In fleet management, securing the safety and efficiency of your vehicles is an absolute. Installing dashcams with live GPS tracking can make all the difference, providing real-time insights into your fleet’s activities. This simple guide will walk you through the process of dash cam installation, offering a comprehensive solution for better fleet management.
When dash cams are not properly installed in fleet vehicles, it can lead to gaps in footage, voided warranties, and wasted money. There’s more to installing a dash cam than simply having the technical knowledge. It’s an important element of your fleet’s risk management. Attempting a DIY mounting can result in a host of problems, including suction cups falling off, adhesives melting in the sun, and plug-in power failing when you least expect it. Any mistakes made while wiring the dash cam can cause power interruptions and critical footage going missing. Incorrect placement of the camera can produce distorted or unusable video.
With more than 25 years of experience equipped small and mid-sized fleets, Track Your Truck knows the ins and outs of dash cam installation. We can help fleet managers avoid trial-and-error cycles that lead to problems. We understand that fleet vehicles are subject to harsher conditions than personal cars that can compound installation mistakes over time. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you get it right the first time.
The best way to ensure proper dash cam installation from the start is to begin with the camera that’s right for your fleet’s needs. Fleet managers should look for units that feature GPS tracking device integration along with wide-angle lenses capable of 140-degree vision or higher, night vision, and loop recording. These are the features that will have the most impact on reducing your liability exposure. Other essentials for fleet dash cams include 1080p video output or higher, event-based recording, and secure cloud access. In particular, wide-angle lenses can minimize blind spots and ensure safety during operation.
Dual-channel setups that record the road as well as what’s happening inside the cabin simultaneously are becoming the new baseline for fleets. This is because they help ensure driver accountability at the same time they collect incident footage. With built-in GPS functionality, the video footage can be linked to speed, route, and location data for every trip. Additionally, parking mode and impact sensors add more protection during off hours but require hardwired power to be effective.
The dash cams available from Track Your Truck pair with our NetTrack software platform to provide real-time GPS tracking combined with video playback and driver behavior monitoring in a single platform.
Before starting the installation, gather the necessary tools together to help guarantee a smoother process. Unpack your dashcam and familiarize yourself with its components, such as the main unit, cameras, wiring harness, power cable and any cord zip ties. Some dashcam units, like the CP2-LTE 2 Channel HD Recorder Dashcam from Xirgo Technologies, will not require a power drill or screwdrivers. You can mount it using the adhesives only, making the installation simple.
Selecting the right mounting locations is imperative for effective dash cam installation. Appropriate positions provide unobstructed views and minimal interference. Common mounting points include the windshield behind the rearview mirror or on the dashboard for a discreet appearance.
For larger vehicles like trucks, think about mounting the dash cam higher on the windshield to capture a broader perspective. Make sure the chosen locations comply with local regulations to avoid any legal complications.
If you have an LTE dashcam, then you need compatible SD and SIM cards. If they are not pre-inserted, then you should insert them manually.
Be sure the device is off before doing so to avoid damaging the cards. Insert the SD Card first set in an unlocked position. Next, insert the SIM card carefully. Then attach the cover, securing it with a key provided. Power on the device to test if it recognizes the SIM card and can connect to the cellular network.
One important thing to do before mounting the dashcam is to clean the area. If you are attaching it to the windshield, then make sure that it is free of dust, dry, and that its temperature is not too hot or cold.
Remove the peel of the adhesive at the back of the dashcam. Attach the camera to the windshield behind the rearview mirror, putting enough pressure for 30 seconds. It is recommended to install it two inches above the truck’s wiper sweep for optimal placement.
The CP2-LTE 2 Channel HD Recorder has an adaptable design, allowing you to adjust the camera angle by sliding it to the right and rotating the camera unit. Once you’ve decided on the right angle, secure it by sliding it to the left and locking it to the windshield bracket.
Wiring is a critical aspect of dash cam installation service. To install the power adapter and wiring for the CP2-LTE dashcam, start by connecting the dashcam’s lead cable to the power adapter, ensuring that the arrows on the connectors match up before pushing them together.
Once connected, the power adapter can be switched to the “ON” position. Before hiding the power cable behind the vehicle’s interior panels, lay it out along its intended path to get an idea of routing and the necessary slack needed to reach the vehicle’s power source effectively.
The power cable should then be carefully tucked into the headliner, guided down the A-pillar, and routed behind the vehicle’s interior panels toward the fuse box or power source. It’s important to ensure the vehicle is turned off during this process to avoid any electrical issues or safety hazards.
If you need a second camera for the CP2-LTE, it can be easily added through the Channel 2 input. The device is designed for a straightforward plug-and-play setup. Just take the male connector from the secondary camera and plug it into the female input on the CP2-LTE. Then, position the camera wherever you need it in the vehicle, though it’s usually installed inside the cabin facing the driver.
Before finishing the basic installation, do a thorough test to make sure the dash cam and GPS tracking are functioning correctly. Verify the camera’s recording capabilities and check the live GPS tracking on the associated app or platform. Make any necessary adjustments to the positioning or settings.
Calibrate the dash cam to your fleet management system, if applicable, to synchronize data. This step sees to it that your fleet’s activities are accurately recorded and monitored in real-time.
By following these simple steps, you can successfully install dash cams with live GPS tracking capabilities in your fleet. This proactive approach to fleet management improves safety, accountability, and overall operational efficiency. Keep your fleet secure and well-monitored with the power of advanced dash cam technology.
Unlock the power of real-time visibility and seamless fleet management with our cutting-edge dashcam solutions. Contact us today to discuss a specialized solution that is in keeping with your unique business needs and one that propels your operations to new heights of efficiency.
Call us at 888-434-3848 or use our online form to request a quote.
