Imagine you’re cruising down the highway, miles ticking by, when suddenly something unexpected happens. A deer jumps out, another driver swerves, or maybe you just witness something strange on the road. How do you prove what really happened? That’s where a semi-truck dash cam becomes your silent witness.
Choosing the right dash cam for your big rig isn’t always easy. There are so many features and brands out there. You worry about getting one that can handle long hours, see clearly in the dark, and capture every important moment. Finding the best one can feel like a huge task.
This post is here to help you cut through the noise. We’ll break down what really matters in a truck dash cam. You’ll learn what features are essential for life on the road and how to pick the perfect one for your needs.
Ready to find the best recording partner for your truck? Let’s dive in and explore the world of semi-truck dash cams.
Top Semi Truck Dash Cam Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
TERUNSOUl 4K+4K Dash Cam Front and Rear, Free 128GB Card Included, 5.8GHz WiFi Dash Camera for Cars, Built-in GPS, G-Sensor, 170°Wide Angle, 3" IPS Screen, 24H Parking Mode, Support 512GB Max
- Ultra HD 4K Front + 4K Rear Recording: The Terunsoul dash cam supports dual-channel simultaneous recording, capturing both front and rear footage. Both cameras record in 3840×2160P, ensuring clear footage of the road ahead and behind. The front camera features a 170° ultra-wide-angle lens, providing full coverage of six-lane roads and capturing more road details with this 4K dash cam
- Loop Recording & G-Sensor: The dash cam front and rear comes with a pre-installed 128GB memory card, ready to record instantly. Loop recording ensures continuous footage, while the G-sensor automatically locks collision videos to prevent overwriting. Support for up to 512GB memory card. A lock button on the dash camera also allows manual one-touch locking of emergency videos
- Super Starlight Night Vision: Enhanced WDR and sharper night vision technology deliver vibrant colors and clear details even in challenging lighting conditions. The front camera features an F1.5 large aperture and the rear camera an F1.8 large aperture, allowing more light into the lens for brighter, clearer footage in low-light environments, ideal for accident evidence
- Ultra-Fast 5.8GHz WiFi & Free Wireless App Control: The dash camera for cars features dual-band 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, allowing you to instantly view and manage recordings on iOS or Android devices via the Terunsoul App. Easily download recorded videos/photos to your phone at high speed, and share them on social media, with friends, family, or insurance companies.You can also remotely manage camera settings and update firmware wirelessly through the Terunsoul App
- Car Camera with GPS: The dashcam front and rear camera comes with built-in GPS which enables you to view real-time live speed and compass on the 3” IPS wide camera screen.It records precise driving routes, locations, and speed directly onto the video. You can track routes via the app using Wi-Fi or review videos with GPS data on Windows or Mac using the free GPS Player, providing additional evidence when needed
Bestseller No. 2
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
- 4K FRONT + 1080P REAR RECORDING – ROVE R2-4K DUAL dash cam offers dual-channel recording capabilities, capturing footage simultaneously from both the front and rear cameras. The front camera records at 3840x2160P @30fps, while the rear camera captures 1920x1080P @30fps footage, ensuring clear recordings of the road ahead and behind you. With a 150° ultra-wide angle for the front camera and a 140° angle for the rear camera, you'll capture more of the road with this 4k dash cam.
- SONY STARVIS 2 SENSOR/SUPER NIGHT VISION – Equipped with a Sony IMX675 STARVIS 2 Image Sensor for the front camera, this dash cam delivers exceptional image quality with vivid colors and sharp details, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the front camera's F1.5 aperture and the rear camera's F1.8 aperture allow more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter and clearer recordings, particularly in low-light environments.
- ULTRA FAST 5G WIFI/ UP TO 20MB/s DOWNLOAD SPEED – With its built-in dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, you can use the ROVE dash cam app to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone and Android smartphone. By using the ROVE app, download your recorded videos directly to your smartphone at a speed of up to 20 MB/sec and then easily share these on social media with friends and family. Additionally, manage camera settings and update the latest firmware over-the-air via the ROVE App.
- CAR CAMERA WITH GPS – The new front and rear dashcam comes with built-in GPS which enables you to view real-time live speed and compass on the 3” IPS wide camera screen. It records precise driving routes, locations, and speed stamps directly on the video so you can watch dashcam videos with GPS data using ROVE's free GPS Player on your PC or Mac & get additional evidence when you need it.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED – Experience peace of mind with this front and rear car dash cam. It comes with a free 128GB microSD card and offers advanced features such as an f1.5 aperture, motion detection, G-sensor, seamless loop recording, emergency video lock, screen saver, live speed and compass direction, voice guidance, ring of threads for optional CPL filter, a built-in supercapacitor for extended product life, support for up to 1TB microSD cards, and many more.
Bestseller No. 3
10.1" 4K Wired Reverse Rear View Backup Camera System Included 4 AHD 1080P Cameras, IP68 Waterproof, Night Vision, BSD, Loop Recording for Tractor/Truck/Excavator/Caravan/Skid Steer/Heavy Equipment
- [4K MONITORING] - Transform your vehicle's safety with our advanced 10.1" wired touchscreen monitor system. This complete kit features a brilliant HD IPS display for true-color visuals, backup camera functionality with up to 4K recording, and supports four 1080P cameras for total coverage. Essential truck accessories for safety, it includes critical truck backup camera features like parking monitoring, loop recording, and versatile split-screen modes. Perfect for skid steers, tractors, RVs
- [CRYSTAL 10.1" TOUCH DISPLAY] - Command the road with a responsive 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen. Enjoy wide viewing angles, crisp 1024*600 resolution, and intuitive touch control. Watch videos or play music directly from a USB drive or TF card (up to 256GB). With multiple interface styles and 13+ language menus, this backup camera with monitor offers a personalized and user-friendly experience for any driver
- [UNMATCHED SAFETY & RECORDING FEATURES] - Drive with supreme confidence. The built-in DVR automatically records front and rear in crisp 720P/1080P/4K. Our back up camera systems for truck include BSD (Blind Spot Detection) to alert you of pedestrians, and parking monitor that records impacts even when the vehicle is off. With license plate overlay and reverse guidelines with calibration, this rear view camera system is your ultimate safety co-pilot
- [SMART, USER-CENTRIC DESIGN] - Designed for real-world convenience. It supports flexible 2/3/5 minute loop recording to manage storage smartly. Camera images can be mirrored or flipped for any installation direction. The system remembers your settings and offers segmented recording for easy file retrieval. These intelligent features make it a superior reverse camera for truck and car, simplifying your drive
- [RUGGED BUILD FOR DEMANDING USE] - Engineered for durability. The monitor operates from -20℃ to 70℃ with a wide 6.5-36V input, compatible with various vehicles. The included 1080P cameras boast an IP68 waterproof rating and full-color night vision, delivering reliable performance in all weather and conditions, making them ideal skid steer attachments and tractor accessories
Bestseller No. 4
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
- ❗❗❗NOTE: This product must be powered by the original cigarette lighter charger; it cannot be powered by a USB cable or a Type-C cable. IIWEY N5 dash cam equipped with a 3" IPS screen, FHD 1080P+1080P+1080P+1080P, which can record 360° all-round including front, rear, sides, and interior. It also features a 2.5K+1080P+1080P+1080P mode for diverse needs. In addition, N5 is equipped with 170° super wide-angle front and rear cameras and 150° wide-angle side cameras, providing a wide field of view.
- ❗❗❗NOTE: N5 dash cam DON'T HAVE GPS and DON'T SUPPORT OBD connection. The 128GB SD card has been installed in the card slot. It connects to your cellphone via built-in WiFi, no Bluetooth. The rear camera must be wired and connected to the front camera for use. It uses a super-capacitor instead of a battery, so please keep the dash cam connected to a power source while in use, we recommend to use the included car charger, or you can use our HARDWIRE KIT (ASIN B0DHJNRPB9, sold separately).
