Dashcams improve safety, reduce collisions and help fleet owners reward good driver behavior. The cameras record inside and outside the truck, allowing anyone to feel as if they are in the truck. This footage has many advantages, but some dashcams are better than others. Some of the top dash cam choices are outlined below.
Quicklook: Best Dash Cam for Semi Trucks
- Best For Long Hauls: KDLinks X1
- Best For Large Fleets: Garmin 55
- Best For Short Hauls: Rexing V1 4K
- Best For Night Drivers: Vantrue N2S 4K
- Best For Safety: Samsara CM32
5 Best DashCams for Semi Trucks
A dashcam is an important investment, but important doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. This relatively small investment can save you money by reducing accidents and providing footage to insurance companies. We have reviewed numerous trucker dashcams to discover the five best choices for your vehicle. Let’s examine some of the most highly-rated dashcams for semitrucks on the market.
KDLinks X1
The KDLinks X1 offers 1080P high resolution video that records at 30 frames per second. And if you want more than just video, this handy truck dash cam also records audio. It performs well in harsh weather conditions and the motion detector captures anything on the move. The dashcam’s night vision feature makes it easier to detect people and objects later in the day. Buyers can get a complimentary one-year warranty and pay extra for a two- to three-year warranty. This dash cam is the perfect companion for semi truck drivers.
Best For: Long hauls
Special Features:
- Wide dynamic range (WDR) camera
- 110 mAh battery
- Audio recording
- Charging port
Benefits:
- Wide view of road for better safety
- Works well in extreme temperatures
- Hear what the driver hears in case of a robbery or other incident
- Ability to transfer data to PC
Disadvantages:
- Software warranty not included
- Repair warranty only for hardware
- Wi-Fi not included
Pricing: $119.95
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 5.1 x 3.2 inches |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Display Type | 2.7-inch LCD |
| Mounting Type | Suction Cup |
| Voice Command | No |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 165° |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Lane Assistance | No |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | No |
| Battery | 110mAh |
| Video Quality | HD |
| Lens Type | Multi-lens |
| GPS | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes |
Garmin 55
When you’re monitoring a large fleet, it’s important to have a truck dash cam that’s dependable and easy to use. The Garmin 55 is a simple, small device that protects your fleet while they’re on the road. The mobile app and camera itself are user-friendly, so even the least tech-savvy member of your fleet won’t have difficulty operating the dash cam. Fleet owners can review footage through the mobile app. The Garmin 55 dashcam features G-Sensor, a perk that automatically records footage during any impact. This footage will help your case with insurance if another vehicle bumped into your truck.
Best For: Large fleets
Special Features:
- Compact design
- Mobile app
- Memory card included
- G-sensor
Benefits:
- Camera is discreet and unobtrusive
- Download and review footage from mobile devices
- Record hours of footage without interruption
- Detects incidents and saves to another location to avoid it being overwritten
Disadvantages:
- Small battery
- Limited control through app
- A bit pricey
Pricing: $199
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 1.6 x 0.8 inches |
| Resolution | 1440p |
| Display Type | 2.0-inch LCD |
| Mounting Type | Magnetic |
| Voice Command | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 122° |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Lane Assistance | Yes |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | Yes |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium ion |
| Video Quality | HD |
| Lens Type | Multi-lens |
| GPS | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes |
Rexing V1 4K
To those looking for an affordable trucker cam from a reputable dash cam brand, the Rexing V1 4K is the one for you. This single-lens dash cam works with both Android and iOS devices so you can utilize the supporting app. The Rexing V1 4K is a reliable piece of equipment that will give you the basics, making it perfect for shorter trips.
Best For: Short hauls
Special Features:
- Wi-Fi included
- Supercapacitor
- Gravity sensor
- Parking monitor
Benefits:
- Connect to apps easily
- Reliable in extreme weather conditions
- Detects collisions and locks the video for future access
- Automatically turns on and records when vibrations detected
Disadvantages:
- Records at 24 fps and may produce choppy video
- GPS tracking requires $30 accessory purchase
- Memory card not included
- Wide field of view (FOV) makes objects look further away
Pricing: $99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 2.25 x 1.5 inches |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Display Type | 2.4-inch LCD |
| Mounting Type | Adhesive Tape |
| Voice Command | No |
| Camera | No |
| Field of View | 170° |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Lane Assistance | No |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | No |
| Battery | Supercapacitor |
| Video Quality | QHD |
| Lens Type | Single lens |
| GPS | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes |
Vantrue N2S 4K
This dual dashcam lets you record what’s happening inside and outside the semitruck. The Vantrue N2S 4K comes with an 18-month warranty and built-in GPS. The high-quality night vision combined with the wide-angle interior lens captures all the information you’d need to file an incident report. The Vantrue N2S 4K truck dashcam uses four infrared lights to keep the cabin illuminated in the dark.
