Top 5 Dash Cams for Pickup Trucks: Buyer’s Guide

Imagine this: you’re cruising down the highway in your trusty pickup truck, enjoying the open road. Suddenly, something unexpected happens right in front of you. Maybe it’s a close call, an accident, or even a beautiful scenic moment you want to capture. Without a dash cam, that important footage is lost forever.

Choosing a dash cam for your pickup truck can feel like a big task. There are so many brands and features out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You want one that can handle the rough and tumble life of a truck, one that captures everything clearly, day or night. But where do you even start?

This guide is here to help! We’ll break down exactly what makes a great dash cam for pickup trucks. You’ll learn what features are most important, how to avoid common mistakes, and find a dash cam that fits your needs and budget. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking the perfect one to keep you safe and record your adventures.

Our Top 5 Dash Cam For Pickup Truck Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Dash Cam For Pickup Truck Detailed Reviews

1. ROVE R2-4K DUAL Dash Cam Front and Rear

ROVE R2-4K DUAL Dash Cam Front and Rear, STARVIS 2 Sensor, FREE 128GB Card Included, 5G WiFi - up to 20MB/s Fastest Download Speed with App, 4K 2160P/FHD Dash Camera for Cars, 3" IPS, 24H Parking Mode

Rating: 9.0/10

The ROVE R2-4K DUAL Dash Cam is a powerful tool for any driver. It records in stunning 4K quality from the front and crisp 1080p from the rear, giving you a complete view of your surroundings. With its advanced STARVIS 2 sensor, it captures clear footage even at night. Plus, it comes with a huge 128GB card and super-fast 5G WiFi for easy video sharing.

What We Like:

  • Amazing 4K front and 1080p rear recording provides excellent detail.
  • The Sony STARVIS 2 sensor and wide apertures deliver super clear night vision.
  • Ultra-fast 5G WiFi lets you download videos to your phone in a flash.
  • Built-in GPS records your speed and location, adding valuable evidence.
  • Comes with a free 128GB microSD card, saving you money.
  • 24-hour parking mode with different options keeps your car protected even when parked.
  • Easy to use app for managing settings and videos.

What Could Be Improved:

  • A hardwire kit for parking mode needs to be bought separately.

This dash cam offers top-notch recording and smart features. It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to stay safe and have clear evidence on the road.

2. REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear

REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear, 4K/2.5K Full HD Dash Camera for Cars, Included 32GB Card, Built-in Wi-Fi GPS, 3.16” IPS Screen, Night Vision, 170°Wide Angle, WDR, 24H Parking Mode(F7NP)

Rating: 8.7/10

The REDTIGER F7NP Dash Cam is a powerful tool for any driver. This dual-recording dash cam captures everything in crystal-clear 4K and 1080P. It helps you see important details like license plates and road signs. With its wide-angle lenses, it covers more of the road, giving you peace of mind.

What We Like:

  • It records in super sharp 4K and 1080P, so you won’t miss any details.
  • The front camera sees a wide 170 degrees, and the rear camera sees 140 degrees. This means fewer blind spots.
  • Night vision is excellent thanks to its special lens and HDR/WDR technology. It captures clear video even in the dark.
  • Connect to your phone with Wi-Fi and the “Redtiger Cam” app. You can easily watch, save, and share videos.
  • Built-in GPS tracks your speed, location, and route. You can see this on Google Maps later.
  • Loop recording keeps the camera recording even when the memory card is full.
  • The G-sensor automatically saves video if it detects a crash.
  • 24-hour parking mode keeps an eye on your car when it’s parked.
  • Comes with an 18-month warranty for your peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 24-hour parking mode requires a separate hardwire kit.
  • If your car doesn’t have a cigarette lighter, you’ll need to buy a USB-C power cable.

This dash cam offers fantastic features for safety and evidence. It’s a smart investment for any car owner.

3. Dash Cam Front and Rear: 4K+1080P+1080P 3 Channel Dash Camera for Cars

Dash Cam Front and Rear: 4K+1080P+1080P 3 Channel Dash Camera for Cars, STARVIS 2 Sensor Dash Camera with HDR Night Vision, 24H Parking Mode Car Camera with GPS, Free 64GB Card

Rating: 9.3/10

The STARVIS 2 Sensor Dash Camera offers a comprehensive 3-channel recording system, capturing your drive from three different angles simultaneously. This advanced car camera uses a powerful 4K sensor for the front view, plus two 1080P sensors for the cabin and rear. It’s designed for clarity, even in tough lighting, and includes smart features like GPS and parking mode to keep you covered on the road and when parked.

