Great video! I have a camera on the rear of my van surveilling behind me. Unfortunately, most of my commotion comes from the sides of the van and the front when people sidle up next to me. That really drives me crazy!! I really can't look out to see what's going on without giving myself away. I think a camera on rear of the van roof pointed forward would cover the sides and the front giving me full view all around the van. Also, the blue led lights on the camera on your roof is a giveaway. Someone might see it and take it off your roof in the night. Maybe a piece of black duct tape covering the lights would solve that issue?? I think your set up is awesome! You do a great job, and I love following your channel! Keep up the great work!!
Thanks, I may put a piece of tape over the lights of the cam now that you mention it. My cam is up so high that I don't think its that noticeable to people walking by.
Thanks for all the great tips. Re: dash cam, how well is it reading license plates? That's one of my top 3 requirements, and none of my previous purchases have checked that box.
The A329 which I got can capture license plates just fine because it shoots at 60 fps, my last dashcam only shot at 30 fps and was pretty iffy on plates. I wouldn't recommend getting any 30 fps cam, it should say that in the amazon specs page.
Can you stand a little Christmas surveillance story here? Well, I mounted my cheap WalMart trail cam midway on my steep driveway just for s and g. I finally took the card out and searched through all the photos of me raking leaves. How interesting. Then I came upon not one but TWO photos of UPS drivers FLYING!!! Yes, two different people delivering packages, running up my steep driveway with both feet off the ground! Impressed by the trail cam, impressed by the delivery people. So, may you see interesting and amazing things on your new cameras! Happy Holidays, Matt.
That's so much for the dash cam advice I have tried 2 different ones and have had problems and not using any at the moment. Will get this one thanks for the great advice 😊
Really great video! Your production has totally come together! 6300 subscribers! Let’s go! Love ur fit and the new cameras. It’s the F35 fighter van now! LOL
you can get a remote control button to save clips, stick it beside your steering wheel it saves taking your eyes off the road to search for the middle button up on the camera...
I wouldn't recommend gluing it bc the solar charging is way slower than the usb charging and you can't fully count on that. I just take it off and bring it inside if i'm leaving the van unattended for an extended period of time. These, for me, were only for the purpose of being able to see out at night, while i'm inside.
Hey Matt! I've been looking forward to your video on this topic. I've had the same security concerns over the past few years. I have a RAM pick-up and I installed the FitCamX 4K dashcam with its integrated dashcam. It captures the front and rear, has motion detection and I can view the video clips on my phone or via the micro-card. I need something for my RV, so I'm going to check out your recommendations. Really good video and useful info! Thanks!
Just curious…if you’re happy with the camera you currently have in your pickup for recording outside of it, why not install the same system in your RV? Are you referring to his recommendations for interior cameras?
@@fluffy177 Yes, totally satisfied with my FitCamX. The front camera is integrated or built into the rearview mirror housing so you can't tell it's a camera. Referring to the outside. My RV doesn't have a rear window so not a good fit for the front/rear camera system by FitCamX. I like Matt's new Viofo A329 system, but I'd need to mount them on the outside. Peace out! 🙂
Most breakins are designed to be quick. They go after luggage, tools, and misplaced valuables in plain view. Just put a sign that says "Crime Scene Cleanup: Hazmat Specialists Since 1993" on the side of your van and no one will want to get anywhere near it. ;)
Problem with that is in most states if you have advertising on your van they want you to have commercial tags. Insurance will go through the roof then.
My insurance co. (Geico) made me attest that I have no business decals on my van so I'm not willing to risk losing my car insurance yet. I think break-ins from desperate junkies are just a sad fact of life, they are not deterred by anything even jail time. Just gotta be careful about where you park.
Happy Christmas and Merry New Year. Thank you for the info about the dash camera. I am on my second one and it’s crap. I know what I’ll be getting next. For security in my van I use the Blink system it’s also wireless and battery powered. I got the strong magnetic mounts for outside. The positive is it has motion detector so it will send a notification to my phone and you can add up to 10 cameras. The negative is you cannot leave it on to continuously watch unless you keep pressing continue. Also there is a subscription cost. Always pluses and minuses.
If you purchased two outdoor magnetic cameras. Could that not eliminate the dash cam. If the outdoor cam came with three cameras. You could then put one in the inside coach area as well? No?
