What do you do when a car driver accuses you of wreaking their vehicle but you are innocent? This situation is common among truckers, and that is why many drivers install dash cams in their rigs. Truckers have to contend with not-so-friendly state troopers, hostile car drivers, and the perils of the road. But you can save yourself a lot of trouble with video evidence thanks to affordable, high-tech truck dash cams.
So what is the best trucking dash cam? There are tens of top quality dash cams on the market, but your choice depends on the features you want in a truck dashboard camera. Are you looking for a GPS-enabled dash cam? Or you need a camera with a wide angle coverage? Whether you want night visibility or continuous loop recording, you can select from top-of-the-range dash cams to give you an edge when things go wrong.
Truckers and fleet owners depend on dash cams to protect themselves, reduce insurance rates, and avoid court cases that may be unfavorable without video evidence. In most cases between truckers and the rest of the population, the odds are against the former, leading to unfair trial losses amounting to millions. But this is changing thanks to dash cams that provide unimpeachable video proof of the drivers’ conduct on the road.
If you are looking to buy a high-quality, all-weather dash cam for your truck, the following are some of the best on the market.
Kdlinks X1
This dash cam is one of the best for truck drivers. It comes with a 165-degree wide angle recording which provides a large field of vision. The camera records in full 1080P high definition video at 30 frames per second and it can record audio within the truck. Thanks to its F1.6 night vision, this camera captures all the details with clarity at night, dawn, dusk and inside tunnels.
The X1 is built for exceptional performance in all weather. It offers extended recording periods, and the footage does not suffer from vibrations, low temperatures and all the peculiarities of a trucker’s routine. This camera also comes with a 110mAh battery and a motion detector that captures everything that moves.
VIOFO A119S V2
The VIOFO A119S V2 is powered by a Novateck 96660 processor for sleek and smooth 60 Frames Per Second video recording. It comes with a Sony IMX291 Sensor for optimal performance in low visibility conditions. With a 7G Wide Angle Glass Lens, the V2 captures a broad angle with impressive sharpness. The camera suffers no energy fluctuations thanks to its capacitor-based power source.
The VIOFO A1195 sports an integrated GPS mount for automatic location and speed data synchronization. This cam offers event recording functionalities and has a simple user interface. It is easy to install and comes with a power cable, USB cable, and a user manual. The cam is backed by a one-year warranty.
WheelWitness HD PRO Plus Dash Cam
If you are on a budget and want a feature-decked dash cam, the WheelWitness HD PRO Plus offers some of the best capabilities in its class. This cam offers a Plug-and-Play feature that makes setup fast and easy. The camera records once you start your engine and stops when you turn off the ignition.
The WheelWitness HD PRO Plus Dash Cam comes with a Sony Exmor IMX322 CMOS sensor paired with a powerful player lens that records in crisp, full-HD 1080p at 30 Frames per Second. It is compatible with Android and iOS, allows you to zoom live video x4 and has a clutter-free user interface. If you need a high-end dash cam without breaking the bank, this is it.
BlackVue DR450-1CH
The BlackVue DR450-1CH is a favorite of many truckers thanks to its beautiful design and class-leading functionality. This dash cam mounts seamlessly on windshields for maximum coverage. It records full-HD, 1080p videos at 30fps, has audio recording, and loop recording to save space.
The DR450-1CH comes with a camera mount, 16 GB memory card and a G-sensor among others. It features a capacitor-based power supply and its compact construction makes installation easy.
VAVA Dash Cam VA-CD008
Truckers who want to keep memories of their trips need dependable dash cams like the VAVA Dash Cam VA-CD008. This high-performance cam comes with a 6-layer lens that captures vivid videos in 1080p HD clips at 30 frames per second. It comes in a wedge shape that allows for low detection on your dashboard.
The VA-CD008 has a 160-degree wide angle coverage, enough to capture everything in front of you in rich detail. It has a dual USB port charger for charging your smartphone on the go. With its Wide Dynamic Range design, this cam delivers impressive footage in low visibility conditions. It starts and stop recording with the ignition and has continuous loop functionality.
