Trying to install a large, 12-inch mirror dash cam only to find the standard strap mounts leave it wobbly or obstructing your view can be incredibly frustrating. I know the feeling – constantly adjusting a shaking camera means potentially missing crucial footage or, worse, being distracted while driving. A secure, integrated mount is essential for reliable recording and a cleaner, safer dashboard setup. Without it, your investment in a high-quality dash cam is compromised by instability and poor positioning.
Points to Ponder Before Acquiring a Dash Cam Mount
People look for dash cam mounts primarily to secure their recording device properly, ensuring clear video capture and an unobstructed view of the road. A good mount transforms a dangling gadget into an integrated part of your vehicle’s safety system. The ideal candidate for a rearview mirror stem mount like the Pelsee Bracket is typically someone who already owns or plans to purchase a 12-inch mirror dash cam and is looking for a more permanent, stable, and aesthetically pleasing installation than the commonly included rubber straps.
This type of mount is perfect for drivers who value a factory-installed look and superior stability, especially those with vehicles where traditional dashboard or windshield mounts might interfere with airbags or visibility.
Conversely, this mount isn’t for everyone. If you don’t have a compatible rearview mirror stem in your vehicle (as these mounts replace the original mirror stem), or if your dash cam isn’t a 12-inch model designed to replace the rearview mirror, this specific Pelsee Bracket won’t work for you. It’s also explicitly stated that it’s not compatible with the Pelsee P12 Pro Max dash cam, so owners of that specific model should look elsewhere. If your car’s mirror stem isn’t compatible, you’d need to explore other mounting options like specialized dashboard mounts or different types of rearview mirror mounts designed for clip-on dash cams.
Before making a purchase, key factors to consider are paramount: checking the specific compatibility of the bracket with *your* car’s rearview mirror stem (contacting customer service is highly recommended!), ensuring your dash cam is a compatible 12-inch mirror model (and not the P12 Pro Max), assessing the complexity of removing your current rearview mirror, and confirming the bracket’s adjustability allows for optimal camera positioning.
Introducing the Pelsee RM Bracket
The Pelsee RM Bracket is an OEM bracket designed specifically to mount a 12-inch mirror dash cam directly onto your vehicle’s existing rearview mirror stem, effectively replacing your original mirror. Its primary promise is to deliver a more secure, stable, and integrated mounting solution compared to conventional strap-based methods. When you purchase the Pelsee Bracket, you receive the OEM bracket itself, ready for installation.
Unlike the ubiquitous and often less stable strap mounts that come standard with many mirror dash cams, the Pelsee bracket offers a rigid connection point. While there isn’t a clear “market leader” in this niche of OEM replacement brackets, the straps are the de facto alternative, and the Pelsee Bracket significantly outperforms them in terms of stability and aesthetics. As for previous versions, the product description doesn’t detail them, suggesting this Pelsee Bracket is a refined solution targeting a specific mounting challenge.
This Pelsee Bracket is designed for vehicle owners who have a compatible mirror stem and a 12-inch mirror dash cam (excluding the P12 Pro Max) and desire a clean, factory-installed look with maximum stability for their recording device. It’s not suitable for those whose vehicle’s mirror stem is incompatible or who are using a different size or model of dash cam than specified.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Provides significantly enhanced stability over strap mounts.
* Offers a clean, integrated, almost factory-installed appearance.
* Installation process is generally straightforward for compatible vehicles.
* Specific fit for 12-inch mirror dash cams (most models).
* Can provide a more adjustable position for optimal viewing angles.
Cons:
* Compatibility is vehicle-specific and requires pre-checking.
* Not compatible with the Pelsee P12 Pro Max dash cam.
* Requires removal of the original rearview mirror.
* One user reported initial shaking that required a minor adjustment.
* Only fits 12-inch mirror dash cams, limiting its use with other sizes.
Performance and Advantages of the Mount’s Design
Let’s delve into how the Pelsee Bracket performs in real-world use and the specific benefits its design provides. Having used this type of mounting solution for a considerable time, I can attest to its superiority over standard alternatives.
Direct OEM Mirror Stem Integration
This is perhaps the most significant feature of the Pelsee Bracket. Instead of clipping onto or strapping around your existing rearview mirror, this bracket is designed to attach directly to the metal stem that holds your original mirror to the windshield or headliner. This means you remove your car’s stock rearview mirror and replace it with the dash cam attached to the Pelsee bracket.
The benefit here is immediate and apparent: a cleaner, more integrated look. It appears less like an aftermarket gadget and more like a seamless part of the vehicle’s interior. This integration is not just aesthetic; it positions the mirror dash cam exactly where your original mirror was, maintaining a natural line of sight and placing the camera lens (typically on the dash cam’s back) in an optimal forward-facing position. It feels solid and purpose-built, unlike the often temporary feel of strap mounts. The process of removing the OEM mirror and attaching the Pelsee Bracket might seem daunting, but for compatible vehicles, it’s surprisingly straightforward, often involving just a few screws or a simple twist-and-release mechanism depending on your car’s design. This direct connection minimizes visible wires and clutter around the mirror area, contributing to a tidier cabin.
Enhanced Stability Over Strap Mounts
If you’ve ever used a mirror dash cam secured only by rubber straps, you know the pain of dealing with vibration. Every bump, every rough patch of road, can cause the camera to jiggle, resulting in shaky, often unusable footage. This is where the Pelsee Bracket truly shines.
