Does anyone have a recommendation for a solid and simple and simple to install dash cam (front or front/rear) cam system that records while you drive to protect you (liability/lawsuits/prosecution) in the case of an accident or other incident (like brakes going out and running into protestors, for example)? Ideally a system that records to a media like SD or similar that auto records over itself so you only have to eject and remove the media device to preserve the video of someone jumping out in front of you or slamming on their brakes for zero reason in front of you.

 

May not be quite your cup of tea, I use a Rexing M3 It can take a 256 Gig microchip, so hours if not days of recording on all 3 cameras, front dash, interior, rear-view. It uses a mirror display. I mounted it to a universal mirror mount but it can strap to the stock mirror. Did a hardwired kit and fuse taps in the footwell box. I have all 3 set for loop and 1 minute segments. Essentially all are made in China and brands, makes, names shuffle. Still many versions are available.KM

 

https://www.f150forum.com/f129/what-...ire-em-538008/
I posted this a while ago, lots of great ideals from ppl. I chose fitcamx, it’s definitely lower build quality compared to blackvue I used to use(now in wife’s car), but I like how it borrows power from mirror so less wiring. It’s only being 5 month so can’t tell you if it’s going to last but so far so good.

 

Definitely recommend Viofo. I just installed the A139 Pro 2 Channel which is one of the few dashcams with the Starvis 2 sensor. So far it's great, I have had some previous Viofo units and have never lost video or had a device failure. I have run Viofo cams in every F-150 and it was easy to route the cable, the A139 Pro most of all because they use a very small connector compared to their previous units (and many other cams) which makes getting it through tougher spots a lot easier.

Whatever cam you get, having a good set of trim tools is ideal, you can pretty easily use them to push trim pieces back or remove if needed to run the cable cleanly, and be aware of where you run the cable. I see a lot of people run the cable overlapping the side impact airbags. It may not be an issue, odds are the airbags will win against a camera cable, but if you can keep stuff out of the way it's still better.

Lastly, the Dongar 16 pin power adapter makes any dashcam install sooooooo much easier. The F-150 uses a 16 pin, some Ford vehicles (like the Bronco and Mach-e) use a 5 pin adapter.

https://dongar.tech/products/16pin-ford-f150

Assuming you have an auto dimming rear view mirror, you unplug the mirror, plug that cable into the Dongar adapter, then the adapter back into the mirror. It is just a very clean power tap for the Dash Cam. It takes a potential half hour dash cam install running a power wire cleanly and turns it into a 5 minute install. Now, keeping in mind, this is only useful if you are fine with the dashcam only recording when the vehicle is on. If you need parking protection, you will have to do the more involved install, usually tapping into the fuse box.

Really consider if parking protection is needed, I know people think they need it, but even with Tesla's sentry mode getting great shots of people doing stuff, more often than not you hear that the police just say to go through your insurance because even having someone's face they aren't likely to find out who it is, and if someone dings your car in a parking lot or whatever, same issue, how do you find them if they take off? Maybe if the license plate is in view, but in the end you are likely going through insurance. In the end you have to make that determination, but really consider what you do with the footage in 95% of cases. The more beneficial use of a dash cam is proving fault in an accident, or non-fault in the case of dealing with the police (claiming you ran a red light but didn't or something to that effect). In those far more likely cases, the cam just running as needed is best. Plus most dash cam failures and memory card failures happen when they are running non-stop, especially in super hot cars.

 

FitCamX is one of the easiest to install if you have the auto dimming mirror. I installed one in about 10 minutes. There is a good thread already on here.

 

I have a 70mai front cam only. Works just fine. Video is nice and sharp. I haven't had to rely on it for anything yet (knock on wood.) I ordered a hardwire kit and ran it off a fuse in the passenger side kick panel and ran the wires up the passenger side A pillar and along the headliner to the camera.

 

I use Blackvue.

 

I use a Rove R2-4K. No problems or complaints.

 

I've got a thinkware q800 on my f150, wired to a backup battery, and a viofo a229 on my wife's honda pilot, wired to a backup battery(for parking mode support). Both are 2 channel(front and rear camera) models. Both have been easy to setup and install. Both purchased from blackboxmycar.com.

 

With the 360 cameras on these F150s... You'd think they could easily record 24/7.