Trucker Daily's Choice for the
Best Web Cam for Truck Drivers
After considering more than a dozen different dashcam's I decided to buy The Rexing S300 Dashcam (link to check the price on Amazon) for long haul trucking. For me its the perfect balance of video quality, reliability, and looks great sitting up on the dashboard. I've felt safer ever since installing it and other driver's have told me the same.
3 Best Dash Cams For Truck Drivers
Truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road. And just like any other driver, they are susceptible to unforeseen accidents or incidents.
However, based on the sizes of the rigs they handle, truckers are usually tagged as the guilty party when an accident involving a truck occurs. But a truck dash cam is essential in protecting yourself from these stereotypical assumptions by capturing crashes if they happen.
The most important takeaway you'll get from this article is not try to cut corners to save a few dollars on your dash cam. We tested multiple cheaper options and had issues with functionality, clarity and over user experience. I have heard from other truck driver's who confirm that you get what you pay for in terms of dash cams for your big rig.
As a truck driver, there are several key features you should consider when looking for a dash cam to suit your specific needs. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Video Quality: Opt for a dash cam with high-resolution video recording capabilities, preferably at least 1080p or higher. This ensures clear and detailed footage, which can be crucial for capturing important details like license plate numbers or road conditions.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Look for a dash cam that offers a wide-angle lens, typically around 120 to 170 degrees. This wider field of view allows for better coverage of the road ahead and captures more of the surrounding area, including blind spots and potential incidents.
- Loop Recording: Choose a dash cam that supports loop recording, which means it will continuously record over older footage once the storage is full. This feature ensures that you never run out of recording space and that the camera is always capturing the most recent events.
- Night Vision: Consider a dash cam with enhanced low-light or night vision capabilities. This feature is particularly important for truck drivers who often operate during nighttime or in poorly lit areas. It ensures that the camera can capture clear footage in challenging lighting conditions.
- GPS Functionality: Having a built-in GPS in your dash cam can be beneficial for truck drivers. It allows you to track your route, speed, and location information, which can be valuable in case of accidents, disputes, or insurance claims.
- G-Force Sensor (G-Sensor): Look for a dash cam with a G-sensor that detects sudden acceleration, deceleration, or impacts. This sensor triggers the camera to automatically save and lock the footage, protecting it from being overwritten and ensuring that important incidents are preserved.
- Parking Mode: If you frequently park your truck in potentially risky or unattended areas, consider a dash cam with a parking mode feature. This mode utilizes motion detection or an impact sensor to automatically start recording when it detects any activity around your parked vehicle.
- Size and Mounting: Consider the size and mounting options of the dash cam. Look for a compact and discreet design that won't obstruct your view or distract you while driving. Additionally, ensure that the mounting mechanism is secure and suitable for your truck's windshield or dashboard.
- Storage Capacity: Check the dash cam's compatibility with different storage options such as SD cards. Consider the maximum storage capacity supported by the device and choose a size that suits your recording needs.
- User-Friendly Interface: A dash cam with an intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easier to navigate settings, review footage, and access important features. Look for a device with a clear display and straightforward controls.
Remember to check local laws and regulations regarding dash cam usage in your area, as they may vary. It's essential to comply with any legal requirements while using a dash cam.
What Is The Best Dash Cam For Truckers
Here are some of our picks for the best dashboard cameras for truck drivers.
The Best Video Quality Cam–
WheelWitness HD Pro Plus
Main Features
Video Quality: 2304 by 1286P
Wide Angle Lens: 170 degrees
Night Vision: Yes
GPS: Yes
Recording at an impressive 2304 x 1286p compared to the more popular 1080p makes the WheelWitness HD Pro Plus our pick as the best video quality dash cam. This dash cam also implements a Wide Dynamic Range technology which allows it to capture exceptionally high-quality videos in low light.
The WheelWitness dash cam also offers GPS for tracking and logging essential details of the truck, such as location, speed, bearing and altitude. Additionally, it makes efficient use of its memory through a loop recording, a feature that automatically overwrites old footage with new ones.
