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kimberlysmoore's avatar
kimberlysmoore
Explorer
Sep 18, 2015

RV side mirror blind spot for small driver

1986 Pace Arrow 33foot
The side mirrors are driving me crazy! 
I have an awesome rear and dual side camera set-up.
Im sure its not legal to remove the mirrors but Im a small woman and these mirrors are a dangerous blind spot.
I want mirrors. I cant imagine what it would be like if the cameras went ouf for some reason and I didnt have mirrors.. that would be insane BUT I cant see over the huge mirrors on the sides. Maybe I could switch them and turn them upside down, hang them from higher up..? Maybe replace the huge stock mirrors with smaller, legally acceptable mirrors..?
Something has to be done. Its worrisome for me and we'be been full time for 3 months now.
Preferably affordable advice. I know these mirrors can run into the hundreds and even higher. 
A truck recently grazed my drivers side mirror and the insurance settlement settled for $800 just for the glass repair. Now Im sorry I even bothered to put it back on my rig.
Ki
  • kimberlysmoore's avatar
    kimberlysmoore
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2015
    Jay Pat wrote:
    You need an adequate sized mirror to see down the side of your rv.
    Mirrors can and do create a blind spot and you must learn to instinctively look around them.
    The post on each end of the windshield can create a blind spot. Again, learn to look around it.
    Sometimes, the post and mirror can create a big blind spot. You've got to learn to instinctively look around any blind spot.
    I have to deal with as well.
    Pat


    Yes..these mirrors are huge and the post is thick. Sitting higher, as most are telling me, will not help since it's the torso stretch that determines the visual, not the hight I'm sitting at. Besides, the higher I sit, the further I am from the pedals :/
    The mirrors are stock, 8 inches tall, 5 inches wide, with thick, I full post.
    I've seen really cool upside down mirrors on buses. Someone told me yesterday to go check bus graveyards.
  • kimberlysmoore's avatar
    kimberlysmoore
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2015
    gbopp wrote:
    Does the state where your Pace Arrow is registered have an annual safety inspection? The people who do the inspections can tell you what replacement mirrors are permitted.

    Good luck with your RV Tech training. I hope it works out for you.


    Mirror Laws


    TY for the MirrorLaws.
  • Jay_Pat's avatar
    Jay_Pat
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2015
    You need an adequate sized mirror to see down the side of your rv.
    Mirrors can and do create a blind spot and you must learn to instinctively look around them.
    The post on each end of the windshield can create a blind spot. Again, learn to look around it.
    Sometimes, the post and mirror can create a big blind spot. You've got to learn to instinctively look around any blind spot.
    I have to deal with as well.
    Pat
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2015
    Does the state where your Pace Arrow is registered have an annual safety inspection? The people who do the inspections can tell you what replacement mirrors are permitted.

    Good luck with your RV Tech training. I hope it works out for you.


    Mirror Laws
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Sep 18, 2015
    It may be easier and cheaper to look at some kind of aftermarket seat that sits or can be adjusted higher. Might work and just bolt in.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Sep 18, 2015
    You are legally required to have an outside mirror, I believe. You aren't necessarily required to have that particular mirror or that large of a mirror. I suspect if you asked your state's DMV they would dig up the appropriate regulations.

    Have you tried using an additional cushion on the driver's seat? It may be simpler to alter your eyepoint than to alter the mirror.

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