- 【Loop Recording & Free 128GB SD Card】N5 Dashcam comes with a 128GB Micro-SD card. (supports up to 256GB) Loop recording will start immediately once you turn on the engine. No seconds will be missing. The video will be saved in segments, and the storage space will be automatically detected. When memory is full, the earliest recorded video will be automatically deleted to achieve seamless loop recording.
- 【5GHz WiFi & Free App Control】❗❗❗NOTE: There are currently two free apps available: iiwey and viidure. You can find both apps on the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. The N5 dashcam boasts built-in 5GHz WiFi for 4x faster connectivity than 2.4GHz (with 2.4GHz support). It pairs with a free app for Android or iOS, enabling seamless control, video preview, download, and sharing.
- 【WiFi Using Note】Please note that each time you want to connect the APP to the dash cam, you need to long press the " ◀ " button to turn on WiFi before you can connect. ❗❗❗If the WiFi is not connected to the APP for more than 5 minutes, the dash cam will automatically turn off the WiFi function. This measure is to prevent the dash cam from overheating.
Bestseller No. 5
Garmin Dash Cam 67W, 1440p and Extra-Wide 180-degree FOV, Monitor Your Vehicle While Away w/New Connected Features, Voice Control, Compact and Discreet, Includes Memory Card - 010-02505-05
- Pocket-sized dash camera goes virtually unnoticed on your windshield; automatically records and saves video of incidents with GPS location, date and time
- Extra-wide 180-degree lens captures more of the environment, and records 1440p HD video with Garmin Clarity HDR optics for crisp detail day and night
- Voice control (only available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Swedish) lets you use spoken commands to save video, start/stop audio recording, take still pictures and more
- Saved videos automatically upload via Wi-Fi connection to the secure online Vault to view and share later
- The Parking Guard feature monitors activity around your parked vehicle and alerts if an incident is detected (requires Wi-Fi connection; access via the Garmin Drive app on your compatible smartphone)
Bestseller No. 6
ROVE R2-4K Dash Cam Built-in WiFi 6 GPS Car Dashboard Camera Recorder with UHD 2160P, 2.4" IPS Screen, 150° Wide Angle, WDR, Night Vision
- 4K ULTRA HD RECORDING – The ROVE R2-4K dash camera can record videos up to a resolution of 2160P. The Ultra HD video recording quality is so good that you will notice so much more clarity and quality difference than all other car dash cams. Revolutionary Super Night Vision Technology (6 Glass Lens + F1.5 Aperture + SONY IMX335) helps to get comparatively clearer footage and images from the recording in low light conditions.
- BUILT-IN WiFi 6 — Use the ROVE App to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone (iOS) or Android smartphone. Download your recorded 4K videos directly to your smartphone at a speed of up to 6MB/s, and easily share them on social media with friends and family.
- DASH CAM WITH GPS – Built-in GPS accurately records your driving location and speed. You can view your driving route and tracker on Google Maps via Wi-Fi using the app or with our GPS Player. We provide FREE firmware upgrades for this car camera, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free over-the-air updates via the ROVE App.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED – The car dashboard camera comes with a built-in Supercapacitor, f1.5 apertures (the largest in the industry), parking mode, motion detection, 150° A+ wide angle lens, G-sensor, loop cycle recording, emergency video lock, time-lapse video, supports up to 512GB class 10 - U3 speed micro SD card (NOTE: MEMORY CARD NOT INCLUDED - We recommend ROVE Ultimate Micro SD Cards)
- 100% USA-CHICAGO BASED CUSTOMER-CENTRIC COMPANY & CUSTOMER CARE – This dash camera for cars is backed by a full 1-YEAR WARRANTY. You can text us for (Faster Response) or Email our customer care and we will answer any of your questions and resolve arising issues fast.
