Dashcams: What's on your Maverick windshield?

[LSchicago]

I have a Pruveeo D90 4 channel. Only use 3 cameras now though. Front, Driver/center and far passenger/right views. Very good when doing Rideshare. I have it tucked up behind the mirror, and very little hangs down. I use the 3M mount instead of the suction. 128G card.

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[bikemendel]

Using the Garmin 47. Wanted to get a mini for the rear but never got around to it.

The garmin app is terrible. I haven’t needed to get footage yet but the amount of time it takes for videos to load will make me skip the process and just pull the SD card out and pop it into a computer.

All of the extra “features” aren’t great either. The “event detection” goes off every time I remote start my truck at any sensitivity and I don’t particularly care for signing up for their cloud service so that Garmin can sell my videos to China…

That said, video clarity is more than good enough to just use it as a dash cam without an app.

 

[RSM]

Viofo A139 Pro 2Ch, front and back, hard wired

 

[2020 GT500]

Honestly, just lots of bugs!

 

[Gonzo_042]

i installed the auto-vox pro v5 https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...alled-maverick-lariat.7566/#convMessage-39102

 

[Blinky]

Viofo A119 Mini 2
It's small, reasonably priced and has GPS. The video looks decent.
It is oversensitive however, there are a few fairly gentle bumps on my commute that cause it to trigger an event and save a video. It's pretty obnoxious, especially considering how undramatic the bumps are (think small to moderate tarline at 35mph) so I may look into adjusting the sensitivity.

 

[glpuckett]

I also spent a long time trying to decide on this important accessory! After a lot of researching, I finally decided to go with Thinkware U3000 2CH 4K Front, 2K Rear. For me I prioritized parking mode protection and efficiency first, then looked at the other things. I performed the install myself (easy) & although it came with the ODBII cable connection, I cut it off and wired directly into the fuse box. This was also suggested by the Thinkware technician due to some compatibility issues with Ford or the Maverick don't remember which or both.
Mounting the rear camera wasn't hard but I did have to use a "Rear Camera Holder"
Amazon.com: Rear Camera Holder Rear Window Bracket for Most Rear Camera Dash Cam AZDOME PG02S PG17 PG18S PG19X M550 M01 Pro Car Rear Cam for REDTIGER F7N, CHORTAU, Kingslim, Z-Edge : Electronics
b/c the radar needs to be pointing out the window you need to make or buy an adapter for a vertical rear window (it was cheap $8). You can see from my pics that I routed the cable down my sliding window track (window opens to the left). This is the ONLY portion of exposed cable the rest is hidden behind cover or in protected tracks on the passenger side. It was helpful having a "Cable pulling Fish Tape Kit".

Once you've done the research the wiring is very easy / straightforward. I used Fuse-taps on un-used fuses just to simplify / eliminate technical issues in the future. For me I used:
Not used (Spare) - F1/F2 (5A) Switched
Not used (Spare) - F24 (20A) Hot All Time
Ground I used the mounting screw at the bottom.

I've been using my Thinkware U3K for over a month and haven't had any issues. I have left my truck unused for 2-3 days at a time and the battery has been just fine. The system does have a battery monitor so it will make the necessary adjustments to maintain its parking mode functions.

 

[junyamada]

I also spent a long time trying to decide on this important accessory! After a lot of researching, I finally decided to go with Thinkware U3000 2CH 4K Front, 2K Rear. For me I prioritized parking mode protection and efficiency first, then looked at the other things. I performed the install myself (easy) & although it came with the ODBII cable connection, I cut it off and wired directly into the fuse box. This was also suggested by the Thinkware technician due to some compatibility issues with Ford or the Maverick don't remember which or both.
Mounting the rear camera wasn't hard but I did have to use a "Rear Camera Holder"
Amazon.com: Rear Camera Holder Rear Window Bracket for Most Rear Camera Dash Cam AZDOME PG02S PG17 PG18S PG19X M550 M01 Pro Car Rear Cam for REDTIGER F7N, CHORTAU, Kingslim, Z-Edge : Electronics
b/c the radar needs to be pointing out the window you need to make or buy an adapter for a vertical rear window (it was cheap $8). You can see from my pics that I routed the cable down my sliding window track (window opens to the left). This is the ONLY portion of exposed cable the rest is hidden behind cover or in protected tracks on the passenger side. It was helpful having a "Cable pulling Fish Tape Kit".

