Finally a dash cam that's worth it. Up to 4K footage and IR night vision Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dash Cam (not an affiliate link) www.amazon.com/Vantrue-N4-Inf...
There is a great way to prevent the suction cup from falling off that I learned a long time ago and have been using all my life. Use liquid glycerin. It can be bought at a regular pharmacy. It is usually used to soften the skin of the hands. Apply a small amount of glycerin to a clean and undamaged suction cup and attach it to a clean windshield. Do not be alarmed, at first, the suction cup will easily ride on the glass, but only at the beginning. That's it, your suction cup will hold securely for months, and maybe years, even at very high temperatures.
We have 3 cars with the Vantrue N4 system. It’s definitely worth having, we had a car totaled last year when a person ran their red light late by 5 seconds. The other person said we ran our red light but the dash cam saved us because we were able to show the cops that arrived to the scene. I do like that this is a simple camera like you mentioned and we have been using it since September of 2020. I did switch to an adhesive gps mount for the window because our suction cup mount got knocked off easily in the accident and we also have a dash cam battery.
Would you mind sharing what type of dash cam battery you purchased please? And did are you also using the Vanture gps mount? Please reply back and share your thoughts. Thank you!
Agree with all of your assessments. I've had Vantrues (N2 and M2) for a year now and really like them. The N2/4 is a great camera for occasional or even frequent use. The M2 is better for hardwiring IMO just because of the suction cup mount. The N2/4 is easy to quickly disconnect and store during stops, preventing thieves from seeing it hanging over the dash. Totally agree on the phone apps as that's just one more security risk. The GPS is a "nice to have" that you can plug in if you really want it. IMO better NOT to have that inside that camera because if that unit fails, the whole camera is bad. The hardwire kit from Vantrue makes it easy to get rid of the cigarette lighter plug. Great cameras IMO.
I’m sorry that camera doesn’t have a super capacitor, they false advertise it on Amazon, the true is that you have to buy a hardwire kit to use parking mode, I’ve been using it for almost a month.
There's also a HUGE con against dashcams that use Apps over the smartphone - it conflicts with Apple Carplay and Androidplay (or whatever the Android equivalent is called) If you don't have either of those, then its not an issue, but if you do and you enjoy the benefits of Apple Carplay - you can't have both running It's definitely a deal breaker for some models out there
I have one of these in my 2020 F150. I got the GPS mount, as well as the hard wire kit. Unfortunately, the fuse tap that comes with the hard wire kit does not fit F150 fuse blocks properly. Easy enough to deal with, but definitely something F150 owners will have to deal with. As far as the install, it's really not that difficult at all. Other than pulling the fuse box cover at the kick panel, there was literally nothing to disassemble for the installation. I ended up mounting the front camera to the right of the rear view mirror, where it's as out of my sight line as possible. I don't need to see the screen while I'm driving. If you plan on viewing footage after some test drives, you're better off taking your laptop out to the vehicle. Powering down the camera, removing the SD card, then reinstalling it gets old real quick. I haven't had any problems with the mount falling off the windshield. Just make sure your windshield is clean before you stick it. Audio recording is kinda muffled, but honestly that's kind of a non factor. Parking mode works fine, but be aware of battery drain if you're using motion detection. Allegedly, the hardwire kit cuts power to the camera under 11.6 volts, but I've heard conflicting reports on this. I've not tested this myself, but I would like to test current draw with motion detection on. Overall, I'd say this camera hits the win category. If you feel this type of installation is beyond your skill level, then seek a reputable installer. Working as an automotive repair tech for close to 25 years now, I've seen a lot of "do it yourself" go horribly wrong. I think it's only a matter of time before on board cameras become stand equipment in automobiles, but that's probably a ways off. In the meantime, the Vantrue N4 is definitely a good option. Once you dial in your preferred options, it's basically set it and forget it. Idiot Nation awaits us on the highways. A dash cam may not prevent an accident, but it can sure as hell save you a lot of insurance company headaches by having "your side of the story" well documented.
@@gramirez7736, I had mine hardwired in my Toyota Tacoma, and no it does not turn off on its own being hardwired. You have to turn it off only you want too. I do turn off mind when I am home. It will automatically turn on when either someone walking by (motion detection) in case of any vandalism or thief reported in the immediate area, or someone bumps, hit ur parked pick-up truck or car. Then after three minutes it will go off, cause I choose three minutes recording. You can choose 1, 3, or 5 minutes recording. If you don’t want it to be hardwired, you can use the plug that comes with your VanTrue N4 to plug it into your cigarette lighter. If you pull it out of your cigarette lighter it will be off. Better to turn it off before unplugging it, and turn it back on after plugging it in.
Thanks for the video, can you please tell me if the unit has led light on the front of the unit , near the lens which comes on when in record mode.. thanks so much have great day...
