Replacing A Class mirrors with cameras and internal monitors

[Al n Val]

hi everyone

So has anyone done the above or had it done, if so have you any tips as to how easy/hard it is and are there any advantages or disadvantages.

Something not unlike this setup



I’m seriously thinking of this mainly because of the imo, dangerous blind spot caused by the mirror and A pillar more or less touching each other. This creates an enormous blind spot which I think is downright dangerous, sometimes I can’t see the bloody roundabout never mind who’s on it.

So has anyone any advice they can pass on and maybe even an idea of costs involved or even anyone who might do it for me.

The was a guy on the Rapido owners FB group who’d done his own but the post disappeared very quickly probably because he was inundated with questions

I’m thinking is it possible to remove the mirror’s leaving the arm and attaching the camera to the arm or if anyone has a better different suggestion please fire away

Al

 

[daventess]

Is that legal in the UK? I know the "watching a screen whilst driving" law (whatever it's called) doesn't apply to the camera rear view mirror, so maybe it is.

Even though I've thought about doing it on my car before, there's something quite reasuringly low tech about a mirror. No power required, always works (unless you get swiped by a lorry!) Not much help this post, sorry

 

[Al n Val]

Is that legal in the UK? I know the "watching a screen whilst driving" law (whatever it's called) doesn't apply to the camera rear view mirror, so maybe it is.

Even though I've thought about doing it on my car before, there's something quite reasuringly low tech about a mirror. No power required, always works (unless you get swiped by a lorry!) Not much help this post, sorry

It has to be legal, surely you’ve noticed all the wagons travelling about with them on

What’s not legal is the bloody great blind spot i’m having to suffer, it’s dangerous imho and i’m not alone in thinking this either after asking other owners with similar setups to mine

 

[Guigsy]

The early truck monitor mirrors were pretty poor. They got washed out in bright light and were hopeless in the dark. The latter ones are better.

They do have the advantage of being lower profile. And where the camera is isn't dictated by where you can see the reflection from the cab. The disadvantage is that you can't move your head to get a better view in the reflection.

 

[Jev88]

I know a few part time drivers of HGV and they really didn't like the camera system especially as lighting conditions change? JockandRita - is that your opinion Jock?

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[JockandRita]

I know a few part time drivers of HGV and they really didn't like the camera system especially as lighting conditions change? JockandRita - is that your opinion Jock?

Absolutely Jev. A tiny spot of condensation inside the lens showed up as a large fog patch on the monitor, thereby compromising the rear view.
Also with the mirrors, at night you can see the double yellow lines or kerb from the light off the trailer side marker lights. Not so with the cameras.
When the sun is low and shining into the lens when reversing, you struggle to see to the rear safely.

It is safe to say that I detest the ones used on the Mercedes Actros.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[Al n Val]

thanks for this initial feedback, it’s just what i’m after, real world scenarios

JockandRita thanks for your feedback and i’ll take it onboard

I’m thinking I shouldn’t be having to do all this just to make my driving/vision better and safer

I’ve also looked at shorter mirror arms just so that would allow a gap between the mirror and A pillar so I could see between but so far drawn a blank on that as well

 

[LithiumConvert]

I have to agree that the 'bus' mirrors on our motorhome are a daft idea because of the blindspots ...
... but I'm far from convinced that cameras are a better solution.

I think the Insurance company would have to be informed if you change them.

 

[Jev88]

These mirrors are typical of older RVs. I find them pretty good as you have the slight fish eye (removes some blind spots) lower section for down to road and the side of the rear wheels and the upper part for the main roads either side of you. Works for me. (Plus a dedicated rear view camera mounted at head height so i can see anything on trailer/bike carrier.

 

[Headrush]

Further to previous comments, I seriously hate the camera and screen approach. Apart from poor low light ability and huge expense if the camera gets broken, they only work one way.
At least with a mirror, people outside can see the driver. Much more reassuring to be able to tell that the driver has noticed you while you are overtaking, especially on a bike.
The issue with the blind spot is a pain, but relatively low tech to fix. At least you can fit arm extenders or slightly slimmer mirrors to give you a gap to look through.
I drive a daf 32 tonner and there is a horrible blind spot on them, but I still wouldn't want the camera system.

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[Guigsy]

The issue is how high the mirrors are. If they are at eye level, then they inevitably block your view. My mirrors are top mounted, but on some roundabout approaches (it does depend on the geometry), I do have to duck my head to see under them.

I've had cars before with worse issues. It was a coupe, the waistline was really high and the roof quite low. The mirrors blocked a lot of forward view out the side window. And there wasn't a lot of room to move to look around them either!

 

[funflair]

Good or bad I don't think you can just retrofit them to your vehicle, I know that they are legal and fitted to a good few trucks now and they are an option on Morelo A class vans from the daily chassis upover but these are homologated vehicles so a different scenario.

