Community Forums

MrWzrd · 05-15-2018, 05:09 PM

Curious question.

Has anyone replaced their outside mirrors with cameras and monitors?

I'm considering replacing my mirrors with cameras and mounting a monitor on the A pillar, inside and opposite where the mirror used to be. (both sides). The sight picture would remain basically the same, I might even use multiple cameras and I can decrease my width by 18".

Any thoughts?

LJowdy · 05-15-2018, 05:17 PM

You may want to check the Vehicle Code for your state. Most if not all states require a Mirror with no mention of camera's.

cabrikid · 05-15-2018, 05:23 PM

I am not sure why you want to reduce width, regardless of the reason, state laws require motor vehicles to have rearview and sideview mirrors. To date, there are no provisions on the books for cameras to replace mirrors. This should be a consideration.

Sweetbriar · 05-15-2018, 05:29 PM

As long as I don't knock the mirror off by getting too close to something both seem to always work even when the coach is shut down or when lighting is less than optimum.

Cat320 · 05-15-2018, 08:49 PM

IMHO, side cameras are useless, I always use the mirrors.

sdennislee · 05-15-2018, 09:02 PM

The idea has merit, especially if it gave you a wider field of view.

2 concerns; legality of cameras vs. mirrors and moisture. I seen quite a few camera housings with a leaky seal which allowed the protective lens to accumulate condensation making that the camera all but useless until the moisture dries out.

I think I would like both cameras to be seen on a split screen monitor in one location minimize head movement/eye shift, not sure.

Not sure I could get use to them. I travel extensively for business causing me to rent many, many cars. All of them have the back up cameras with all the markings to tell me I centered in my parking spot, distance to whatever is behind me, etc... I don't use them, not because they don't work but I think it's because Ive used mirrors for so many years that I can't retrain my brain to look at the monitor.

If you do it be sure to post the results.

sdennislee · 05-15-2018, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabrikid

I am not sure why you want to reduce width,

I assume he means the physical width of his coach. Mirrors stick out further than mounted cameras, removing the mirrors would apparently make his coach 18" narrower. One benefit I can think of would some of those narrow toll both openings.

Mr_D · 05-15-2018, 09:10 PM

My mirrors have camera's mounted in them. I still only use the mirrors. Side view camera's are worthless to me.

MrWzrd · 05-16-2018, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJowdy

You may want to check the Vehicle Code for your state. Most if not all states require a Mirror with no mention of camera's.

Valid point. I forgot about that aspect.

BUT, since the NHTSA has already mandated that all new vehicles under 9900 lbs, manufactured after May 1, 2018 be equipped with backup cameras Tesla and the AAM have petitioned for cameras in place of mirrors.

Maybe I'll just add the cameras and leave the mirrors until the laws catch up.

My main reasons:
1. clunky looking mirrors sticking out on each side making wind noise.
2. aerodynamics. (ok, not a big factor on a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick)
3. reflective glare on drivers side window making even seeing the mirror, much less what is being reflected in the mirror, difficult if not impossible.
4. getting rid of the 'extra' width of the mirrors sticking out.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 05-16-2018, 06:05 AM

MrWzrd-

I installed a glare shield on the driver's side. I made an aluminum bracket that attaches to the window frame, painted it flat black, mounted three squares of Velcro on it, and then have a piece of black Corroplast with matching Velcro pieces, about a foot square. It works great.

I got the idea from here on iRV2!

I don't need one on the passenger side because that mirror is out front of the coach.

rapid rick · 05-16-2018, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

My mirrors have camera's mounted in them. I still only use the mirrors. Side view camera's are worthless to me.

Same here, never use the side camera. The rear camera I use to keep an eye on toad.

gatorv · 05-16-2018, 11:29 AM

I have side cameras that activate when turn signal is on. Worthless...

Gator- 2008 Revolution.

**TonyDi** · 05-16-2018, 11:51 AM

I don't like side cameras. They're too much of a distraction. Plus if the sun happens to be on the monitor you can't see the picture.

wa8yxm · 05-16-2018, 04:28 PM

I have not. I can see the attraction, a good camera can give you a better field of vision and offer less wind resistance.

however as others have mentioned Mirrors may be specified in the vehicle code (I have a copy of the Michijgan code but it's on the computer below the one I'm using now and I think it does specify mirrors)

Also.. I'd not want to trust my safety to a fuse that can blow or any other technology that can fail.

NOW. Installing a Camera IN ADDITION to the mirror.. On the plan list.