Best recommended dash cams for the Rivian R1S Tri-Motor?

Question

Honestly im so fed up with the internal Gear Guard on my new R1S Tri-Motor. I literally just took delivery last week here in San Diego and someone already clipped my mirror in a parking lot but the footage is so grainy i cant even make out the plate. It is ridiculous that a car this expensive has such a mid camera system. I need something way better like yesterday because we are supposed to hit the road for a massive trip next Friday and I am not leaving without a solid backup.

So I was thinking about just grabbing a BlackVue DR970X but then my logic was maybe i should go with the Vantrue N4 Pro for the cabin view too? But then I started worrying about the 12V battery drain and if the new Tri-Motor wiring is different from the older Dual or Quad setups. I dont want to void any warranties or mess up the tech on a brand new truck but I also cant deal with the anxiety of these blurry Gear Guard clips anymore. My budget is around 600-700 bucks including the hardwire kit if needed. Does anyone have a specific brand they trust for the 2025 models that wont throw errors on the screen or kill the battery? I really need to get this ordered like tonight so it gets here in time...

uoffrndmll · Accepted Answer

Honestly, I was in the same boat when I got mine. Gear Guard is okay for a general idea of what happened, but it is basically useless for license plates at night or in motion. My current setup cost significantly less than your budget and I am very satisfied with how it turned out. Looking at the VIOFO A229 Pro 3-Channel 4K Dash Cam with Sony STARVIS 2 is your best bet. It gives you that front 4K, rear, and cabin view you were interested in without the massive price tag of a BlackVue. Here is why it works well for the R1S:

Value: You can usually pick up the entire kit and a durable card like the SanDisk MAX Endurance 256GB microSDXC for under $350. This saves you roughly half your budget while getting better sensors.

Power Management: Using the VIOFO HK4 Hardwire Kit to tap the cabin fuse box works perfectly. There have been no complaints regarding 12V drain or system errors on my end. The truck handles the small draw just fine even during long parking sessions.

Image Clarity: This specific sensor is designed for low light, which is exactly where the internal Rivian cameras fail to capture usable plates. Since the 2025 Tri-Motor layout is basically the same for accessory power, you wont have issues with the install. Grab the kit tonight and you will definitely be ready for your trip by next Friday. It is a solid, budget-friendly way to get peace of mind without overspending.

mqgfodsqze · Answer

Before you buy, you doing the install yourself or hiring a pro? On a brand new Tri-Motor, id be cautious with the 12V. In my experience, Thinkware U3000 4K UHD Dual-Channel Dash Cam is the safest bet because the radar mode saves the battery, tho the app is clunky. BlackVue DR970X Plus 2-Channel 4K Dash Cam has better cloud features but runs way hotter in the sun... TL;DR: Thinkware for battery safety, BlackVue for cloud tech.

gxeuzprqep · Answer

Regarding what #1 said about honestly being in the same boat... i totally feel that! You definitely dont need to spend 700 bucks to get amazing quality tho! Check out the VIOFO A229 Plus 2K HDR Front and Rear because it uses the Sony Starvis 2 sensor which is fantastic for night plates. It uses a supercapacitor so its way safer for the electronics long-term!! Youll save a ton of cash compared to the BlackVue.