The section of the mount that has the USB can twist from the rest of the mount. Twist it to the left. Then, put it back on the window and twist to the right for it to suction back on. I recommend cleaning the window to make sure it mounts correctly
I have been told to use rubbing alcohol, and to this day, don’t know why. If mine ever comes off the windshield, I will use it. I had forgotten to use it when I put it on the first time. I need to find out why the rubbing alcohol.
There is a great way that I learned a long time ago and have been using all my life. Use liquid glycerin. It can be bought at a regular pharmacy. It is usually used to soften the skin of the hands. Apply a small amount of glycerin to a clean and undamaged suction cup and attach it to a clean windshield. Do not be alarmed, at first, the suction cup will easily ride on the glass, but only at the beginning. That's it, your suction cup will hold securely for months, and maybe years, even at very high temperatures.
THIS IS TEXAS AND ITS HOT HERE BUT YET HE IS WEARING A JACKET.........LOL.........GREAT REVIEW ONLY THING IS YOU HAVE TO BUY THE VANTRU SD CARD.......SCANDISK WON'T FUNCTION
That is true on the micro SD card! I noticed he wearing a coat too…..lol. He probably has a huge central air system keeping his house on the very cool side.
This company makes one, but I decided to go with a Samsung card. I've been using them for years and like them. It didn't cause errors and has been working perfectly
If it hardwired, no. You will have to choose to either leave it on, or turn it off. There has been some complaints from other users that it has drained their car batteries when left on. If you have a good or new car battery, or drive a lot, u shouldn’t have any problem leaving it on. It has a 11.8 or 11.6 (which ever is correct) voltage protection if car battery reaches that point it will automatically turn off your dash cam.
There is a great way to prevent the suction cup from falling off that I learned a long time ago and have been using all my life. Use liquid glycerin. It can be bought at a regular pharmacy. It is usually used to soften the skin of the hands. Apply a small amount of glycerin to a clean and undamaged suction cup and attach it to a clean windshield. Do not be alarmed, at first, the suction cup will easily ride on the glass, but only at the beginning. That's it, your suction cup will hold securely for months, and maybe years, even at very high temperatures.
We have 3 cars with the Vantrue N4 system. It’s definitely worth having, we had a car totaled last year when a person ran their red light late by 5 seconds. The other person said we ran our red light but the dash cam saved us because we were able to show the cops that arrived to the scene.
I do like that this is a simple camera like you mentioned and we have been using it since September of 2020. I did switch to an adhesive gps mount for the window because our suction cup mount got knocked off easily in the accident and we also have a dash cam battery.
Would you mind sharing what type of dash cam battery you purchased please? And did are you also using the Vanture gps mount? Please reply back and share your thoughts. Thank you!
What battery did you buy?
@@drumline249 I have the Blackvue B-124X
Been looking at dash cams. Thanks for the review.
Thanks you for the review I bought it yesterday front and rear , I also bought the hardware so it can record at while park
Great review just ordered on e thanks
My N4 arrived yesterday. This is an excellent review and is not biased. Just honest opinion and appreciate the comparisons
Agree with all of your assessments. I've had Vantrues (N2 and M2) for a year now and really like them. The N2/4 is a great camera for occasional or even frequent use. The M2 is better for hardwiring IMO just because of the suction cup mount. The N2/4 is easy to quickly disconnect and store during stops, preventing thieves from seeing it hanging over the dash. Totally agree on the phone apps as that's just one more security risk. The GPS is a "nice to have" that you can plug in if you really want it. IMO better NOT to have that inside that camera because if that unit fails, the whole camera is bad. The hardwire kit from Vantrue makes it easy to get rid of the cigarette lighter plug. Great cameras IMO.
Ordered mine the other day. I got the GPS type mount and the hardwire kit as well as a 256gb card coming with mine.
I’m sorry that camera doesn’t have a super capacitor, they false advertise it on Amazon, the true is that you have to buy a hardwire kit to use parking mode, I’ve been using it for almost a month.
How long does your camera run before the battery drains and the camera shuts off when hard wired in parking mode with motion detection on?
There's also a HUGE con against dashcams that use Apps over the smartphone - it conflicts with Apple Carplay and Androidplay (or whatever the Android equivalent is called)
If you don't have either of those, then its not an issue, but if you do and you enjoy the benefits of Apple Carplay - you can't have both running
It's definitely a deal breaker for some models out there
I concur.
how to adjust microphone volume? mine is too quiet!
