Hitting the open road in an RV is an amazing way to see the country. But with all those miles rolling by, there’s always the chance of getting into an accident or witnessing something you want to document. That’s where having a dash cam can come in really handy.
Benefits of Using a Dash Cam in an RV
Having video footage from a dash cam in your RV can provide some important benefits:
- Documents accidents: If you get into a collision on the road, dash cam video can help show exactly what happened. This can make it easier to determine fault and handle insurance claims.
- Captures weird sights: Driving around this beautiful country, you never know what you might see. A dash cam can let you save and share interesting sights like natural wonders, strange attractions, and close encounters with wildlife.
- Provides peace of mind: Knowing there’s a camera recording gives many RVers extra reassurance when driving their home away from home long distances. It adds an extra layer of security.
- Helps identify parking lot accidents: Even when parked, having a dash cam running can help capture any incidents in campgrounds or parking lots when you’re not around.
- Protects against break-ins: Dash cams can also surveil your RV if you’re away and capture criminals who try to break in.
So while using a dash cam in an RV is not strictly necessary, it can provide some useful benefits for the road tripping lifestyle.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a dash cam for your recreational vehicle, there are a number of features that are important:
Video Quality
Look for a camera that captures high-definition 1080p video at a minimum. Higher 4K resolution is available on some models but generates very large files.
Field of View
A wide field of view between 120-140 degrees is recommended to fully capture the road ahead and action to the sides of your RV. Make sure the camera lens is high quality to avoid a distorted fish-eye effect.
Night Vision
To record driving footage after dark, infrared night vision is a must. Look for night vision range of at least 30 feet.
GPS Tracking
Dash cams with built-in GPS can embed your driving route directly onto the video footage. This provides proof of locations in case of an incident.
G-Sensor
A g-sensor detects impacts and collisions which automatically saves and locks the video, keeping the critical footage protected.
Parking Mode
A time-lapse parking mode monitors your RV when stopped and springs to life to record collisions and break-in attempts. It’s a key feature to have.
Rear Camera
Adding a rear camera to the package lets you record behind your RV and see what’s around when backing up. This adds more security and awareness.
Hardwired vs Battery Powered
Dash cams for RVs come in two basic power configurations – hardwired to your vehicle battery or powered by a built-in battery pack.
Hardwired
Hardwired systems connect directly to your RV’s 12V electrical system to draw power when the engine is on. This provides continuous power for full-time operation. A low voltage cut-off stops it from draining your battery.
Hardwired kits often include a long cable that can be neatly routed and concealed for a professional install look. This avoids dangling wires.
They typically include a parking mode to monitor when stopped. And offer automatic on/off with the vehicle.
Downsides are the permanent installation and cables to route. And limited monitoring when parked unless parking mode is supported.
Battery Powered
Battery powered dash cams are powered entirely by an internal rechargeable battery pack. This makes installation simple with no wiring.
Look for long battery life of 2+ hours to capture extended driving footage before needing a recharge.
Suction cup or adhesive mounts make moving the cam between vehicles a snap.
The downside is limited recording time per charge. And remembering to recharge the battery. They also lack parking monitoring features when unpowered.
For RVs, a hardwired system is likely the best choice if you want maximum features and functionality. But a battery powered cam offers flexibility if you also want to remove it and use it in other vehicles sometimes.
Where to Mount a Dash Cam in an RV
Finding a suitable spot to mount your dash cam is important to optimizing the video footage. Here are some tips on positioning:
- Place high enough on the windshield for an unobstructed forward view. But avoid directly behind the rearview mirror to prevent reflections.
- Try to center the camera to best capture both sides of the road.
- Point the camera slightly downwards to record more of the hood and road rather than sky.
- Adjust the angle so the horizon is about 1/3 from the top of the frame.
- Mount rear cameras in the top center of the rear window for a clear reversing view.
- Consider using suction cups on side or rear windows to get a better blindspot view.
- For exterior RV cameras, place under eaves to keep lens dry and avoid sun glare.
Take test videos to fine tune positioning until you get the view and angle you want. Use the dash cam’s mobile app if available to remotely adjust the camera while monitoring from inside the RV.
Recommended RV Dash Cams
With all the options on the market, here are some top recommended dash cams to consider for your RV:
Rexing V1P
The Rexing V1P is a best selling cam with full HD 1080p video, 170° wide angle lens, night vision, gps tracking and parking mode. It offers good basic functionality at an affordable price point.
Garmin Dash Cam 67W
From GPS leader Garmin, the 67W has a sharp 1440p sensor, 180° viewing angle, and the ability to live stream footage to your phone via wifi. Voice control functionality also makes it super convenient.
Kenwood DRV-A601W
This 4K resolution cam has some of the sharpest video available. It includes built-in Amazon Alexa support, wifi, a large touch LCD, and the full package of features including night vision, gps and parking mode.
BlackVue DR900X-2CH
The high-end BlackVue DR900X-2CH packs pro level features like 4k front/1080p rear, cloud connectivity, mobile apps and over-the-air firmware updates to add new features over time.
Owlcam
A more multipurpose camera, the Owlcam combines dashcam functionality with LTE and GPS to provide 24/7 monitoring of your RV. It captures collisions while parked and detects intrusions.
Garmin BC 40 Wireless Backup Camera
To complement your main dash cam, Garmin’s BC 40 wireless backup camera installs easily with no wiring and transmits live video via Bluetooth to the main unit’s display.
The key is choosing a dash cam with the combination of video quality, field of view, night vision and parking mode features that match your needs and budget. Take the time to research models and read reviews from other RVers to pick the right one.
Legal Aspects of Dash Cam Use
While the benefits are clear, there are some legal considerations when using a dash cam:
- Privacy issues – Always ask permission before recording passengers. Turn off the audio recording if preferred.
- State laws – Some states have laws restricting objects obstructing the windshield which could apply to dash cams. Check regulations.
- Distracted driving – Interacting with the dash cam while driving could face fines for distracted driving in some areas. Best to set and forget.
- Evidence chain of custody – If using video evidence in court, you may need to demonstrate the video has not been altered or edited.
- Compliance with regulations – In commercial vehicles, dash cams must meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Confirm recreational vehicle exemptions.
As long as you use common sense, protect privacy, and follow regulations, using a dash cam in your RV should not pose major legal issues in most cases. But it’s always good to be informed.
The Road Ahead
Adding a dash cam to your RV setup takes some research to find the ideal solution. But the benefits of having video documentation of your travels can be worthwhile.
Focus on the video quality, field of view, night vision capabilities and parking mode features you want. Look for trusted brands known for high performance and reliability.
Mount the cam properly to optimize the video angle. And take time to verify it’s capturing great footage day and night.
While no camera can prevent an accident, having objective video evidence can give you peace of mind and protect you out on the open road. Safe travels!
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