes can get costly.
- Using the wrong fuse slot might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can prevent Parking Mode from working properly, which is one of the main reasons people get a 3 channel dash cam to begin with.
- Sticking the cameras onto a dirty windshield or rear glass can weaken the adhesive. Over time, this can cause the camera to fall off or shift out of position, which puts your footage at risk.
- Overstretching or bending the cables too tightly during install can damage the wires inside, leading to unreliable recordings or complete camera failure later on.
Even just one of these mistakes can lead to lost footage or a frustrating re-do of the entire setup.
After spending hours trying to fix alignment issues, rewire a fuse connection, or remount a fallen camera, most people realise it would’ve been easier and less stressful to have it installed by someone who does this every day.
If you’re still considering a DIY install, it’s worth knowing what can happen when things go sideways.
In fact, we’ve broken this down even more in this article about how improper dash cam installation could cost you thousands. It covers common mistakes and real-world risks that many people only learn about the hard way.
Why Choose DNH Dashcam Solutions
At DNH Dashcam Solutions, we’ve handled hundreds of 3 channel dash cam installations for customers across Melbourne. We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t upsell you gear you don’t need.
Our work speaks for itself: clean, factory-like installs using trusted tools and techniques.
No matter what you drive; a compact city car, a family SUV, or a trade van, we take the time to install your dash cam in a way that suits your vehicle’s design and your daily routine.
We also make sure important features like Parking Mode are not just wired in, but properly configured and tested before you hit the road.
Want to see how it’s done? Check out our 3 channel install process.
Want It Done Right the First Time?
Instead of dealing with loose wires or guessing at fuse connections, let our team handle it.
We take care of the setup, make sure the cameras are aligned, and ensure Parking Mode is ready to go. That way, you know your system is reliable every time you drive.
Book your install with us or reach out for a quick chat!
