Do you use blind spot mirrors? How big are they? Where do you put them on your existing mirror? On my Class C RV I had big trucker mirrors and I added big 4 inch blind spot mirrors that were on a separate bar that let me use the full regular mirror and then have a big a$$ blind spot mirror as well. Now I need to choose the best option for my pickup. Do I want a big blind spot mirror that takes away from the regular mirror or a small blind spot mirror that may be difficult to see stuff in because it is small. I bought the biggest blind spot mirror at Wal Mart and put it in the outside lower corner of my mirrors. I like the blind spot addition but I'm not sure if I'm liking the location and how much of the regular mirror I'm loosing.
What are your thoughts / suggestions on blind spot mirrors?
[IMG]http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q752/CamperDude/blind%20spot%20mirror_zps9ja6xlln.jpg[/img]
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
Great post idea, curious to see what everyone says!
Personally, I find that an add-on mirror for my passenger side (without the little round inset) eliminates that side's blind spot. As far as the driver's side - I was taught to always do a quick over-the-shoulder-look out the window before changing lanes, and that works for me.
One tip for evaluating what you see/don't see when checking to change lanes is to tow into an empty parking lot, park, and use the marked spaces to discover potential blind spots (i.e. rear bumper on driver's side,2 car lengths back on passenger side, just examples). This gives a specific, measurable distance for finding exactly where the blind spots are. It also allows you to have a safe place to adjust your mirror enhancements. I usually stop at a certain grocery store before starting getting on the turnpike and officially starting my camping journey; half of the lot is usually empty at that hour of the day and I pull in and use the empty spaces to adjust my mirrors.
I also think that that vehicle manufacturers probably design to accommodate a specific range of driver heights/builds; those who don't fall within those parameters might have additional difficulty in eliminating blind spots.
After driving for a day I think I would prefer to move the blind spot mirror to the upper outside corner rather than the lower outside corner. I think I would prefer a normal mirror in that lower position and the upper position seems to be looking at more sky.
I just noticed when I moved my friends Hyundai accent that she has integrated blindspot mirrors in the upper outside corner. I have never driven the car more than out of the driveway so I don't know how that is. I like when a big truck has the bottom section of the mirror separate from the regular mirror as a blind spot mirror.
I just got some tow mirrors for my truck that came yesterday that clip on and extend out another 4 inches so that I can get a better angle looking behind since the TT is wider than the truck. I haven't played with them yet....tonight.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
Our new truck, 2015, has the integrated mirror on the upper outside corner for both driver & passenger. Chris towed on our New Years trip & really liked them.
On the 2001, I bought 3 sets of mirrors until I found one we liked. It was the slide on type that adds a mirror on the outside. Once adjusted properly, I liked them. Chris said they didn't do much for him.
What I'd really like are my bus mirrors, but my f150 would like kind of odd with them 😉
On TV number one which did not come with towing mirrors I use Cipa strap on mirrors.. I got the ones with two smaller mirrors and use the outer most mirror as a blind spot mirror.. TV number two has factory towing mirrors that have a built in blind spot mirror...
My recommendation would be to get a set of towing mirrors if you do not have a factory installed set..
I moved the big blind spot mirrors to the upper outside corner. After driving for awhile like that I decided I do not like the big mirrors. I bought this small set of round mirrors and put them in the upper outside corner. I found with the big mirrors when I looked I had 2 choices to look at and it took me an extra second to think "I want the regular mirror" or "I want to look in the blind spot". I did not like that delay that was going on in my head. With these smaller mirrors when I quick check the mirrors it seems almost like there is a smudge in the upper outside corner so my brain automatically goes to the regular mirror. Then when I know I want to check my blind spot if I am changing lanes, backing up, or just want to check it then I tell my brain to look in the blind spot mirror and I then see that motorcycle that is hiding there or the curb, etc.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
A week later and I have to say I really like these smaller blind spot mirrors. They are not distracting when I want to take a quick glance and I see what I want to see when I look in them when changing lanes.
I'm not saying this is the absolute best set up, I'm saying this set up works for me and I like it. Someone else may prefer the entire sideview mirror as a blindspot mirror.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
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