The dashcam records 5 minute clips vs the magnetic cam which records on long video so it's easier to manage the dasocam from a file perspective. The dashcam is also inside, it is protected and can't be ripped off or damaged or stolen. I'm getting another exterior cam but I'm going to have it shoot off to the left or right rather than duplicate the dash cams view.
I have a hightop econoline cargo van camper with no windows at all (other than windshield and driver/pass windows). The outside visibility while driving is poor. Do you have a recommendation for a rear and side view driving camera system? One that might also double as security cameras too? I don't want to rely on a USB charged unit, only hardmounted running on vehicle power. Thanks
If you have windows facing left and right in your car I would just get a second cheap dashcam with multiple channels. I don't have windows on all sides so I had to go the exterior route. Wasn't in the mood to drill holes through the hull to run wires.
You should use a video file converter website and just drag & drop and run them through that to go from avi to mp4. They just have a quota limit but much better then going through an app and exporting 1 by 1
Wow! Can you record off the exterior cameras as well? Then you can FF the video and see if anyone came near the van while you were sleeping, or have a way of providing evidence should anything happen. Though of course I hope not!
Hi. I like your dash cam recommendation, but it looks like it doesn't have a rear cam. Also in the links you have an interior cam. What is ti exactly? You don't mention it in the video. It looks like another dash cam. Thank you.
yeah it could be stolen, if they see it. you can put it inside, but do you have a window facing each direction from inside your vehicle? I don't so I had to go the exterior route.
Researching the video option and torn between wired and solar … I LOATHE another 3-4 batteries to charge…. Might just go wired …it’s the same price. With a windowless transit, I also want to see what is going on without compromising window covers. Maybe 150 degree coverage of each camera x 2 is enough, but dk
Have you addressed physical security in another video? I have bookmarked a bunch of RUclips videos from Van life. People showing cheap hacks for physically locking up their van. 🤙
I bought the bar, the locks, and a bunch of other gadgets I saw in another RUclips video and they all pretty much weren't worth it to me. I actually got pulled over once for having that magnetic motion sensitive cam on the side of my van once! I think it best to focus on parking in safe places and video security systems. A determined thief will just smash your passenger side window and get in and out nob matter what you do,
@undertheradarvan understood. I think it's important to cover all aspects, but I also understand if someone is motivated. They'll get in somehow. It's just a game of trying to deter them long enough such that they move on to another target.
I don't have to ever worry about cameras on my van I work at a police station servicing cars and I do my vanlife at the beach in a nice neighborhood plus I have guns
Uh ... if someone breaks in your rig to steal stuff while you're not there .. they'll probably steal all your cameras too. Unless you have the images being beamed into a cloud somewhere. I use a Garmin one in front one in back. The cloud app doesn't work with my old iPhone 6 though. Having the cams did net me over $6800 from 2 accidents though. How do you deal with the issue of an address for car insurance .. ? Never mind on that .. I think I know.
Great video! I have a camera on the rear of my van surveilling behind me. Unfortunately, most of my commotion comes from the sides of the van and the front when people sidle up next to me. That really drives me crazy!! I really can't look out to see what's going on without giving myself away. I think a camera on rear of the van roof pointed forward would cover the sides and the front giving me full view all around the van. Also, the blue led lights on the camera on your roof is a giveaway. Someone might see it and take it off your roof in the night. Maybe a piece of black duct tape covering the lights would solve that issue?? I think your set up is awesome! You do a great job, and I love following your channel! Keep up the great work!!
Thanks, I may put a piece of tape over the lights of the cam now that you mention it. My cam is up so high that I don't think its that noticeable to people walking by.
I look forward to your videos so much. I was so happy when I saw a new one up this morning!
thanks carrie!
Thanks for all the great tips. Re: dash cam, how well is it reading license plates? That's one of my top 3 requirements, and none of my previous purchases have checked that box.
The A329 which I got can capture license plates just fine because it shoots at 60 fps, my last dashcam only shot at 30 fps and was pretty iffy on plates. I wouldn't recommend getting any 30 fps cam, it should say that in the amazon specs page.
Can you stand a little Christmas surveillance story here? Well, I mounted my cheap WalMart trail cam midway on my steep driveway just for s and g. I finally took the card out and searched through all the photos of me raking leaves. How interesting. Then I came upon not one but TWO photos of UPS drivers FLYING!!! Yes, two different people delivering packages, running up my steep driveway with both feet off the ground! Impressed by the trail cam, impressed by the delivery people. So, may you see interesting and amazing things on your new cameras! Happy Holidays, Matt.
