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Considering a Dashcam

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New Jersey
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2025 Explorer ST
#1
I'm considering a dashcam for my '25 ST, and I like the looks of this one, being pretty hidden. I have no experience with the company. Are there better dashcams that have this same type of installation and lack of built-in screen? I don't know anything about this company's reputation (or other dashcams truthfully). It does seem pricier than others at $250, but looks like it comes with a Y cable to tap into the wiper rain sensor.

https://mangoaltech.com/products/ma...anmodel-a-uhd-2160p-video-wifi-app-128gb-card
 

OP
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2025 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #2
Thinkware U3000 also looks great, but doesn't look like it comes with an easy adapter to wire up the same way the mangoal ones does.
 

Cdubya

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#3
Nice find. That does look good and custom. I'm telling you though, you need won with both front and rear cameras.
 

OP
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Thread Starter #4
Nice find. That does look good and custom. I'm telling you though, you need won with both front and rear cameras.
Yeah, after watching some videos, the Thinkware one does look really nice, and can hook up through the OBD port. The only thing that gives me pause is a) removal of the a-pillar trim and b) how annoying it would be to run a cable to the rear cam. I think I'm going to take the plunge since it's on amazon and they make returns fairly easy if it winds up not fitting my car / being beyond my capacity to fight with it.
 

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East Freetown, MA
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2020 Explorer ST, Silver Spruce Metalic
#5
I'm not familiar with Mangoaltech but I know someone with a Thinkware Q800 and they like it.
 

Cdubya

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#6
Yeah, after watching some videos, the Thinkware one does look really nice, and can hook up through the OBD port. The only thing that gives me pause is a) removal of the a-pillar trim and b) how annoying it would be to run a cable to the rear cam. I think I'm going to take the plunge since it's on amazon and they make returns fairly easy if it winds up not fitting my car / being beyond my capacity to fight with it.
I have an older Thinkware Q800 pro myself. It's not too bad hardwiring it in there to get parking mode working. Rear cable is not difficult either.
 

OP
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2025 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #7
I have an older Thinkware Q800 pro myself. It's not too bad hardwiring it in there to get parking mode working. Rear cable is not difficult either.
Any tips you can give on where you routed the rear cable? I'm guessing coming down the A pillar in the front driver's side, but then what? Tuck it in by hand on the interior, or remove panels to get it to the back hatch window?
 

Cdubya

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#8
Any tips you can give on where you routed the rear cable? I'm guessing coming down the A pillar in the front driver's side, but then what? Tuck it in by hand on the interior, or remove panels to get it to the back hatch window?
you just tuck it under the upper trim. When you get to the back, you can just pull some of that hard plastic panel to route the cable into the rubber conduit to the hatchback.
 

powerboatr

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Texas
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2023 Explorer ST
#9
Yeah, after watching some videos, the Thinkware one does look really nice, and can hook up through the OBD port. The only thing that gives me pause is a) removal of the a-pillar trim and b) how annoying it would be to run a cable to the rear cam. I think I'm going to take the plunge since it's on amazon and they make returns fairly easy if it winds up not fitting my car / being beyond my capacity to fight with it.
I put a thinkware in my f150. Front and rear
Snaking a wire to rear around sunroof was easy
I usedlong flexible rod to slide it through then pulled cable and rolled excess neatly and wire tied it in rear upper cabin
Odb dongle powers them..easy
 

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Location
Round Lake, IL USA
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'21 Explorer ST
#10
Heard great things about the thinkware. Went with Viofo when I did last upgrade. The big thing for me is the actual footage thats being captured and Viofo uses the Sony sensors and is incredibly sharp (license plates, etc) and great in direct and low light.

Can't speak from experience with Thinkware but they are popular. Running the rear wire isn't too bad. There is an install somewhere here where they talked about going to rear hatch through the cable grommets already there. It's an extra step but the result is such a clean setup and completely weather proof since you're going through the cable tunnel that ford has there already.
 

powerboatr

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#11

This is video from my thinkware...look for the deer.
 



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