Pelsee P12 Pro Max Mirror Dash Cam: The Ultimate 4Runner Overland Upgrade Featured Image
The Pelsee P12 Pro Max installed in a 5th Gen 4Runner, looking like it belongs there.Esplorn.com
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Pelsee P12 Pro Max Mirror Dash Cam: The Ultimate 4Runner Overland Upgrade

Published on 2/25/2025

The Ultimate Dash Cam Upgrade for 4Runner Owners

If you own a 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner and want the best dash cam for overlanding, the Pelsee P12 Pro Max is the perfect upgrade. With OEM-style installation, 4K recording, and 24/7 security, this isn’t just a dash cam—it’s an essential upgrade for 4Runner owners who take their adventures seriously.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing this beauty in a 5th Gen 4Runner, making it look like it came straight from the factory (but way cooler). And yes, we ran the wires properly—no janky zip-tie jobs here!


Why the Pelsee P12 Pro Max is the Ultimate 4Runner Upgrade

From the passenger side, you’d never guess this mirror is packing a 4K dash cam and ADAS features. When powered off, the Pelsee P12 Pro Max seamlessly reflects the 4Runner’s interior—just like a stock mirror, but with way more tech hiding inside.
From the passenger side, you’d never guess this mirror is packing a 4K dash cam and ADAS features. When powered off, the Pelsee P12 Pro Max seamlessly reflects the 4Runner’s interior—just like a stock mirror, but with way more tech hiding inside. Esplorn.com

Your 4Runner was built for adventure, and now your rearview mirror can be, too. The Pelsee P12 Pro Max isn’t just a dash cam—it’s a full-blown driving assistant, security system, and off-road videographer, all rolled into one.

Top Features That Make This a Must-Have:

  • 4K Front & 2.5K Rear Recording – Whether you're flexing on the rocks or getting cut off on the freeway, every detail is captured in crystal-clear quality.
  • Sony Starvis Night Vision – Because seeing more than your headlights do is kind of important when the trail gets dark.
  • 5.8GHz WiFi – Fast video transfers, so you’re not stuck waiting three hours to review that epic off-road clip.
  • Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) – Alerts for front vehicle collisions, pedestrian detection, and blind spots—because city driving is sometimes scarier than the Rubicon Trail.
  • Smart Voice Control – Keep your hands on the wheel and let your dash cam take orders like your own personal co-driver.
  • 24/7 Parking Monitoring – Whether you’re parked at camp or the grocery store, this system keeps watch even when you're away.
  • G-Sensor & Loop Recording – Locks important footage when it detects an impact, and automatically clears old recordings so you never run out of space.
  • Parking Assist – Real-time rear camera feed with guidelines to help you back into tight spots—without the "spotter panic."

See the Pelsee P12 Pro Max in Action

Specs and features are great, but real-world performance is what truly matters—and we put the Pelsee P12 Pro Max to the test. Below, you'll find three video clips showcasing this dash cam's clarity, stability, and night vision capabilities. Whether it's capturing crisp 4K daytime footage, handling low-light conditions like a champ, or recording the chaos at Prairie City OHV, this camera sees it all. Check out the footage below and see why this is the ultimate 4Runner dash cam upgrade! 🚙🎥🔥

Crystal Clear Daytime Footage in 4K Watch how the Pelsee P12 Pro Max captures road details, license plates, and surrounding landscapes in crisp 4K, ensuring you don’t miss a thing—even at highway speeds! Esplorn.com
Pelsee P12 Pro Max Night Vision: See Everything, Even in the Dark With the Sony Starvis sensor, the Pelsee P12 Pro Max turns pitch-black roads into crystal-clear footage. Streetlights, headlights, and even that raccoon crossing the road—nothing goes unnoticed. Esplorn.com
Parked at the Prairie City OHV area, the Pelsee P12 Pro Max records all the action—from 4Runners climbing hills to trucks throwing down some serious mud donuts. Whether you're behind the wheel or just soaking in the chaos, this dash cam ensures you never miss a moment of off-road fun. 🚙💨 Esplorn.com

Comparing Pelsee Dash Cam Models

If you’re considering a Pelsee mirror dash cam, here’s how the P12 Pro Max compares to other models in the lineup:

Feature P12 Pro Max P12 Plus P10
Front Camera Resolution 4K (3840 × 2160) 2.5K (2560 × 1440) 1080p (1920 × 1080)
Rear Camera Resolution 2.5K (2560 × 1440) 1080p (1920 × 1080) 720p (1280 × 720)
Night Vision Sony Starvis Sensor Standard Night Vision Basic Night Mode
WiFi Technology 5.8GHz 2.4GHz 2.4 Ghz
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Yes, Full Suite Yes, Full Suite Yes, Full Suite
Voice Control Yes Yes Yes
Parking Monitoring 24/7 with Hardware Kit 24/7 with Hardware Kit 24/7 with Hardware Kit
Parking Assist Yes Yes Yes
Price $199.99 $129.99 $89.99

The Pelsee P12 Pro Max is the top-tier option, offering the best resolution, connectivity, and safety features. However, if you’re on a budget, the P12 Plus provides a good balance of performance and affordability.


The 5th Gen 4Runner Install (Done the Right Way)

Everything you need to upgrade your 4Runner—minus the elbow grease. The Pelsee P12 Pro Max comes with all the essentials!
Everything you need to upgrade your 4Runner—minus the elbow grease. The Pelsee P12 Pro Max comes with all the essentials! Pelsee.com

What’s in the Box

  • 1 x 4K 12" Mirror Dash Cam
  • 1 x 2.5K Rear Camera (with a 19.6ft rear camera cable, which is just enough for a proper 4Runner install)
  • 1 x 11.5ft Car Charger (which we are going to ignore because we’re doing this the proper way with a hardwire kit)
  • 1 x GPS Antenna
  • 4 x Rubber Straps
  • 2 x 3M Adhesive Pad
  • 1 X Plastic Trim Tool
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • User Manual
  • 1 x 64GB Memory Card

Tools You’ll Need

  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • 10mm Socket and ratchet
  • Plastic Trim Tool (Comes with the camera)
  • Hardwire Kit (because plugging into the cigarette lighter is just wrong)
  • Bracket mirror mount (Because it's better to just replace the stock mirror)

Step-by-Step Installation

First rule of DIY installs: Always disconnect the battery. Unless you want a surprise face-punch from your airbag.
First rule of DIY installs: Always disconnect the battery. Unless you want a surprise face-punch from your airbag. Esplorn.com

1. Safety First – Disconnect the Battery

  • Before starting any work, disconnect the positive cable from the battery. This step is crucial to prevent accidental electrical shorts and protect your vehicle’s electronics.
  • Important: Always disconnect the battery when working around your airbag system to prevent any accidental deployment.

2. Mounting the Mirror Dash Cam

  • Strap the Pelsee P12 Pro Max over the factory rearview mirror.
  • Adjust it so you can see your glorious off-road adventures in 4K clarity.

3. Rear Camera Placement (Stealth Mode Activated)

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the cleanest rear camera install possible. The Pelsee P12 Pro Max rear camera is securely tucked under the third brake light, with all wiring routed through the factory rear spoiler—no exposed wires, no messy adhesives, just a seamless OEM-style setup.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the cleanest rear camera install possible. The Pelsee P12 Pro Max rear camera is securely tucked under the third brake light, with all wiring routed through the factory rear spoiler—no exposed wires, no messy adhesives, just a seamless OEM-style setup. Esplorn.com
  • We mounted the rear camera under the third brake light, routing the cable through the same hole used by the third brake light wiring.
No visible wires = clean install. We routed the rear camera cable through the factory rubber grommet to keep things OEM-style.
No visible wires = clean install. We routed the rear camera cable through the factory rubber grommet to keep things OEM-style. Esplorn.com
  • Inside the cover behind the rear window wiper, we fished the wire into the cab via the rubber boot inside the rear hatch.
Tucked Away Like a Pro: Rear Camera Wiring Hidden Under the Headliner No dangling wires here! The Pelsee P12 Pro Max rear camera cable is neatly routed under the headliner, keeping everything hidden and factory-clean. Just a little tuck, a little finesse, and boom—OEM stealth mode engaged. 🚙🔧
Tucked Away Like a Pro: Rear Camera Wiring Hidden Under the Headliner No dangling wires here! The Pelsee P12 Pro Max rear camera cable is neatly routed under the headliner, keeping everything hidden and factory-clean. Just a little tuck, a little finesse, and boom—OEM stealth mode engaged. 🚙🔧 Esplorn.com
  • From there, we ran it along the ceiling cover (also known as the headliner) on the passenger side all the way to the front.