What We Like:

  • It records in super clear 4K for the front and 1080P for the inside and back, all at once.
  • The STARVIS 2 sensor and F1.8 lens provide amazing night vision, making it easy to see details like license plates even in the dark.
  • It automatically records your location, speed, and route with its built-in GPS.
  • Fast WiFi 6 lets you quickly download and share videos using the Jzones app on your phone.
  • Loop recording ensures you never run out of space, and the G-sensor saves important clips automatically if you have an accident.
  • The 24-hour parking mode keeps an eye on your car when it’s turned off, capturing any bumps or break-ins.
  • It comes with a free 64GB memory card, so you can start using it right away.
  • It’s ideal for ride-share drivers or parents who want to monitor passengers.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The wired kit for the 24-hour parking mode needs to be purchased separately.
  • While the lenses have wide viewing angles, some users might prefer even wider coverage.

This dash camera is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking complete peace of mind on the road. Its advanced features provide reliable documentation and security for your vehicle.

4. IIWEY N5 4 Channel Dash Cam 360° View

IIWEY N5 4 Channel Dash Cam 360° View, 1080P Front and Rear Inside, Left Right Dash Camera for Cars, 8 IR Lamps Night Vision, 5G WiFi & APP Control, G-Sensor, Parking Mode, with a Free 128GB SD Card

Rating: 9.5/10

The IIWEY N5 4 Channel Dash Cam offers a comprehensive 360° view of your surroundings, capturing everything from the road ahead and behind to the car’s interior and sides. With its high-definition 1080P recording across all four channels, you won’t miss a single detail, day or night, thanks to its 8 IR lamps for excellent night vision. This dash cam is designed for modern drivers, featuring fast 5G WiFi for easy connection to its dedicated app, allowing you to control settings, preview footage, and share videos effortlessly. It also includes crucial safety features like G-Sensor for impact detection and parking modes to keep your vehicle protected even when you’re away. Plus, it comes with a generous 128GB SD card, so you’re ready to start recording right out of the box.

What We Like:

  • Records in 1080P across all four channels for a complete 360° view.
  • Includes a free 128GB SD card, so you can start recording immediately.
  • 5GHz WiFi allows for quick and easy connection to the smartphone app.
  • Supercapacitor design ensures durability in extreme temperatures.
  • Features G-Sensor and two parking modes for enhanced vehicle security.
  • Easy to install with adjustable cameras for the perfect viewing angle.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Does not include GPS functionality.
  • Parking modes require the purchase of an additional hardwire kit.
  • The WiFi needs to be manually turned on each time to connect to the app.
  • The dash cam needs to be constantly powered to operate.

The IIWEY N5 dash cam provides excellent all-around protection and convenience for your vehicle. It’s a solid choice for drivers who want peace of mind on the road and when parked.

5. OVAMAN K600 4k Dash Cam Front and Rear

OVAMAN K600 4k Dash Cam Front and Rear, 3.59" IPS Screen, Built-in GPS 5G WiFi Dash Camera for Cars with App, UHD 2160P Night Vision Free 64G SD Card, 170° Wide Angle, HDR, 24H Parking Mode

Rating: 9.1/10

The OVAMAN K600 4K Dash Cam is your ultimate co-pilot on the road. This front and rear camera system captures everything in stunning detail. It records in crystal-clear 4K resolution for the front and 1080P for the back, so you won’t miss any important moments. With its wide-angle view and excellent night vision, you can drive confidently, day or night. The bright 3.59-inch screen makes reviewing footage easy, and the 5G Wi-Fi app lets you manage and share videos right from your phone.

What We Like:

  • Records in super sharp 4K and 1080P for both front and rear views.
  • Wide-angle lenses (170° front, 160° rear) capture more of the road.
  • Great night vision makes driving in the dark safer and clearer.
  • Easy-to-use 3.59″ screen for quick video reviews.
  • 5G Wi-Fi and an app make it simple to manage and share videos.
  • Built-in GPS tracks your route, speed, and location for important records.
  • 24-hour parking mode keeps an eye on your car when it’s parked.
  • Loop recording automatically saves your footage.
  • Comes with a free 64GB SD card for plenty of storage.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 24-hour parking mode requires a separate hardware kit (not included).

This dash cam offers comprehensive protection and peace of mind for any driver. It’s a smart investment for documenting your journeys and ensuring your safety.

Choosing the Best Dash Cam for Your Pickup Truck

Why a Dash Cam is a Smart Move for Pickup Trucks

Pickup trucks are workhorses. They haul, tow, and take you on adventures. Because of this, they often spend a lot of time on the road, in various conditions. A dash cam acts like a vigilant co-pilot, recording everything that happens in front of your truck. This can be super helpful if you’re in an accident, witness something unusual, or just want to capture a scenic drive.