Aside from its impressive video quality, the WheelWitness dash cam offers useful security features too. It notifies you of certain situations like when you’re getting into another lane and when to turn on the headlights. Another handy feature is its ability to detect shock, in which case it stops recording and prevents existing footage from being overwritten.
Pros
- Easy to utilize
- Highest quality video available
- 170-degree wide-angle lens
Cons
- Recording loops are only two minutes long
- GPS is included as an external plugin
The Best Truck Accident Prevention Cam – Garmin 55
Main Features
Video Quality: 1440P
Wide Angle Lens: No
Night Vision: Yes
GPS: Yes
The Garmin 55 is a compact and discrete GPS-enabled dash cam developed with major consideration for safety. Firstly, the GPS notifies drivers about upcoming hazards on the road by offering forward collision and lane departure warnings. It also alerts a driver of nearby red lights and speed cameras.
These features are accessed through the dash cam’s voice control function. By interacting with voice control, drivers can also carry out specific tasks like starting a new recording or taking a still picture quickly without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
The Garmin 55 also features a G-Sensor for automatic incident detection. When an incident is identified, the camera saves the last, current and next recording, thereby conserving complete information about the event.
Its compact and powerful nature and high-quality recording capabilities make the Garmin 55 both discrete and stylish. SD cards amounting to 65GB also automatically store recorded footage
Pros
- Voice control
- Good video quality
- Compact size
Cons
- Limited battery capacity
- Limited functionality
Benefits of Getting A Dashcam For Your Truck
Truck dash cams help in various ways to ensure road safety and easy driving. Here are some other critical reasons to invest in a truck dash cam.
Capture Events
Dash cams are often valuable in accident scenarios. They record events and details that could potentially go unnoticed by those involved in the crash.
Some dashboard cameras are designed with night vision or infrared technologies, making them effective even in low-light conditions. During crash investigations, critical details like license plates and street signs could also be captured and used.
Improved Awareness
Regardless of the level of expertise, truckers are also susceptible to errors. A very common mistake stems from drivers having to actively handle blindspot challenges presented by the large size of a truck. In these situations, truckers need as much help as they can get.
Dash cams are utilized as a second pair of eyes, improving a driver’s awareness in monitoring and dealing with blindspots.
Security
Like every other vehicle, Trucks could be targeted by thieves when parked overnight in a less than secure location. While thieves breaking into a truck might be unavoidable, dual-lens dashboard cameras can offer extra security by providing the police with relevant records in the aftermath of a break-in.
Types Of Dash Cams For Trucks
Dash cam technology is constantly evolving, with manufacturers implementing novel innovations to cover a wide range of data storage and camera quality. However, regardless of these innovations, there are two basic types of truck dash cam; single lens and multi-lens.
Single Lens Dash Cams
These are the most basic type of dash cams. The single-lens model makes use of just one wide-angle lens. This model is not often used as it has limited coverage, limiting the number of details it can document.
It, however, is a cheaper setup and could still function effectively in most cases.
Multi-Lens Dash Cams
This dash cam setup combines more than one camera, which is useful in expanding the video coverage and the driver’s field of view in real time. The most common type of this setup is the dual-lens dashboard camera.
Most of these cameras are designed with both lenses fitted within the camera to cover the front and interior. Some manufacturers also produce multi-lens kits that include extra cameras you can mount around your truck.
How To Choose a Dash Camera For Your Semi -Truck
Dash cams come in varieties, thus making it quite challenging to decide the type to get for your long haul drives. Here we identify some necessary details to look out for when choosing a dash cam for your truck.
Video Quality
Modern dash cams usually document events in two different video qualities; 720p (1280x720 pixel resolution) and 1080p (1920x1080 pixel resolution).
The 1080p offers more detail than the 720p, capturing details that the 720p might miss. Such details include license plates, street signs and even other road users.
Newer cameras are designed to record in even higher definitions like 2k or 4k. However, these cameras control a hefty fee.
Camera Angle
The most popular dashboard camera setup is a single-lens and front-facing cam, which only documents events on the road directly in front of the truck. However, dual-facing cameras with two lenses are now being implemented to record the road and inside the truck.
