Dash cam as trail cam?

[Alans17]

So I noticed Thinkware has a multiplexer which allows up to 5 cameras (4 plus the dash cam). It’s also got a couple of external camera options including surface mount side cameras (intended for blind spots but can be flipped if so desired) and swivel-mount external infrared cameras which may work on a bumper or underneath.

This is all accessible via their phone app, and I’ve already got a phone mount so I’m thinking this could actually work! Has anyone done something like this?

A bonus would be possible 360 degree theft / vandalism protection.

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[Coldtoes]

I haven't done this but I like the idea. I'm not a huge fan of using my phone for camera monitoring though. I usually have other things I need it for. Perhaps a dedicated iPad mini would work instead. Hopefully someone here has tried this system...

 

[Alans17]

I haven't done this but I like the idea. I'm not a huge fan of using my phone for camera monitoring though. I usually have other things I need it for. Perhaps a dedicated iPad mini would work instead. Hopefully someone here has tried this system...

It wouldn’t work simultaneously with wireless CarPlay , but I already don’t have that anyway so no loss there.

 

[Alans17]

Another bonus is automatic recording of everything the cameras capture. I expect most other options are just live feeds without a recording option.

 

[905_gladiator]

i need to find some time to order this, Brandmotion has one that's really good

there was a member on here who did a really clean install of the rear camera integrated into the rear tailgate handle section

https://brandmotion.com/product/ful...r-jeep-wrangler-jk-jl-gladiator-jt-2007-2021/

**edit you are looking for camera on the side of your truck NVM

 

[Alans17]

i need to find some time to order this, Brandmotion has one that's really good

there was a member on here who did a really clean install of the rear camera integrated into the rear tailgate handle section

https://brandmotion.com/product/ful...r-jeep-wrangler-jk-jl-gladiator-jt-2007-2021/

**edit you are looking for camera on the side of your truck NVM

Most important would be front facing, then sides and/or undercarriage.

 

[The Bean]

I have a thinkware Q800Pro front + rear cam. While the app is nice to have, I wouldn’t rely on that setup for trail-cam purposes. You’re better off going with something that’s designed that way from the start.

 

[JET_83]

Dash cam to be sure for the recording capabilities

 

[B1tPirate]

This is a simplified post because I only have 2 minutes, but I did this in some commercial trucks last year. Get an automotive DVR, monitor, and 4 cameras. You get full 360 degree viewing and you can mount the cameras so you can see the ground as well as what is in front of you. The cameras in the "build your own" option are small, roughly as big around as a nickel. The system has been through snow, ice, 100+ heat, etc and working like a champ. Works great to have video proof if you are in an accident and it can be configured to record on motion if the vehicle is off (theft).

DVR Pre-Package Kit:
with cameras and cables: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078X5BH2P

Or build your own:
DVR
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P93V1ZH

Cameras
Front - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0863TLS11
Sides - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074P45P7G
Back - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075DYTBXG

Monitor
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0779PM23K/

I am putting one in my Gladiator in about a month, have a couple of other upgrades ahead of it. I am going to mount my DVR behind the rear seat. I have never had one get hot at all. I used them in security vehicles where they had to be mounted in a fully enclosed locking metal box. Pictures from one of the trucks attached with my FOB for size comparison.

Then you can mount your monitor or slide it under a seat when you don't need it. You can buy longer video cables so you can put the monitor wherever you want. Hope that helps!

 

[Alans17]

I have a thinkware Q800Pro front + rear cam. While the app is nice to have, I wouldn’t rely on that setup for trail-cam purposes. You’re better off going with something that’s designed that way from the start.

We shall see. I plan to get a dash cam for normal dash cam stuff, and I’d prefer not to have 3 separate camera systems.

 

[Alans17]

This is a simplified post because I only have 2 minutes, but I did this in some commercial trucks last year. Get an automotive DVR, monitor, and 4 cameras. You get full 360 degree viewing and you can mount the cameras so you can see the ground as well as what is in front of you. The cameras in the "build your own" option are small, roughly as big around as a nickel. The system has been through snow, ice, 100+ heat, etc and working like a champ. Works great to have video proof if you are in an accident and it can be configured to record on motion if the vehicle is off (theft).

DVR Pre-Package Kit:
with cameras and cables: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078X5BH2P

Or build your own:
DVR
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P93V1ZH

Cameras
Front - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0863TLS11
Sides - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074P45P7G
Back - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075DYTBXG

Monitor
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0779PM23K/

I am putting one in my Gladiator in about a month, have a couple of other upgrades ahead of it. I am going to mount my DVR behind the rear seat. I have never had one get hot at all. I used them in security vehicles where they had to be mounted in a fully enclosed locking metal box. Pictures from one of the trucks attached with my FOB for size comparison.

Then you can mount your monitor or slide it under a seat when you don't need it. You can buy longer video cables so you can put the monitor wherever you want. Hope that helps!

This is promising, but I’d prefer to not add another permanent screen.

 

[Sank]

So instead of a seperate screen, what about just a vga adapter to rca and tap into the "cargocam" of the uconnect screen using the zautomotive kit?

 

[Alans17]

So instead of a seperate screen, what about just a vga adapter to rca and tap into the "cargocam" of the uconnect screen using the zautomotive kit?

Isn’t that only for the 8.5” screens? I’ve got a 7”. Besides, I plan to get a dash cam anyway. This would just be an add-on. Plus it could record.

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