Dash camera setups for parking mode surveillance? And will the Ecoflow River 2 work as a battery pack?

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Tom-z4u7t

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I apologize if I've posted this in the wrong thread. I can post it to a different one if need be.

I need something to watch my car in the parking lot while I'm at work. I've dealt with vandalism before, and I don't want it to happen again once I get a new car. Doesn't have to be 24/7 since I have a camera to watch my car when I'm home. I'm usually at work for 9-10 hours, but once I'm home I'll try to turn off my dash camera. I want a 3 channel camera to keep all sides covered, but I'm not sure if it's feasible with the parking mode.

This is the battery pack that I want.
https://us.ecoflow.com/products/riv...rrvJigwsrEAeLhtPTaHZSyPwlHuMgjwkaAj_eEALw_wcB


I was thinking of getting the Ecoflow River 2, but there seems to be instances where it's battery life is below it's 256Wh capacity. The Ecoflow River 2 Max 500 might break the bank, but I feel safer with it's purported 499Wh. I've heard that the Ecoflow River 2 cannot go over 40 C. Is this the same as the Ecoflow River 2 Max 500? I live in Michigan and we're dealing with a heat wave at the moment. But at least it's very rare to go over 40C around here. But I'm scared since each summer only gets hotter.

For the dash camera, I'm thinking of the vantrue N4S:
https://www.vantrue.com/products/n4s

It's relatively affordable, offers 3 channel, and uses a Starvis sensor. I'm still not sure how long the parking mode lasts, and I will have to research that.

Will this work with the Ecoflow River 2 Max 500? I'm hoping for an option that won't leave me constantly recharging the battery pack. I also want to ask about the recharging process. I know that typically you're supposed to drive the car to recharge it, but I usually don't drive that far. Is it possible for me to charge the Ecoflow with an AC outlet while my dash camera is powered off?

I'm not tech savvy, so any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
Not sure if my particular set up will help you but it should give you an idea to compare.

Here's my setup:

River 3 Plus w/ EB600 battery = 858Wh.
River 3 Plus was ~$200 at Costco last year.
EB600 was ~$200 at Costco Next (Black Friday last year).

Viofo A329TC for main, telephoto, cabin. Installed Sept 2025.
Viofo A119M Pro for rear windshield. Installed three days ago.

With the A329TC, I have the cabin camera turned off during parking mode. Have not tested scientifically like some of the veterans here but according to the Ecoflow app, parking mode (LBR) uses 6 watts for the 2 channels. And estimated time until full discharge for LBR parking mode with two channels is four days when at 100% battery. On average, I'm in the car about an hour per day (5 days) so it charges with the car charger. If I don't use the car on the weekends, I occasionally have to charge the Ecoflow from the house. I use a long extension cord to the car so I don't have to remove the Ecoflow. Charging is quick at 600w. Cameras are still on & in parking mode while charging from the house.

During this past winter, the Ecoflow did turn off a few times but that was when the temps were at 0° F or below. As for the heat, there were temps past 85° F last year & it was working fine. This week we'll be about 100° so we'll see.

As for the A119M Pro, I am waiting on a hardwire kit (HK6) to setup parking mode. It should add ~3 watts usage for the parking mode according to the posts in this forum.

I may go this route sometime in the future but it's a bit more complicated:

halomstr

Thread 'End Stage Battery Setup (1200 watt hours, 20 minute quick charge)'

So I thought I'd in brief share my hardwire setup:
-Orion TR smart 12-12-30
-6 Awg pure copper wire
-Everything 100 amp fused with midi fuses
-Everything hammer crimped with copper lugs
-LiTime 100Ah self-heating lifepo4 smart battery
-Custom 3d printed terminal protector / orion holder / fan support

The Orion has a common ground so you can use the acc power on signal to the camera without a relay.

The battery is automatically self heating so it maintains temperature in cold weather and charges instantly.

With the added cooling, the Orion consistently puts out 35 amps / 460 ish watts...
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Hi, @Tom-z4u7t
Using a portable power station, specifically the Ecoflow, as a parking battery is, in my opinion, the best cost-effective option with superior functionality, соmpare to any dedicated battery on the market.
I've used the River 3 for over a year in hot and cold weather without any issues.
I can't comment too much on your use case (I'm on vacation abroad with limited internet access),
However, I would recommend the River 3 or 3 Plus over the River 2.
We have a couple of threads on this topic with connection diagrams and videos:
mentadent

Thread 'ECOFLOW and Viofo'

If I was to get an ECOFLOW River 2, would it work with my Viofo and hard wiring? I currently have a PowerCore but I'm looking for something that would last longer.
  • Like
GPak

Thread 'Parking Battery-Power Station, 3X capacity and 3X cheaper than dedicated options + extra functionality'

First, thanks to the members of this forum for posting great reviews and comments to help people like me choose the DashCam that suits their specific needs.

