Best Dash Cams for Trucks: Top Picks for Every Budget

The best dash cams for trucks can significantly improve your driving experience by providing peace of mind and evidence in case of accidents or disputes. Dash cams are especially useful for truck drivers who spend a lot of time on the road.

Top Reasons to Invest in a Dash Cam for Your Truck

Investing in a dash cam for your truck can offer several benefits:

• Accident Evidence: Provides indisputable video evidence of events leading up to and during a collision.
• Insurance Claims: Streamlines the claims process, often leading to faster resolutions.
• Driving Habits: Helps monitor driving habits, promoting safer driving.
• Theft Protection: Acts as a deterrent against theft and vandalism.
• Legal Protection: Protects against false claims and traffic violations.

Top Picks for Dash Cams in 2024

After extensive research, we have identified the best dash cams for trucks that cater to different needs and budgets. From high-end models with advanced features to affordable, reliable options, here’s our list:

Vantrue N4 – Best Overall

The Vantrue N4 is a stellar choice for those looking for comprehensive coverage. It features three cameras – front, cabin, and rear – all adjustable for optimal visibility. The front camera offers 1440p resolution, while the cabin and rear cameras deliver 1080p. With wide fields of view, minimal distortion, and infrared lighting for low-light conditions, it’s designed to capture all necessary details.

This model includes collision and motion detection, automatically saving relevant footage, and a 128 GB micro SD card can store about 6.7 hours of recordings. For its value and feature set, the Vantrue N4 is highly recommended.

Cobra SC 400D – Best Premium

The Cobra SC 400D stands out due to its superior visual performance with 4K resolution. Its easy-to-operate touchscreen and proprietary DriveSmarter app provide real-time police alerts and driver reports. Although its mount doesn’t swivel side to side, its wide lens angle covers all necessary angles.

Despite its higher price, the combination of 4K footage, useful driving alerts, and a solid build quality makes the Cobra SC 400D worth the investment for serious buyers.

Car and Driver 1080P HD Dash Cam – Best Budget

For budget-conscious buyers, the Car and Driver 1080P HD Dash Cam is an excellent choice. It includes front and rear cameras, a touchscreen interface, parking mode, collision detection, and a G sensor.

Its dual tripod mounting option allows different positioning. Although the mount can loosen on bumpy rides, the footage remains unaffected. This model is particularly suitable for beginners looking to cover essential features without breaking the bank.

Garmin Mini 2 – Best Compact

The Garmin Mini 2 is perfect if you value discretion. Despite its tiny size, it records 1080p footage and includes app functionality for ease of use. However, setting up the camera angle requires the app, and the lack of a screen makes adjustments trickier.

Despite its small size, its reliable performance and discreet installation make it a solid set-and-forget dash cam for truck drivers.

Escort MAXcam 360c – Best Radar/Dash Cam Combo

The Escort MAXcam 360c combines a radar detector with a dash cam, making it ideal for those who need both functionalities. It offers 1440p resolution, Sony Starvis image sensor, and a 143-degree field of view. The video quality is decent, though finer details can blur in low light or beyond ten feet.

Though it is expensive and the settings can be complicated, its dual functionality makes it a practical choice for those seeking both a radar detector and a dash cam in one device.

Ring Car Cam – Best Plug-and-Play

The Ring Car Cam is an ideal plug-and-play option, connected through your vehicle’s OBD-II port. Featuring front and cabin cameras, its primary functions get unlocked with the Ring Protect Go subscription. While it offers easy footage-viewing and sleek design, it monopolizes the OBD-II port, limiting the use of other devices.

If you prefer an easy setup and don’t mind the subscription for additional features, the Ring Car Cam is an excellent choice for quick installation and effective video recording.

Nexar Beam – Best No-Frills Option

The Nexar Beam is an entry-level dash cam offering essential features like parking guardian, collision detection, and GPS connectivity. It comes with 32 GB storage and offers unlimited storage for collision data in the cloud through the Nexar app.

Its reasonable price, easy installation, and useful app features make the Nexar Beam a great choice for those who need a reliable, no-frills dash cam.

Conclusion

Choosing the best dash cam for your truck depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you need high-end features or a basic, reliable option, there’s a dash cam to suit every driver. Consider your requirements and select a model that will best serve you on the road.

By equipping your truck with a quality dash cam, you ensure a safer, more secure driving experience, capturing vital footage for both everyday use and unexpected events.