I Put A Thermal Camera On My Tacoma Trailhunter Hood -- Here's What It Actually Sees

Vantrue Pilot 2 thermal dash cam review and installation on my 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter! Can thermal vision help you spot deer on dark back roads, and what can this multi-camera dash cam show around your truck at night? I put the Pilot 2 through real-world night-driving and parked-truck camera-view tests.

The hood-mounted thermal camera revealed roughly 30 deer in one field. In separate scenes, I checked approaching vehicles and a person in front of the truck. Tammy and I also recently hit a deer in broad daylight. Thankfully, we're both okay. That was a separate incident, not footage captured by this dash cam. No camera guarantees you'll avoid a collision, but wildlife visibility is something I care about even more now.

In this Vantrue Pilot 2 review, you'll see the thermal dash cam's front, cabin, rear and thermal views; a nighttime walk-around of my parked Tacoma; daytime camera coverage; and how I installed the hood-mounted thermal camera, mirror-mounted 6.25-inch display and hidden wiring. I also show the Dongar PRO+ power setup and adjustable SmallRig display mount.

For truck parking security, the home-security view shows my walk-around while the Pilot 2's nighttime camera views show how visible I am from different angles.

Looking for a 2024+ Toyota Tacoma dash cam, a thermal dash cam for night driving, or a parking-security camera for a truck? This is my real-world experience with the 4th Gen Tacoma Trailhunter setup. Check compatibility and mounting for your own vehicle.

🔥 VANTRUE PILOT 2 & INSTALLATION GEAR

Vantrue Pilot 2:
https://bit.ly/4rqILsY
My Pilot 2 display mounting hardware:

SmallRig 5.5-inch articulating arm:
https://link.amazon/B0iyQvtqX

Mirror radar-detector bracket:
https://link.amazon/B04exH9DS

Extra 3M Adhesive:
https://link.amazon/B0fLgi8kE

Dongar PRO+ power setup shown in my Tacoma (Check out my sponsors page for discounts):
https://dongar.tech/smokymtntaco

🔥 SMOKY MTN TACO LINKS

All sponsors, affiliate links and audience discount codes are at Smoky Mtn Taco:
https://smokymtntaco.com/sponsors

Join the Tacoma discussion and share your dash-cam setup on our TacomaPlanet community forum:
https://tacomaplanet.com

Shop Toyota Tacoma accessories at Tacoma Store:
https://tacomastore.com

Also available through the Shop app — search “Tacoma Store”.

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Drop a comment: Would you use a thermal dash cam more for wildlife on back roads or for nighttime truck security?

Thermal vision is an extra source of information, not a replacement for headlights, safe driving or watching the road.

#VantruePilot2 #ThermalDashCam #ToyotaTacoma #DashCam #TacomaTrailhunter

Tools I commonly use:

My Electric Rachet: https://amzn.to/43foYAX
My Rachet And Socket Set: https://amzn.to/45cmJ46
Trim Removal Tool Set: https://amzn.to/4j4R7AU
My Torque Wrench: https://amzn.to/4j4R7AU
3/8 Rachet and Socket Set: https://amzn.to/4j4R7AU
Mojo Tools Swivel Combination Wrenches: https://amzn.to/4j4R7AU

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