The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America for over 40 consecutive years. It's a truck, which means it has a different windshield geometry than sedans and SUVs, different ADAS sensor placement, and a cab height that affects how the camera captures the scene ahead. Getting the right dash cam for an F-150 isn't the same as choosing one for a passenger car.
This guide is specific to the F-150 — 2015 through 2026 models, including the standard, SuperCab, SuperCrew, and F-150 Lightning configurations.
F-150 Windshield: What's Different
The F-150's windshield is notably more upright than most modern passenger cars. It rakes at a less aggressive angle than a sedan or crossover — which affects camera tilt adjustment requirements. Many standard suction and adhesive mounts designed for steeply raked windshields will position the camera pointing too high when mounted on the F-150's more vertical glass.
What this means in practice: verify that your chosen camera's mount can tilt down enough to point the lens at the road and scene ahead rather than at the sky. Ball-joint mounts offer more adjustment range and are preferred for truck windshields.
The 2021+ F-150 also uses Ford's Co-Pilot360 system, which includes a windshield-mounted camera for lane centering and pre-collision assist. This camera is positioned at the top center of the windshield, near the rearview mirror base. Avoid mounting your dash cam directly in front of or immediately adjacent to this sensor.
Where to Mount on an F-150
Behind the Rearview Mirror (Best for Most)
The area immediately behind the rearview mirror — slightly to the passenger side to clear the Co-Pilot360 camera — is the optimal mounting zone for most F-150 owners. The wipers clear this area in rain, the driver's sightlines aren't impeded, and the camera has a clean forward view over the hood.
Lower Windshield (Dashboard-Adjacent)
Some F-150 owners prefer a lower mount position near the dash to keep the camera completely out of the driver's visual field. The trade-off: lower mounting increases hood intrusion in the frame, since the F-150's hood is high relative to passenger cars. This position works if the camera has a wide enough vertical field of view to see over the hood.
Rear Camera on the F-150
Standard F-150 (non-crew cab): the rear window is a sliding rear glass in most configurations — not fixed. This creates challenges for rear camera mounting since the glass moves. Options:
- Fixed outer rear window section: Some F-150 configurations have fixed outer sections flanking the sliding center panel. A small camera can mount here.
- Cab exterior (third brake light area): An exterior waterproof camera mounted near the third brake light provides rear coverage without the sliding glass issue. Requires waterproof camera rating (IP67 or better) and weather-resistant cable routing.
- Tonneau cover or tailgate camera: Commercial-grade cameras designed for truck rear coverage. More complex install but robust solution for owners who need reliable rear coverage.
SuperCrew and SuperCab models with larger rear windows have more flexibility. A standard interior rear window mount in the center-high position works well for these configurations.
Vibration: The F-150 Consideration
Trucks transmit more vibration through the body than passenger cars, especially on rough roads or when the bed is loaded. This affects both mount security and footage quality.
For mounts: use adhesive mounts (3M VHB tape) over suction cup mounts where possible. Suction cups can loosen under sustained vibration. If using suction, add a safety tether to prevent the camera from dropping onto the dash.
For footage: cameras with electronic image stabilization (EIS) handle vibration significantly better. This feature reduces the shakiness in footage on rough surfaces — worth prioritizing for F-150 owners who regularly drive on unpaved or rough roads.
Power and Hardwiring in the F-150
The F-150's fuse box is under the dashboard on the driver's side and also under the hood. For hardwiring:
- Use the interior fuse box (under dash) rather than the engine bay box for cleaner routing
- The F-150 has a 12V accessory socket (cigarette lighter) in the dashboard and additional outlets in some trim levels — useful for plug-in power while testing, but hardwiring gives cleaner results and enables parking mode
- Ground connections are accessible at several points under the dash. The metal bracket near the fuse box is a reliable ground point
For the 2022+ F-150 Lightning (electric): similar considerations to the Tesla EV guide. The 12V auxiliary battery is located in the front trunk area. Follow the Lightning-specific electrical access guide in your owner's manual before attempting any hardwire install.
What Matters Most for F-150 Owners
- Wide angle front camera: The F-150's high cab height means the camera sees more road ahead and less of the hood compared to a passenger car. A 140° or wider horizontal field of view captures more of the scene, including side-approaching vehicles at intersections.
- Electronic Image Stabilization: Vibration compensation for rough road use.
- Durable build quality: Temperature extremes are real — a work truck parked outdoors in Texas summer (cabin temperatures 140°F+) or Minnesota winter (-20°F) will stress camera components. Look for cameras rated to at least 140°F operating temperature.
- GPS logging: Speed and location data is particularly valuable for commercial F-150 use and for documenting incidents that involve following drivers at highway speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a dash cam work with the F-150's Co-Pilot360 system?
Yes, as long as you don't mount it directly in front of the Co-Pilot360 camera at the top center of the windshield. Mount slightly to the passenger side and below the Co-Pilot360 sensor position. The two systems operate independently and do not interfere.
What's the best way to add a rear camera to an F-150 with a sliding rear window?
For SuperCrew models: interior center-high mount on the fixed rear window works well. For standard cab with full sliding glass: an exterior waterproof camera near the third brake light is the most reliable option. Exterior mounts require a camera rated IP67 or better.
Does the F-150's bed or tonneau cover affect rear camera placement?
A closed tonneau cover doesn't affect a cab-mounted rear camera's field of view — the camera looks through the rear window, not over the bed. An open bed or tall load may intrude into the frame, but this is informational rather than problematic for rear coverage purposes.
Can I hardwire a dash cam to the F-150 myself?
Yes. The F-150 fuse box is accessible and well-documented. With a hardwire kit, basic hand tools, and a fuse tester, a hardwire install is a 1–2 hour DIY job. Follow our complete hardwiring guide for step-by-step instructions.