Bestseller No. 7
PRUVEEO 360 Degree View 4 Channel Dash Cam Front and Rear Inside Left Right, Dash Camera for Cars, Built-in GPS WiFi Night Vision, 24/7 Recording Parking Mode Monitor, Free 128G Card
- [4 Channel Dash Cam, Front Rear Left and Right] The 4-Channel Dash Cam has 4 lenses, all capable of recording FHD 1080P video simultaneously. It can capture the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle simultaneously. The front 3 lenses can adjust the shooting angle so you can capture more details as you like. It can easily cover 360 degrees, ensuring that there is no dead angle around the car. You can use one lens to capture the interior of your vehicle.
- [Time-lapse Recording & Parking Mode] The dashboard camera's time-lapse function records video at one frame per second and compresses 60-minute video intervals to 1 minute in Parking Mode to save memory card space and enable faster playback. The ACC hardwire kit is required, with a low voltage protection function, it will not drain the car battery.
- [Built-in GPS Logger] The D90-4CH car dash camera is equipped with a built-in GPS that accurately pinpoints the vehicle's location, speed (in KMH/MPH), time, and routes on a map in real-time. By installing and using the GPS Video Player, the vehicle's path can be visually tracked, while the coordinates ensure that the exact location of any incident is recorded. This is critical for roadside assistance and insurance claims.
- [Built-in Wi-Fi Capability] Use our free mobile app to set up your dash cam and instantly share your captured videos on your compatible smartphone, available for both iOS and Android devices. You can download videos directly to your phone and share them with friends and family on any social media platform.
- [Quality Night Vision] The cabin lens has an F1.8 aperture and four infrared lights. This provides round-the-clock protection. This ensures clear recording and superior image performance compared to other dash cams, especially at night.
Bestseller No. 8
REDTIGER 4K Dash Cam Front Rear, STARVIS 2 Sensor, Free Card Included, 5.8GHz WiFi-20MB/s Fast Download, Dash Camera for Cars with GPS, WDR Night Vision, 170°Wide Angle, 24H Parking Mode(F7NP)
- [4K+1080P Front & Rear Recording] REDTIGER F7NP dash cam captures every detail with stunning 4K front and 1080P rear video. Featuring the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor plus the 170° front and 140° rear wide-angle lens, this dash camera delivers sharper images, balanced lighting, and reliable evidence day or night. Ideal for commuting, road trips, rideshare drivers, and new drivers.
- [STARVIS 2 Sensor & WDR Night Vision] Equipped with the advanced STARVIS 2 sensor, F1.5 large aperture, and 6-layer optical lens, F7NP 4K dual dash cam delivers clear, high-contrast footage in any lighting. WDR and HDR technology balance highlights and shadows, ensuring sharp night vision and crisp details day or night, providing reliable evidence and enhanced safety for every drive.
- [Built-in 5.8GHz WiFi & Smart App] Connect your smartphone to the dashcam’s built-in 5.8GHz WiFi to enjoy ultra-fast downloads up to 20MB/s. Using Redtiger Cam app, you can preview, download, and replay videos in real time, check GPS ata (route, speed, and location), and manage settings effortlessly, making it simple to review footage and share important moments.
- [Loop Recording & Free Memory Card] This car camera supports seamless loop recording to ensure continuous coverage without interruption. Older files are automatically overwritten when storage is full, while important events are safely locked. A free memory card is included, giving you ample space for 4K recordings and allowing you to use the camera right out of the box.
- [24/7 Parking Mode* & G-Sensor] Enjoy round-the-clock protection with two parking modes: time-lapse recording for continuous low-bitrate monitoring and G-sensor mode that records when collision is detected. The car security camera with G-sensor automatically locks important clips, ensuring crucial evidence is safely preserved even while your vehicle is parked.(*Hardwire kit needed.)
Choosing the Best Semi Truck Dash Cam: A Buyer’s Guide
Drivers of big rigs need reliable eyes on the road. A good semi-truck dash cam keeps you safe. It also protects you from unfair claims. This guide helps you pick the right camera for your cab.
Key Features to Look For
Not all dash cams are the same. Look for these important features when you shop:
- Video Resolution: You need clear video. Aim for at least 1080p (Full HD). Higher resolution, like 2K or 4K, captures license plates easily, even at night.