Key Features to Look For
  • Video Quality: Look for at least 1080p Full HD. This means clear pictures so you can see details like license plates. Some cams offer even better quality, like 1440p or 4K, which is even clearer.
  • Field of View (FOV): This is how wide the camera sees. A wider FOV (like 150 degrees or more) captures more of the road and sides. This is great for seeing everything around your truck.
  • Night Vision: Driving at night or in bad weather requires good night vision. Dash cams use special sensors or infrared lights to see in the dark.
  • Storage: Most dash cams use microSD cards. Check how much storage the cam supports (e.g., up to 128GB or 256GB). Bigger cards mean you can record more footage.
  • G-Sensor: This sensor detects sudden impacts, like a crash. It automatically saves the current video so it doesn’t get overwritten.
  • Loop Recording: When the memory card is full, this feature automatically deletes the oldest video to make space for new recordings. This ensures you always have recent footage.
  • Parking Mode: This lets the dash cam record even when your truck is parked. It can detect bumps or movement and start recording.
  • GPS: A GPS logger records your truck’s speed and location. This can be useful for proving your speed or where an event happened.
Important Materials and Build Quality

Dash cams are often exposed to heat from the sun and vibrations from the road. Look for cams made with durable plastics. Some higher-end models might have metal casings for extra toughness. The mounting system should also be strong and secure. A good mount keeps the camera steady, even on bumpy roads.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
  • High Resolution: As mentioned, 1080p or higher makes a big difference.
  • Good Lens: A quality lens, often made of glass, captures clearer images.
  • Advanced Sensors: Better sensors help with low-light performance and overall image clarity.
  • Fast Processor: A speedy processor helps the cam handle high-resolution video smoothly.
Reducing Quality:
  • Low Resolution: Blurry footage is hard to use.
  • Cheap Plastic Lenses: These can scratch easily and reduce image quality.
  • Poor Low-Light Performance: If the camera can’t see well at night, it’s less useful.
  • Overheating: Some cheaper cams can overheat in hot weather, causing them to shut down or malfunction.
User Experience and Use Cases

Using a dash cam is usually pretty simple. Most mount easily to your windshield or dashboard. Setup often involves plugging it into your truck’s power outlet or a USB port. You can then review footage on the camera’s screen, your phone, or a computer.

Common Use Cases for Pickup Truck Owners:
  • Accident Documentation: If you’re involved in a collision, the dash cam footage can show what happened, protecting you from false claims.
  • Proof of Driving: It can prove you were driving safely and following traffic laws.
  • Witnessing Events: You might record near misses, dangerous drivers, or even wildlife crossings.
  • Capturing Adventures: Many people use dash cams to record their off-road trips, scenic drives, or towing experiences.
  • Security: Parking mode can help deter vandalism or catch hit-and-run drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a special dash cam for a pickup truck?

A: Not necessarily. Most standard dash cams work well. However, you might want one with a wider field of view to see more of the road around your larger vehicle.

Q: Can I use a dash cam with a trailer?

A: Some dash cams have optional rear cameras. If you regularly tow a trailer, a dual-lens system can record in front and behind your truck, which is very useful.

Q: How do I power a dash cam in my truck?

A: Most plug into your truck’s cigarette lighter or accessory power outlet. Some can be wired directly to your truck’s electrical system for a cleaner look.

Q: What happens if my microSD card is full?

A: Loop recording automatically overwrites the oldest footage. This means you always have room for new recordings without manually deleting old ones.

Q: How does parking mode work?

A: When your truck is parked, the dash cam goes into a low-power mode. It wakes up and starts recording if it detects motion or impact.

Q: Is dash cam footage admissible in court?

A: In many places, dash cam footage can be used as evidence. It’s always best to check local laws.

Q: Will a dash cam drain my truck’s battery?

A: If powered through the accessory outlet, it only uses power when the truck is on. If wired for parking mode, it uses a small amount of battery, but most have low-voltage cutoffs to prevent draining it completely.

Q: How do I install a dash cam?

A: Most are easy to install. You stick the mount to the windshield and plug in the power cord.

Q: Can I connect my dash cam to my phone?

A: Yes, many modern dash cams have Wi-Fi and an app that lets you view footage and adjust settings on your smartphone.

Q: Do I need a dash cam if I have good insurance?

A: While insurance helps, dash cam footage can speed up claims, prevent fraudulent claims against you, and offer peace of mind on the road.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.