4. Powering the Beast (Hardwire Install FTW)

Factory-clean power with zero compromises. Hardwiring the Pelsee P12 Pro Max into the fuse panel means no more ugly cables or losing a cigarette lighter port. Just seamless, always-on protection.
Factory-clean power with zero compromises. Hardwiring the Pelsee P12 Pro Max into the fuse panel means no more ugly cables or losing a cigarette lighter port. Just seamless, always-on protection. Esplorn.com

Wiring this up is way easier than fixing that mystery squeak in your suspension. If you've ever wondered how to hardwire a dash cam in a 4Runner, this is the right way to do it—no spliced wires, no fuse box guesswork, and absolutely no sketchy cigarette lighter adapters.

  • The hardwire kit connects directly to the interior fuse box under the driver’s side dash, ensuring seamless power integration.
  • We routed the wiring from the fuse box, up the driver’s side A-pillar, tucking it behind the A-pillar trim to keep it looking factory.
  • The wire then ran along the windshield to the rearview mirror area, making it a clean, OEM-style install.

This setup ensures that your dash cam stays powered when you need it most—whether you're parked at camp, rock crawling, or making an emergency grocery run.

5. Configuring the System

  • Fire up the Pelsee app and sync it with the mirror.
  • Adjust settings like ADAS alerts, recording resolution, and night vision.
  • Make sure your rear camera is pointed at the road, not the sky (or worse, the bumper of the car behind you).

6. Post-Install Testing

  • Check Live View: Ensure front and rear feeds display correctly.
  • Record a Test Clip: Verify clarity on playback.
  • Activate ADAS: Test lane departure and collision warnings.
  • Test Parking Mode: Simulate a bump to confirm G-sensor activation.

Optional Factory-Style Mount Installation

No straps, no bulk—just a seamless, factory-style install. The Pelsee P12 Pro Max is mounted directly to the windshield using an OEM-style bracket, giving it a clean, integrated look that feels like it came straight from the Toyota factory.
No straps, no bulk—just a seamless, factory-style install. The Pelsee P12 Pro Max is mounted directly to the windshield using an OEM-style bracket, giving it a clean, integrated look that feels like it came straight from the Toyota factory. Esplorn.com

If you're upgrading your 4Runner’s factory mirror, why not go all the way? This Bracket mirror mount replaces the stock mirror entirely, making the Pelsee P12 Pro Max look like a factory-installed feature straight from Toyota.

Why Choose the Factory-Style Mount?

Strap-free, bulk-free, drama-free—just clean, OEM-style goodness. No more rearview mirror setups that look like they belong in a fast-food drive-thru.

  • Cleaner Look: Removes the need for straps, making the installation seamless and factory-correct.
  • Better Stability: Mounting directly to the windshield minimizes vibrations and ensures a sturdier setup.
  • More Adjustability: The direct mount allows for better positioning to match the driver’s preference.

If you're serious about 4Runner factory mirror upgrades, this mount is a must-have—because your overland rig deserves nothing less than perfection.

Installation Steps for the Factory-Style Mount

  1. Remove the Stock Mirror
    • Use a T20 Torx screwdriver to loosen the screw securing the factory mirror.
    • Carefully slide the mirror off the windshield mount.
  2. Attach the Aftermarket Mount to the Pelsee Mirror
    • The mount attaches to the back of the Pelsee P12 Pro Max, replacing the default strap system.
  3. Secure the Pelsee Mirror to the Factory Windshield Mount
    • Align the aftermarket mount with the factory windshield base.
    • Tighten the screw to secure the setup.
  4. Adjust the Angle & Test Stability
    • Ensure the camera positioning allows for a clear rear view.
    • Perform a quick shake test to verify stability.

If you’re going for the cleanest, most factory-like installation, this optional mount is a fantastic addition to your Pelsee setup!


Final Thoughts

Your 4Runner is built for adventure—shouldn’t your dash cam be too? The Pelsee P12 Pro Max delivers unmatched clarity, security, and a clean factory install. Whether it’s catching epic off-road action or protecting your rig 24/7, this dash cam has you covered.

For overlanders, weekend warriors, and daily drivers, having a dash cam for overlanding means always having a record of your greatest adventures—and those unexpected moments when someone forgets how to use a roundabout.

🎯 Don’t settle for basic—upgrade today and drive with confidence!

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