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Side view mirrors versus cameras

March 06, 2013, 12:40:24 pm

I found a recent thread, about 2011, on this topic but that about the latest.  What is your latest thinking, experience?  I was thinking about getting side view cameras that activate when you turn the turn signal on.  They are expensive so they need to be better than the top hat or other mirrors to justify them, and I gather some of the camera set ups may not be as good as the mirrors.   

I am quite focused on safety, as are you, and for me this seems an area that I might explore further.  I did look at the video that Barry noted on adjusting mirrors and that was valuable.

Ideas?  Cameras or not?

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Re: Side view mirrors versus cameras

Reply #1 – March 06, 2013, 01:15:23 pm

I think the decision to add cameras for rear and side vision is entirely dependent on the way you drive. That said, the more visibility you have on the highway the better off you are. As for me, I drive like an old grandpa (oops, I am an old grandpa). I seldom if ever leave the right lane. When I do, I am very careful. So far so good with many many miles behind us.

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Reply #2 – March 06, 2013, 01:16:07 pm

I do not have them and while they seem to work when I have tested them. It is harder to look down and merge then to glance over and still see the road.  Something to think about.

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Reply #3 – March 06, 2013, 01:38:06 pm

Well, here's one that you can clearly see that did not work:  Biertijd.com // Media » Crashproof Bike Safety System.  The video voice is in German, with English captions.

Found the above video while I was searching for a system that Camping World and other RV stores sold.  It was a radar or sonar system the warned you of vehicles approaching from the rear and vehicles (including pedestrians or bicycles) on each side of your coach.  It also warned your about vehicles in front.  But I can not remember the name and can not locate one in a search.

I also agree with John S about it being easier to glance to the right or left mirror.  Big thing its to have your mirrors properly adjusted.  As for instructions on adjusting mirrors, I actually like Barney Alexander's video on adjusting the mirrors:  RV Driver Confidence Course: Part 1 - Better RVing.  As to mirrors, just be glad you don't have a U225 where you have to look through that tiny side window to see them!

Found it - Mobileye - Our Vision. Your Safety..  But it does not sound promising for rear looking to pull out into a different lane at highway speeds.

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Reply #4 – March 06, 2013, 02:35:17 pm

Disturbing video...

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Reply #5 – March 06, 2013, 02:49:36 pm

Very disturbing video indeed... Obviously the rider was focused on executing his part in the video instead of pulling out on the highway. No system or technology will take the place of mindfulness and vigilance. Such systems can only supplement the the senses, not replace them. In fact, too many inputs may have the opposite effect. I love technology, but I will never surrender my responsibility to be present while moving tons of mass at speed to it.
Don

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Reply #6 – March 06, 2013, 05:03:36 pm

This is what I have come to, not to say it better than whatever you have or decide. 

I am going to  pretty much try to replicate what Peter does....stay right.  I have talked to two folks with lots of experience, they like the mirrors better.  Then the comment about having too many things to try to watch.....mirror and monitor.....strikes me as a good thought. 

I will stay with the mirrors and be rededicated to adjusting them even better.  They are pretty nicely but not yet the best they can be, so I will re-tinker with those.  Plus I try to keep close track of who is coming up behind me from which directions and speeds when I am getting into a city situations that may require lane changes. 

And I hollar at the co-pilot too.

Thanks for your ideas and guidance,  Mike

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Reply #7 – March 06, 2013, 10:04:09 pm

I'm going to be bringing our coach home with only me in the coach. Jo Ann will be in the car, but we'll be in radio contact. I intend to stay in the right-hand lane the entire time that we're on four-lane roads. Before we leave I'll get the mirrors set as well as I can, and I'll have her walk around pretending to be a car so I can see where she disappears and she can tell me exactly where she is, or better yet, she can stand still while I get out and look.

I've thought about the cameras, too, and may add them sometime in the future. If so, I'll probably have the monitor turned toward the navigator's seat. Only when both agree that it is safe to change lanes will the change be made.

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Reply #8 – March 06, 2013, 10:26:38 pm

You will need to be able to see the monitor. It works well, you can see it and look to the right and see the mirror at the same time and move right. You do not want to move it to the passenger as it is too small and you will have to use your mirrors anyway.
It is not hard. You will have a bilnd spot unless you have tophats but that is an easy fix. If you get the top hat and then have three mirrors you will be able to see all the way down the coach side and the only real blind spot will be right at the front door.

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Reply #9 – March 06, 2013, 10:30:44 pm

You might try to park the coach and sit in it and let your wife drive the car next to you and look as she comes up. Not right next to you but about 4 foot away and see how you ahve to adjust your mirrors to see.  Also hills and curves will affect them.  Pay attention to the cars and trucks coming up. That is why you want the monitor.  You have a big bus rolling up on you and you will have a bow way you will feel.  The bigger coaches with tags do not feel it but my 36 foot 2000 U320 did feel the bow wave and it would move me over a bit. It became second nature after a while and the Prevost were the worst offenders.

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Reply #10 – March 07, 2013, 01:46:34 am

Wonder when the "norm" will have the cameras in the mirrors record in order to prove what you saw to save you from an incorrect ticket.  Amazing what gadgets are being devoloped.
Dave M

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Reply #11 – March 07, 2013, 07:28:13 am

I had side cameras on my SOB and really used them very little.  The mirrors worked better and I didn't have to take my eyes off the road to "look" at the camera display.  Don't miss them at all.

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Reply #12 – March 07, 2013, 11:08:25 am

Avoid lane changes. Every lane change is an opportunity for an accident. That is what I was taught when I learned to drive big rigs. We avoid lane changes by staying on two lane roads if at all possible, less traffic, better scenery, more relaxed pace.

Roland

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Reply #13 – March 07, 2013, 11:17:20 am

I considered adding cameras but, as an experiment, I added two 5.5 inch convex mirrors, one on the driver side and one on the passenger side. These were not for highway visibility but for slow speed visibility of obstacles.

The driver side mirror shows the front bumper and allows me to get within a couple inches of something in front (like a car at a red traffic light).

The passenger side mirror shows the passenger side front corner and allows me to get within a couple inches of a curb, or a post on the passenger side.

I use these mirrors more frequently then I ever imagined, particularly the passenger side one.

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Reply #14 – March 07, 2013, 12:15:46 pm

I spent some time adjusting my mirrors correctly and did quite a bit of overtaking bringing the coach back from NAC, about 1,000 miles.  Lots of trucks governed down to 65mph.  Just make sure that you can see ALL of the lane alongside.  Back-up camera good for pulling back in after passing.  If you are nervous of pulling in too soon just have someone stand the appropriate distance behind the coach and mark the monitor.

Keith

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Reply #15 – March 08, 2013, 09:42:50 am

I'm new to this forum. Just thinking about my next coach being a Foretravel. My present coach has sideview cameras and 3 position mirrors. The side cameras come on anytime I put on the turnsignal. The view automatically comes up in the rear camera screen. It is programable so I have disconnected the side cameras. I can see everything just fine in the mirrors (when adjusted properly). The switch to the side camera and then the switch back were too slow for my taste. And the screen goes blank for about 1-2 seconds as it switches. I much prefer the side mirrors and always having my rear camera on to tell me when I'm clear of who I've passed.
If I ever have a coach without 3 position mirrors I would remedy that quickly but I have no desire to ever again have side cameras. They offer no help over good mirrors as far as I'm concerned.
GordonW.  2008 American Tradition 42V at the moment.

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