Use an old phone as a dash cam & more

[user 22017]

For those who can't afford a dash cam or a motion activated security camera, but have an old phone:



(no idea if these would work for nomads)

 

[frater secessus]

Not only cheaper but better for dashcam use, IMO. Most of the apps are free or cheap and are crazy configurable.

 

[user 423]

My old LG phone will only record 1 hour max. OK for around town but unless I want to stop and load the video onto my laptop every hour, not so good for long trips.

 

[tradesman]

I think the only issue with using an old phone, (unless its really old) is that it's a target for thieves.
My dash cam is mounted high up on the windshield, is small and you know what it is so not very valuable. Its also permanently mounted.
An old iPhone5 or something similar wouldn't be smart to leave in the van all the time unless you can disguise it somehow.

 

[graycurlsvanning]

For those who can't afford a dash cam or a motion activated security camera, but have an old phone:



(no idea if these would work for nomads)

Wow!!

 

[RVTravel]

A previous thread showing one way to disguise the iphone
https://vanlivingforum.com/threads/dash-cams-cameras-for-security.43653/post-540110

 

[DLTooley]

They need a dedicated power source and are subject to overheating - in my experience.