Great story Bonnie, I guess they were eager to deliver! Happy holidays to you too!
Thanks for all the great advice! Love your channel! Keep up the great content.
thanks
That's so much for the dash cam advice I have tried 2 different ones and have had problems and not using any at the moment. Will get this one thanks for the great advice 😊
Buy once cry once as they say!
Merry Christmas 🎄
Thank you for the useful information. Great vid
Thanks
Really great video! Your production has totally come together! 6300 subscribers! Let’s go! Love ur fit and the new cameras. It’s the F35 fighter van now! LOL
Thanks Jim, love improving this van every day, the next big prophecy will be roof rack + solar panels.
Thank you so much for this information!! Priceless!!!
thanks
Very informative. Thank you for the insights. I hope to start vanlife. You've been in my neck of the woods for the last few days. 😊 Love watching. ❤️
Where are you?
Btw, Merry Christmas. Hoping that you do something special and not just alone on Christmas.
Not sure what my plans are yet
you can get a remote control button to save clips, stick it beside your steering wheel it saves taking your eyes off the road to search for the middle button up on the camera...
yeah it cam with that but the cam is already in arms reach, seems not necessary to me
Happy Holidays I love following you very insightful stuff always keep safe!
thanks
Nice video Brotha! Stay safe and keep on grinding you are doing great. Peace.
thanks
Great info re DashCam. As for DVKNM, the outside roof top camera is at risk of being simply pulled off. Maybe it can be glued permanently ?
I wouldn't recommend gluing it bc the solar charging is way slower than the usb charging and you can't fully count on that. I just take it off and bring it inside if i'm leaving the van unattended for an extended period of time. These, for me, were only for the purpose of being able to see out at night, while i'm inside.
Vantrue makes great dash cams as well
Really good info, thank you!!! I bookmarked this video for future reference :)
no cameras here but i sure wish i had a remote start, especially this winter
I like that roof camera with the inside monitor
Great info-packed video!
thanks
Thank You for The Information 🙏👍 Merry Christmas 🎄
Thanks for the info 🙌
you're welcome
Hey Matt! I've been looking forward to your video on this topic. I've had the same security concerns over the past few years. I have a RAM pick-up and I installed the FitCamX 4K dashcam with its integrated dashcam. It captures the front and rear, has motion detection and I can view the video clips on my phone or via the micro-card. I need something for my RV, so I'm going to check out your recommendations. Really good video and useful info! Thanks!
Just curious…if you’re happy with the camera you currently have in your pickup for recording outside of it, why not install the same system in your RV? Are you referring to his recommendations for interior cameras?
@@fluffy177 Yes, totally satisfied with my FitCamX. The front camera is integrated or built into the rearview mirror housing so you can't tell it's a camera. Referring to the outside. My RV doesn't have a rear window so not a good fit for the front/rear camera system by FitCamX. I like Matt's new Viofo A329 system, but I'd need to mount them on the outside. Peace out! 🙂
Most breakins are designed to be quick. They go after luggage, tools, and misplaced valuables in plain view. Just put a sign that says "Crime Scene Cleanup: Hazmat Specialists Since 1993" on the side of your van and no one will want to get anywhere near it. ;)
Problem with that is in most states if you have advertising on your van they want you to have commercial tags. Insurance will go through the roof then.
😂
My insurance co. (Geico) made me attest that I have no business decals on my van so I'm not willing to risk losing my car insurance yet. I think break-ins from desperate junkies are just a sad fact of life, they are not deterred by anything even jail time. Just gotta be careful about where you park.
Happy Christmas and Merry New Year. Thank you for the info about the dash camera. I am on my second one and it’s crap. I know what I’ll be getting next. For security in my van I use the Blink system it’s also wireless and battery powered. I got the strong magnetic mounts for outside. The positive is it has motion detector so it will send a notification to my phone and you can add up to 10 cameras. The negative is you cannot leave it on to continuously watch unless you keep pressing continue. Also there is a subscription cost. Always pluses and minuses.
Also Blink recordings are stored in the cloud. It’s a good security system while you’re away from your van.
I strongly considered a subscription model but decided I didn't want another monthly bill in my life. May reconsider in the future.
If you purchased two outdoor magnetic cameras. Could that not eliminate the dash cam. If the outdoor cam came with three cameras. You could then put one in the inside coach area as well? No?
