How to Install Rear Dash Cam on Truck: Simplify Your Setup

How to Install Rear Dash Cam on Truck: Simplify Your Setup

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Time to read 7 min


You want your truck to be safe from all sides and a dash cam installation for trucks gives you extra security. While you may already have a camera in the front, adding one at the back completes your setup. With a rear dash cam, you get helpful video evidence and peace of mind when you drive or park.

Why a Rear Camera Matters for Trucks?


If you have a truck, you know how important it is to see everything behind you. Your truck has larger blind spots than regular cars and parking or reversing is not always easy. A truck dash cam with a rear camera is more than just an add-on.

Eliminates Dangerous Blind Spots: It is easy to miss people, objects or cars behind your truck. When you have a rear dash cam, you see what may be hiding in those blind spots so you can avoid accidents.

Simplifies Reversing and Parking: Trucks are harder to park than smaller vehicles. The camera acts as an extra eye, showing what is behind you. You will worry less about bumps and scrapes in tight places.

Captures Rear-End Incidents: Not all accidents happen in front of you. Rear-end crashes are common. Your dash cam gives a clear video if you get hit from behind, helping you show what really happened.

Monitors Your Truck Bed and Cargo: It is always good to check on your load. When your camera faces the bed, you watch your cargo as you drive and even keep people away from your tools in the back.

Where to Install a Rear Dash Cam in a Truck?


Picking a place to put your rear dash cam is important. You want a spot that gives you a clear view and keeps your camera safe from rain, dust and damage.

Pickup Truck (Standard Bed, No Canopy)


If you have a standard pickup truck with no canopy, you can put the camera inside the rear cabin window, near the top and middle of the glass. This setup protects your dash cam from rain, snow and dirt. The cable can run through the inside of your truck, where it is hidden. If your rear window is tinted or dirty, it may reduce how well your camera films, so keep it clean for a good picture.

Pickup Truck with Canopy (with Rear Window)


With a pickup that has a canopy and a rear window, you have a couple of places to put your camera. One way is to mount it on the inside of the canopy's rear window, where it looks out straight. You can also mount it inside the main cabin window, especially if you get a clear view through the canopy.

Pickup Truck with Canopy (No Rear Window / Opaque Cover)


A canopy with no rear window or one that is not clear needs a different setup. You will have to mount the camera outside the canopy, close to the top and middle or sometimes near the license plate. Make sure the dash cam you use is waterproof, as it will face rain and sun. Some Redtiger dash cams work well for this because they handle tough weather and give you a solid video.

Large Trucks / Semi-Trucks


When you have a large truck or semi, you cannot hide the camera inside. The cargo blocks the view, so you must use an outside camera. Place a waterproof camera high up on the trailer or truck frame. You get a wide, clear view of the road behind your truck this way.

Related: How To Install Dash Cam in Your Car: Ultimate Guides

Tools and Materials Needed for Installation


You will need a few things before you begin your dash cam installation for your truck. When you gather all your tools and parts first, the project goes by faster and smoother. Your Dash Cam Kit: Your kit comes with front and rear cameras, a power cable and the cable for your rear camera. Choosing a Redtiger dash cam can give you a clearer picture and proven reliability.

Trim Removal Tool Kit: Plastic tools in a trim kit let you lift your interior panels without leaving scratches. You need these if you want your wires hidden and your truck cabin looking new.

Cable Clips and Zip Ties: Little clips and zip ties help hold your camera wires so they stay put. They stop your cables from hanging loose, rattling or creating a mess inside your truck.

Electrical Tape: Wrap any loose wires or joints with tape. It gathers your wires neatly and protects against sharp corners or moving parts that wear them down.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Rear Dash Cam on Truck


Once you have all you need, you can set up your dash cam.

1. Plan the path of your cable


  • First, decide where you will run the camera's cable from the front of your truck to the back.
  • You can run the wire along the roof lining on the passenger side of a regular pickup. To keep it hidden, tuck it under the plastic trim.
  • You might have to run the cable under the truck if you have a bigger truck or an external camera.
  • Make sure your cable is long enough for the route you've planned before you start.

2. Mount Your Rear Camera


  • Pick a place for your camera. To get rid of dust, use a soft cloth and some alcohol to clean the area.
  • Use the sticky mount that came with your kit. Use the hardware that comes with it if you need to screw it in.
  • Press the camera down hard on the spot for about 30 seconds to make sure it stays there.
  • You might need to do more steps if you have an external camera. Use the screws and mounts that came with it.

3. Run and Hide the Camera Cable


  • Gently lift the edge of the roof lining and door trim with your plastic trim tool. This will give you enough room to put the cable inside.
  • Begin at the back of your truck and move toward the front.
  • You can keep the cable from hanging down by using zip ties or sticky clips. This makes your setup look clean and professional.

4. Connect to Power


  • A cigarette lighter adapter or a hardwire kit can power your dash cam.
  • It's easy to use the adapter; all you have to do is plug it in.
  • A hardwire kit connects directly to the fuse box in your truck. This frees up your power outlet and lets the camera record while the truck is parked.
  • Redtiger sells special hardwire kits for this, so your dash cam can record even when your truck is turned off.



Power Source
Pros
Cons
Cigarette Lighter Adapter
Easy to install, plug-and-play
Cable is visible, occupies a power socket
Hardwire Kit
Hidden wiring, enables parking mode
Installation is more complex, requires electrical work

Maintenance and Long-Term Tips for Truck Dash Cams


After you finish your rear dash cam installation on a truck, you want your camera system to last and work well for years. Dash cams help keep you safe, but only when you look after them.

1. Regularly Clean the Lens


Dirt, bugs and rain quickly block your camera's view. Gently wipe the lens and rear window every week with a soft cloth for a sharp, clear picture.

2. Check the Camera's Mounting


Bumpy roads and vibration can loosen your dash cam. Push down on the mount from time to time to make sure it does not move. If you use screws outside, tighten them now and then.

3. Format the SD Card Monthly


Cleaning your camera's memory card once a month stops it from getting errors. Press format in your dash cam menu. Save any important clips before you do this.

4. Inspect Your Wiring Annually


Give your truck a once-over every year. Check that cables hide well, are not squished and plugs have not come loose. This keeps your dash cam from suddenly shutting off or missing out on a recording.

Conclusion


You now know how to install a rear dash cam on your truck from start to finish. With a careful setup, you get complete video protection along with easier parking and reversing. You can do it yourself with the right tools and this guide, no need for any complex steps or special skills. External or internal, adding a rear dash cam greatly boosts your safety. Picking a trusted brand like Redtiger means your videos are always clear, and you capture the action when it matters.

FAQs

1. Can I mount the rear dash cam outside my canopy?

You can mount your dash cam outside if you cannot see through the canopy window. Pick a camera made for outdoor use. Mount it at the top or near the license plate for a clear road view. Just remember, an outdoor camera needs to withstand the weather.

2. What cable length is recommended for pickup truck installation?

Most pickups need a rear camera cable that is at least 6 to 8 meters or about 20-26 feet. This gives you room to run the wire along the roof and down to the dash cam in front. Always measure before you start, so you will not run short.

3. Should I use a hardwire kit or cigarette lighter for power?

Using a cigarette lighter adapter is quick. If you want your camera to keep working when you are parked, then a hardwire kit is a better choice. It keeps the setup neat and gives you parking mode.

4. How do I hide the wires for a clean installation?

Place wires behind your truck's roof lining or headliner and down behind the trim at the edge of your windows. A plastic trim tool helps you tuck wires out of sight so your dash cam and your cabin look neat.