Now, I want to share my project here and maybe help people, who do not want to mess with a car battery and fuse box but are hesitant to spend a lot of money on a dedicated overpriced battery with limited functionality.

To start, here is my bench test.

Bluetti EB3A Power Station on the right, simulates 12V car socket, which I turn ON/OFF to simulate car ignition.

Necespow 161Wh Power Station for parking is on the left.
Note that it...
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Thank you guys for all the responses! I'm gonna try to read the forums tomorrow and get back to you all soon.
 
That is a really informative video. Puts everything into a nutshell overview. For many dashcam external battery users they will stay with the traditional commercial dedicated dashcam batteries like the P8, 70mai etc. The market may shrink minimally and but be barely noticeable with the DIY'ers. There will always be consumers like me that are willing to pay the money to have something already made, CE certified and know it won't blow up (catch fire etc.) when used. Dedicated dashcam battery vendors won't ever go out of business.

Most users are probably like me. When I hear the word electronics, I'm thinking about electricity, short-circuits, fires, electric shock, insurance policy issues. We're afraid to dabble. These are your man on the street concerns and thoughts. However, for people who have educated themselves on electronics and wiring, it's much much less a concern.

I am a life long learner. That's why I'm here in this and other threads about using the EcoFlow. I'm naturally curious and already have an EcoFlow. I may seriously attempt to do something like the above. Just have to educate myself. Once I have the facts and evaluate what is involved, I might attempt it. I have thrown so much money out the window over the years using commercial dedicated dashcam batteries that don't last long, it really is worth the time to read up on this. Once I know the facts (this is how you crimp it and the reason why you do it this way; this is a reliable part to use for this purpose; this is why it is safe and won't catch fire) I'm going to give it a go.
 
Hi, I am planning to buy the Viofo 329 for my new car.

I want to use a portable power station to power it, but without hardwiring or splitting cables and such... is there a way?

Can't I just plug the dashcam into the cigarette lighter socket of my Ecoflow delta 3 max?

thank you for taking time to answer my beginner questions!
 
Bimchi said:
Hi, I am planning to buy the Viofo 329 for my new car.

I want to use a portable power station to power it, but without hardwiring or splitting cables and such... is there a way?

Can't I just plug the dashcam into the cigarette lighter socket of my Ecoflow delta 3 max?

thank you for taking time to answer my beginner questions!
Click to expand...
Yes, you can. There is a car charger included in the package.
 
So I have been trying to read more about it. And now I'm more concerned with the cold than with the warmer temperatures. It says the battery can discharge at cold temperatures but not charge from them. So if I take the battery inside to charge, I'll be alright? I'll just have to find a way to warm it up. The dash camera that I want to buy can withstand temperatures from -4 F to 140 F, which is good, but not always good for michigan. But most dash cameras seem to work in that temperature range, so I'll have to deal with it. Might have to bring my trail camera with me to work just in case...
 
Tom-z4u7t said:
So I have been trying to read more about it. And now I'm more concerned with the cold than with the warmer temperatures. It says the battery can discharge at cold temperatures but not charge from them. So if I take the battery inside to charge, I'll be alright? I'll just have to find a way to warm it up. The dash camera that I want to buy can withstand temperatures from -4 F to 140 F, which is good, but not always good for michigan. But most dash cameras seem to work in that temperature range, so I'll have to deal with it. Might have to bring my trail camera with me to work just in case...
Click to expand...
EcoFlow is using LFP (LiFePO4) battery cells - similar to all dedicated dashcam batteries on the market.
These batteries are safe and suitable for unattended use in vehicles.
The only limitation is that they cannot be charged at sub-freezing temperatures; therefore, they must be equipped with built-in protection against charging under such conditions.
However, EcoFlow can easily be charged at home if necessary.

If the ability to charge at sub-freezing temperatures is critical for your use case, you can check the link below for information on how to build your own battery using LTO cells.

