[Texas_Lynn]

Considering installing a 2-channel dashcam in the '21 Tahoe Premier. Chevy lists a Thinkware dashcam as an OEM option that can be installed at the dealership, but it's not the latest/greatest model, quite frankly. So here are my ponderings, and if anyone has any insights, experience, or warnings, please share.

Strong contenders are Thinkware U1000 2 channel, and Blackvue DR900X 2 channel. Both are 4K front cameras. The Thinkware edges out the Blackvue on clarity in some tests, but I just flat LIKE the profile of the Blackvue. Thoughts? Other recommendations?

Installation, hooboy, I worry about this! Options are to plug into cigarette lighter (no thanks), wire to fuse box, or wire to OBDII. Anyone had good/bad experiences with using fuse extenders? OBD plug? Any issues with running/concealing the wires successfully? I'm not to fazed at front camera installation, but running the wire to the rear of the Tahoe gives me...pause. Who's done it, what route did you use, and how difficult was it? Where did you mount the rear camera, and would you change anything if you could?

Long post, I know -- just needing some help. If I can do it myself, I'd prefer to do so. Thanks to anyone who plows through all this.

 

[Chloe_21]

Considering installing a 2-channel dashcam in the '21 Tahoe Premier. Chevy lists a Thinkware dashcam as an OEM option that can be installed at the dealership, but it's not the latest/greatest model, quite frankly. So here are my ponderings, and if anyone has any insights, experience, or warnings, please share.

Strong contenders are Thinkware U1000 2 channel, and Blackvue DR900X 2 channel. Both are 4K front cameras. The Thinkware edges out the Blackvue on clarity in some tests, but I just flat LIKE the profile of the Blackvue. Thoughts? Other recommendations?

Installation, hooboy, I worry about this! Options are to plug into cigarette lighter (no thanks), wire to fuse box, or wire to OBDII. Anyone had good/bad experiences with using fuse extenders? OBD plug? Any issues with running/concealing the wires successfully? I'm not to fazed at front camera installation, but running the wire to the rear of the Tahoe gives me...pause. Who's done it, what route did you use, and how difficult was it? Where did you mount the rear camera, and would you change anything if you could?

Long post, I know -- just needing some help. If I can do it myself, I'd prefer to do so. Thanks to anyone who plows through all this.

What did you go with? I saw an external battery for about $370, that will keep the cameras in parking mode running for at least 24 hours. I know if you wanted parking mode the buffering parking mode is supposed to be the best.

 

[Texas_Lynn]

What did you go with? I saw an external battery for about $370, that will keep the cameras in parking mode running for at least 24 hours. I know if you wanted parking mode the buffering parking mode is supposed to be the best.

I ended up going with the BlackVue DR900X 2-channel, hardwired, and it shuts itself off before draining the battery. Been installed and running for over a month, no issues thus far. I think the download procedure is crappy because it is difficult and cumbersome to do so using your smartphone. Far easier to just snap out the storage card and upload it on the laptop, but that's not helpful if one is actually involved in an incident and needs instant ability to download. However, I will admit that this may be complicated by "old dog/new tricks" rule. Based on reviews of app, though, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who thinks the app is crap, lol! I did end up installing a 128gb storage card; the 32gb loops about every 3 hours, so not much use on a long trip if one wants to go back and review footage earlier in the day. Hope this is helpful in some way.

 

[Chloe_21]

I ended up going with the BlackVue DR900X 2-channel, hardwired, and it shuts itself off before draining the battery. Been installed and running for over a month, no issues thus far. I think the download procedure is crappy because it is difficult and cumbersome to do so using your smartphone. Far easier to just snap out the storage card and upload it on the laptop, but that's not helpful if one is actually involved in an incident and needs instant ability to download. However, I will admit that this may be complicated by "old dog/new tricks" rule. Based on reviews of app, though, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who thinks the app is crap, lol! I did end up installing a 128gb storage card; the 32gb loops about every 3 hours, so not much use on a long trip if one wants to go back and review footage earlier in the day. Hope this is helpful in some way.

Awesome! Thank you!