Pickup Truck Dash Cams: Seven Models Worth Shortlisting

A pickup that hauls equipment to job sites, tows a trailer on weekends, and sits in a different parking lot every day collects more exposure to fender-benders and disputes than most cars. A dash cam gives the driver a recorded version of events when someone backs into the bed or merges into the trailer. The best dash cam for pickup trucks has to cope with a tall, steeply raked windshield, a cab that bakes in summer sun, and a driver who wants it to start and stop on its own.

The seven models below cover single-lens and multi-channel designs, described only by what each name shows. Treat the buying rules as a checklist, since trucks differ in windshield angle, rear glass, and fuse box layout. As of 2026, the key decision is still how many views you want and how much wiring you are willing to do, so start with that.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Decide how many angles you need

A single front camera covers the road ahead. A two-channel kit adds a rear camera for the bed, trailer, or rear window. A three-channel kit adds an interior lens, helpful for work trucks and rideshare use. For a pickup, a rear camera is often worth it because rear impacts are common in parking lots and trailer-related incidents.

Check the video quality and sensor basics

Look for at least 1440p on the front camera, since 1080p can make license plates hard to read at highway distances. A wide field of view of 140 to 160 degrees captures adjacent lanes without excessive distortion. Choose a night-vision capable sensor if you drive early or late, and look for a wide dynamic range feature that handles headlight glare.

Look for heat-tolerant storage and power

Truck cabs get extremely hot. A dash cam with a supercapacitor instead of a lithium battery tolerates heat better and lasts longer in sun-baked cabs. Use a high-endurance microSD card rated for continuous recording, and format it every month or two. Hardwiring with a fuse tap enables parking mode while protecting your truck battery with a voltage cutoff.

Plan the placement and cabling

Mount the camera behind the rearview mirror so it stays out of the driver’s line of sight, and check state rules on windshield items. Tuck the power cable along the headliner and down the A-pillar, avoiding the airbag zone. Some trucks have a rear window slider or a camper shell, and a rear camera needs a clear line through the glass, so measure the cable run to the back before you buy.

Think about the tow-hitch scenario as well. A pickup pulling a trailer will usually benefit from a rear-facing camera that sees the trailer’s front corners, though a dedicated hitch camera is a different product. Think about GPS too: location and speed stamping can help in disputes, but it also raises privacy questions if you share footage. Finally, check whether the camera uses a cloud connection, which requires a Wi-Fi hotspot or a cellular plan, or only a local app that transfers clips over Wi-Fi when you are parked.

Our Picks Reviewed

Garmin Dash Cam 67W

Garmin is best known for navigation devices, and this model name places it in its dash cam lineup, a recognizable choice for people who want a trusted brand.

• Pro: A single-lens design is the simplest to install, since there is only one cable and one mount.
• Pro: A familiar brand typically has a mobile app and support resources that ease setup.
• Con: A single front lens will not capture rear impacts or the trailer behind the truck.

Who should skip it: owners who want a rear view for the bed, trailer, or rear window.

Vantrue N4 3 Channel Dash Cam

The “3 Channel” part of the name tells you it records three views, typically front, cabin, and rear, which suits work and rideshare trucks.

• Pro: Three views give a fuller record of the cab, road, and what is behind the truck.
• Pro: Multi-channel systems are useful for fleet managers and drivers who share a vehicle.
• Con: More cameras mean more cables to route and more storage used per day.

Who should skip it: drivers who prefer a simple one-cable installation and do not need an interior view.

Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam

Thinkware is a well-known dash cam maker, and U1000 is a named model in its upper range.

• Pro: Hardwiring-friendly brands often provide kits and guidance for parking-mode installation.
• Pro: A premium-positioned front camera suits owners who want a refined, low-profile unit.
• Con: Higher-tier dash cams sit at the upper end of the market and may be more than a casual user needs.

Who should skip it: shoppers who want a simple plug-in solution on a tight budget.

BlackVue DR900X Dash Cam

BlackVue is a specialist dash cam brand, and the DR900X designation places it in its higher tier.

