Rear View Mirror Replacement

RetiredBeanCounter wrote:
Pardon the ignorance of a near future camper owner. But obviously the cab rear view mirror is useless with a truck camper....

I can only imagine that after forty year of driving, and as someone that is somewhat compulsive about watching what's happening behind me, that I will look up many times to see only a camper wall before getting used to using only side mirrors.

Why assume that the cab rear-view mirror is useless? When you choose what camper to buy, choose one that has a window in the front of the camper (that lines up with the rear window of the truck cab) and a window in the camper entrance door so that your cab mirror still serves it purpose.

Lots of options for a camera style rear view mirror. There's even OEM versions of them, which only operate while the rig is in reverse gear.

The lack of visibility out the center rear of truck has never bothered my in 15 years of RVing... with my truck camper, cargo trailer or travel trailers.

RetiredBeanCounter wrote:


It also seems that many of the solutions are mini screens that are included on half the rear view mirror, where although would work, I agree with Kayteg1 - GO BIG!

I tried one of those monitor in the mirror options and in bright light the monitor was just barely visible through the reflective surface on the mirror. Sent it back for refund.

What I ended up doing was get one of these-Windshield Mounting arm.

Lift the rear view mirror off the mount stuck to the windshield and slide this on. The other end matches the mount on the back of most rear view monitors. I actually built a bracket and mounted two 7" monitors. One connected to the camera on the back of the camper, the other showing the side view camera on the passenger side of the camper.

When done camping and take the camper off the truck, just remove the monitor assembly and put the mirror back on.

This forum is amazing how helpful members are. Thanks so much.

There is a lot more alternatives than I ever thought. Some replace the mirror permanently which would not work for me since the camper will be off 75% of the time, in which case, I would want the mirror.

It also seems that many of the solutions are mini screens that are included on half the rear view mirror, where although would work, I agree with Kayteg1 - GO BIG!

The post by work2much, putting the camera on the inside is a really helpful idea.

I will likely end up using the site recommended by towprow. They have many relatively large screens that clip on to the existing mirror, which is exactly what I was hoping for.

Thanks again

I have not used my center mirror for many years and rely on the left and right side view mirrors. This was probably due to learning to drive a motorcycle prior to a car or truck but also because every truck I have owned had some type of obstruction that prevented me from using the center mirror.

When backing, I get out of the vehicle to scout what is behind and use the side view mirrors or spotter. When hitching up to a trailer, I get close with the side views and then get out of the vehicle to see how much farther I need to go and how much correction I need left to right. I will back up the last length with the driver door open and use the ground to judge the distance required.

My Fleetwood with rear doors has glass panel on lower part and fisheye plastic, what gives me view what's behind me.
Meaning there are options to go without camera, but not for everybody.
We drove over 8000 miles last year with 12' camper and no rear camera.
My truck has 360 cameras and they are great, but it was after the vacations when I found good way to use rear camera on camper.
As said, today's options are endless. I had camera who had attached big mirror, going over factory mirror and turning into screen when you activate the camera.
Problem with them is poor camera resolution, so even you see it, details are blurred.
I like Ford factory 7" screen, but then their system can't be used on the road and nobody found a hack for it (yet)
Space in truck is not an issue, so don't settle for 4" screen. GO BIG.

moebedick wrote:
... snipped ... In my tc combo, I can look straight through my camper and get a small view of whatever is behind me. I depend on my side mirrors, so I am always certain that they are correctly adjusted ...

^^^ what moebedick said ^^^. I can look in my rear view mirror, with the TC loaded, and keep an eye on the cargo trailer we usually tow behind us or if we're not towing anything, I have a clear line of sight through the TC's small, lower rear door window on what traffic is doing directly behind us. Some do not have this clear line of sight ... I'm glad we do.

Both my new and my old BFs came with a wide angle lens mounted in a low window in the door. My rear view mirror has never been useless.

I got one of these it has two video inputs.
Boyo VTM43TC 4.3 OE style rear view mirror monitor with compass & temperature

look through this website and check out the different options. this is the best bunch of internet sales people I have spoke to in a long time. they will really try to help you get what you need/want