The road-facing camera angle assists the driver with blind spots, while the driver-facing camera angle is essential in monitoring drivers' habits and behaviors.
Camera Size and GPS Capability
Not all dash cams include GPS location tracking. However, those designed with GPS data logging offer the option to match a timestamp to a particular location. You can also deactivate the GPS option if the need arises.
Additionally, new dash cams are designed to be much more compact, making them completely discrete.
Fleet Management
Major fleet management companies like Samsara and Verizon Connect now offer dash cams with their fleet management software. These software platforms provide extra features like routing, tracking safety habits, fuel tracking and electronic logging device (ELD) compliance.
Trucker Dash Cam FAQs
These are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about truck dash cams.
What is Average Cost Of A Dash Cam?
The average cost of a dash cam is about $150, but additional features like fleet management software and other driver applications could see them rise to as much as $500. Some of these software platforms are up for monthly subscriptions, though. You can also find much cheaper dash cams for about $50, but they offer poor video quality.
How Do Truck Dash Cams Work?
The dash cam records footage in real time and either saves it in a memory card or uploads it to a cloud storage managed by the dash cam supplier. Higher grade cams can also identify and record unusual road behaviors like harsh braking, over-speeding and swerves.
What Is G-Sensor In A Dash Cam
The G-Sensor is used to identify and record any abrupt change in speed that could come from hard braking or over-speeding.
What Are Some Main Truck Dash Cam Features
Dashboard cameras come with a ton of impressive functions. Some of the major features include GPS tracking, G-Sensor mode, parking mode and night vision, all of which play critical roles in helping both truck drivers and fleet managers equally.
Conclusion
Aside from the selected dash cams highlighted in this article, there are other terrific options to choose from. However, identifying the specific features that would be most useful for your situation is critical in determining a useful dash cam for your truck
In summary, a dash cam is a critical safety tool every trucker should invest in to save themselves a lot of time and money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions about Truck Driver's Dash Cams
Are dash cameras legal to use in commercial trucks?
Dash camera usage is generally legal in commercial trucks. However, it's crucial to comply with local regulations regarding privacy, recording audio, and camera placement. Familiarize yourself with the specific laws in the regions where you operate to ensure compliance.
How do dash cameras get powered in a truck?
Dash cameras in trucks are typically powered through the vehicle's 12V power outlet (cigarette lighter socket) or by hardwiring them to the truck's electrical system. Hardwiring offers a more permanent and tidy installation while ensuring continuous power supply even when the ignition is off.
Can I use a single dash camera to cover both the front and rear of my truck?
Yes, there are dual-channel dash cameras available that can simultaneously record the front and rear views of your truck. These cameras usually have two separate lenses and provide comprehensive coverage of the road and your surroundings.
How much recording time can a dash camera store?
The recording time depends on the dash camera's storage capacity and video quality settings. Most dash cameras support loop recording, which means they continuously record over the oldest footage when the storage is full. Higher-capacity SD cards (such as 128GB or 256GB) can store more hours of footage compared to smaller-capacity cards.
Will the dash camera record even when my truck is parked?
Some dash cameras have a parking mode feature that can record while your truck is parked. This mode is typically activated by motion detection or an impact sensor, capturing any activity or incidents that occur around the vehicle. To use parking mode, the dash camera usually requires a constant power supply or a built-in battery.
Can I access and download the footage from my dash camera?
Yes, most dash cameras allow you to access and download the recorded footage. This is typically done by connecting the camera to a computer via USB or by removing the SD card and inserting it into a card reader. Some advanced dash cameras even offer Wi-Fi connectivity or mobile apps for easy access and file transfer.
Are dash cameras resistant to extreme temperatures?
Dash cameras are designed to withstand a range of temperatures, including hot and cold conditions. However, it's advisable to choose a dash camera that explicitly mentions its temperature operating range to ensure it can withstand the specific climate conditions in your area.
Remember to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and consult local laws and regulations for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the usage of dash cameras in your region