Rear View Mirror?

[turbome]

Hi everyone, we are the proud new owners of a 2011 Allegro Bus 36QSP upgraded from our '08 Open Road. This may sound like a stupid question but the Bus has a rearview mirror and for the life of me I can't figure out why since you can't see anything behind you with it. I thought maybe the Triplevision camera system displayed there or something like that but as far as I can tell, it does not. Does anyone know why they would have installed a rear view?

[hilgert]

Probably so they could see things behind them inside the coach while driving...open cabinets, what the dog is doing, etc.

[DRM901]

I believe they are required by law, which makes a lot of sense - if you believe most legislators are clueless.

However, I do like the outside temp on the mirror.

[Warhorse6]

I have one in mine that I installed to track what the noises are behind me like cabinets, drawers, or doors open or things falling off the counter

[turbome]

DRM901, you are probably correct even though my Open Road didn't have one. Maybe laws changed between '08 and '11. I know my buddies Lotus Exige has a review even though you can't see out the engine cover of the mid mounted engine so it's useless as well. Thanks everyone.

[Rob_M]

It’s probably there to monitor what your passengers are doing so you can be aware if they’re up moving around and you can give warning if you see something ahead that may cause you to swerve or brake. Or to monitor pets or kids.

I installed a golf cart mirror in mine for that reason.

[hilgert]

Originally Posted by Rob_M

It’s probably there to monitor what your passengers are doing so you can be aware if they’re up moving around and you can give warning if you see something ahead that may cause you to swerve or brake. Or to monitor pets or kids.

I installed a golf cart mirror in mine for that reason.

That is exactly why we have ours.

[MarkMaxPayne]

Does the rear view mirror show you the outdoor and/or indoor temperature in a corner? I've seen some manufacturers install the rear view mirrors just for that. I use mine to figure out what I forgot to secure when I hear a bang inside the rig behind me.

One thing I've seen other RVers do (mainly Class Cs and pickups towing 5th Wheels) is purchase another rear view camera (wireless) and use something like the Haloview BT12 display mounted over the OEM rearview mirror. That way instead of looking down at their dash to see behind them, they look up over to the rearview to see the monitor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PLxirHAoek

I'm debating doing this on my Wayfarer as the Kenwood that is in the dash is mounted facing straight back vs angled towards me and there is often glare on the display.

Best,
-Mark