Accidents happen quickly and the consequences can be severe. Your onboard footage could be your best chance to defend your position both legally and for your insurance claim.
Every truck should have a dash cam. That’s a given, but there’s more than one good reason to ensure that you buy a trucker camera with all of the features that you need, starting with the ability to record action on the road in real-time. Keep reading to explore the best dash cams for truckers based on the most important features and considerations.
Quicklook: 6 best dash cams for trucks
- Best for high-resolution recording: BlackVue DR900X-2CH
- Best for compact design: Garmin Dash Cam 57
- Best for comprehensive coverage: Vantrue N4
- Best for advanced features: Nextbase 622GW
- Best for value for money: Rove R2-4K Dash Cam
- Best for durability: FalconEye EagleEye 2nd Gen Triple Cam
What is a trucker dash cam?
A semi truck dash cam is an onboard video recorder designed for use in commercial vehicles. It films the road ahead and, in the case of a dual-camera or triple dash cam, the road behind.
How does a truck dash cam work?
A dash cam for semi trucks is mounted onto the windshield. It records the action on the road whenever it senses motion. The video is captured via continuous loop recording, and the dash cam is powered by the truck.
Best dash cameras for truckers
Without further ado, here are our picks for the best dash cam for truckers.
BlackVue DR900X-2CH
The dual-channel BlackVue DR900X-2CH dash cam for trucks records in 4K Ultra HD for the front camera and Full HD for the rear, providing clear footage of both the road ahead and behind. It features a 162-degree front viewing angle, built-in Wi-Fi, and GPS. Also, it supports cloud connectivity via an optional LTE module. The DR900X-2CH is praised for its high-resolution video quality and ease of use, making it a top choice for truckers and fleets seeking comprehensive coverage.
Best for: High-resolution recording
Special features
- 4K ultra HD front camera to capture detailed footage with 162-degree wide-angle lens
- Full HD rear camera ensures comprehensive coverage of vehicle surroundings
- Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi allows for easy connectivity and precise location tracking
- Cloud compatibility supports remote access and live monitoring via BlackVue Cloud service
Benefits
- 4K resolution provides clear and detailed semi truck dash cam recordings, essential for capturing critical details
- Both cameras offer wide viewing angles, reducing blind spots
- Cloud features enable real-time remote viewing and alerts, enhancing security
Disadvantages
- Higher cost compared to other models
- Requires subscription for cloud services
Garmin Dash Cam 57
The Garmin Dash Cam 57 offers 1440p video recording with a 140-degree field of view. It comes with GPS for detailed location data, voice control for hands-free operation. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features include forward collision and lane departure notifications.
This 18 wheeler truck driver dash camera’s small size allows it to be discreetly mounted, and its magnetic mount facilitates easy removal. It’s an excellent option for truckers seeking a balance between functionality and compact design.
Best for: Compact design
Special features
- 1440p HD recording, providing clear, detailed video footage
- Voice control allows for hands-free operation with spoken commands
- Includes forward collision and lane departure driver alerts to enhance safety
- Parking guard monitors activity around your parked vehicle and alerts you to incidents
Benefits
- Small size allows for unobtrusive placement on the windshield
- Driver alerts assist in preventing potential accidents
- Wi-Fi connectivity enables quick sharing of footage via the Garmin Drive app
Disadvantages
- 140-degree angle may not capture as wide an area as some competitors
- No rear camera included
Vantrue N4
The Vantrue N4 is a three-channel truck dash camera that records the front, rear, and interior of the vehicle simultaneously, making it ideal for comprehensive coverage. It captures 4K resolution for the front camera and includes infrared night vision for interior recording, making it suitable for both day and night use. The N4 is ideal for truckers who require extensive monitoring of their vehicle’s surroundings and interior.
Best for: Comprehensive coverage
Special features
- Triple channel recording captures front (4K), rear (1080p), and interior (1080p) views
- Interior camera equipped with infrared LEDs for clear night-time recording
- 24-hour parking mode monitors vehicle when parked, with motion and impact sensors
- GPS capability tracks driving route and speed when connected to an optional GPS mount
Benefits
- Simultaneous recording of all angles provides thorough documentation
- Night vision ensures interior recordings are clear, even in low-light conditions
- Parking surveillance protects the vehicle from potential incidents while unattended
Disadvantages:
- Multiple truck dash cameras and wiring may require more time to install
- Triple channel recording consumes more memory; high-capacity SD cards recommended
Nextbase 622GW
The Nextbase 622GW is a feature-rich dash cam for truckers offering 4K recording at 30 fps, designed for those seeking top-tier technology and performance. Along with a 140-degree viewing angle, image stabilization, and an ‘extreme weather mode’ for adverse conditions, it features GPS data logging and intelligent parking mode for motion-triggered recording. The 622GW is praised for its crystal-clear footage and user-friendly software, making it invaluable for capturing critical details in the event of an incident.
Best for: Advanced features
Special features
- 4K recording captures ultra-high-definition footage with a 140-degree viewing angle
- Image stabilization reduces vibrations for smoother video quality
- Extreme weather mode enhances image clarity in adverse weather conditions
- Emergency SOS alerts emergency services to your location in the event of an accident
Benefits
- 4K resolution ensures detailed recordings
- Enhanced safety
- 3-inch touchscreen allows for easy operation and playback
Disadvantages
- Higher cost than other dash cams for truckers reflects advanced features
- Some features, like rearview recording, require extra accessories
Rove R2-4K Dash Cam
The Rove R2-4K Dash Cam for trucks records in 4K Ultra HD, providing sharp and clear video quality. It features a 150-degree wide-angle lens, built-in Wi-Fi for easy file transfer, and GPS for tracking speed and location. The R2-4K also includes night vision capabilities and a parking mode for added security. It’s a popular choice among drivers seeking high-quality recordings and a robust set of features at an affordable price.
