Welcome to RVForums.com

  • Register now and join the discussion
  • Friendliest RV Community on the web
  • Modern site for PC's, Phones, Tablets - no 3rd party apps required
  • Ask questions, help others, review campgrounds
  • Get the most out of the RV Lifestyle
  • Invite everyone to RVForums.com and let's have fun
  • Commercial/Vendors welcome

FYI Side mirror replaced with cameras

Welcome to RVForums.com

  • Register now and join the discussion
  • Modern secure site, no 3rd party apps required
  • Invite your friends and let's have fun
  • Commercial/Vendors welcome
  • Friendliest RV community on the web
Status
Not open for further replies.

Joe Hogan

RVF Supporter
Joined
Nov 3, 2019
Messages
2,730
Location
Florida
RV Year
2024
RV Make
Newmar
RV Model
Dutch Star 4311
RV Length
43
Chassis
Spartan
Engine
Cummins
TOW/TOAD
2018 Ford Flex
Fulltimer
No
While cameras are great, I like the "solid state" aspect of mirrors. "What can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time" - Murphy.
 
I have to agree with tj. It seems like half the time I check my camera with the turn signal on the picture is poor because of shadows, sun etc. I don’t think I would ever want to be without mirrors. Then, again, I’ve been using them for 45 years and that probably has a lot to do with it.
 
We are way overdue to replace mirrors with cameras. However we need more technology in those cameras than exists today for most applications. For instance, any camera used as a mirror replacement should also include an IR camera for night use. Also coupling these cameras with AI technology will allow for active recognition (and annunciation) of threats. For instance, the IR camera option on BMW's includes a computer system using AI to alert when a human or animal is within the field of view. This system runs all the time so you don't have to be looking at the camera to be alerted to the threat. The same camera system could also be used for security when the coach is parked.
 
Yes I understand the reluctance to move to cameras. The quality of the camera hopefully would improve significantly with side view cameras as they would be DOT spec cameras not lowest bidder OEM stuff. The night vision will be the challenge for side view cameras. The will have to be at least HD if not 4K systems. https://www.stoneridge.com/q_product/mirroreye-camera-monitor-system-cms/
 
Besides making trucks and large motorhomes more expensive, what would be the goal of replacing mirrors with cameras? Safety? Folks have both mirrors and cameras now and still change lanes and hit cars.
 
On a personal note, over the years of driving I have found that many potentially dangerous items hide behind the A pillar and mirrors. With the larger A pillar in automobiles due to airbags and the large A pillar and mirror combo on the RV, one has to be very vigilant when any crossing traffic is encountered or tight highway situations are prevalent.
There have been several intersections that I use where items as large as SemiTrucks have hidden behind a combination of median foliage and the A Pillar or Mirror. Sounds ridiculous that these items could cause such a large blindspot, but it has happened to me on a number of occasions. Now when I approach or traverse an intersection or cross a road I check multiple times both ways before and during very deliberate movements in intersections or crossing roads.
People say yes that is what you are supposed to do, however, many people look once and proceed. During Season here in Florida, there is an intersection just west of our home that has major accidents at least once a week because sight lines are deceptive. Florida has been planning for years to reconstruct this intersection.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest resources

Back
Top