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Topic: Top hats (Read 991 times) previous topic - next topic

Top hats

I think I could use more mirrors for better side and rear visibility. I don't want side cameras as I'm more of a mirror person. If you have,or had, top hat mirrors how did they work for elimanating those blind spots off to the sides (like one or two lanes over) and did they work better than the standard mirrors that came with your moho. Before I purchase I'd like some feedback re: are they worth the price and how they are attached.
Jon Ohman
2001 U320 36'
Build #5809

Re: Top hats

Reply #1 –
Jon,
I don't have the top hat mirror, however, I have my mirrors adjusted so I can feel confident of what's around and where in relationship to the coach.  From what I understand, the top hat is used to see what is immediately below it.
 
The plain mirrors are both set to be able to just see the sides of the coach and the rearmost sides  & just catch a glimpse of the pavement at both rearsides.  The convex mirrors are then set to be able to see the middle of the lanes adjacent and at the middle of the coach.  This enables me to be able to see if anyone is within the sides of the coach including at just about the front of the passenger door as well as the driver side driver's position.
 
The driver's side mirror is set at the front of the coach not next to the driver's window.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Top hats

Reply #2 –
Hi John,

We opted for new mirrors with the "top hat" built in.  Our original mirrors were beginning to shed chrome plating so we went with new.  We can see more.  We feel safer when driving because we can easily see cars coming down an Interstate ramp, etc.  With three mirrors you have more flexibility in what you choose to see.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Top hats

Reply #3 –
Quote from: sam7 –
I think I could use more mirrors for better side and rear visibility. I don't want side cameras as I'm more of a mirror person. If you have,or had, top hat mirrors how did they work for elimanating those blind spots off to the sides (like one or two lanes over) and did they work better than the standard mirrors that came with your moho. Before I purchase I'd like some feedback re: are they worth the price and how they are attached.

Jon I added "top hats" when I bought my coach, I wanted more view of the area beside my drivers seat and right behind the entry door. These seemed to be a blind spots regardless of how I adjusted the convex mirrors. They have provided me that additional coverage. In addition they have given me additional coverage further behind the flat mirror view. All of this is primarily for passing and lane changing. It works for me, I'm happy with the result. They bolt onto the existing frame with 2 bolts.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Top hats

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Horace B. Cupp Jr. –
Jon I added "top hats" when I bought my coach, I wanted more view of the area beside my drivers seat and right behind the entry door. These seemed to be a blind spots regardless of how I adjusted the convex mirrors. They have provided me that additional coverage. In addition they have given me additional coverage further behind the flat mirror view. All of this is primarily for passing and lane changing. It works for me, I'm happy with the result. They bolt onto the existing frame with 2 bolts.

Mine came with them and I agree with Horace's description.
A good video on adjusting your mirrors is at
RV Driver Confidence Course: Part 1 - Better RVing
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Top hats

Reply #5 –
Well it looks like I'll be ordering some top hats. Thanks to Peter re:adjusting the mirrors, George re: getting new mirrors with built in top hats (my mirror on passenger side has chrome problems), Horace re:the value of having top hats and there added visibility and Barry re:the video on adjusting your mirrors properly. All of answers and suggestions certainly helped me in reaching my decision. Many thanks to all of you.
Jon Ohman
2001 U320 36'
Build #5809

Re: Top hats

Reply #6 –
Ordered mine directly from remco. They are easy to install with single sheet metal screw as I recall.
Felix and Gail Mathieu
99 U320
Jeep Liberty CRD
Build number 5522
 

Re: Top hats

Reply #7 –
The original owner of my FT had the factory install a top hat on the passenger side mirror.  I have it set to look down on the blind spot by the entry door.  It works so well I don't bother to use the side-view camera.  I ended up adjusting the other mirrors as shown in the video.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer