Could Be My First Vantrue Dash Cam

[ST09]

Hi All,

My Nextbase 522GW began behaving irregularly recently, prompting me to consider a new dash cam. After reviewing the forums, I ultimately chose the Vantrue S1 Pro Max.

The Blackvue Elite 9 and 10 models attracted my attention, though I could not justify their cost.

When I attempted to place an order via Vantrue’s official website, the shipping fees seemed excessive £130 to the UK, excluding VAT or potential customs charges.

I messaged @Jeff_Vantrue directly, contacted Vantrue through Instagram, and emailed their support team, but received no response.

Further searching led me to Amazon UK. Prices were higher than on Vantrue’s site, yet I had no alternative.

I ordered the S1 Pro Max Front and Rear 4k+4k, CPL Filter, and Hardwire Kit.

Although I would have liked to include the LTE Module but my budget constrained me.

Some items arrived today. I am still awaiting the dash cam itself, which should hopefully arrive tomorrow for installation on Sunday.

Sal

 

[EricSan]

Great choice, Sal! The LTE module can always be added later and you just might be able to find one on EBay or from someone here on the forums. I like the ability to mount the S1 Pro and then tweak the aiming of the lens afterward and the video quality is great (make sure to update the firmware so you have the better image quality).

 

[ST09]

Great choice, Sal! The LTE module can always be added later and you just might be able to find one on EBay or from someone here on the forums. I like the ability to mount the S1 Pro and then tweak the aiming of the lens afterward and the video quality is great (make sure to update the firmware so you have the better image quality).

Thank you😊.

That is exactly my thought process regarding the LTE module. Priority at the moment is to get the car dash cam safe.

I most definitely will be lurking around to get help with the set up and the settings.

 

[ST09]

 

[ST09]

Went with hardwire kit with display. Not had the chance to play with the settings yet. Also how can I initiate OTA firmware update or do i need to download on SD card?

 

[ST09]

End of the road for these chaps. Served me well.

 

[EricSan]

Also how can I initiate OTA firmware update or do i need to download on SD card?

I've always done firmware via the SD card, I just found it easier.

Nice job on the install! Some people have found the rear camera prone to some bounciness due to the accordion mount (I never had this problem). If you notice this (it is subtle), there are several easy solutions: Tighten the screws in the mount, tuck the cord into the headliner or under the trim to help hold the camera steady, and/or add a layer of 3M Very High Bond between the mounting plates. In addition, you can also use some Fun Tack to add a rectangular Viofo polarizer to the rear camera to cut some glare. I've done this and fount it to be a worthwhile improvement.

https://www.viofo.com/products/viof...r-camera-of-a229a229-plusa229-proa139a139-pro

 

[EricSan]

I messaged @Jeff_Vantrue directly,

The person that normally manages these accounts is on leave until the end of July - they are usually very responsive.

 

[ST09]

I've always done firmware via the SD card, I just found it easier.

Nice job on the install! Some people have found the rear camera prone to some bounciness due to the accordion mount (I never had this problem). If you notice this (it is subtle), there are several easy solutions: Tighten the screws in the mount, tuck the cord into the headliner or under the trim to help hold the camera steady, and/or add a layer of 3M Very High Bond between the mounting plates. In addition, you can also use some Fun Tack to add a rectangular Viofo polarizer to the rear camera to cut some glare. I've done this and fount it to be a worthwhile improvement.

https://www.viofo.com/products/viof...r-camera-of-a229a229-plusa229-proa139a139-pro

Thank you.

Im away this evening so will download Firmware on a spare SD card tomorrow and update as advised.

I’ve tightened the screws and will keep checking. Yes I noticed the glare on rear cam i.e where i was parked so yeah adding polarizer to rear cam will be handy.

 

[ST09]

The person that normally manages these accounts is on leave until the end of July - they are usually very responsive.

Thanks. Yea i might need @Jeff_Vantrue help.

The 3M sticky bit that came already installed were either of low quality or the heat done its job. When trying to peel off the whole thing was lifting. So i might need spare ones for both front and rear cam.

 

[ST09]

Current software:

Are these the two i need? Do i need to update them individually or can I download on same SD card at the same time?

 

[runtohell121]

Current software:

View attachment 92501

Are these the two i need? Do i need to update them individually or can I download on same SD card at the same time?

View attachment 92502

You have to update it individually. Should be able to update the dash cam via the Vantrue app. Is it necessary to update? I usually say yes, especially for initial setup, best to get it up-to-date during the installation process.

