Ideas for Passenger Rear View Mirror

[Heli_av8tor]

When riding in the passenger seat both of us have gotten accustomed to watching for traffic. This is not possible in our new coach as the passengers view of the rear view mirror is blocked by the windshield post

I’m looking for ideas to regain this ability.

 

[Boat Bum]

Maybe add an additional mirror?

 

[workinonit]

Rear and sider cameras may help as well.

 

[UTTransplant]

Can’t help you on the question you asked, but congrats on the new rig. I bet you’ll love it.

 

[garyb1st]

Congratulations indeed. Can't wait to hear about it.

 

[Kirk]

I’m looking for ideas to regain this ability.

Install another mirror on the passenger side for them to use.

 

[Lou Schneider]

$50 side camera and monitor.

 

[TheBar]

$50 side camera and monitor.

I've had a wired version of this $94 Pyle brand rear view camera and monitor for 10 years It is still working perfectly. You could attach it to your side view mirror. Or you could spend $600 for the big name brand cameras and be constantly asking questions on this forum when it quits working

RV drivers think a rear view camera being on while driving is a problem. Is a regular windshield mounted rear view mirror a distraction? You can buy a version of this that fits over your worthless rear view mirror.

Mine is hard wired to be on whenever the engine is running because I have this weird fetish about being able to see tiny cars tailgating me that are about to pass. Nobody can see them using only side mirrors. Trucks have stickers saying "if you're close enough to read this I can't see you". RV drivers don't seem to care because they don't want to see.

 

[Heli_av8tor]

Thanks for the replies so far. We haven’t taken delivery yet so I’m somewhat limited.
It does have the rear camera and also side mirror cameras. However, the display isn’t easy for the passenger to see.
I want to retain the functionality of the factory system. Is it possible to feed the mirror camera to an additional display?

 

[Kirk]

Is it possible to feed the mirror camera to an additional display?

I'm sure that it is possible, but it may not be practical. It all depends on the camera system that you have. It could be fairly simple but it would quite possibly require some type of amplifier to boost the camera output to support two monitors, other issues. It has been a long time since I last worked with video signals and both the equipment and the technology have changed a lot.

 

[UTTransplant]

Tom, look for a PM from me.

 

[Larry N.]

RV drivers think a rear view camera being on while driving is a problem.

SOME RV drivers might feel that way, but a LOT of us prefer that camera being on, even when there's no toad to watch -- that extra help in seeing the traffic behind me, better resolution on when I am clear enough to return to the right lane after passing, better awareness of other things behind me, are all reasons to have that camera on. Loved it that way in all three of my coaches with those cameras.

I also find myself wishing that, in the new Maverick pickup I got, I could turn on the rear camera at times. Those things are GREAT!

In other words, don't assume that all others think the way you do...

 

[UTTransplant]

We leave our camera system on the motorhome set to show the backup camera full screen all the time. The exception is when a turn signal is on, and the camera defaults to a side camera view. Handy to check what’s coming in the lanes to either side.

 

[John From Detroit]

I have heard rumors that some states the "No TV in the Driver's view" laws prohibit the rear view camera.. Have not been able to confirm and would make a serious case why such a law if it exists should be shut down. I always turned on the rear view. Some things it sees way better than the side mirrors.. +

 

[UTTransplant]

Since lots and lots of motorhomes (probably most) come from the factory with rear view cameras, I doubt there is a law against it.

 

[RayIN]

Since lots and lots of motorhomes (probably most) come from the factory with rear view cameras, I doubt there is a law against it.

I agree. MIne is set/angled to monitor the towed hitch for proper operation and view the entire towed, plus I can see the lanes on both sides of the towed enough to know when it's safe to change lanes. Outside rear view mirrors lack depth perception.
Back to the OP; just how can a driver and a co-pilot see the same thing in either rear view mirror????

 

[Kirk]

I have heard rumors that some states the "No TV in the Driver's view" laws prohibit the rear view camera..

I'm no expert on the laws of all 50 states, but I highly doubt that is the case since more and more automobiles are coming with them and is some cases it is standard equipment.

 

[Joezeppy]

I also find myself wishing that, in the new Maverick pickup I got, I could turn on the rear camera at times. Those things are GREAT!

I can turn on the rear camera in my RAM at any time. I've used it a handful of times while driving to check out tailgaters. It's also entertaining in the car wash!

 

[John From Detroit]

I'm no expert on the laws of all 50 states, but I highly doubt that is the case since more and more automobiles are coming with them and is some cases it is standard equipment.

I do not knwo all 50 states either and.. Since my info is 2 decades old (rounded) laws may have been changed.... I'm adding a back up cam to my car next month

 

[Lou Schneider]

I do not knwo all 50 states either and.. Since my info is 2 decades old (rounded) laws may have been changed.... I'm adding a back up cam to my car next month

A backup camera is similar to a mirror or a GPS navigation screen - permitted as a driver aid. The prohibition about having a TV in view of the driver applies when you have a screen displaying content unrelated to operating the vehicle such as a TV program that can distract the driver from his duties.