Side Mirrors

[Quint]

Getting my camper next month (ATC Bobcat on a Nissan Frontier). Regarding the side mirrors how is the range of sight when driving solo as far as changing lanes, etc. Do I need to do anything special to my existing side mirrors like adding a blind spot mirror. What about looking through the rear window over your right shoulder when changing into a right lane. Can you see the lane through the passenger side camper window? Thanks as usual.

 

[davinski]

Well, this is what I find.

1. Existing mirror on my stock dodge 4x4 shortbed extended cab with hawk shell is pretty good. Much better with the camper jacks off. I find that reflections on the camper passenger side is bad and can't see much out that window. The back, with fresnel lens is actually pretty good. Just remember to make sure the screen door slide is in the correct position before driving...

I had a mirror extension on the passenger side to see that side a bit better. I found the mirror annoying and it shook a lot driving down the road.

On the back, i did install a backup cam, costco type. It is not supposed to be used all the time, but I have it tied into the running lights. So far so good. Really nice view from there.

Good luck

dave

 

[EdoHart]

I agree with Dave

Taking the camper jacks off really improved the the view out the side mirrors. I also turned my mirrors a few more degrees out so that now I have to lean over a little bit to see the sides of my truck. It took a little getting used to, but the extra area of view I get is worth it. When backing I sometimes swing the mirrors back in, but I have power mirrors so it's not a problem. Also, putting the screen door cover in the correct location has become second nature for me when I close the door.

 

[jimjxsn]

I have a Ranger on a Tundra and it doesn't overhang the sides much so visibility with the mirrors is no problem. The view out the passenger side camper window is great but I am tall which helps. I take out the screen door plastic cover and put it in a cabinet so I can see out the back door window fine.

I've used this type of towing mirror when towing a trailer. They work well and look nice enough to leave on all the time.

 

[DLN]

Thanks for bringing up the side mirrors. I've been trying to find a good mirror extension for my Tacoma other than the clip on rubber strap type. I contacted the factory who makes the slide on type (similar to Jim's) and they told me they didn't make them for Tacomas yet. Does anyone know of a side on mirror that will fit or has anyone tried to adapt a slide on from another make of truck?

 

[jimjxsn]

Here is a universal by the same company that makes the custom ones- CIPA.
http://rpminnovations.com/11960.htm

Might be worth a look

 

[chnlisle]

Quint
I just shove it reverse and hope for the best. So far so good.
Actually the stock mirrors on the Ram seem adequate and when all else fails I have Pam give me her wierd hand signals. If I get a little mouthy I get just one hand signal.
Jay

 

[John D]

I have nice large mirrors on my custom 1500, which also has a 10 thousand dollar custom paint job. (You can see it on the All Terrain web site. I bought the old Keystone.) I had a fender bender about three weeks ago. A guy hit my driver side door passing me as I was turning left. I was on a wide residential street, sort of like they have in Salt Lake City, preparing to turn left at the next intersection. I turned on my left blinker and checked my mirrors. Seeing nothing, I drifted over to the left lane with the intension of making a left turn at the next intersection. BLAM, a Dodge 350 hit my driver door and front fender. We pulled over together and got out. The guy was a gentleman. I checked my truck and surprisingly, the jacks on the camper were unscathed, just my door and fender were damaged. We checked his Dodge and the only indication of damage I could see was my red paint on his bumper. The guy said he was sorry and said he was in a hurry to open his store. I felt like the wreck was my fault because I turned in front of him, even though he was probably speeding. I stuck out my hand and we shook on it. We both went on about our business.

Collector and custom cars is a hobby of mine, so I repaired the damage myself. I already had most of the supplies except the Victory Red paint which cost sixty bucks for a half pint of base coat. I also needed a pint of clear coat hardener. I tried out two new spray guns.

There are two morals to this story. 1. Try to hit someone who does body work because they won’t be upset as long as you don’t damage the camper. 2. If you are an old man poking along early on a Saturday morning, don’t be surprised that some young guy might be speeding on his way to open his store. Stay out of his way..

The most important point I have with this post; visibility to the rear with a camper on your pickup is poor no matter what kind of mirrors you have.

 

[DLN]

Thanks Jim. I'm looking at the mirror in Camping World catalog and my give it a try.

 

[Kilroy]

For a $100 bucks I got a wireless back up camera with a monitor that goes on the dash from Walmart. Right now it's mounted on the bed cap that I use to cover the tools I'm hauling around. I will probably try to get an extra camera to mount on the FWC. The way I have the camera mounted it is at the height of the top of the bed and I have it aiming down so I can see how close I am backing up to something. (Directions show it mounted on lisense plate bolts but I worried about damage.)Camera is electrified from back up lights and monitor will be hard wired soon. Works great for backing close to stuff. Not suitable for rear traffic the way I have it mounted. Having it on a remote control that would allow you to aim the camera would be sweet. Not nearly as cheap though.

Friend of mine has had a wired one on his truck for awhile.

Monitor can be occationally be entertaining when it picks up a signal from inside of someones house or business