Once you've done the research the wiring is very easy / straightforward. I used Fuse-taps on un-used fuses just to simplify / eliminate technical issues in the future. For me I used:
Not used (Spare) - F1/F2 (5A) Switched
Not used (Spare) - F24 (20A) Hot All Time
Ground I used the mounting screw at the bottom.

I've been using my Thinkware U3K for over a month and haven't had any issues. I have left my truck unused for 2-3 days at a time and the battery has been just fine. The system does have a battery monitor so it will make the necessary adjustments to maintain its parking mode functions.

The U3000 was one of my options though I was expecting more from their video quality. How’s the video quality for you?

Also, does it have features like speed camera alert? Or when the car in front of you moves from a stop?

Thanks for the unused fuse locations, I just tapped mine after testing random fuses. I’ll move mine to those two.

 

[Gvmumbral]

Wolfbox 900.
Works great and i can see when i have my topper loaded.

 

[glpuckett]

The U3000 was one of my options though I was expecting more from their video quality. How’s the video quality for you?

Also, does it have features like speed camera alert? Or when the car in front of you moves from a stop?

Thanks for the unused fuse locations, I just tapped mine after testing random fuses. I’ll move mine to those two.

Hi Jun,
Yes, I believe that it does have those options, but I disabled them / don't use them for now. I get tired of hearing all the extra beeps & sounds... besides I have the Lariat 1st Edition w/ Deluxe package, so it has many of the driving/safety features already. Personally, I think the video quality is very good, but I haven't performed any real tests or comparisons. Remember, the front camera is 4K, but the rear is 2K. Most of the Dash Cam review sites I watched didn't really complain or knock the quality, but they did give the parking mode the highest ratings.

 

[junyamada]

Hi Jun,
Yes, I believe that it does have those options, but I disabled them / don't use them for now. I get tired of hearing all the extra beeps & sounds... besides I have the Lariat 1st Edition w/ Deluxe package, so it has many of the driving/safety features already. Personally, I think the video quality is very good, but I haven't performed any real tests or comparisons. Remember, the front camera is 4K, but the rear is 2K. Most of the Dash Cam review sites I watched didn't really complain or knock the quality, but they did give the parking mode the highest ratings.

Thanks! Yeah, the parking mode was one of the features I was after with the U3000.

Their plate capture while moving was rated not so good. The best one currently for the plate capture that I saw from the video was the Vantrue N4 Pro and the Viofo line.

But Vantrue’s parking mode is really bad while Viofo is ok.

Hopefully Thinkware releases an upgrade model some time in the future.

 

[CroweMag55]

I went with the 4k / 2.5k WolfBox G900 Mirror cam and got the OEM style mount rather than using the mirror straps... Powered via an OBD connector.. The rear cam is mounted looking out through the rear window.

WOLFBOX® Official Site| Best Mirror Dashcam with 18-month Warranty

 

[glpuckett]

Thanks! Yeah, the parking mode was one of the features I was after with the U3000.

Their plate capture while moving was rated not so good. The best one currently for the plate capture that I saw from the video was the Vantrue N4 Pro and the Viofo line.

But Vantrue’s parking mode is really bad while Viofo is ok.

Hopefully Thinkware releases an upgrade model some time in the future.

So, Jun you made me curious about vid / capture quality. If anyone else has input, please share.

I will get right to the end. In my simple test it all depends on what video playback you are using & to a small degree what image capture as well.

I have (3) playback programs currently available to me.
1. Thinkware PC Viewer = Best use: Quick review of captured videos, it does have zoom in video playback.
2. Windows Media Player = Best use: Not much difference, no in-player zoom, but maybe a bit brighter.
3. Cyberlink Power Director = Best use: Much better Quality, Smoother / tighter Controls, in video playback zoom, and built in image capture. I purchased many years ago (I keep updated)

Image / capture Software.
1. Windows Snipping Tool = Best use: Everyday simple & easy to use, but not the best Quality.
2. Cyberlink Pwr Dir = Best use: Built into the video program & so far yields much better images.
3. Adobe Lightroom = Best use: I use this with my Canon images, but I don't know if it can "Screen Capture"
4. Adobe Photoshop 2024 = Best use: I use with my Canon images, and same don't know if it can "Screen Capture"

The following images are taken a couple of days ago. I captured as the light turned green & all 3 cars started moving at different speeds (slow to quicker - L to R). Each video player was paused & then I screen captured using Snipping Tool...Cyberlink has its own built-in image capture, which was used. When viewing images on my PC / zooming in Cyberlink was noticeably better and easier to read License Plates.