 

[EricSan]

The real trick is picking the correct firmware for the rear camera. There are several rear cameras that are compatible with the S1PM. You have the RC-11

Here is the RC-11 with an added polarizer:

Post in thread 'Reviewing and Testing the Vantrue S1 Pro Max'

Jul 8, 2025

I played around with some rear camera polarizers today. There is a dedicated one for my Viofo A139 Pro rear camera, so I ordered two. I was expecting something thin and flexible for some reason (that I probably made up all on my own) and what arrived was more rigid than I thought:

EDIT: Do yourself a favor and ditch the adhesive pads that this polarizer comes with - they don't last very long at all before your polarizer will fall off. Instead, use thin strips of 3M VHB or some FunTack. These two have stood the test of time for me.

It installed quickly and easily on the...

• EricSan

• 

 

[ST09]

Done as advised.

 

[ST09]

Parking mode .. Am i only allowed to pick one?

 

[EricSan]

Am i only allowed to pick one?

Yup, mutually exclusive… most people here seem to choose Low Bit Rate, but that will consumer your car’s battery more quickly. LBR is typically the highest power draw parking mode. When you are ready for a dedicated parking battery, there are other threads here that will help you out😁

 

[ST09]

Yup, mutually exclusive… most people here seem to choose Low Bit Rate, but that will consumer your car’s battery more quickly. LBR is typically the highest power draw parking mode. When you are ready for a dedicated parking battery, there are other threads here that will help you out😁

Hahaha. Im not there yet. Maybe in a few months time LoL.

For now I'll stick with Collision Detection which seems to be logical choice unless you think Motion Detection will be more beneficial.

Also even though Sandisk High Endurance did work but kept getting slow card pop ups. Ended up swapping with Sandisk Extreme.

At some point will order Max Endurance or Vantrue's own sd card.

Update: Formatted the High Endurance SD card using longer process on Windows PC. The card works fine now.

 

[ST09]

Tapped ACC into Power Socket and Battery Power into Cabin Lighting. Setting is set to 12.4v which might be too high but Im just being cautious. Can always change it to 12v.

 

[kamkar]

You should not go below 12 V cut off value, which i think we all agree upon is a 50 % depleted lead acid battery, doing so will also eat into the battery’s life.
AGM syle batteries i think is OK to go to the low 11.? volts in regard to life cycle, but not sure if you can then crank a cold engine in winter.

I am personally using a 70mai dashcam power pack, generally for just being able to remote log in VIA 4G, otherwise i do like low bitrate parking guard mode and on a timer for 3 hours.
But sadly the Vantrue cameras combine low bitrate with time lapse too, and i do not like that, one reason i like low bitrate is it also record sound but no camera do that in timelapse.

Just got around to installing my S1PM rear camera and i can see i will have to get a little more creative with it.
Mounted on hatch using magnets, and that is working fine, but the hinges on the rear camera are giving a little so will have to find a way to secure those, this could potentially be as simple as a dab of CA glue.

This is the only system in my car ATM, in the old car i also ran the similar 70MAI T800 system, but that is not going into the new car.

Ideally i would like a separate AGM battery isolated just for dashcam use, but in no hurry doing something like that.

 

[ST09]

You should not go below 12 V cut off value, which i think we all agree upon is a 50 % depleted lead acid battery, doing so will also eat into the battery’s life.
AGM syle batteries i think is OK to go to the low 11.? volts in regard to life cycle, but not sure if you can then crank a cold engine in winter.

I am personally using a 70mai dashcam power pack, generally for just being able to remote log in VIA 4G, otherwise i do like low bitrate parking guard mode and on a timer for 3 hours.
But sadly the Vantrue cameras combine low bitrate with time lapse too, and i do not like that, one reason i like low bitrate is it also record sound but no camera do that in timelapse.

Just got around to installing my S1PM rear camera and i can see i will have to get a little more creative with it.
Mounted on hatch using magnets, and that is working fine, but the hinges on the rear camera are giving a little so will have to find a way to secure those, this could potentially be as simple as a dab of CA glue.

This is the only system in my car ATM, in the old car i also ran the similar 70MAI T800 system, but that is not going into the new car.

Ideally i would like a separate AGM battery isolated just for dashcam use, but in no hurry doing something like that.

Thank you.

Yup definitely not going below 12v as Ive experienced battery issues with Nextbase Hardwiring kit in our A Class in the past. I use to constantly get low battery notifications via Merc App and then I had to take car out for a drive to get battery recharged. Ended up disabling parking mode all together.

At some point in future ill add the battery pack but for now im ok with coalition detection.

@TonyM posted rear cam mode in here:

Post in thread 'Reviewing and Testing the Vantrue S1 Pro Max'

Jul 15, 2025

Vantrue suggested using a 3M Pad where you see the white line to lessen vibrations. I am going to test this suggestion and see if the road vibrations disappear.

Today I added a layer of VHB in the hinged mount as suggested by Vantrue. I did a before/after test run and can confirm that the vibrations were reduced, but not completely.

I think I can reduce the vibrations further with better management of the cable - adding more clips to hold it in place so that the cable does not pull on the camera.

I may add a before/after comparison video later if I have...

• TonyM

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