The Ausdom AD118 dash cam has good day video quality, and is somewhat easy to use. This is my second dash cam from Ausdom and the build quality is a little better than most dash cams in this price range.
The AD118 appears to function well in basic dash cam use. I'll be using one in my tractor trailer for a few months, and posting updates and video.
I tend to prefer dash cams that function reliably, have good video quality, and aren't cluttered with usually worthless features. It's very possible to find a dash cam that has these qualities for well under $100.
I'd prefer to see the AD118 equipped with a capacitor instead of a battery, but as configured, the AD118 will probably meet the needs of most users.
There's no excuse for this Hillcrest Transportation truck to be this close to the car in the left lane. Truckers often try to intimidate cars, by getting up on their bumper. In this video, the small car is 'camping out' in the fast lane, but that is no excuse for the Hillcrest truck to tailgate. If something happens, and it too often happens very quickly, there is no way the truck can avoid hitting the car. This trucker needs to learn some better, and safer habits, or he could end up in some serious trouble.
If a tanker is loaded, you usually also have 'surge' to deal with, as the liquid cargo moves in the tank. Hit the brakes, the liquid moves. Depending on the density of the liquid, and how much empty space there is in the tank, the 'surge' can be fairly intense.
Back off, you stupid trucker!
This video is from an Ausdom AD118 Dash cam I have just started using. The AD118 on initial use and from first impressions, seems to be a nice dash cam, at a reasonable price.
I'll be using this cam in my truck for the next month or so, and posting more information about it, and videos.
The dash cams you see for sale at truck stops are overpriced, often poor quality, or 'lackluster', overall. There are much better cams and values to be found, online.
All dash cams are made in Asia, most in China, regardless of which big name is on the product. Many factories in China churn out dash cams with multiple names, some of which you will recognize, others you won't. Don't be swayed by a 'big' name on the outside of the cam, or box. Often the unknown names are better quality, and value.
You can buy dash cams directly from suppliers in China much cheaper than you can from retailers in the US, but there are some minor problems. 'Returns' can be costly, and prohibitive. Please check return or replacement costs from a Chinese supplier. Often the costs to ship the item back for refund or replacement are equal to the price you paid for the item. Customer support is also a problem.
Don't get me wrong! I do buy things for my own use from suppliers in China! I understand the risks, and quirks.
Amazon is a safer place to buy dash cams, as well as Spytec, and it's well worth a search on Amazon for a dash cam you are interested in.
Here are 4 dash cams I personally own, use, and can recommend, that are currently available on Amazon.
The Ausdom A261 is a very nice cam, with good video! The 'night' video is better than your average dash cam. It's proven to be reliable in over 40,000 miles of use in a tractor trailer.
The Papago! GS 110 is a very pleasant dash cam. It is very easy to use, and the video output is very clear. This is one of the few cameras I can recommend that 'motion detection' works well on. 'Motion Detection' is a mode that only records when the camera senses some motion within it's view, vehicles, or pedestrians. This is not a 'parking' mode, but can be used as such in a large truck, to extend your coverage and preserve space on the memory card. Please remember, all dash cams use almost the same amount of power in 'parking' or motion detection mode, as in normal mode. In a car, you can kill your battery in a few days (or less) if you use 'parking' or motion detection as a protective mode for an unattended vehicle. This is not a problem for big trucks with more battery capacity.
One added advantage for truckers of the GS110, is it is capacitor powered, no internal battery. (Except a small one to preserve time and settings.) A capacitor equipped cam will only work when connected to external power. Many of the issues with dash cams are related to heat, and battery failure. No battery? The camera lasts longer, and you have less problems. This is a big plus for truckers, who will use the dash cam extensively. I run mine 24/7, months on end.
The A118-C is kind of the 'old war horse' of Dashcams. It's a bit dated, but reliable. The mounting configuration means you end up with a low profile camera, that is pretty easy to use. Day time video quality is good, night, not so great. There is an optional GPS module you can buy.
Mobius Action Camera 1080P HD Mini Sports Cam - Standard Edition
The Mobius is an action cam that can be used very well as a dash cam. The mobius has a very dedicated following, worldwide, both as a dash cam, and as an action cam, primarily in RC usage. This is a reliable cam, with good video, as well as a lot of help, tips, and information available online from actual users.
The Mobius is small, and one of the more discrete dash cams you can find.
I take mine on vacations, and use it in rental cars. It's tiny. About the size of a matchbox.
My original Mobius 'A' has seen over two years of use in a tractor trailer.
I did replace the OEM battery with a 'super capacitor' at about the one year mark, but I see this Mobius lasting for years, and years. I own the wide angle 'C' and 'C2' versions, also. For truck use, make sure you buy the 'super capacitor' add on! (Save the OEM battery, you can still use the Mobius as a free standing 'action' cam, if you wish, by swapping the capacitor with the OEM battery. It's a 5 minute operation.)
90% of most drivers, drive very stupidly. They are impatient, unsafe, and will hurt you, kill you, or at least cost you time and money. Protect yourself from idiots, like this one who uses the shoulder of the highway to pass me. If they run into you, they often LIE. They will claim you did something wrong. Dash Cam video will prove who the real idiot, is. (If you drive safely, and legally.)
This is a joke! My dash cam captured this highway worker 'playing' with hatchets while I was parked. I hated to waste the footage.
On a more serious note, most people do not slow down or pay attention in road construction zones. Many workers are injured, some killed, and there is too much damage due to impatience and stupidity. Enforcement is too rare in these work zones, and usually only happens after multiple injuries, accidents, or a death. Often the lanes narrow or change path in bizarre ways, and there are workers or equipment within feet of the traveled area. SLOW DOWN. I have no sympathy for somebody who gets ticketed in work zones, I see too many people going too fast, driving too stupidly.
The Ausdom A261 dash cam provided by Gearbest.com has been working well in my truck for 3 months. It's reliable, the day and night video is good, and it's pretty easy to use. Like most dash cams with 'GPS', the GPS function is fairly worthless. You can only view the GPS data on the video files with special software programs. I usually don't bother. The software included with the Ausdom A261 has been reported to be not very good, and the speeds inaccurate. This is still a good dash cam, and the price online ranges from $80 to $130 if you shop around. I prefer a capacitor equipped dash cam for truck use, but I have not noticed any heat problems with the A261. Most reports online are favorable for this cam.
At first I thought this was a 'near miss', but checking the video I'm pretty sure contact was made, and you hear the 'bang'. It's interesting neither vehicle stopped, both drivers must have something to hide!
I always use a dash cam when I drive in Thailand, and drive very safely for several reasons. People drive very badly in Thailand.
Emergency services are not so great, and many of the hospitals also. You don't want to end up in one. Traffic is crazy, even in rural provinces. You'll have oncoming traffic using your lane, and forcing you off the road, people passing when it is not safe, and the ever present motorbikes going in every direction, often the wrong way. There is very little traffic law enforcement. I actually saw cars running a red light in Bangkok and almost hitting a policeman using a crosswalk, who appeared totally unconcerned.