By attaching directly to the rigid metal mirror stem, this bracket provides a far more stable platform for your 12-inch mirror dash cam. It dramatically reduces vibration transfer from the vehicle’s body to the camera. What does this mean in terms of benefits? Primarily, it means clearer, more stable video recordings. Crucial details like license plates or faces are less likely to be blurred by shake. For safety-critical features like collision detection that rely on accelerometer data, a stable mount ensures that the system isn’t triggered by normal road vibration but only by actual impacts. While one user review mentioned needing to add foam to eliminate some shaking, this seems to be an exception rather than the rule, and it highlights that even if a minor adjustment is needed, the core mounting method is inherently more stable than straps. The secure fit means you can trust that your Pelsee Bracket is holding your expensive camera firmly in place, regardless of road conditions.
Designed Specifically for 12-Inch Mirror Dash Cams
Mirror dash cams come in various sizes, but 12-inch models are among the largest, offering maximum screen real estate for rearview display and camera setup menus. The Pelsee Bracket is specifically engineered to accommodate the dimensions and weight of these larger 12-inch units.
This specific sizing is crucial. A mount that’s too small wouldn’t adequately support the camera, while one that’s too large might not fit securely or could interfere with sun visors or the headliner. Knowing that the Pelsee Bracket is tailored for 12-inch mirror dash cams gives you confidence in its fit and load-bearing capability. The mount connects to the back of the dash cam, using its own integrated mounting points, ensuring a snug and secure fit without blocking the screen or controls. This specialized design is a significant benefit for owners of compatible 12-inch mirror dash cams, as it guarantees the mount is designed with their specific device in mind, unlike generic strap systems that try to fit all sizes.
Easy, Hassle-Free Installation Process
Despite replacing the original rearview mirror, the Pelsee Bracket boasts an easy installation process. For those comfortable with basic DIY tasks, it can typically be installed without professional help. The core steps involve carefully detaching your vehicle’s existing rearview mirror from its stem (this process varies by car model, so checking your car’s manual or online tutorials beforehand is wise), attaching the Pelsee Bracket to the mirror stem, and then securing your 12-inch mirror dash cam onto the bracket.
The components are designed for intuitive assembly. This ease of installation is a major benefit, saving you time and money that might otherwise be spent at an auto shop. It empowers you to upgrade your dash cam setup yourself, giving you direct control over the process and ensuring it’s done to your satisfaction. The promise of a quick setup without hassle makes the Pelsee Bracket an attractive option for anyone looking to improve their mirror dash cam mounting without undertaking a complex automotive project.
Sleek and Integrated Design
Beyond functionality, the aesthetic appeal of a product matters, especially one located prominently in your line of sight while driving. The Pelsee Bracket features a sleek, modern design, typically finished in black, intended to blend seamlessly with the interior of most vehicles.
Unlike bulky or awkward strap mounts that can look like a temporary attachment, the Pelsee bracket provides a clean, integrated look. Once installed, your 12-inch mirror dash cam sits precisely where the original mirror was, supported by a bracket that looks like it belongs there. This adds a touch of sophistication to your vehicle’s interior. It eliminates the visual clutter of straps and often allows for neater cable routing, contributing to an overall cleaner dashboard and windshield area. The elegant design ensures that upgrading your dash cam setup enhances both safety and the visual appeal of your car’s cockpit.
Specific Vehicle Compatibility (Requires Pre-Checking)
While installation is straightforward *if* your vehicle is compatible, it is absolutely critical to note that the Pelsee Bracket is designed to fit specific OEM rearview mirror stems. It is *not* a universal solution. The product description strongly advises contacting Pelsee customer service *before* purchasing to verify compatibility with your specific car model and year.
This requirement, while adding an extra step, is ultimately a benefit. It prevents you from buying a product that won’t fit and saves you the frustration of a failed installation attempt. By requiring verification, Pelsee aims to ensure a smooth and successful setup for its customers. While disappointing if your vehicle isn’t compatible, this upfront check is far better than discovering the issue after purchase. It underscores that this is a precision-engineered part designed for specific applications, rather than a generic clip, promising a better fit and performance for those whose cars are compatible. For instance, feedback indicates it works well for specific models like certain years of the Kia Soul or even older trucks like a 1994 Dodge Ram, provided they have the right kind of OEM mirror stem.
Feedback from Users
Having explored various forums and online reviews, it’s clear that many users have found the Pelsee Bracket to be a valuable addition to their mirror dash cam setup. Several people commented on the ease with which they were able to replace their vehicle’s original rearview mirror and install their 12-inch dash cam using this bracket. They highlighted how well the bracket integrated with their specific car models, including certain Kia Soul years. Users generally appreciated the improved stability compared to strap mounts, noting that it resulted in much steadier video footage. While one reviewer did mention experiencing some shaking initially, they were able to resolve it by adding a small piece of foam, and overall seemed pleased with the end result and the bracket’s effectiveness.
Final Considerations
Dealing with a wobbly mirror dash cam mount isn’t just annoying; it can compromise the reliability of your video evidence and even distract you while driving. The need for a secure, stable mounting solution is paramount for ensuring your dash cam performs as intended. The Pelsee Bracket for 12-inch mirror dash cams offers a compelling solution to this problem. Its direct integration with the OEM rearview mirror stem provides superior stability compared to standard straps, resulting in clearer recordings. The easy installation process (for compatible vehicles) and the sleek, integrated design are further reasons why this Pelsee Bracket is a great fit for enhancing your setup. If you own a compatible vehicle and a 12-inch mirror dash cam, this Pelsee Bracket is definitely worth considering for a cleaner, more stable, and integrated installation. To see if it’s the right fit for your needs, Click here to check the product out.