Best Dash Cams for Truckers

The worst time to think about getting a dash cam is after an accident. Whether you are an owner-operator or have dozens of trucks in your fleet, having a dash cam record video evidence of what happened before the crash can be vindicating and save you lots of money. Here are our top picks for dash cams to affix to your big rig.

5. Apeman Dash Cam 1080p

For the trucker who is on a budget or isn’t 100% confident with investing in dash cams, the Apeman is a good choice. It has a 170-degree view to capture almost everything in front of it. It automatically overwrites the oldest footage once the inserted SD card has reached its data capacity, but also has a built-in G-sensor that recognizes when there is integral footage that should not be overwritten based on sudden changes in force, such as during a hard turn or a collision. It combines the power of wide dynamic range (WDR) and high dynamic range (HDR) to make even travel in the dead of night easy to see and understand. With an additional hardwire kit to connect it directly to the truck battery, the camera can also monitor when the vehicle is parked. Otherwise, it is powered via direct current, either by cigarette lighter or USB.

Pros

• One of the least costly dash cams on the market.
• Night vision technology.
• Can be hardwired to the battery to monitor even when the truck is not running.
• Has a system to know what video footage should be kept and what should be overwritten.
• Multiple charging options.
• Easy setup.

Cons

• Without a class 10 microSD card it is little more than a paperweight, and a microSD card is not included with purchase.
• Hardwiring kit is sold separately and is more elaborate to set up than the dash cam alone.
• The built-in battery is for emergency backups only. Without a continuous power source, it will not run.
• Only for use in the front.
• Built with 4-wheelers in mind, but still compatible with commercial vehicles.

Read more or get pricing on Amazon.

4. VSYSTO X2V Dash Cam

One problem that standard dash cams have in regards to recording rear view is that they are built for 4 wheelers, and using them in a semi-truck would at the very best just give you a nice view of the cargo you haul. The VSYSTO dash camera is built with the trucker in mind: by powering it with the same energy used for turning/reverse signal lamps, it gets the energy it needs without having to be tied to a DC outlet.

Rather than being put inside your cabin, the three cameras are affixed to the outside of the vehicle. They all have an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning they can operate in the rain without a problem. They will not work completely submerged, but if your semi-truck is completely submerged, you have a lot more to worry about than the conditions of your dash cameras.

Pros

• Compatible with two SD cards up to 128GB each. Can hold up to 256 GB of total storage before overwriting.
• G-sensor protects crucial data from being overwritten.
• Night vision.
• Waterproof external cameras work rain or shine.
• Rear view and/or side view.
• Works in temperatures up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Optional GPS tracker system can tell you the truck’s location and velocity for every step of the recording.

Cons

• Slightly expensive.
• Three cameras mean one of four angles will still be uncovered.
• Connecting side and rear view cameras takes a little technical finesse.
• SD Cards not included.
• Only records from two cameras at a time, the front camera at all times and then one of the other two cameras.

Learn more about this dash cam on Amazon.

3. VSYSTO X2V-PRO Dash Cam

This dash cam system is very similar to the standard VSYSYTO X2V system, but there are some changes that are worth mentioning. There are now four cameras to attach, providing a full 360-degree panoramic view of your truck. The materials have been upgraded to fit IP68 standards, meaning that it can survive underwater (or, for truckers who do not find their cars underwater very often, survive the hardest of rains). For only $20 more than the standard X2V, this can be a good value. It also comes with built-in wi-fi to connect your devices such as your phone!

Pros

• Good value as a step up from the standard X2V.
• Compatible with two SD cards up to 128GB each. Has 256 GB storage capacity before having to overwrite older footage.
• G-sensor protects crucial data from being overwritten.
• Night vision.
• Waterproof external cameras work in even the harshest of conditions.
• 360-degree view.
• Works in temperatures up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Built-in wi-fi.
• Optional GPS tracker system can tell you the truck’s location and velocity for every step of the recording.

Cons

• Slightly expensive.
• Connecting side and rear view cameras takes a little technical finesse.
• SD Cards not included.
• Only records from two cameras at a time, one side camera and either front or back.
• Side cameras capture in a 4:3 aspect ratio, compared to the 16:9 of the standard X2V camera.

See more information (such as pricing) on the Amazon webpage.

2. OldShark GS505

When it comes to simplicity, the OldShark GS505 is king. It comes with a compatible microSD card, so you can start using it as soon as it arrives with no fuss. Plug it into the DC outlet and it is ready to go. While the vehicle is parked, it will turn on and start recording for 15 seconds if it detects heavy vibrations, such as an earthquake or someone else colliding into it. Finally, it has an F 1.6 aperture, which OldShark states allows for 30% brighter clarity at night than the comparable F 1.8 aperture.

Pros

• One of the least costly dash cams on the market.
• Enhanced night vision technology with an F 1.6 aperture.
• Records for a short time when it detects heavy vibrations 24/7, even when the vehicle is turned off.
• Has a system to know what video footage should be kept and what should be overwritten.
• Easy setup.

Cons

• Only for use in the front.
• Built with 4-wheelers in mind, but still compatible with commercial vehicles.

Amazon has more details on the GS505 if you are interested in it.

1. Lytx DriveCam SF Series

Sometimes, simplicity doesn’t cut it. If you are a fleet owner who needs you or your dispatch to track multiple trucks at once, the Lytx DriveCam has live feeds to their platform that you can view. Lytx’s DriveCam system goes beyond 360 degrees, allowing you not only to see outside of the truck, but inside the truck as well. When the truck is in a cellular coverage location, it automatically uploads to the Lytx Video Platform and keeps 100 hours of footage at a time. When it comes to comprehensive coverage of the entire trip, it is hard to get more detail than this.

Pros

• The system comes with six cameras to cover every inch of the truck.
• Records up to 100 hours of footage at a time, much more than a microSD card.
• Video platform allows authorized users to see driving in real-time.
• Light and audio alerts can notify drivers of risky behavior.
• Night vision.
• Ideal for fleets

Cons

• Elaborate setup, especially when compared to other dash cameras.
• Costly, you need to book a demo with Lytx to obtain a quote on pricing.

Do you want to learn more about the Lytx DriveCam? Check out the webpage.

Conclusion

No matter what details are important for you in a dash camera, there is one out there to fit your solution. Whether you do not yet believe in the technology and want a cheaper one, or are ready to go all-in for a massive fleet of trucks, there is a model of dash cam that can work out for you. In the end, the worst way to go with a dash cam is to avoid getting one altogether. Drivers and fleet owners alike have enough to worry about as it is; they do not need a lawsuit based on a fraudulent injury claim.

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