Best For: Night drivers
Special Features:
- 24/7 parking mode
- Super high-resolution
- GPS
- Advanced WDR technology
Benefits:
- Detects motion or collision when parked
- Footage is exceptionally sharp and detailed
- Route and speed tracking
- Optimum performance in any lighting
Disadvantages:
- No mobile app
- Expensive
- Records at 25 fps
Pricing: $199.99
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 4.25 x 1.73 x 1.73 inches |
| Resolution | 1440p |
| Display Type | 2-inch LCD |
| Mounting Type | Suction Cup |
| Voice Command | No |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 155° front lens 165° cabin lens |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Lane Assistance | No |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | No |
| Battery | Supercapacitor |
| Video Quality | QHD |
| Lens Type | Dual-lens |
| GPS | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes |
Samsara CM32
When safety is No. 1 on your list, the Samsara CM32 is your best option. This trucker cam comes with a host of features designed to reduce accidents and keep road costs down. With hands-free voice-controlled operation, this truck dashcam lets drivers stay focused on the road while adjusting the settings. The dash cam’s artificial intelligence (AI) lets it detect distracted driving, blown stop signs and other characteristics of bad driving.
Best For: Safety-conscious owners
Special Features:
- Intelligent AI and camera powered by computer vision
- Built-in audio speaker
- 30 fps
- Harsh event recording
Benefits:
- Analyze road conditions and driver behavior in real-time
- Provides real-time feedback promoting safer driving behavior
- Smooth recording and playback
- Coach drivers on hard braking, accelerating, turning, and other actions
Disadvantages:
- Very expensive
- Front lens not as wide as cheaper options
- OBD port installation lacks portability
Pricing:
- $399 for device
- $600 annual licensing fee
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 4.2 x 1.6 x 2.4 inches |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Display Type | 2.7-inch LED |
| Mounting Type | Adhesive |
| Voice Command | Yes |
| Camera | Yes |
| Field of View | 121° front lens177° cabin lens |
| Storage | Cloud storage Up to 60 hours |
| Lane Assistance | Yes |
| Speed Limit Indicator | Yes |
| Traffic Services | Yes |
| Battery | 1300mAh |
| Video Quality | HDR |
| Lens Type | Multi-lens |
| GPS | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes |
Why Is a Dash Cam Important For Semi Truck Drivers?
Dashcams do more than record the inside and outside of your truck. The technology has features that improve driver safety and behavior. Fleets that use a trucker cam report increased visibility on the road. Managers can use footage from dashcams to train and coach drivers. They can show examples of bad behavior and reward good behavior through safety bonuses.
The truck dashcam allows fleet managers to see exactly what the driver sees when behind the steering wheel, which makes it easy to identify and coach dangerous driving habits. Drivers are more likely to follow the rules and practice safe driving habits if the boss is watching.
A truck dashcam can keep drivers motivated to perform well, especially if the company offers a safe driver reward program. The semitruck camera system footage can also determine who or what caused a road accident.
Discovering who was at fault can save the driver or the company thousands of dollars in fines if they aren’t the responsible party. Because the recordings show what took place before, during and after the accident, no one has to depend on faulty memories or sift through conflicting stories to get to the truth. These savings can compound quickly as fleets grow and hire more drivers.
While footage of an accident can save you money when it happens, dashcams provide immediate relief for your bottom line. Many insurance companies offer discounts and lower premiums if the fleet installs truck dashcams in the vehicles. The trucker cam lets the insurance provider know that you take the safety of your drivers and trucks seriously.
Finding the Right Dash cams for Semi trucks
Truck drivers and fleet owners can select from numerous truck dashcams. More choices provide more flexibility, but it can get overwhelming. It’s important to know what features you should look for to improve your fleet’s overall performance. Let’s take a look at some of the standard features your truck dashcam should have.
