Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Topic: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320 (Read 957 times) previous topic - next topic

Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

October 29, 2013, 10:57:32 am

Using the passenger side mirror we can't see the side of the coach at all -- even though we've adjusted the control in the motorhome as far as it wil go. Can the top mirror be adjusted by hand without breaking it? Thanks in advance

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #1 – October 29, 2013, 11:07:02 am

The mirror assembly may need adjusting. On our U280, I had to loosen the Allen screws and adjust the assembly or get proper mirror position. Not difficult but you need to really tighten up the Allen screws when finished to keep the assembly in place.

Roland

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #2 – October 29, 2013, 11:08:24 am

Yes, and my mirrors have warning labels, to "loosen screws" before adjusting. And might you need to reposition the huge chrome arm holding the mirror assemble? I think there is a nut on the bottom of that as well.

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #3 – October 29, 2013, 12:21:30 pm

All of the above apply to the mirrors on your coach. Small setscrews to loosen/tighten mirror head, bolt to move arms. When adjusting mirrors I like to be able to tilt the flat mirrors down so as to see along side of the coach and the ground when backing so as to line up easier on the pad. Don't forget to put them back up for traveling though.

Here is a good you-tube video on adjusting them.

Driver's Confidence Video 1: Adjusting Your Mirrors

Keith

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #4 – October 29, 2013, 01:20:09 pm

Mike, Use the Allen screws to re position the mirror head so you can set it as you like it. Be careful tho, under the Allen screw is a hard plastic collar and overtightening will eventually make it so that you can't tighten it. If this happens, loosen up everything and rotate the collar so that the Allen screws are tightened into fresh material. I had to replace one collar as it was worn out, Ramco has parts.
Gary B

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #5 – October 29, 2013, 05:23:11 pm

Thanks to eve.ryone, will try the allen screws first and see if i can get it right

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #6 – October 29, 2013, 07:27:20 pm

Thanks for sharing the video on the mirrors, worth watching.

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #7 – October 29, 2013, 11:03:36 pm

I want to stress tightening the arms (3/4" bolt). It is disconcerting when the wind is bad and they start to move on you. Been there, done that. I can't seem to be consistent as to whether I like the Driver's mirror out front...or tucked at the side. So when I move it and don't get it tight enough, it moves on me.

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #8 – August 13, 2014, 08:51:39 pm

Quote from: Roland Begin – October 29, 2013, 11:07:02 am

I had to loosen the Allen screws and adjust the assembly or get proper mirror position. Not difficult but you need to really tighten up the Allen screws when finished to keep the assembly in place.

Roland,

Do you (or anyone else) remember the size of the allen screws?

I tried several sizes and could not find the right one.

Thanks,

Trent

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #9 – August 13, 2014, 09:52:02 pm

Be sure to not over tighten the hex set screws as they are steel and the arm threads are aluminum. When our Ramco mirror hex screws stripped out one of the threads, a small helicoil made a permanent repair in the arm.

The mirror's set screws tighten against two-piece metal collars that "squeeze" the mirror and fit into a round hole in the mirror's arm.

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #10 – August 13, 2014, 10:51:22 pm

You folks on the forum are terrific with all the info you provide. I'm always learning something about my coach here.

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #11 – August 13, 2014, 11:17:19 pm

I had trouble with the left side mirror shaking just enough that the image wasn't clear. At the next rest stop I tried moving the mirror assembly and the arm to see if there was movement. The assembly seemed solid. When we arrived at the house I took a wrench and tongued the arm pivot bolt. The bolt moved slightly. Next time out the mirror image was crystal clear. I was amazed that I couldn't rotate the arm yet there was enough freedom for the wind to flex it.

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #12 – August 13, 2014, 11:32:03 pm

Quote from: sedelange – August 13, 2014, 11:17:19 pm

I had trouble with the left side mirror shaking just enough that the image wasn't clear. At the next rest stop I tried moving the mirror assembly and the arm to see if there was movement. The assembly seemed solid. When we arrived at the house I took a wrench and tongued the arm pivot bolt. The bolt moved slightly. Next time out the mirror image was crystal clear. I was amazed that I couldn't rotate the arm yet there was enough freedom for the wind to flex it.

Funny you mentioned it but today I touched the passenger mirror against an slowly opening gate. Rotated the mirror head on the base a little.

I put two pieces of black tape on the base and arm to realign them easily. If the arm rotates rearward the threads on the bolt release tension on the passenger side. Luck of the draw as far as the thread rotation. Drivers side would tighten.

Perfect design. Taller longer arm with the mounting base located farther around the body on the drivers side so can be pulled in tight to the body and viewed through the drivers front side window glass.

And the passenger side shorter, less up angle arm with the mount located more around the coaches front allows good vision though the front windshield.

Could be a bigger mirror but would stick out more I am afraid. I do use the right camera on normally on the dash.

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #13 – August 14, 2014, 12:20:53 am

When we painted our coach 2-1/2 years ago (Extreme), original chrome arm & mirrors with add-on top hat was removed.

We wanted to paint mirrors to match coach, so we decided to not try to have chrome painted and ordered new Ramco unpainted mirrors that were designed to be painted. Outside housing is taller heavy plastic, with three heated and motorized inside mirrors with imbedded turn signal LEDs. The third motorized mirror & turn signal required rewiring with a 3rd dash controller switch.

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #14 – August 14, 2014, 09:22:06 am

Quote from: TulsaTrent – August 13, 2014, 08:51:39 pm

Roland,

Do you (or anyone else) remember the size of the allen screws?

I tried several sizes and could not find the right one.

Thanks,

Trent

3/16 inch Allen wrench is what I used on mine. When I tightened the Allen screw It did not turn much, but it made a big difference.

Roland

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #15 – August 14, 2014, 09:57:47 am

If your mirrors get loose and tightening the Allen screw does not do much good take the mirror head off and rotate the plastic ( sometimes metal ) collar under the screw so that new material is under the screw , then tighten it carefully.
Gary B

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #16 – August 14, 2014, 10:02:26 am

Gary, and that's why your appreciated

Simple fix, cause you did it. Thanks

Ok, I gotta ask- what's with the safety stands on your signature? Are they the only thing you kept when you sold your coach?

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #17 – August 14, 2014, 10:29:57 am

John, Quit making me look intelligent, only thing that I have going for me is about 15 years experience with used Foretravels, and an old Executive before that, and a lot of dumb luck. Plus a whole lot of help from the real experts here.
The safety stands are still with the coach, I just took the picture of the 280 off as I thought it would be misleading as I no longer have a MH. I couold not think of another photo to place there. Any suggestions ?
Gary B

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #18 – August 16, 2014, 04:59:22 pm

If you are unable to cure shaky mirrors on a Grand Villa you may have delamination on the cab sidewalls. Both of our GVs had this problem. Fix the delam and the mirrors will be rock solid.
jor

Re: Adjusting Side Mirrors on 1997 u320

Reply #19 – August 16, 2014, 05:39:27 pm

Quote from: Roland Begin – August 14, 2014, 09:22:06 am

3/16 inch Allen wrench is what I used on mine. Roland

Roland,

That was the right size, thanks. I will put the rest of the story around the fire ring when I get a chance. As a sneak peek, when is it good to get green paint on the side of your mirror?

Trent

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