GPak

Thread 'LTO (Lithium Titanate Oxide) – The Ultimate Battery for Dash-Cam parking mode (DIY)'

Before I start on LTO battery, I want to remind / let you know, that currently I am running two Viofo Mini2 Dash Cams, front and rear, using, off-the-shelf LFP based Power Station, which provides a lot more energy capacity and versatility for a lot less money compere to dedicated Dash-Cam Batteries.
I believe that use of suitable LFP based Power Station is the simplest, the most affordable and probably the best, option available for a parking battery. It is safe, full of functionality and very easy “Plug and Play” installation.
Here is the link to the thread with all the details, LTO is...
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Bimchi said:
And to activate Parking mode, I just plug it out of the lighter socket?
Click to expand...
If your cigarette lighter is always hot, the camera cam enter parking mode after five minutes of inactivity. But it is not stable and not safe for your car battery.
 
Sounds like the Ecoflow would work best for me since I plan on charging it inside my apartment. I read recently that the battery has a protective feature that prevents it from charging in cold weather, which is reassuring for if I charge it too early.
 
acxxac said:
Not sure if my particular set up will help you but it should give you an idea to compare.

Here's my setup:

River 3 Plus w/ EB600 battery = 858Wh.
River 3 Plus was ~$200 at Costco last year.
EB600 was ~$200 at Costco Next (Black Friday last year).

Viofo A329TC for main, telephoto, cabin. Installed Sept 2025.
Viofo A119M Pro for rear windshield. Installed three days ago.

With the A329TC, I have the cabin camera turned off during parking mode. Have not tested scientifically like some of the veterans here but according to the Ecoflow app, parking mode (LBR) uses 6 watts for the 2 channels. And estimated time until full discharge for LBR parking mode with two channels is four days when at 100% battery. On average, I'm in the car about an hour per day (5 days) so it charges with the car charger. If I don't use the car on the weekends, I occasionally have to charge the Ecoflow from the house. I use a long extension cord to the car so I don't have to remove the Ecoflow. Charging is quick at 600w. Cameras are still on & in parking mode while charging from the house.

During this past winter, the Ecoflow did turn off a few times but that was when the temps were at 0° F or below. As for the heat, there were temps past 85° F last year & it was working fine. This week we'll be about 100° so we'll see.

As for the A119M Pro, I am waiting on a hardwire kit (HK6) to setup parking mode. It should add ~3 watts usage for the parking mode according to the posts in this forum.

I may go this route sometime in the future but it's a bit more complicated:

halomstr

Thread 'End Stage Battery Setup (1200 watt hours, 20 minute quick charge)'

So I thought I'd in brief share my hardwire setup:
-Orion TR smart 12-12-30
-6 Awg pure copper wire
-Everything 100 amp fused with midi fuses
-Everything hammer crimped with copper lugs
-LiTime 100Ah self-heating lifepo4 smart battery
-Custom 3d printed terminal protector / orion holder / fan support

The Orion has a common ground so you can use the acc power on signal to the camera without a relay.

The battery is automatically self heating so it maintains temperature in cold weather and charges instantly.

With the added cooling, the Orion consistently puts out 35 amps / 460 ish watts...
  • Like
Click to expand...
Thanks for your response! So you mentioned that you use a long cord to charge your ecoflow since you don't want to take the battery out. Is taking out the battery very difficult or not possible with your setup? I hope I don't sound rude, I just want to know if there's certain battery setups that would prevent me from taking the battery out of the car to charge it.
 
rcg530 said:
Power consumption test suite results:
View attachment 88408

Parking mode time estimates:
View attachment 88409
Click to expand...
I've just seen these estimates for the Vantrue N4 Pro. Which is not the same as the Vantrue N4S, but it's the closest estimate I could find. The parking mode collision detection looks promising, but I don't want to use it since it takes 12 seconds before recording. But I think it could work. The low bitrate mode has 16 hours of recording with a 96 Wh battery pack. The River 3 Plus has 286 Wh, but I'm gonna give it a modest estimate and say it could give 32 hours of recording before needing to be charged. If I use it for 9 hours every day, I have 3.5 days before I need to recharge it, which is doable, but I'm really hoping for at least 4 days.

But I do wonder if low bit rate mode will have any sort of notification if it detects motion or impact. If I get a scratch on my car, it would be hard to look at the footage I had that day if it took a long time.

Another concern is that the N4 Pro has a message that says to only use collision detection in the summer, and I don't want to use collision detection. And I'm gonna assume that the N4S has that same message. Would I have to switch to collision detection during the summer, even if I live in Michigan? If so, I need to start researching different cameras because it wouldn't be worth it.
 
