3 reliable dash cams for your truck, under $100!

(Note: the HP F200 shown in this photo is out of production, and not mentioned in this post)




The Mobius,  A-118-C, and Papago! GoSafe 110 are three reliable dash cams that I have used and can recommend for use in a car or truck.

All produce good video, and are proven over thousands of miles of use in a tractor trailer.

You won't find these on display at your local truck stop, or other retailer.   You can purchase them online from various retailers.   Make sure you  research the online retailer before you purchase.


The Mobius action/dash cam

The Mobius is a small action cam that can be used very well as a dash cam.   I've used one in my truck for the last two years.
The Mobius is available in several lens versions.

WIDE ANGLE MOBIUS VIDEO SAMPLES

You can see the difference in coverage between the 'wide' and 'standard' lens in the video above.

(Two videos from a vacation trip to Thailand.   The mobius is small, easy to pack in your luggage and use in rental cars, also!)

STANDARD LENS MOBIUS VIDEO SAMPLES

The mobius will provide about 4 hours of 1080p Video with a 32GB memory card.

The Mobius can use a variety of easily available, standard 'tripod' threaded mounts.

It's primarily an 'action' cam, but works very well as a dash cam.

Please order the inexpensive, but optional 'super capacitor' for best results in long term dash cam use.

This is a camera you will use for years.   The firmware is easily updated.

Mobius 1080P HD Action Camera - $79.95
from: Spy Tec

Mobius C Wide Angle Lens Aerial Sports Video Camera Camcorder - $72.89
from: GearBest

The A118-C Dash Cam

These are sold under various names, including 'B-40'.    For the purpose of this post, I'm discussing the 'Capacitor' version, the A118-C.

The A118-C dash cam is a proven, and popular camera.   There is the option to add a GPS module, but this has limited usefulness.

(The speed is not visible on your video, unless you use special video software)

Unlike the Mobius theA118-C attaches to your windshield via a plastic plate and two sided adhesive tape.   The body of the camera attaches easily, and detaches easily, while offering a solid mount.

The A118-C also has a display screen, unlike the Mobius.

Video quality is good.

A118-C 1080p HD Dash Camera w/ Capacitor - $79.95
from: Spy Tec

Papago! GoSafe 110 from Gearbest.com

Gearbest.com provided a GoSafe 110 for my use and review.    

I wasn't expecting much, but have been pleasantly surprised.

This is a nice, decent, basic camera that is easy to use, and produces good video.

The 'night' video is better than average, and 'motion' detection works well on this camera.

It's been reliable in 3 weeks of use, including 2 weeks of  24/7 operation in a tractor trailer.

(as of this writing)

The GS110 has a capacitor, not a battery.

PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR - $86.99
from: GearBest

All of these 3 dash cams have been 'tested' in my truck.   This means 24/7 operation, over thousands of miles.

For example, my Original Mobius probably has 150,000 miles on it, and has run 24/7 for over a year.

Don't drive a truck?   If these cameras do  well with the added shock and vibration in a 'big' truck, they'll work fine in your car.

All of these dash cams are a good choice for your first, or only, dash cam.

If  you want  a more 'discrete' camera, I'll rate the 3 in order of 'discretion'.

The Mobius

A118-C

Papago! GoSafe 110

Some people worry about people 'seeing' the camera in the windshield.  This does not happen often.   Most of these cameras are best mounted in the top center of your windshield.   Tuck away any power wire out of sight, and most people will not notice them.

It's easy to turn off the display screen on the A118-C and Papago! GoSafe 110 .

The mobius has two,  small LEDs that blink.

(they can be turned off in the software program, but are the only way you can tell the camera is functioning properly.)

The mobius is the smallest, and most portable.   

The two cameras with 'adhesive' mounts are still capable of being removed, and re-installed, with some spare tape handy, and a few minutes of work.

(I prefer the suction cup mounts, but can live with the 'tape' mounts.)

Make sure you mount these cameras in a position on the windshield that won't obscure your vision, but will remain within the sweep of the wiper blades.

(Check any local laws for windshield mounted equipment limitations, please!)

'up high and out of sight' will give you the best video, also.

Be careful.  Drive safely!   A dash cam can save your bacon in a questionable traffic mishap.

Idiot driver of the day (so far!) 08-12-15 Newark, NJ

 The first segment is from a Mobius dash cam, the second, an A118-C dash cam.

Both are good, reliable, reasonably priced dash cams, suitable for big trucks, and links for purchase appear on the right side of this blog.

Oversize load 'wedged' in road construction, Washington, PA

Video from an A118-C dashcam.

SUV uses a shortcut to get around backup on I-70

The first segment of video is from an A118-C dashcam, the second from a Mobius, standard lens dash cams. Both are dashcams I recommend for truckers, inexpensive, and reliable.

Night video comparison A118-C vs Mobius standard lens, low light setting

If you are a trucker, chances are you operate at various times of the day, in varying lighitng conditions.       Most dash cams don't do very well at night.  Some high end dash cams do a little bettter than others, but I haven't seen a suitable 'bang for the buck' performance level to suggest buying one.

The two cams in this video are around $80, via various online retailers.   

I would not hold out much hope for reading license tags at night on any dash cam video I've seen online.     

These segments were taken on a pretty dark, rural road, the streetlights don't do much.


For a trucker, even video that doesn't show much of an incident at night, may help you establish fault.   You can usually see enough of road markings to determine your position in the lane.

You can also see the'other' vehicle, assuming it has lights.


Don't expect much, but don't dismiss what you may be able to capture.


Of the two, the A118-C is a little more user friendly.  It has a built in screen of modest usefulness, and an optional GPS module, again, a modest 'plus'.


The A118-C will also 'lock' selected videos with the press of one button, actually the largest button on the face of the unit.   Not so hard to find, even with the extended 'driver to cam' distances we have in big trucks.    Press the button, and that file is save in a special folder.  It won't be overwritten as the camera operates in 'loop' mode.  The file is there until you delete it.



The  A118-C uses two sided tape to attach a plastic mounting plate to your windshield.  It sticks pretty well, and it's easy to attach the body of the cam to the plate, and remove it. 

If you are not in the same truck every day, or week, you may not want this camera, but opt for a camera that can use a suction cup mount.    It's not impossible to remove the plastic plate, replace the tape, and re-attach it to a windshield, but it takes some time, and you will need to have spare tape.


I'm happy using my A118-C as my daily dash cam.   It's reliable, the day time video quality is good, and the camera is fairly discrete.



A118 HD 1080p Car Dash Camera - $79.95
from: Spy Tec

The other camera is a Mobius, standard lens version.   Small, discrete, pretty reliable, and good video quality.   The Mobius has a strong following in the RC plane and 'drone' community.   

There may be one over your head as you read this!

The Mobius is a little better suited for somebody a bit more 'hands on'.  

There is no screen.

The software and hardware are constantly upgraded.   You can easily update your Mobius via your laptop.

You can use a variety of mounts for the Mobius, there are plenty of aftermarket mounts that will work.   (Any mount using a standard 'tripod' mount thread)


The Mobius is a good dash cam for the OTR trucker in a sleeper operation, who has a laptop with them.     

Mobius 1080P HD Action Camera Wide-Angle
from: Spy Tec

 
Here is an earlier blog post with daytime video from both of these dash cams!



Below is some video taken with a Mobius, Wide Angle lens camera, during a trip to Pai, Thailand.    Please note: the darker section at the top of the video frame is the window tinting on the windshield.

Fun with 4 wheelers Big Truck Dash cam video

Living with two 'budget' dashcams, the Mobius, and A118C, in an OTR Tractor Trailer

The image quality is comparable.   The A118C has a wider angle lens than the standard Mobius, lens.
In the following video, a segment from Mobius 'A' model is first, followed by video of the same event from an A118C.  Both are around $80 through online retailers.

