Dashcam install - removing column trim panels + rear camera placement?

2013 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Platinum 5.7L 4x4

(1) I apologize if this already has an easy obviously available answer somewhere. I searched on here, Reddit, YouTube, Google, etc. and couldn't find anything... maybe I'm using the wrong search term.

Basically, I am wanting to run dashcam wires from the front windshield/dash area to the back window. I am not sure if it would be better to do this on the roof or floor side of things; but either way, I think I'm going to need remove at least the drive-side front/back column trim panels (?). I would just go poking and prodding without worrying too much about a definitive guide, but seeing as I have side airbags, I'm kind of scared of either messing something up and/or inadvertently deploying an airbag in my face (with tools in the middle, to boot).

(2) I am also wondering for those of you that already have a dash cam installed; how did you mount the rear dash cam? I have a rear window that rolls up/down, which makes it a little bit trickier.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Of course, the roof would be the straightest run, and maybe isn't that hard a job - I have not done that yet myself. As far as the front, I am running dashcam and radar detector power this weekend in my truck for the front. To answer your other question, well I do not know I am trying to figure out the rear mount option myself. I found a company that makes a bracket, it slips under your rear window weatherstripping and against the 'pinch weld' around the window metal, but I have not decided on what to do yet.

When I did this in my wife's 2022 4Runner, I removed the A-pillar handle and plastic, making running wire and avoiding the airbag easier! Your best bet is to disconnect the negative on your battery, that is my plan again as I'll also be running power and antenna for my ham radio.

I could not find a Tundra or 4Runner-specific video, however, another Toyota video helped me out here. Basically, be gentle pulling off the A-pillar plastic, it has some retaining pieces that probably keep it from flying in your face should the airbags deploy in an accident.

Good Luck.