Bimchi said:
Can't I just plug the dashcam into the cigarette lighter socket of my Ecoflow delta 3 max?
Click to expand...
You can, but if your power bank is in the back of the car and your dashcam are in the front, you will need to extend unless you have a funny little clown car.
AND ! extend the 12 V side, do not extend the 5V USB cable.

Tom-z4u7t said:
N4 Pro has a message that says to only use collision detection in the summer
Click to expand...
Yes this is due to internally generated heat + of course what is coming in from the outside, high enough temps and a system would shut down, and i think to this day only a few systems would come online again automatic when the temperature have dropped.
Collision detection is the least internal heat generating mode.

After 15 years in this, there are still no perfect dashcam made, even if many people have " screamed " for many years how to do that, always a compromise to be made it seem.
 
That's the hardest part, I have to make a compromise. Maybe the Viofo A229 Pro would work? That one seems to have less issues with heat, but I've seen a recommendation to use low bitrate mode. Only problem is that it seems to give less hours of parking mode recording, even with only a one channel dashcam.

rcg530 said:
ran a power consumption test with firmware v1.2_240227 installed using an A229 Pro 1CH configuration. I tested the four parking modes with and without the GPS enabled in parking mode via the new setting in this firmware version.

View attachment 71172

With the GPS configured to be left on during parking mode (old behavior), the power consumption results were much higher than my previous tests with firmware v1.0_230912 installed.

Comparing the power consumption results with v1.2_240227 firmware installed, when the GPS is disabled during parking mode, there was a reduction of about 0.10W to 0.14W (8 mA to 11 mA @ 12.6V). This increased the projected parking mode recording times by 46 to 67 minutes (96 Wh battery pack).
Click to expand...
I know the Ecoflow River 3 and Ecoflow River 3 Plus have a lot of Wh, but probably not enough for a 3 channel dash camera like this. I might have to pick a dash camera in the $400 range, as much as I don't want to.
 
Tom-z4u7t said:
Maybe the Viofo A229 Pro would work?
Click to expand...
Welcome to the club.
A229 Pro was best of the best for 2024.
In 2026 not so much, it's got (2) Achilles' heels the A329S fixed.
Of course I don't know what your budget is.
$310 A229 Pro 3CH (Rear & IR Interior)
$470 A329S 3CH (Rear & IR Interior)
$470 A329T 3CH (Rear & Telephoto)
Q: Is A329S worth $160 extra?
A: Only you can decide.
-Chuck
 

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What are the achille's heels that the A229 Pro has, if you're okay with me asking?
 
Tom-z4u7t said:
What are the achille's heels that the A229 Pro has, if you're okay with me asking?
Click to expand...
I thought you'd never ask 🤣
Two biggest issues;
1.) Front camera Bitrate is cut in half when IR Interior camera is connected.
2.) Lack of modularity for both remote cameras
a.) IR Interior Camera Cable & Connectors: 3.5mm TRRS to Type-C
b.) Rear & Telephoto Camera Cable & Connectors: Type-C to Type-C

Minor Issues;
1.) Rear & Telephoto cameras have separate processor built-in that complicates firmware updates.
2.) No “clip-on” CPL Filter for Rear Camera, (semi permanent only).
Sometimes you need to remove the CPL Filter to clean the lens from dust build up.
3.) “Slow” Wi-Fi Transfer Speeds
10MB/s (430MB) 44 Seconds A229 Pro (2023)
33MB/s (472MB) 14.4 Seconds A329S (2025)
4.) No LPID (Low Power Impact Detection) Parking Mode
5.) A329S gets upgraded GPS Module for greater accuracy, and faster satellite connection.

A229 Pro Test & Review

A229 Pro Improvement Wishlist


The A329S fixed the two biggest issues by maintaining Front camera Bitrate when remote cameras are connected.
And going back to MCX Coax Cables for all remote cameras.
Now any remote camera can be used with any camera output on front / main unit.
This provides maximum user flexibility with the (4) different available remote cameras, (Rear, Waterproof Rear, IR Interior, Telephoto).
The minor issues were also fixed.
All processing is done by front / main unit.
Rear Camera gets clip on CPL Filter.

A329S Test & Review

 
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VIOFO-Support said:
If your cigarette lighter is always hot, the camera cam enter parking mode after five minutes of inactivity. But it is not stable and not safe for your car battery.
Click to expand...
I think he means will the dashcam go into parking mode if he unplugs the cam's cig-lighter adapter from the cig-lighter outlet on the EcoFlow. The answer is no because the dashcam will have no power source. The only way is to wire it up like others have done (don't ask me how but I have read about it in this forum. Check EricSan and GPak posts here.
 
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