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Dashcam Advice Needed

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by plumber802, Mar 31, 2019.

  1. Mar 31, 2019 at 5:08 PM
    #1
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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    My mind is about to self destruct from all the research. I have it narrowed down to either:
    A: Vantrue N2 Pro (eBay: $171 shipped).
    B: Cobra Drive HD DASH2216D (eBay: $145 shipped). This has separate front and rear cams.

    I'm leaning towards the Cobra since I can mount the rear facing camera directly in the rear window and it includes the Micro SD card.

    What are you all using and why? Open to suggestions.
     
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    #1
  2. Mar 31, 2019 at 5:33 PM
    #2
    Pinay

    Pinay New Member

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  3. Mar 31, 2019 at 5:34 PM
    #3
    belanger9

    belanger9 New Member

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    I have the Thinkware F750, dual cameras option. Love the ability to connect by Wifi to my phone and it has a capacitor which is an absolute must to be able to survive the -40 Alberta winters. Battery dashcams die much faster.
     
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  4. Mar 31, 2019 at 6:13 PM
    #4
    shakezoola

    shakezoola Not a new member

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    I've been running a Yi dashcam for a few years now. You can get them from Amazon for about $60. Comes with SD card, and has a ton of features.
     
    plumber802[OP] likes this.
  5. Mar 31, 2019 at 6:27 PM
    #5
    TundraTSS19

    TundraTSS19 New Member

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    I'm running a Blackvue DR590 2ch system and have been using it for almost 2yrs now. Never had an issue with it here in the hot San Antonio TX summers. Another good 2ch system would be the Viofo A129 dash cam system. My rear cam is mounted to the headliner just in front of the rear glass so I can still roll it all the way down. I have my system connected to a battery backup so it runs 24hrs. After about 5 min it will go into parking mode and run off motion detection. If motion detection is important, these are the only ones that have true buffered parking modes. Blackvue, blacksys, Goluk, & thinkware.
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2019
    plumber802[OP] likes this.
  6. Apr 1, 2019 at 5:59 AM
    #6
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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    This dashcam just went to the top of my list.Found one on eBay for $199 shipped.Thanks.
     
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  7. Apr 1, 2019 at 6:00 AM
    #7
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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  8. Apr 1, 2019 at 8:23 AM
    #8
    TundraTSS19

    TundraTSS19 New Member

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    Yes i paid $199 for the backvue system. There is a wifi and no wifi DR590. I have the non wifi but have a USB C card reader I just plug into my phone to get the video if needed. It's far faster than downloading a video over wifi. As far as memory cards are concerned the Samsung EVO line of cards are excellent with them. Even though it says it only supports up to 128gig, I've actually been using a 200gig sd card in mine. For all the driving and parking modes for me I get anywhere between 3 to 5 days of video before overwriting occurs. I also got the additional GPS antenna on mine that displays speed in the video. That can be a love/hate thing .
     
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  9. Apr 1, 2019 at 1:42 PM
    #9
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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    Actually,the F800 is an option I am looking at as well. I can get a F800 with a hard wire kit and rear cam for just under $300 shipped. I have to admit that I like the iPhone interface the best out of all the choices so far.
     
  10. Apr 1, 2019 at 1:50 PM
    #10
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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    Not so sure about this one now since it looks like it does not come with parking mode and wifi which is convenient to have.I don't have a card reader which would be an extra expense.
     
  11. Apr 1, 2019 at 2:57 PM
    #11
    TundraTSS19

    TundraTSS19 New Member

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    I don't think you read my post correctly. There is a DR590 which is wifi and I stated in my first post that Blackvue is one of 4 Dasha cams that has working mode. All the other manufacturers claim to have parking mode but it's not buffers parking mode. Their version of parking mode is impact parking mode which you'll have to wait for a car to hit you and then the dash cam boots up to record and you'll lose 6-10 seconds of precious capture time. Buffered parking mode always records until motion detection and will capture 6-10 seconds before and after. Also as far as a card reader it's only $10.
     
  12. Apr 1, 2019 at 3:04 PM
    #12
    Cement

    Cement ...

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    If parking mode is a must have, realize not all parking modes are created equal. The Blackview and Thinkware have "real" parking modes, where the others don't. Make sure you understand the differences before you buy.
     
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  13. Apr 1, 2019 at 3:32 PM
    #13
    TundraTSS19

    TundraTSS19 New Member

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    LED step bar light strips
    I've also stated that blacksys, Goluk and the Garmin 55 have real buffered parking modes as well.
     