Thinkware F800 PRO Dash Cam
The F800 delivers a ton of valuable features at an attractive price point. This camera comes with a Sony Starvis CMOS sensor for exceptional recording and incredible night vision capabilities. It has a 142-degree viewing angle, a 2.13 Sony Exmor sensor at the front and rear, and 1080p full-HD at 30fps. For longer recording, it supports 32/64/124 GB memory card and can run on 12/24 V DC input.
In the box, you will find a voltage checker, a cleaning cloth, prying tool-set, and cleaning pad alcohol among others. This high-tech camera offers Time Lapse, Motion Detection, Mobile viewer, and Impact Detection functionalities. There is also an Advanced Driver Assistance System which provides warnings for Lane Departure, Front Collision and more.
OLDShark 3–1080p
The OLDShark delivers a crystal clear 1080p video with its 170-degree wide angle six-lens camera. This dash cam runs on an inbuilt battery and comes in a sturdy zinc alloy body for increased durability. It is perfect for capturing your drives in the day and during low-visibility conditions.
It features a bright LCD screen and has high-end features for the price of a mid-range product. If you need an easy-to-install and user-friendly dash cam, the 3-1080p is a top candidate.
Z-Edge Z3 – 1440p Quad HD Dashboard Camera
Despite its affordability, the Z-Edge Z3–1440p Quad HD Dashboard Camera offers an impressive array of premium features. The camera sports a powerful Ambarella Processor and a CMOS sensor ensures things run smoothly. It has an aesthetic matte finish and a beautiful design and delivers 2.5K video in 2560x1440p.
Tie Z-Edge Z3–1440p Quad HD Dashboard Camera captures events with a 155-degree angle at 30fps. It supports 128 GB memory card and loop recording to ensure you don’t run out of space. There is also an HDR feature which allows for sharp pictures in low light vision.
Anker Dash Cam C1 Pro
The C1 Pro dash cam from Anker comes with a plethora of advanced features. This camera sports inbuilt GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, G-Sensor, and 4-lane wide range camera view. It captures the road in 2k resolution 2560x1440p for unbeatable clarity and detail.
The C1 Pro supports up to 32 GB of memory and has 2 USB charging ports. It also offers instant video access, iOS and Android compatibility and can work even in extreme temperatures. The best part is it retails at an affordable price.
Garmin Dash Cam 35
If you want a dash cam with a relatively small dashboard footprint, the Garmin Dash Cam 35 is all yours. This small camera comes with a GPS navigator, Forward Collision Warning, Red Light and Speed camera Warnings, and Incident detection capabilities. It also offers a Dash Cam player, Snapshot, and many other fantastic features to make driving safer and fun.
This powerful cam works well in the day and night, features a 3.0 inch LCD, and the G-Sensor keeps accurate accident data regardless of the time or location. If you need a compact and efficient dash cam, Dash Cam 35 is an excellent choice.
Mio MiVue 766
The Mivue 766 is not the most affordable on the list, but it does an excellent job of capturing your drives in rich detail. It comes with a large 2.7″ touchscreen for straightforward operation and inbuilt GPS for location and speed data. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to transfer footage from the camera to other devices with ease.
This cam comes with a broad angle 140-degre lens while a powerful sensor delivers a sharp Full-HD 1080p footage at 30fps. If you need a quality dashboard camera that performs with finesse, the Mio Mivue 766 is a top contender.
REXING S300 Dash Cam Pro
The S300 Dash Cam Pro from REXING is a favorite among truckers. Its 170-degree angle camera delivers a crisp video in Full-HD 1920X1020P resolution to a 2.7″ screen. This camera features an F2.4 six-glass lens and sports Wide Dynamic Range recording for capturing everything that happens on the road.
S300 features a G-sensor for automatic event recording of accidents and can operate in extreme temperatures. It has loop recording functionality and runs on Lithium-ion batteries.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Truck Dash Cam
What do you want in a dash cam? Are you buying one to take home memories of the American road trip or to defend yourself and the truck company in the event of an accident? For most drivers, it is the latter, and you need the following features before choosing a dash cam.
GPS: It is important for your truck dash cam to have inbuilt GPS. GPS is not only a navigational aid, but it logs the location and time of incidents, making them sacrosanct and irrefutable if an incident goes to court.
