Setting up a Dash Cam System in Your Rig

Dash cams are an effective solution for enhancing your semi-truck's safety. If you were ever in an accident when you weren't at fault, you'd have peace of mind knowing you could prove your innocence.

If you're considering buying a dash cam or are ready to install the devices, let's help you get started. At Raney's Tuck Parts, we'll assist in finding a dash camera that meets your needs and help you find one for a simple installation process.

5 Reasons To Have a Dash Cam In Your Truck

Dash cams include many features for driver awareness and safety. These cameras protect your rigs, so let's dive into some benefits of setting up a dash cam:

1. First-hand evidence: If you were ever involved in an accident and wanted to prove you were on the right side of the law, you'd do so with a dash cam. From the footage, you'd also catch hit-and-run drivers who want to leave you high and dry to cover damage costs. You can also use the high-resolution footage to assist police in tracking down responsible parties.
2. Footage for insurance companies: Insurance companies calculate rates based on commute distance, age and driving record. Your driving record includes speeding tickets, which you might control and accidents, which you don't always control. If you get into an accident, dashcams provide incident reports, allowing you to streamline the claims process for a faster experience. You'd also avoid the usual he-said, she-said in accidents as you would have proof from the scene.
3. Emergency response: Dash cams have evolved to include SOS buttons — a feature that allows you to send your location to the nearest first responders. As prompt medical assistance is essential at the scene of an accident, this feature helps to save lives.
4. Theft protection: A dash cam is an instant deterrent to a potential criminal. In addition, most dash cams have a parking motion detection mode that is activated when someone touches your truck. The footage captured will help identify perpetrators. It can also provide peace of mind for drivers staying in their rig overnight.
5. Capture scenic drives: While on the road, you might drive through beautiful mountain views and coastlines. Dashcams capture everything, so you can always return to those impressive videos and photos to edit, download and share the footage with everyone.

Dash Cam Installation Guide

The key to setting up a dash cam in a semi is following the specific instructions from the camera's model. We provide general ideas and tips for performing the installation.

Determining Power Type

There are various options for generating electrical power to the dash cam, including:

• Connecting it to the truck's internal wiring.
• Plugging an adapter into the truck's OBD port or the 12V socket.
• Using battery packs.

Installation Basics

When thinking about semi-truck dash cam installation, don't worry about its battery life — the vehicle powers the camera when it's on. Dash cams record when the vehicle turns on and the camera captures the surroundings from parking to the destination. Many dash cams have long power cables, hiding the dash cam wires and preventing them from dangling from your windshield to your 12V socket. Check the dash cams as they have loop recording for recording over existing video files to avoid running out of room with the local SD card storage.

Mounting a Forward Dash Cam

When mounting your dash cam to maximize its field of view, check with the state laws. There are different regulations about dash cam placement and rules for windshield obstructions you must adhere to. For example, while you can mount a camera to your dashboard or windshield in Florida, Ohio state law prohibits windshield-mounted cameras. If the state allows you to mount the dash cam on the windshield, you'll also have to abide by the size restrictions on the driver's and the passenger's side.

A good mounting location for optimal viewing is right behind the passenger side of the rear-view mirror. Placing the camera up high helps capture potential hazards and surroundings without obstructing your view of the road.

You can also choose a dash cam with a screen. When positioning the dash cam, check the screen and navigate the menu settings. But, if the dash cam doesn't come with a screen or the screen is off, place it on the passenger side's rear view for its optimal location.

Installing a Side or Rear View Camera

Since accidents and hazards don't exclusively occur ahead of your vehicle, it makes sense to have side and rear dash cameras to get total visibility around your rig.

When installing a rear or side camera, the most important consideration is the mount. Side cameras can easily be mounted on your side mirror bars. Rear cams can go above the license plate, but placement can be tricky if you're frequently switching out trailers. If you're in any doubt, enlist the help of a professional to ensure the correct placement and installation of your cameras for unobstructed views.

Hiding Dash Cam Power Cables

Hide the power cables after positioning the dash cam on the dashboard windshield with the steps below:

• Unplug the dash cam from the 12V socket and find the interior panels closest to your camera placement.
• Tuck the cable under the interior panel's top above your windscreen for windshield placement while running it along the edge.
• Gently push the cable underneath panels while moving across the top, down to the side, around the side of the footwell and across the top.

After this, it'll be ready to be plugged into the socket.

For optimal dashboard placement, position the cables down the dashboard's center. You can do this by running the wires along the dashboard's top or near the windshield and down to the side. Complete the setup by plugging the cable into the 12V socket, which is across the footwell's top.

After installing the dash cam, the cables will remain hidden and you'll plug in your dash cam so you can start your truck. Before driving off, check the camera's angling to capture a road view.

Raney's Truck Parts Budget-Friendly Dash Cams

Dashcam installation might initially seem intimidating, but following specific steps and instructions simplifies it. Whether you drive a semi-truck or another kind of commercial vehicle, dash cams offer protection, insurance and enhanced safety.

At Raney's Truck Parts, we provide the best dash cams and other accessories for semi-trucks. Our budget-friendly semi-truck dashcams with single and multi-camera options offer energy-efficient data storage. You won't have to worry about grainy videos as our cameras options offer clear playback. Contact us today for more about our wide range of practical solutions.