I have one of these in my 2020 F150. I got the GPS mount, as well as the hard wire kit. Unfortunately, the fuse tap that comes with the hard wire kit does not fit F150 fuse blocks properly. Easy enough to deal with, but definitely something F150 owners will have to deal with. As far as the install, it's really not that difficult at all. Other than pulling the fuse box cover at the kick panel, there was literally nothing to disassemble for the installation. I ended up mounting the front camera to the right of the rear view mirror, where it's as out of my sight line as possible. I don't need to see the screen while I'm driving. If you plan on viewing footage after some test drives, you're better off taking your laptop out to the vehicle. Powering down the camera, removing the SD card, then reinstalling it gets old real quick. I haven't had any problems with the mount falling off the windshield. Just make sure your windshield is clean before you stick it. Audio recording is kinda muffled, but honestly that's kind of a non factor. Parking mode works fine, but be aware of battery drain if you're using motion detection. Allegedly, the hardwire kit cuts power to the camera under 11.6 volts, but I've heard conflicting reports on this. I've not tested this myself, but I would like to test current draw with motion detection on. Overall, I'd say this camera hits the win category. If you feel this type of installation is beyond your skill level, then seek a reputable installer. Working as an automotive repair tech for close to 25 years now, I've seen a lot of "do it yourself" go horribly wrong. I think it's only a matter of time before on board cameras become stand equipment in automobiles, but that's probably a ways off. In the meantime, the Vantrue N4 is definitely a good option. Once you dial in your preferred options, it's basically set it and forget it. Idiot Nation awaits us on the highways. A dash cam may not prevent an accident, but it can sure as hell save you a lot of insurance company headaches by having "your side of the story" well documented.
are you able to have the dash cam hard wired and also turn on and off with when the ignition is turned on or off?
@@gramirez7736, I had mine hardwired in my Toyota Tacoma, and no it does not turn off on its own being hardwired. You have to turn it off only you want too. I do turn off mind when I am home. It will automatically turn on when either someone walking by (motion detection) in case of any vandalism or thief reported in the immediate area, or someone bumps, hit ur parked pick-up truck or car. Then after three minutes it will go off, cause I choose three minutes recording. You can choose 1, 3, or 5 minutes recording. If you don’t want it to be hardwired, you can use the plug that comes with your VanTrue N4 to plug it into your cigarette lighter. If you pull it out of your cigarette lighter it will be off. Better to turn it off before unplugging it, and turn it back on after plugging it in.
What if I don’t have a computer
I have a small
Samsung tablet only
How do you down load from the sd card
Today is September 23, 2023
Thanks for the video, can you please tell me if the unit has led light on the front of the unit , near the lens which comes on when in record mode.. thanks so much have great day...
It has an LED on the cab side. No LED pointing outside of the windshield
What if someone breaks in and steals the camera in park mode? Is there a way to see footage if sd card is stolen?
Unfortunately, if they take the camera, they will have some great footage of themselves stealing your camera as well lol
My problem is that I can not get it to twist back to the left. Is there a release, or some trick to get it back to the left.
You'll have to contact the company. I don't work for them. I paid full price for this to make a review. I have no affiliation
My Vantrue NS4 popped off the windshield - how do I re attach it. How do I reset the suction cup mount lever?
The section of the mount that has the USB can twist from the rest of the mount. Twist it to the left. Then, put it back on the window and twist to the right for it to suction back on. I recommend cleaning the window to make sure it mounts correctly
I have been told to use rubbing alcohol, and to this day, don’t know why. If mine ever comes off the windshield, I will use it. I had forgotten to use it when I put it on the first time. I need to find out why the rubbing alcohol.
There is a great way that I learned a long time ago and have been using all my life. Use liquid glycerin. It can be bought at a regular pharmacy. It is usually used to soften the skin of the hands. Apply a small amount of glycerin to a clean and undamaged suction cup and attach it to a clean windshield. Do not be alarmed, at first, the suction cup will easily ride on the glass, but only at the beginning. That's it, your suction cup will hold securely for months, and maybe years, even at very high temperatures.
THIS IS TEXAS AND ITS HOT HERE
BUT YET HE IS WEARING A JACKET.........LOL.........GREAT REVIEW
ONLY THING IS YOU HAVE TO BUY THE VANTRU SD CARD.......SCANDISK WON'T FUNCTION
That is true on the micro SD card! I noticed he wearing a coat too…..lol. He probably has a huge central air system keeping his house on the very cool side.
Which memory card I should use, can you suggest please….
This company makes one, but I decided to go with a Samsung card. I've been using them for years and like them. It didn't cause errors and has been working perfectly
I choose the VanTrue Micro SD card just to be safe without worrying if anything could go wrong. So far I had no issues with the sad card.
Doses the camera ever turn off
If it hardwired, no. You will have to choose to either leave it on, or turn it off. There has been some complaints from other users that it has drained their car batteries when left on. If you have a good or new car battery, or drive a lot, u shouldn’t have any problem leaving it on. It has a 11.8 or 11.6 (which ever is correct) voltage protection if car battery reaches that point it will automatically turn off your dash cam.
Great feature --> I don’t want it lol😂
It's not 4k!!
The front camera is
@@MyCentsTX I saw in another review that it drops from 4k when all three cameras are recording.
I believe you are correct. Watched another video that called Vantrue out on this. It's not TRUE 4k. It's digitally rendered/enhanced.