Best for: Value for money
Special features
- 4K ultra HD recording captures sharp and clear video footage
- Built-in GPS logs precise location and speed data
- Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy transfer of footage to smartphones via the ROVE app
- Parking mode monitors the vehicle while parked, with motion detection
Benefits
- High-quality video
- Offers premium features at a budget-friendly cost.
- User-friendly app
Disadvantages
- No rear camera
- Limited night vision
FalconEye EagleEye 2nd Gen Triple Cam 2K Dash Cam
The FalconEye EagleEye 2nd Gen Triple Cam is a versatile dash cam designed specifically with truckers in mind. It provides coverage from three cameras, making it ideal for monitoring the road, the rear, and vehicle surroundings simultaneously. This dash cam is perfect for truckers who prioritize full situational awareness and need a durable, feature-packed solution.
Best for: Durability
Special features
- Triple-camera system includes a 2K front-facing camera and two 1080p waterproof rear cameras for full coverage
- Built-in Wi-Fi enables easy file transfer and access to footage from your smartphone
- 4-inch LCD screen allows for real-time viewing and playback directly on the device
- GPS integration tracks speed, routes, and location, ensuring thorough trip records
- Night vision, infrared technology offers clear low-light recording
Benefits
- 360-degree coverage
- Weatherproof rear cameras ensure reliable operation in all conditions
- Supports up to 256GB microSD cards, providing ample space for extended recording
- Simple mounting system with the option for hardwiring
Disadvantages
- Slightly more expensive due to the triple-camera system
- Larger setup compared to single or dual-camera systems
What to consider with dash cams for truckers
Many truckers are not sure what to look for when it comes to buying the best truck dash cam. Unless you’ve done your research, you may have difficulty identifying what features meet your driving needs and your budget.
But don’t worry! We’ve done the research for you. Here are the most important considerations that you should make when choosing a semi truck dash cam.
Automatic storage
Video footage is invaluable when disputes arise after an accident. Automatic cloud storage will ensure that the dash cam starts to record video as soon as the vehicle moves and is remotely accessible. This will ensure that you have the evidence you need to ensure quick and easy insurance refunds.
Viewing angle
You want the best possible coverage with clearly detailed photos, regardless of the time of day. The best dash cams for truckers have wide-angle lenses and a selection of viewing angles. You can get trucker dash cams with a field of vision of up to 180 degrees. Anything beyond 150 degrees tends to distort on the edges, so the additional view is ultimately of little value.
GPS
When you’ve had an accident, GPS tracking can supply you with all the information that you need to raise your claim. The GPS track’s location and speed of the vehicle while the semi truck dash cam captures footage of the incident. If you have to supply proof of the circumstances at the time of the accident, the information provided by the dash cam with GPS is all you need.
Night vision
Most truckers spend a lot of time on the road after dark which is why you should buy truck dash cams that work just as well at night as they do in the daylight hours. Make sure that the dash cam you choose takes clear high-quality footage, even where there is little to no light present.
Size
Choose from a wide range of sizes and styles. Some drivers prefer larger truck dash cams with a bigger screen while others favor a smaller less obtrusive dash cam that they can fit on the windshield.
Camera resolution
Dash cam resolution defines the quality of your video recording, so it’s one of the most important factors to consider when buying your device. Today’s trucker dash cams come in 720p, 1080p, 2K, and 4K.
Most dash cams have 1080p HD cameras in the front with a 720p rear camera. The 1080p camera produces high-quality footage. That said, the 2K and 4K cameras are slightly clearer and sharper.
Multi-channel
A multi-channel dash cam is a system equipped with multiple cameras that simultaneously record footage from different angles, such as the front, rear, sides, and interior of a vehicle. This comprehensive coverage is particularly important for truckers as it enhances safety, provides clear evidence in case of accidents or disputes. It also helps monitor blind spots, cargo, and driver behavior, reducing liability and improving overall security.
Where to install dash cams for truckers
Truck drivers should install dash cams in the upper center of the windshield. This position can capture video out the front and sides of the truck through the wide viewing angle of most dash cams. Having a clear, unobstructed view is important, so drivers should avoid installing the camera behind the rearview mirror or other window accessories.
The camera should point straight and not be angled beyond 30 degrees. Proper installation allows the dash cam to document accidents, close calls, intersections, road signs, and other vehicles clearly. Footage needs to tell the full story.
Centered high on the windshield optimizes capturing both inside and outside activity around the truck during trips and deliveries. The memory card and power source can tuck into trim panels near the dash cam without cluttering valuable leg and storage space the driver needs.
Protect yourself with one of the best dash cams for truckers
Why take a risk when you don’t have to? An affordable yet effective dash cam could help you to prove your position if you have an accident. You may even negotiate cheaper insurance when you install cameras for trucks, with some companies offering discounts from 5% to 15%.
FAQ
The main downsides of a dash cam are that it can be a potential distraction while driving, and may be targeted by thieves since it’s a visible electronic device.
Police can request or subpoena dash cam footage as evidence if it’s relevant to an investigation or incident. However, without a warrant or your consent, they cannot forcibly take or access your dash cam or its footage during a routine traffic stop.
In the U.S., there is no federal requirement for commercial trucks to have dash cams installed. However, many trucking companies require their drivers to use dash cams for liability protection and safety monitoring purposes.
Dash cams are legal in all 50 states, though there are varying restrictions about windshield mounting locations and recording audio. Each state has different laws regarding windshield obstruction and recording consent, but none completely prohibit the use of dash cams.
