Alternative exterior mirror options for blind spot?

[gavinwibrow]

For the second time, I've cut off and annoyed a road user on my left hand blind spot, leaving me highly embarrassed and feeling unsafe.
I know I could glue on a small convex mirror (I have one which rotates off centre so is adjustable), but the better option would be larger electric mirrors, even if it's the Volvo style which is a combination flat and then convex at the outer edge - has anyone researched or successfully undertaken anything to resolve this?
Cheers Gavin

[lewy]

not having a dig,but perhaps we all need to get into the habit of looking over our shoulder when changing lanes.also i tend to adjust the left mirror out further as someone once told me you don't really need to know were the left or right rear tailights are do you?:D

[Pedro_The_Swift]

There are no blind spots,
just incorrectly adjusted mirrors,,
the side mirrors are for the traffic lanes beside you, not the rear horizen/sides of your car.

[Rok_Dr]

also i tend to adjust the left mirror out further as someone once told me you don't really need to know were the left or right rear tailights are do you?:D

X2. Unless I'm backing the van when I'll pull it in.

Steve

[gavinwibrow]

Thank you Pedro et al. I have been formally qualified as a professional heavy transport driver for 40 plus years, and although I understand what you are saying, I beg to differ and my question still stands. Also, as we get older it becomes more difficult to throw the head over the shoulder, and it doesn't help when a previously clear space is suddenly taken up by a hoon driver who will still be beside me at the next set of lights.

Although the back of my car is usually full with limited rear vision, the original concept was to have the 3 mirrors provide a rear panorma with minimal overlap. I'm not satisfied with my exterior mirrors and hence I repeat - my original question stands.
It is interesting that SWAMBOs volvo has similar sized mirrors but with significantly better vision - and being a convertible/coupe the view out of the rear window leaves a lot to be desired.

[ramblingboy42]

I don't have a blind spot in my d2, and have never embarrassed another driver for that reason, but if you can improve your safety good luck to you

[alien]

I can't help with your specific question as to what other mirror glass fits.
Could you replace the glass(or stick to) with a glass from a suitable caravan type mirror?
Bigger truck parts outlets have a range of bigger spotter mirrors, maybe one there will suit.

I often have the rear loaded plus the inverted spare bracket for the bigger tyres so I do not use the internal mirror much.
For this reason I tried stick on 50mm convex mirrors on both sides of mine.
I can see the blind spot and haven't had an issue(not as good as my 120mm truck ones though;)).
I can also just see the rear wheels, handy in the bush getting over logs ect..

[gavinwibrow]

I can't help with your specific question as to what other mirror glass fits.
Could you replace the glass(or stick to) with a glass from a suitable caravan type mirror?
Bigger truck parts outlets have a range of bigger spotter mirrors, maybe one there will suit.

I often have the rear loaded plus the inverted spare bracket for the bigger tyres so I do not use the internal mirror much.
For this reason I tried stick on 50mm convex mirrors on both sides of mine.
I can see the blind spot and haven't had an issue(not as good as my 120mm truck ones though;)).
I can also just see the rear wheels, handy in the bush getting over logs ect..
I'm not restricting my thought processes to replacing mirror glass. Would be happy if I could find a suitable larger assembly, either complete, or to attach to and sit on top of the door bracket. If no luck there, we are on the same wavelength.

[bell1975]

I took an Iveco Daily 4X4 for a test drive recently and the mirrors on that were massive but very effective (and its blind spots were equally huge). I didn't pay a lot of attention to their mounting system but they might be worth checking out?

A quick google later and here's a photo of one (http://www.trucktrend.com/multimedia/photogallery/163_0803_iveco_daily_van_and_chassis_cab_photos/photo_22.html).

The key to making anything fit and look 'right' will be to utilise the existing mirror mounting fixture (yeah, the black plastic piece that the mirror is bolted to the door with...whatever it's called).

Disco mirrors are pretty small compared to other 4WDs. Any improvement in size and something like a split section that is convex will be a step in the right direction. I'm keen to see if you have any success. Best of luck.

[stallie]

I stuck a small convex mirror on the pax side mirror. Works well.

[northiam]

A rear camera :)
JTS | DIY Reverse Camera Kit - Caravan, 4wd and Car (http://www.jtsonline.com.au/diy-reverse-camera-kit.html)

[alien]

I'm not restricting my thought processes to replacing mirror glass. Would be happy if I could find a suitable larger assembly, either complete, or to attach to and sit on top of the door bracket. If no luck there, we are on the same wavelength.
The main reason I thought about replacing the glass only is to keep it close to factory looking.
This still gives you the electric adjustment and they remain foldable if required.