Both cameras are pretty easy to use, the Mobius does require a laptop or android phone to configure.
I've not had luck with the android program, but I have not messed with it much.   You will need the appropriate cable or adapter to use an Android phone to program a Mobius.   I use my laptop, much easier, never even pull the card out, or remove the cam from the windshield.   I'm powering both cams from a 2 way Cig Lighter outlet, with 2 USB ports, attached to the normal 'CB' wiring in the overhead console.  (I don't run a CB, anyway)     On my truck it's easy to use USB cables to power the cams, and tuck the wires  away in the cracks of the wonderful plastic interior material of my 'South of the Border' made Cornbinder.   Easy, looks neat.    Not much in the way of dangling wires.  Moves or removes in seconds.


A118 HD 1080p Car Dash Camera - $79.95
from: Spy Tec

I have not messed with the GPS on the A118C.   Other than keeping the time updated on the Cam, not sure how useful it will be for me?    I want video.   If I am in a major accident, the black box features on this annoying truck will provide more info than any aftermarket electronic device will.
(Oh, you didn't know these new trucks spy on you?)

Both cams are good for the price, but make sure you understand what you are dealing with.  No dashcam seems to do well at night.       The 'motion detection' features of some mostly seem useless, and cause more problems than they are worth.
The screen on the A118C is ok.   You  aren't going to see much when it's mounted, and in the normal mounting position in a tractor trailer.  It's mostly an indication you have it pointed the right way, and it's working.    
The mobius has no screen, and only a few small LEDS that will indicate functions.    I have configured mine to operate automatically.  On, when the power is on, off when the power (Key) is off.   I have yet to touch the three buttons on the Mobius, although you'd need to use them if you  use a Mobius as an action cam, and they are very popular in the RC World.



Please avoid the dashcams you may see for sale at the chain truckstops. They're usually overpriced, and of modest quality. Do you think you are really buying a 'name brand' cam when you buy a Garmin or Cobra at the truckstops?



Those dashcams are made in the same chinese factories, under contract, as many 'no name' cameras, and often the 'no name' has better video, online support and information, at half the price.



 Here is a sample of night video from both dashcams.

Also see '3 reliable dash cams for your truck under $100."

Gee, I wonder what those yellow lines on the road are for?

The Wayward Bus First Student bus #82, St, Louis, MO 05-30-15

This 'First Student' bus can't stay in one lane!

Video from an A118-C, and Mobius (Standard lens) Dashcams.

Deltasonic truck

A118C 'Wedge' Dashcam sample video

The A118C is a decent, budget priced Dashcam with good 'bang for the buck' features. Simple to use. Reliable. Good quality video. It does need to be 'semi' permanently mounted by two sided tape, but the camera unit removes and replaces easily on the mounting plate. (As opposed to using a suction cup mount) I've been using one in my tractor trailer for a few months. The Capacitor (C) version is the better choice for big truck use.

First impression A118-C Dashcam

Ok, ordered one, it arrived, and it's stuck in the windshield of my truck. Think carefully before you mount this unit. On my truck the adjustable lens is at the limit of it's travel when positioned at the top of the windshield. Car windshields probably have more of a slope. I am getting the view I wanted, with just the end of the hood and corner mirrors in the bottom of the frame. The video looks good. Will post some road video once I get moving. I did get the GPS module. I'm not going for a 'permanent' installation, but the self stick tape mounting aspect means if you want to move the camera and gps, you better have some extra two sided tape handy. The camera does get warm. (thought the capacitor avoided that?) It's not hot to the touch, just warm. Quality seems ok. No impressive heft, here.

Programming was fairly simple,if you are familiar with dashcams. You'll probably want to fumble with the buttons with the camera renoved from the mount, as opposed to stuck in the proper place in the windshield. The buttons and screen are small. A separate power source and cord helps, if you have tucked the OEM wiring away under your headliner, etc. The plug is the same as one most Garmin and other GPS, some cell phones, you may already have a spare cigarette lighter plug setup that will work. I still prefer 'temporary' setups, that can be moved to another vehicle, or hidden from crooks, at will, but the features of this dashcam were too tempting. More information on the A118-C dashcam here

A118 HD 1080p Car Dash Camera - $79.95
from: Spy Tec