• Pro: A specialist brand often supports cloud features and fleet-style use.
• Pro: Suits owners who treat a dash cam as business equipment rather than a gadget.
• Con: Premium-tier devices often need hardwiring and setup time to realize their full feature set.

Who should skip it: drivers who only want a basic plug-and-record camera.

Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam

Nextbase is a long-running dash cam brand, and 622GW is a named model with a screen-oriented design in its family.

• Pro: A built-in screen allows you to confirm framing and review clips without a phone.
• Pro: Established brand with a wide range of mounting accessories.
• Con: Screened cameras can look bulky on a tall windshield and may add distraction.

Who should skip it: drivers who prefer a discreet camera hidden behind the mirror.

Rexing V1 Dash Cam

Rexing is known for value-oriented dash cams, and the V1 name suggests a straightforward entry model.

• Pro: A simple unit is easy to install in minutes without wiring.
• Pro: Good starter option for buyers trying a dash cam for the first time.
• Con: Entry-level models generally have fewer advanced features, such as parking-mode support or rear cameras.

Who should skip it: owners who want the full coverage a rear camera provides.

Viofo A129 Pro Duo Dash Cam

Viofo is a brand known for enthusiast-oriented dash cams, and Duo in the name signals a two-camera kit with front and rear lenses.

• Pro: Dual-camera kits address rear-end impacts, which are common in parking lots.
• Pro: Enthusiast brands often provide hardwire kits and parking-mode options.
• Con: The rear camera requires cable routing to the back glass, which is more challenging in a pickup with a sliding rear window.

Who should skip it: owners with sliding rear windows and no desire to do the extra routing.

Truck-specific details change the shortlist. A tall, upright windshield on a heavy-duty pickup puts the camera farther from the road, so a wider field of view can help, while a camper shell or a tonneau cover may block a rear camera entirely. If you tow, a rear lens that can see the trailer’s front corners is more useful than one aimed at the road behind. Consider where the camera will sit relative to a ceramic frit band or a toll-tag patch on the glass, because the lens needs a clear view.

Next, think about who uses the truck. A shared work vehicle benefits from a camera with a mute or privacy option and a clear company policy about interior recording. A family truck may want a camera that starts recording automatically and saves a locked clip when it senses an impact. Whichever you choose, set the date, time, and units correctly on day one, and practice downloading a clip so you can retrieve footage quickly if it is needed after an incident.

Maintenance is simple but easy to forget. Format the memory card every month or two to keep it healthy, wipe the lens and windshield with a microfiber cloth, and check that the mount is still firmly attached after a few hot summers. Update the firmware when the maker releases a version, since it often fixes bugs in parking mode or GPS stamps. If the camera ever stops recording without warning, replace the card first, because card wear is the most common cause.

Which One Fits

• Simplest install, front view only: Garmin Dash Cam 67W or Rexing V1 Dash Cam.
• Work truck with passengers or fleet use: Vantrue N4 3 Channel Dash Cam or BlackVue DR900X Dash Cam.
• Front and rear coverage, enthusiast-minded: Viofo A129 Pro Duo Dash Cam.
• Discreet, premium look: Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam.
• Screen on the camera: Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam. If you also want a reversing view, see the guide to a dash cam with backup camera.

Common Mistakes

1. Buying a camera with a battery rather than a supercapacitor for a hot cab.
2. Using a low-endurance memory card that fails within months.
3. Mounting the camera where it blocks the view or violates state rules.
4. Routing power cables across an airbag zone.
5. Forgetting to check the clock and GPS settings, which affects the timestamp on footage.

FAQ

Do dash cams drain a truck battery?

Only in hardwired parking mode, and a voltage cutoff prevents deep drain. Consider fresh batteries from our cheap car battery guide if yours is old.

How much storage do I need?

A 128 GB high-endurance card holds many hours of front video, and multi-camera setups need larger cards.

Will a dash cam work with tinted glass?

Yes, but check the placement in relation to tint strips and regulations.

Can the footage be used in a claim?

Often it helps document an incident, though rules differ by insurer and state.

Should I add a phone mount near the camera?

Keep both clear of your view. See the cell phone holder for truck guide for placement ideas.