Video Quality
High-resolution video is critical for any effective truck dashcam. The sharper the video quality, the easier it will be to identify people and objects when reviewing the footage.
The dashcam’s resolution determines whether the camera catches the most minuscule detail during a collision or whether the playback is fuzzy and objects are unable to be seen clearly. Fuzzy footage can compromise evidence that would have cleared your driver of the accident. Cutting corners on video quality can also minimize your ability to review drivers and make changes to safety.
The highest resolution for a trucker cam is currently 4K, which is comparable to a high-end TV or camera. You don’t need 4K resolution, but it wouldn’t hurt. Keep in mind that a dashcam with high resolution will come with a higher price tag, so make sure it’s what your fleet needs before you make the investment.
Lens Type
A single-lens trucker cam captures the view of the road in front of the driver. These road-facing cameras match the driver’s perspective and increase visibility.
Dual dashcams contain two cameras — one faces the road, and the other faces the driver. The duality can prove a driver’s innocence by showing they weren’t distracted during an incident. Fleet managers can also use dual dashcams to review a driver’s performance and provide coaching if necessary.
The multilens semitruck camera system provides the best coverage. These dashcams eliminate blind spots with a 360-degree view of the truck and surrounding road. The best features have higher prices, but this comprehensive view can keep drivers safe and reduce insurance costs.
Semitruck drivers benefit from the exterior cameras on the side that make lane changing safer and easier. Drivers can also see objects or other vehicles with the rear-facing dash cam, making backing up a breeze.
Multilens interior cameras not only monitor the driver but the cargo as well. The additional layer of security reduces instances of vandalism and theft, saving companies money and time.
Night Vision
Research data shows the most serious accidents occur at night, so it’s extremely necessary for a truck dashcam to have night vision that records clear and detailed footage. Many semitruck drivers make long hauls throughout the night. Night vision provides better evidence for law enforcement if an accident takes place.
Night vision is especially advantageous when driving through areas with dim lighting or no streetlights at all. Night vision gets rid of the dark, and the picture comes through as if you were driving during daylight hours. Even when it’s pitch black outside, drivers will see objects and cars clearly in full color, adding an extra safety net to their drive.
GPS
GPS tracking records the vehicle’s speed and location data. That information can help when filing an insurance claim to prove where an incident took place and how fast the driver was going. The information is also vital during a collision, as it shows street names, positions of other vehicles and driving speed just before impact.
Memory (SD Card)
Dashcams for trucks need quality secure-digital (SD) cards that don’t fail on them and have a high storage capacity. The 32GB SD cards record one hour to three hours of footage, which may be enough for shorter hauls. Some dashcams compensate by deleting old footage to make room for new footage. This isn’t a big deal for uneventful drives, but you will want every second of footage during an accident.
If you’re using a truck dashcam equipped with a parking mode feature, you’ll need at least 64GBs, which gives you three to five hours of recording time. If driving for longer periods, a 128GB card will provide six to 10 hours of material.
Keep in mind that front-facing cameras use less space than multilens dash cams and are able to record for longer periods. If using a multilens trucker cam, you will find your SD card fills up faster, so you may need more than one.
Extra Features
Additional features like voice alerts for lane drifting or tailgating can increase road safety. Rolling stops, hard braking and accelerating get recorded. Managers can use the footage and data to train other drivers. Dashcams for trucks can make fleet managers’ jobs easier by flagging videos for review and permitting them to preconfigure thresholds for harsh events for semis.
Extra features may also contribute to lower insurance premiums, so it’s important to know what your fleet requires. After listing the essential and nice-to-have features, weigh the cost benefits of having a trucker cam with loads of features against one that meets basic needs.
Increase Safety and Save Money with the Right Dashcam
Dashcams are worth the investment for truck drivers and fleet managers. These cameras provide critical footage that can reduce insurance costs, increase driver safety and help managers distinguish good drivers from bad ones. Knowing your specifications for a dashcam in advance will make the search process easier. You won’t waste your time with dashcams that don’t cater to your objectives and can hone your focus on promising choices.
FAQ
The best dash cam is the one that suits your needs. Many reputable dashcam brands offer multiple products at varying price points based on their features.
Truckers use various types of dashcams. Garmin, KDLinks and Rexing are some of the popular brands, but you need to find the right one for you.
We put the KDLinks dash cam on the top of our list, but it depends on what you need. The best all-around dashcam is different for fleet owners compared to solo truck drivers.
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