The dashcam records 5 minute clips vs the magnetic cam which records on long video so it's easier to manage the dasocam from a file perspective. The dashcam is also inside, it is protected and can't be ripped off or damaged or stolen. I'm getting another exterior cam but I'm going to have it shoot off to the left or right rather than duplicate the dash cams view.
Viofo dashcam is $237 but here in Canada, $680! Next trip to the USA will pick one up there!
that's a pretty bonkers price differential
If you ever need a room we have a place for ya out in CA!! Private and nice area
Thanks! Are there cats?
@@undertheradarvan Yes..I do rescue.
maybe a second magnet from the bottom holding the camera to the roof a bit more firmly? could deter anyone who might try to snatch it off
I have a hightop econoline cargo van camper with no windows at all (other than windshield and driver/pass windows). The outside visibility while driving is poor. Do you have a recommendation for a rear and side view driving camera system? One that might also double as security cameras too? I don't want to rely on a USB charged unit, only hardmounted running on vehicle power. Thanks
If you have windows facing left and right in your car I would just get a second cheap dashcam with multiple channels. I don't have windows on all sides so I had to go the exterior route. Wasn't in the mood to drill holes through the hull to run wires.
good video dude, i personally cant stand the ones with a screen.
Wat is a good backup battery
If you're looking for a cheap portable battery that's not your car battery I would go with one of the 1000W ones, like Jackery.
You should use a video file converter website and just drag & drop and run them through that to go from avi to mp4. They just have a quota limit but much better then going through an app and exporting 1 by 1
they all cost money in the apple App Store, I could not find a single free one
I appreciate your work! Outstanding analysis of your daily challenges and the passion you have for your solutions.
thnx
Wow! Can you record off the exterior cameras as well? Then you can FF the video and see if anyone came near the van while you were sleeping, or have a way of providing evidence should anything happen. Though of course I hope not!
You can record, it does that by default when turned on, just like the dashcam.
@@undertheradarvan That's awesome, good to know! I want to get cameras like these someday, so I'm taking notes over here.
Hi. I like your dash cam recommendation, but it looks like it doesn't have a rear cam. Also in the links you have an interior cam. What is ti exactly? You don't mention it in the video. It looks like another dash cam. Thank you.
There is a pricier VIOFO with a third channel (rear cam) but I didn't link it because it would just duplicate the view captured by my magnetic cam.
But wouldn't it be easy to steal the exterior camera? Can it be placed inside instead?
yeah it could be stolen, if they see it. you can put it inside, but do you have a window facing each direction from inside your vehicle? I don't so I had to go the exterior route.
Researching the video option and torn between wired and solar … I LOATHE another 3-4 batteries to charge…. Might just go wired …it’s the same price. With a windowless transit, I also want to see what is going on without compromising window covers. Maybe 150 degree coverage of each camera x 2 is enough, but dk
If you're willing to go the wired route I always say do it, it just probably involves cutting or drilling the hull of your car in some way.
Drilling for solar, weboost and roof rack lights anyway … two more wired won’t hurt 😂
That solar wireless cameras battery doesn't last all night 6 hrs tops....useless when it counts. I returned and installed a wired system.
How much?
Have you addressed physical security in another video? I have bookmarked a bunch of RUclips videos from Van life. People showing cheap hacks for physically locking up their van. 🤙
I bought the bar, the locks, and a bunch of other gadgets I saw in another RUclips video and they all pretty much weren't worth it to me. I actually got pulled over once for having that magnetic motion sensitive cam on the side of my van once! I think it best to focus on parking in safe places and video security systems. A determined thief will just smash your passenger side window and get in and out nob matter what you do,
@undertheradarvan understood. I think it's important to cover all aspects, but I also understand if someone is motivated. They'll get in somehow. It's just a game of trying to deter them long enough such that they move on to another target.
Too bad the roof camera doesn't pan
I make a point of buying from other vendors. Amazon is my last choice....
I don't have to ever worry about cameras on my van I work at a police station servicing cars and I do my vanlife at the beach in a nice neighborhood plus I have guns
I'd still at least have a dashcam for insurance/liability issues.
Uh ... if someone breaks in your rig to steal stuff while you're not there .. they'll probably steal all your cameras too. Unless you have the images being beamed into a cloud somewhere. I use a Garmin one in front one in back. The cloud app doesn't work with my old iPhone 6 though. Having the cams did net me over $6800 from 2 accidents though. How do you deal with the issue of an address for car insurance .. ? Never mind on that .. I think I know.
That's not an interior camera that's the rear view camera that's supposed to go in your rear window
Ty for the info!