- Night Vision: Trucking often happens in the dark. Good infrared (IR) or advanced low-light sensors are crucial for clear nighttime footage.
- Field of View (FOV): This is how wide the camera sees. A wide FOV (140 degrees or more) covers more lanes. Dual-channel systems (front and rear views) are best.
- G-Sensor/Incident Detection: This feature automatically saves footage if the truck suddenly stops or shakes hard (like in an accident).
- Parking Mode: Some cams can record even when the engine is off. This protects your truck while you rest.
- GPS Logging: GPS stamps your video with speed and location. This data is very helpful in an accident report.
Storage and Reliability
Your camera needs strong memory. Look for cams that support large capacity MicroSD cards (like 128GB or 256GB). The card must be rated for “High Endurance” because dash cams write data constantly.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Truck cabs get very hot and very cold. The camera housing must handle these changes.
Durability Matters
- Lens Quality: Glass lenses are better than plastic ones. Glass resists scratching and handles heat without melting or warping.
- Mounting System: A strong suction cup or adhesive mount keeps the camera steady on bumpy roads. Poor mounts cause shaky video.
- Power Supply: Ensure the power cable is long enough for a large truck cabin. Hardwiring options offer a cleaner look and more reliable power than just plugging into the cigarette lighter.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means clear, usable video when you need it most. Poor quality means blurry evidence.
What Makes Footage Better?
Advanced image sensors (like Sony STARVIS) greatly improve low-light performance. Better processors handle high frame rates, which capture fast action smoothly. Proper camera placement is also important; ensure the lens is clean and unobstructed.
What Lowers Quality?
Cheap plastic parts break down fast in the sun. Low bitrates compress the video too much, making details fuzzy. If the camera frequently freezes or reboots, its internal components are likely low quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
A great dash cam should work without constant fiddling.
Ease of Use
Simple setup is key. You want a camera that starts recording as soon as you turn the key. Menus should be easy to navigate, even while wearing gloves. Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) lets you quickly review footage on your phone without removing the memory card.
Common Uses for Truckers
- Accident Proof: It records proof of who caused a collision.
- Security: It monitors your rig in truck stops or resting areas.
- Driver Coaching: Fleet managers use footage to improve safe driving habits.
- Witnessing Road Hazards: You capture debris or unsafe driving from other vehicles.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Semi Truck Dash Cams
Q: Do I need a special camera for a semi-truck versus a car?
A: Yes. Truck cams often need wider fields of view, longer power cords, and better heat resistance because the cab is larger and hotter.
Q: Can one camera cover both the front and the rear?
A: Many systems use two cameras (a dual-channel setup) to cover the front windshield and the rear trailer area. Some advanced models offer three or four channels.
Q: How large of an SD card should I buy?
A: Since large trucks drive many miles, aim for at least 64GB. Many drivers prefer 128GB or more for longer recording loops.
Q: Will the camera drain my truck battery when parked?
A: If you use the standard plug-in method, no. If you use the advanced “hardwire” parking mode, the camera has low-voltage cutoffs to protect your battery.
Q: Are these cameras legal everywhere I drive?
A: Generally, yes. However, check local laws regarding in-cab recording, especially if you record conversations inside the cab.
Q: What does “Loop Recording” mean?
A: Loop recording means when the memory card fills up, the camera automatically deletes the oldest, non-protected files to make room for new video.
Q: Is 4K resolution really necessary for a big truck?
A: 4K gives you the best detail for reading distant signs or small license plates, but 1080p is usually good enough for general accident footage.
Q: How does the G-sensor work?
A: The G-sensor detects sudden shocks or impacts. When triggered, it marks the current video file as important so the loop recording cannot erase it.
Q: Do I need Wi-Fi in the camera?
A: Wi-Fi is very convenient. It lets you quickly download clips to your phone for sharing or review without needing a computer.
Q: What is the difference between a hardwire kit and a cigarette lighter adapter?
A: The adapter plugs into the power socket and is easy to use. A hardwire kit connects directly to your truck’s fuse box, offering cleaner installation and reliable power for features like parking mode.