DAFs now available with cameras instead of mirrors, its coming to a motorhome near you

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N&B Clou Liner MAN
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I was working Truckfest at numerous venues last year and had a look at this system. I seem to remember it was on other manufacturers as well. The truck I was in had screens in the corners of the dash so you looked near enough in the same place we have got used to looking in trucks. It did work very well but did in a way seem to fix a problem that didn’t really exist.
 
Wonder how much a new camera stalk costs compared to a new wing mirror when some clown hits it?
 
Wonder how much a new camera stalk costs compared to a new wing mirror when some clown hits it?
Probably a lot less than those fancy coach type mirrors that look like insect antenna.

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If the mirror is replaced with original parts it’s expensive, but as they get older it’s anything that can be made to fit. Needless to say it won’t be able to be altered with the electric motor/switch like when it was new.
 
Bit advantage for Funsters is they clear A Class mirrors. Don't know about the rest of you but I've had quite a few near misses with those ss protectors the Brit lorries are fond of, hardly see any on Contental lorries.
 
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Daf are behind the curve here, Mercedes, Volvo and Scania introduced this earlier, the BIG deal is reduced blind spots, both in the mirrors and more importantly behind the area where the mirrors USED to be.

If your driving a RHD in Europe or visa versa, these are a big help
 
Drove a Mercedes tractor unit a few weeks ago. It had the camera mirrors fitted. They are strange to begin with but after a while I realised how good they were. Once coupled up to a trailer it gets better. Reversing into very confined space like a loading dock is much easier and having just a few inches of space is no longer an issue. Everyone will have different opinions but for me they are one thing I like about modern technology. Price to replace is a four figure sum I'm told.
 
From a cyclists perspective these are great and from a driver's it's about time. All around cameras have been on Nissan cars for years.
 
Who else, suspects this to be all about "added value"?. replacing the physical with the electronic. I would guess that the Cameras and motors are generic?. The Monitors like wise?. The whole thing costing peanuts ex factory (compared with the big (say) Bus mirrors.) BUT the added cost will be greater?. Cynicism rules OK! :reel:

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Drove a Mercedes tractor unit a few weeks ago. It had the camera mirrors fitted. They are strange to begin with but after a while I realised how good they were. Once coupled up to a trailer it gets better. Reversing into very confined space like a loading dock is much easier and having just a few inches of space is no longer an issue. Everyone will have different opinions but for me they are one thing I like about modern technology. Price to replace is a four figure sum I'm told.

I like the idea a lot, and yes they ve been out on Mercs for a little while. I havent driven a motor with them on but Ive heard the downside is that they are not so good in poor lighting or drizzle, no doubt the techies are on to that.
 
Camera is a fraction of the price of a mirror AND the mirrors get knocked off on a regular basis ( the drivers tell us mostly by motorhomes😂)
No, No, No. Usually by "tippers" going "hell for leather", downhill into Shrewsbury!. Grrrrrrr!. :mad:
 
I like the idea although it would make the typical large A class with the bus mirrors look quite naked and would take some getting used to visually, I understand that their is quite a fuel saving running the cameras on truck so with the miles they do I can see the advantages for them. I am sure they will be on our next van ;)

Martin

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I am sure they will be on our next van ;)

Martin

You are going to be in sooo much trouble if Jen sees this Martin :rofl:

I really like the idea of cameras instead of mirrors but wish they didnt stick out as far. I wonder at what point it will be possible to retro fit them?
 
I will probably be retired by the time they filter down to the used market. Also I see the fixing points are still there for mirrors. May be this is for the second hand market or when they are shipped to Africa.
 
I will probably be retired by the time they filter down to the used market. Also I see the fixing points are still there for mirrors. May be this is for the second hand market or when they are shipped to Africa.

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Maybe I’m missing something , but why fit the cameras sticking out at the side like that? Surely you would get a better composite picture using 3 cameras: one almost flush with each door and one in the rear of the vehicle ( could be a plug in at the rear of the trailer.) . The side ones could be at high level and point down to provide a 360 view like fitted to many cars like Volvo 4x4 these days
 
You are going to be in sooo much trouble if Jen sees this Martin :rofl:

I really like the idea of cameras instead of mirrors but wish they didnt stick out as far. I wonder at what point it will be possible to retro fit them?
I should have added it will most likely be sub 3500kg panel van possibly even electric, or a a nice VarioMobil ;)

M
 
Maybe I’m missing something , but why fit the cameras sticking out at the side like that? Surely you would get a better composite picture using 3 cameras: one almost flush with each door and one in the rear of the vehicle ( could be a plug in at the rear of the trailer.) . The side ones could be at high level and point down to provide a 360 view like fitted to many cars like Volvo 4x4 these days
If mounted flush with the side of the cab you'd potentially have restricted visibility down the side of the trailer.
The cost of retrofit and additional wiring for hundreds of thousands of trailers would be horrendous and, initially, your tractor unit would be constrained to pulling only those trailers fitted with the system. The logistics would be a nightmare!
 
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There is enough problems when a newer unit hooks up to an older trailer now with lights coming up on the dashboard

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