If you can’t afford to buy a dash cam with embedded GPS, get a GPS antenna to get that capability. However, nothing beats the time and location stamp on the real footage from a GPS-enabled dashboard camera.
Resolution: You might wonder whether a camera’s resolution matters at all, but it does. The higher the resolution, the more quality the video footage. Go for the highest resolution you can afford, preferably something in the 2.5K Ultra High Definition category. Thankfully, you will find high-quality cams with this feature at mid-range prices.
Night Vision: Most fatal-to-driver and catastrophic accidents happen at night when fatigue and lack of sleep has taken its toll on the trucker. But not all drivers sleep on duty even if they drive long distances at night.
Get a dash cam that can capture events during the day and in low visibility conditions. Cams with Wide Dynamic Range and HDR allow for excellent night vision capabilities. A grainy picture cannot save you if things go wrong. Make sure you have the full capabilities to capture events live in your dash cam to protect yourself.
Continuous Recording
This feature allows your dash cam to delete older footage when the memory card is full to create room for new clips. That way, you never run out of storage space and you can capture everything in front of you with confidence. If your cam supports high storage space, invest in a 64 GB or 128 GB memory card to enjoy extended recording times.
Dual Channel
Dash cams with dual channels can capture what is happening in the truck’s front and rear. While most accidents are frontal, having the ability to see your rear improves your ability to take preemptive action before things escalate and become unmanageable.
Having a dual channel dash cam is like driving with an extra pair of eyes at the back of your head. Nothing beats all-around awareness while hauling a heavy-duty rig cross country.
Impact Sensor or Motion Detector
Buy a camera with a G-sensor or accelerometer. The G-sensor detects changes in the vehicle’s center of gravity, such as when it hits a bump or collides with a big object like a fast-moving car. Dash cams with advanced G-sensor suites lock in the exact time and location of a collision automatically as the event unfolds.
Motion detection is an excellent security feature when the truck is parked. If there are intruders, the motion sensor will activate the camera to record, making it easier to arrest potential robbers or vandals.
Size
It’s best to get a wide-angled dash cam that provides the broadest angle of coverage without blocking your view. If possible, buy a camera with a 170-degree recording angle. But if your dashboard cannot accommodate that size, go for 140 degrees or the more common 120 degrees angle of recording.
Dash Auto Start and Stop
The best dash cams record when you turn on the ignition and cease recording when you stop. You will most likely have this feature if the cam runs on your truck’s 12V cigarette lighter. However, some battery-powered cams have this function, but batteries run down.
Why Install a Truck Dash Cam?
A dash cam offer several benefits for truck drivers, including:
- It helps monitor your driving, preventing recklessness and abuse and misuse of the vehicle.
- It provides visual evidence to defend yourself and your company in case of accidents.
- It can help prevent insurance fraud and help drivers claim benefits when they are not at fault.
- Dash cams can help protect your truck when it is parked at truck stops or consignee properties.
- It can also help prevent theft as the camera may discourage bad actors if they notice the device is recording their activity.
Can You Use a GoPro as a Dash Cam?
It is possible to modify a GoPro for the role of a dash cam, but it is not advisable. This is because a GoPro camera is expensive and there are far more affordable, specialized cameras designed for use on an automobile’s dashboard. If you want to use a GoPro for capturing your road trip, you need to devise a power source and housing.
A standard 12V USB cable adapter can supply the GoPro power from the cigarette lighter. For the housing, you can build a skeleton base to support the camera. You can also use a dash mount or waterproof housing. But it’s better to buy a dedicated dash cam instead of going through the trouble of retrofitting a premium hardware like the GoPro.
Is there a GPS for Truck Drivers?
Yes, truckers have dedicated GPS systems. While you can use a car-based GPS for trucking operations, it is better to use a dedicated truck GPS which can deliver correct and up-to-date traffic information and provides maps for trucking routes only.
Many standard GPS systems now have trucking maps, but some may not provide correct information on closed bridges, bridge weight limits, and may even mislead you into a residential area.
It is important to get a GPS system designed for the rigors of trucking operations. The cam should provide real-time information on your routes so you can get to your destination on schedule.
What trucking dash cam do you prefer? Do you love the simple models or prefer high-tech spy-grade versions? Regardless of your preferences, there is something for everybody in the dash cam market.