Left hand drive extra mirror

[littlehouse]

Recently returned from 5 years in France, I find that my vision is obscured by the right-hand side of the van when pulling up to a roundabout and you have already completed part of the turn! Anyone know of an extra mirror you can mount to view this blind spot? TIA, Clive.

 

[Speve]

I have a wide angle camera on the inside of passengers window connected to a small monitor on the dash it works a treat when driving alone.

 

[littlehouse]

Thanks Alan. Not really used to driving this alone. Liz is always there to 'guide' me. (I'm sure you know what I mean) Any info on type, source, approx price of the setup you have? I suppose a retro fit reversing camera might work, but if you're happy with yours, then I don't need to re-invent the wheel! Cheers, Clive.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

There is a thread somewhere recently discussing the benefits of a fresnel type lens (used to see them on rear windows a lot before reversing cameras to aid rear vision and parking). This would be stuck to the van's side door, to give you a better vision of things coming at you from the wrong side when you are pulling out at odd angle junctions.

 

[Speve]

Thanks Alan. Not really used to driving this alone. Liz is always there to 'guide' me. (I'm sure you know what I mean) Any info on type, source, approx price of the setup you have? I suppose a retro fit reversing camera might work, but if you're happy with yours, then I don't need to re-invent the wheel! Cheers, Clive.

I just bought a cheap £30 reversing camera and monitor on EBay didn’t drill anything just threaded power cable and camera cable under dash and stuck camera bracket at top of sliding window.
I will take a picture for you tomorrow?

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[Lenny HB]

I have a frensel screen on the passenger window works brilliant.

 

[Robin McHood]

Lenny HB, now I do like that, I tried the camera route but wasn't happy with it so now I tend to use RH's bulk on roundabout approaches to hang back until things are clear. But there are odd roundabouts where that approach doesn't work. Where did you get yours?

 

[Wildbill]

Whe I first got my LHD van I gust taped a push bike mirror for the blind spot to my mirror arm sume one down in Cornwall thought it was a good idea and stole it.
So I don't know what worry about it now
Bill

 

[Lenny HB]

Lenny HB, now I do like that, I tried the camera route but wasn't happy with it so now I tend to use RH's bulk on roundabout approaches to hang back until things are clear. But there are odd roundabouts where that approach doesn't work. Where did you get yours?

I don't even bother to ask the boss if its clear anymore. Bought it here.
Need to fit with the side marked "Top" to the front of the van.

 

[Robin McHood]

Thanks Lenny HB, and for the mounting tip. The boss doesn't like travelling on the right seat over here so its taken up by cat and boss sits behind me. Cat is useless at reporting traffic unfortunately..

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[Wombles]

There is a thread somewhere recently discussing the benefits of a fresnel type lens (used to see them on rear windows a lot before reversing cameras to aid rear vision and parking). This would be stuck to the van's side door, to give you a better vision of things coming at you from the wrong side when you are pulling out at odd angle junctions.

Thread here https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...rseas-blind-spot-visibility-increased.198372/ - ours has helped avid at least one accident so far so have one on both car (RHD rear window) & motorhome (LHD passenger window) now

 

[Paulypaul]

For what its worth, I used to drive a LHD artic primarily running back and forth to Canary Islands. I found when back in UK that you have to hang well back at roundabouts so you had clear vision of the junction then start off from there.
Lots of road ragers out there thinking you've fallen asleep though cause you are a couple of car lengths away from the give way line, but hey ho!

 

[Wildbill]

For what its worth, I used to drive a LHD artic primarily running back and forth to Canary Islands. I found when back in UK that you have to hang well back at roundabouts so you had clear vision of the junction then start off from there.
Lots of road ragers out there thinking you've fallen asleep though cause you are a couple of car lengths away from the give way line, but hey ho!

Yes had them a few times just move of then slam the brakes on
Before safely moving on to the junction.
It usually leaves them with a knakerd front end
Bill

 

[Robin McHood]

Chilloutsolutions exactly what I've learned to do and fortunately RH is big enough to block the lanes when necessary but I've ordered the lens Lenny HB recommended which should help on the odd occasions I don't get enough warning that its one of 'those' junctions..

 

[Paulypaul]

The fresnet lenses are a clever idea. I personally could never get in with it when I drove a truck with one fitted. I found it off putting trying to adjust your vision after looking in the mirrors...mind you, trucks now have 4 mirrors on the nearside so it's no wonder me eyes were shot. Should be fine on the van I would imagine as it won't be huge and you haven't any kerbside mirrors etc to mess with you focal abilities

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[Wombles]

The fresnet lenses are a clever idea. I personally could never get in with it when I drove a truck with one fitted. I found it off putting trying to adjust your vision after looking in the mirrors...mind you, trucks now have 4 mirrors on the nearside so it's no wonder me eyes were shot. Should be fine on the van I would imagine as it won't be huge and you haven't any kerbside mirrors etc to mess with you focal abilities

We tried a lorry sized one in our motorhome cab (van conversion) & it was too big but the van one is very good giving that extra visibility whilst still being able to see out of the majority of the side passenger window as normal. Lorry size ones may be better on large A Class motorhome windows though.