It's a shame that they don't seem to be as good as they should be but I would like a go with them anyway

 

[Al n Val]

So it seems i’m not the only one with blind spot issues then

I’ll photograph what I see from my drivers seat and take one of the mirror from the outside

 

[funflair]

So it seems i’m not the only one with blind spot issues then

I’ll photograph what I see from my drivers seat and take one of the mirror from the outside

Our mirrors are occasionally in the way of the view but not a regular thing at all, my issue with the mirrors is that they are the "coach style" which 99% of the time give a great view BUT they do extend forward of the vehicle and can be a bit of a hinderance in tight spaces, trees signposts etc seem to be attracted to them although the only contact so far has been somebody reversing a PVC into one of them

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

From what I understand some hauliers are now ordering lorries without the camera system as if a camera goes down the lorries go into limp mode as the lorry becomes unsafe to drive then it's main agent for repairs if a mirror gets broken most factors stock them and away you go
Also the monitor for the lorries fit's up the door piller creating another blind spot

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[Fatboy]

I'm sure these can do it https://www.camos-uk.com/ they did my 360 cam and I can get a rear view each side from that

 

[jongood]

So it seems i’m not the only one with blind spot issues then

I’ll photograph what I see from my drivers seat and take one of the mirror from the outside

Ive fitted cameras as well, best of both worlds, I find the cameras more usefull than the mirrors except at night. Suspect better cameras would improve things but still a good tool.

 

[jongood]

 

[jongood]

There are 2 visible here, 1 looking down and 1 looking back, I find these especially useful on Uk motorways when looking to overtake and also for manoeuvres in tight spaces.

 

[gus-lopez]

It has to be legal, surely you’ve noticed all the wagons travelling about with them on

Yes but the difference is they were homologated with them & have a certificate of conformity that shows they comply

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[Al n Val]

I'm sure these can do it https://www.camos-uk.com/ they did my 360 cam and I can get a rear view each side from that

Do you mind me asking an approximate cost and which system did you have fitted

 

[funflair]

Do you mind me asking an approximate cost and which system did you have fitted

We have the Camos 360 and it's about £2.5k from memory (we had two screens fitted) BUT it doesn't replace the mirrors.

 

[peterc10]

From memory I thing DavidG58 has had all round cameras for several years now.

 

[DavidG58]

From memory I thing DavidG58 has had all round cameras for several years now.

I have indeed but not ones that replace the mirrors

 

[daveclare]

Hi Al,
Don't know whether I showed you my 360⁰ system when you turn each indicator on. It switches from rear view to either side. Which really helps with the blind spots.

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[Al n Val]

Hi Al,
Don't know whether I showed you my 360⁰ system when you turn each indicator on. It switches from rear view to either side. Which really helps with the blind spots.

You certainly did Dave, infact yours is the best i’ve seen to date and something i’m certainly considering

You’ll have to send me a link to who fitted them for you mate if you wouldn’t mind

 

[daveclare]

I was also thinking about adding a camera to the roof. To help me avoid the deadly tree branches that some sites have. Also I took a gutter end and roof tile off when we were in a site in France. Luckily it clipped back on when nobody was looking. Thankfully the mark polished out.

The only downside is, with the grey water camera screen as well. The dashboard is looking like a BBC production suite. But if it keeps us and others safe. Bring it on!

 

[scotjimland]

You can fit cameras in addition to mirrors ..but not to replace them ..

it's in the Construction And Use regs

also in the Gov General Guidance Mirrors

 

[Al n Val]

You can fit cameras in addition to mirrors ..but not to replace them ..

it's in the Construction And Use regs

also in the Gov General Guidance Mirrors

Can you please check to see if I can cut the mirror in half vertically so I can drive safely and not kill anyone

 

[JockandRita]

Our mirrors are occasionally in the way of the view but not a regular thing at all, my issue with the mirrors is that they are the "coach style" which 99% of the time give a great view BUT they do extend forward of the vehicle and can be a bit of a hinderance in tight spaces, trees signposts etc seem to be attracted to them although the only contact so far has been somebody reversing a PVC into one of them

In the coach industry Martin they are known as P45s, as when you take one of those horrendously expensive mirrors out, your employer is keen to hand your P45 out.

From what I understand some hauliers are now ordering lorries without the camera system as if a camera goes down the lorries go into limp mode as the lorry becomes unsafe to drive then it's main agent for repairs if a mirror gets broken most factors stock them and away you go
Also the monitor for the lorries fit's up the door piller creating another blind spot

Twice now, a gaffer has had a Mercedes Actross stranded in London Keith, due to a camera failing, whereupon Mercedes were called out. They blamed both incidents on "collision/impact damage", even though the onboard dashcam recorded no likeliness of such activity.
The Mercedes in-situ repair on both occasions was to............wait for it.............remove the camera and fit a mirror.

Not for me thanks.

Jock.