1. Cyberlink Power Director 2024
2. Thinkware Windows PC Viewer
3. Windows 11 Media Player

I would now love to hear how others reviewed / compared the quality differences between Dash Cam Units.

 

[junyamada]

So, Jun you made me curious about vid / capture quality. If anyone else has input, please share.

I will get right to the end. In my simple test it all depends on what video playback you are using & to a small degree what image capture as well.

I have (3) playback programs currently available to me.
1. Thinkware PC Viewer = Best use: Quick review of captured videos, it does have zoom in video playback.
2. Windows Media Player = Best use: Not much difference, no in-player zoom, but maybe a bit brighter.
3. Cyberlink Power Director = Best use: Much better Quality, Smoother / tighter Controls, in video playback zoom, and built in image capture. I purchased many years ago (I keep updated)

Image / capture Software.
1. Windows Snipping Tool = Best use: Everyday simple & easy to use, but not the best Quality.
2. Cyberlink Pwr Dir = Best use: Built into the video program & so far yields much better images.
3. Adobe Lightroom = Best use: I use this with my Canon images, but I don't know if it can "Screen Capture"
4. Adobe Photoshop 2024 = Best use: I use with my Canon images, and same don't know if it can "Screen Capture"

The following images are taken a couple of days ago. I captured as the light turned green & all 3 cars started moving at different speeds (slow to quicker - L to R). Each video player was paused & then I screen captured using Snipping Tool...Cyberlink has its own built-in image capture, which was used. When viewing images on my PC / zooming in Cyberlink was noticeably better and easier to read License Plates.

1. Cyberlink Power Director 2024
2. Thinkware Windows PC Viewer
3. Windows 11 Media Player

I would now love to hear how others reviewed / compared the quality differences between Dash Cam Units.

Non moving captures are actually great.

I actually based my reply coming from this video:



My mistake, the U3000 is still good but the N4 Pro had the best implementation for license plate captures for moving cars.

I did not do a test on this personally. Just basing my thoughts from the video I saw.

 

[glpuckett]

Non moving captures are actually great.

I actually based my reply coming from this video:



My mistake, the U3000 is still good but the N4 Pro had the best implementation for license plate captures for moving cars.

I did not do a test on this personally. Just basing my thoughts from the video I saw.

I totally agree. That is my question NOW. Did they use whatever built in vid/capture software that came with each unit, which means, they are mostly comparing S/W packages & maybe not the Dash Cam. If they are using the same S/W for the comparison, then that's fair. However, now we get into the camera settings (see image below for U3K settings). I'm just learning so I'm still messing with this.

For me I was checking to see if the Thinkware PC Viewer was the BEST option to use or not. It turns out in my opinion / situation that my Cyberlink provides better quality, clarity and image capture capabilities than the bundled software. Now I'm 95% confident that when a quality recording / image is necessary (Insurance, police, etc...) this unit will most likely work just great. I'm not disregarding the Thinkware PC Viewer b/c it will work far better for reviewing an SD card full of front/back vids.

As far as moving vehicles I'm in agreement with you. It seems to be challenging, but I don't know what scenario the acceptable criteria are for comparison. How fast (delta), same or opposite direction, Sun elevation / direction, etc...

My final thoughts, it's like your car insurance you have it and hope you never have to use it! I've only used my insurance (1) time in 50 years of driving in SoCal. The only time I've had a car break-in was at night in my driveway & because of that, that is why "Parking Mode" & a security system is important to me. The driving mode is important to only show that it wasn't my fault! Car insurance doesn't even offer discounts for having a Dash Cam. That is telling all in itself...don't you think? Anyway, I've been in the technology business my entire life, so whatever we buy will be outdated in 18-24 months.

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