  14. Apr 1, 2019 at 3:34 PM
    #14
    Cement

    Cement ...

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    I worded my response poorly. Didn't mean to imply they're the ONLY two on the market. Thanks for the fix.
     
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  15. Apr 1, 2019 at 4:14 PM
    #15
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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    I am now focusing mostly on the Thinkware F800 since it has some good features at the max price point I want to be at.
     
  16. Apr 2, 2019 at 2:33 AM
    #16
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks Soop. Your youtube vid was one of the MANY I checked out. Where did you get yours from?
     
  17. Apr 9, 2019 at 4:24 AM
    #17
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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    I thought I would update this thread. After much internet/forum/youtube research the best advice came directly from the folks at Black Box My Car. Based on their information and recommendation I ordered (2) Thinkware FA200 dash cams. One for my Tundra and one for my wife's Q5. Dollar for dollar the FA200 was (for me) the best value out there. Price was $378 for both. Each kit has front and rear cams/hardwire kit/extra 16G SD card and 6 months extra warranty and free shipping. The guys at BBMC did not try to upsell or BS me into a higher end unit just educated me into making the right choice for my needs.Best price out there and great customer support. I will update this thread when I get these installed.
     
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  18. Apr 9, 2019 at 4:47 AM
    #18
    Stig

    Stig New Member

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    Both too expensive. I spent way to much on a blackvue a few years ago. It broke during the first summer due to heat.

    Just buy a mobius for $70. I didn't expect mine to last this long but I have 3 that have been solid for 3 years now. I even leave them in the dash when parked for I hours in 90 degree weather.
     
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  19. Apr 9, 2019 at 10:38 PM
    #19
    PaulROahu

    PaulROahu New Member

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    Amazon choice pick: good price, quality material and video/pics, touch screen. So much easier to navigate just like your iPhone. Also get the the mirror mount best mount ever

    45A7A43D-F5CB-4388-90B7-772F5B3F63E3.jpg
     
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  20. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:37 PM
    #20
    G10dra

    G10dra Not a New Member

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  21. Apr 13, 2019 at 3:57 AM
    #21
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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  22. Apr 25, 2019 at 5:51 PM
    #22
    markg

    markg New Member

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    I've been doing research on dash cams (something or someone hit my front bumper but if you didn't look, it's not noticeable)
    What I want to do is have one with motion (for 8+ hours while at work) without running down the battery.
    I see where Blackvue has a battery pack of 6000mah good for about 56 hours with 1 ultra and 1 expansion which is about 12000mah battery storage. This costs somewhere about $600 o_O
    So, I'm not good with auto DC electrical but have some knowledge of how electricity works.

    Knowing that the dash cam runs on 12v DC (truck battery). and they do make 12v battery packs.
    So, would it work, if I used the cig lighter to charge a 12v battery pack and from the battery pack to the dash cam?
    This way while the truck was off, it would run off the battery pack, whenever the truck is running, it would charge the battery and hence run the cam as long as the battery pack never died?


    dash cam power.jpg
     
  23. Apr 26, 2019 at 4:49 AM
    #23
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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    Yes I think this method will work.You will have to deal with the size of the battery pack though.Maybe you could get one that is compact enough to fit in the center console.
     
  24. Apr 26, 2019 at 10:10 AM
    #24
    markg

    markg New Member

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    This looks like it will work, What do y'all think?

    batt 1.jpg batt 2.jpg
     
  25. Jul 21, 2019 at 8:29 PM
    #25
    TundraLuv

    TundraLuv New Member

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    Did you end up trying this? How'd it go for the webcam?
     
  26. Jul 22, 2019 at 6:17 PM
    #26
    TRD-tv

    TRD-tv Menace2Ohio

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    I got a $30 one on Amazon and it works flawlessly...is there a reason everyone on here is so adamant on overpaying for stuff lol
     
  27. Jul 22, 2019 at 7:09 PM
    #27
    belanger9

    belanger9 New Member

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    Bought the cheap one - it crapped out. Bought the $350 one and it's been flawless. Having a camera sitting in -40 for days on end kills the cheapies, and I could see the same for those in extreme heat areas.
     
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  28. Jul 22, 2019 at 8:00 PM
    #28
    greener

    greener New Member

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    Just tried this with a cheap battery pack I had lying around. Would not charge AND put out power at the same time, it’s an old cheap one though. I will use it to run the camera when I feel it’s necessary(Walmart parking lot) for now.
     

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