If you don't mind drilling the beast here's some options...
Truck-Lite - Catalog : Mirrors (http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&categoryId=10346) ;)

Keep an eye out when walking around car parks to see what other vehicles have.
You may find a European type car may have close to what you want.

[alien]

A rear camera :)
JTS | DIY Reverse Camera Kit - Caravan, 4wd and Car (http://www.jtsonline.com.au/diy-reverse-camera-kit.html)

I know of a heavy vehicle fleet that insist on reverse cameras.
They ran a trial of guard mounted cameras focused onto the 2 main blind spots.
The thought was as the indicator was used the camera would help see into this area.
This took the drivers eye off the side mirror and towards the camera screen;)
It never got implemented as having the side and spotter mirrors adjusted right was the better choice.

[turps]

Maybe just attach a towing mirror as used when towing a caravan. Will give you your normal side miror. Plus the extra pointed where ever you like.

[Disco Driver]

For the second time, I've cut off and annoyed a road user on my left hand blind spot, leaving me highly embarrassed and feeling unsafe.
I know I could glue on a small convex mirror (I have one which rotates off centre so is adjustable), but the better option would be larger electric mirrors, even if it's the Volvo style which is a combination flat and then convex at the outer edge - has anyone researched or successfully undertaken anything to resolve this?
Cheers Gavin



G'day Gavin,


I was just wondering if you came to some conclusion with your mirror issues? I too am researching alternative mirror assemblies as I like larger mirrors than the Disco and want to get an improved/more accurate view as I'll be pulling a camper for the next 12 months or so!


How did you go?


Cheers, Jayden

[gavinwibrow]

Hi Jayden - not yet resolved, but

I have affixed a small rotatable convex mirror to the bottom outside of my passenger side standard mirror as an interim step.

The Iveco would be good, but I would think the base is far too big to fit in the D2 spot.


Thanks alien - Maybe one of our members in USA could ascertain if this one (link below) could be a straight swap or easily modified to fit a D2 (and retain electics)?

The glass is about an inch wider and higher than the LR version

Truck-Lite - Catalog Product : Chevy S-10 & GMC Jimmy Style Mirrors (http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=29714&langId=-1)

[Disco Driver]

Thanks Gavin, I'll be certainly investigating other options as I don't like the mirrors they provide you! I'll let you know.

[Tombie]

The D2 passenger mirror should be convex already.

How is your mirror adjusted? I'm surprised as the passenger side doesn't tend to have a blind spot on the D2.

[Disco Driver]

For me Tombie it's not about a blind spot. It's more about getting an improved and more accurate view behind you especially when towing. I grew up with larger mirrors and after driving trucks for a while, when you live in your mirrors, I don't like what Land Rover provide. In comparison to Patrol or Land cruiser I think they are crap, for towing especially and only just adequate for every day driving.
Naturally my opinion only.

Cheers Jayden.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Have you ever tried to see around a landcruiser side mirror? Its like someone put and esky lid just--- there. Bloody ridiculous.:spudnikwowsers:
No blind spots on my D2. :confused:
Living in your mirrors you'd know the side mirror is not there to watch the road 100 metres behind you, its there to watch the car beside you, right outside the rear passengers door.

[gavinwibrow]

Yes, but for a car, the 2 exterior mirrors and the interior mirror at the very least should be set up to give you a continuous rear view panorama, with preferably a slight overlap. Plus many like to be able to see the side of their vehicle as a reference point.

If your interior mirror is blocked, then each exterior mirror has to cover from your vehicle edge ideally to alongside, especially on the passengers side.

Like Jayden and others, I was brought up on big mirrors on a variety of vehicles (often because you could not use the interior mirror) and I don't feel comfortable with the piddly LR versions.

If you look at new mini vans that work around the cities for example, they often have not only 2 exterior mirrors on each side but also ones that can see the front and rear bumpers. Trucks and buses are also going to multiple rear view mirrors.

Unlike SWMBOs Volvo which has flat and convex on the same glass and with a dotted line to show the separation point, or the commodore type convex, my passenger mirror is flat - may have beeen a replacement by PO.

[Tombie]

Must say current Pajero has a neat system where the mirror can slide out on arms for towing.

I personally don't mind the D2 mirrors, however I *always* do "head checks" and never drive solely on mirrors.

My mirrors only just pick up the rear door handles by a mm or 2 and I happily tow a large catamaran with stock mirrors.

[Tombie]

City van mirrors are more about tight maneuvering than towing.

[Disco Driver]

I've seen those mirrors that pull out, they look brilliant.

Personally 95% of my driving is in the outback. As a result i'm not concerned by traffic along side of my car. I am more concerned about having a good and accurate view when i am reversing particularly with a trailer on, like I will have for the next 12 months traveling around our great country.
I will come up with a solution, even if it takes me a month or two!