Windshield Camera Benefits

[deandec]

I have read another active thread that discusses what windshield camera to buy.

But, I do not know what purpose the camera serves.

Is this another "nice to have" toy for our rigs or has it produced some dollar savings for the owners?

What use do you have for the video recorded?

[nothermark]

Look at YouTube for all the crash and crash avoidance videos. Most came from dash cams. It seems a lot of folks consider the price low enough these days to put in a dash cam tied to the ignition and let it do a rolling 20 minutes to probably day's driving in order to have a record if they have an accident. Some places doing an edit for scenery would also be nice but less common.

[datrbone8]

I've been driving for almost 50 years without the need for recording my every movement. I don't see the need for it but you're likely to get responses re: having video of accidents or incidents on the road. I guess they're inexpensive enough that if it makes you feel better having it you might consider it.

People today have gotten to be very paranoid.

[BigSkyBob]

I purchased a GoPro camera that I use for a dash cam but it has many other uses. I wanted a video record to show a LEO if some clown pulled in front of me and stood on the brakes for no reason. My family likes to see some of my travels as they appear thru the windshield and also enjoys seeing my many hikes to different sites. I also install it on my 4 wheeler to record my travels. Well worth the money IMHO.

[pasdad1]

Many dash cams can also be set to a mode where they record movement while the vehicle is parked.....this is a way to potentially catch a vandal or thief while the RV is in storage or you are away from the motor home for some reason.

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by deandec

I have read another active thread that discusses what windshield camera to buy.

But, I do not know what purpose the camera serves.

Is this another "nice to have" toy for our rigs or has it produced some dollar savings for the owners?

What use do you have for the video recorded?

My opinion is that it is a "nice to have" toy. I bought one for my hubby's birthday a couple of months ago and he has yet to take it out of the box.

[Redridge]

gopro's are one thing but to get a camera dedicated for crashes is crazy... I see the advantages of getting it if there is a discount on insurance but I dont know of any companies that does... so why bother. Those crashes on the internet are places that mandate these devices (for insurance, legal aspects). But, Im old school, If Im a professional driver... sure why not, but no one is paying me to drive our MH.

[oakcreekeric]

I purchased one for no other reason than to have documentation if an accident occurred..

Too many times I have seen poor driving by others that have caused me grief.. panic stops, quick lane changes, you name it.. I don't want to get into an accident.. but I DO want to make sure I have an impartial witness if I should..

I have a nice looking rig.. full body paint.. in the society we live in.. I can honestly say I could become a target of someone looking to take advantage of me and the hard work it took to get the things I have.. We have recreational vehicles.. many will think we have recreational money... why put our recreational dollars in jeopardy because I didn't want to spring for a $100 dashboard camera..

I hate to be cynical, but its the world we live in...

[CampDaven]

They are truly nifty toys! I know many that use them.
I don't see enough need to be recording all of the time, nor the DVR running, nor would I plan to replay the views. I get more than enough to look at with the pics and videos I already take! Not enough time for that, nor a fear of scams in front of me.
Those fear videos of the tricksters are out of Russia, where you must take your wipers off when you park; they WILL be stolen!

[ShapeShifter]

Originally Posted by BigSkyBob

I wanted a video record to show a LEO if some clown pulled in front of me and stood on the brakes for no reason.

I had a couple close calls like this which are making me think about getting one, but I haven't done anything about it.

I had one case where I saw a white Yukon SUV pull out of the lane behind me to pass, barely got in front of me then pulled back into my lane so close to me that I couldn't see pavement between me and that vehicle. I instinctively slowed down when that happened, which was a good thing because a moment later that person stood on the brakes to be able to make the turn onto a side road. It all happened in less than a second. I also stood on the brakes and I have no idea how I missed hitting them. I have no idea if they signaled, because they were so close I couldn't see the back of their vehicle.

With a reckless driver like that, I'm sure that had I hit them, they would've denied passing me and cutting me off, and would've claimed that it was all my fault. In a situation like that, having a camera could make a world of difference. (And yet, I still haven't bought one... )

[phays]

I find that lots of people really don't like following a large motor home. And, before I owned one I didn't like following them. There solution is to pass, on either side of you and then pull in front. I've had several instances and the last one caused me to slam on the brakes hard enough I was afraid I would unload the cabinets. After that one I bought a dash cam. It is on anytime I drive. So far, nothing has happened so maybe it is a magic charm that keeps people from doing crazy stuff to me.

[BethLL]

I just purchased one and it is definitely a 'nice to have' for us. The event I wish I had been able to capture was a grey wolf crossing the road directly in front of us in Yellowstone last summer. DH said grab the camera, I said I wasn't taking my eyes off that awesome animal for a second for fear he'd be gone by the time I got back with the camera! If only . . ..

[oakcreekeric]

Having dashboard camera's will allow one to have and post a video such as this (from recent thread)

WATCH: RV crash on I-10 | WBRZ News 2 Louisiana : Baton Rouge, LA |

I just hope and pray everyone is safe !!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by oakcreekeric

Having dashboard camera's will allow one to have and post a video such as this (from recent thread)

WATCH: RV crash on I-10 | WBRZ News 2 Louisiana : Baton Rouge, LA |

I just hope and pray everyone is safe !!

Great example!