Question about vans? - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

wraiths · 07-07-2007, 06:56 PM

Hello to everyone. I bought a van awhile back an have been getting it ready such as I rhino lined the floor an got some more bins. But anyway the question is never had a van an am trying to get used to not being able to see behind me to back up. My van doesnt have windows in the back doors but still dont think it would matter if it did. Is it something I m just going to get used to or should I put one of those mirrors at the back of it. Thanks

MDShunk · 07-07-2007, 08:08 PM

Those back up cameras are about 89 bucks now at Pep Boys and Wal-Mart. That's probably what I'd do if I needed to see backing up. I've had the cross view mirrors in the past, and even the "swing away" models still seem to get busted up and out of adjustment too easily from low hanging tree branches and the like. The Velux cross view mirrors are 69 bucks in some of my latest catalogs, so for 20 bucks more you get a camera with a screen to put on the dashboard.

GregS · 07-07-2007, 09:09 PM

I had the same fear. You get used to it. I got in the habit of turning the radio off when doing it, just in case I do hit something (or someone).

Speedy Petey · 07-07-2007, 09:28 PM

I have cameras, and they are cool. I WOULD NOT rely on them to back up though. I use them to see if anything is in the way and to check distance to a vehicle behind me while parking (I back in a lot).

Get used to using your mirrors! That is the key to driving a big(ger) vehicle.

brian john · 07-08-2007, 04:33 AM

Walk around the vehicle prior to getting in the drivers seat, TV cam sounds like a nice benefit.

JohnJ0906 · 07-08-2007, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian john

Walk around the vehicle prior to getting in the drivers seat,

This is a good idea. Also, I always back in, so I can pull straight out.

I even do this in my personal P/U truck, which has great visibility.

Speedy Petey · 07-08-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnJ0906

This is a good idea. Also, I always back in, so I can pull straight out.

I even do this in my personal P/U truck, which has great visibility.

That's me also.

JohnJ0906 · 07-08-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

That's me also.

I have to admit, I simply don't understand why, when driving a vehicle with bad rear visibility(ie:vans) more people don't back in wherever possible, even after backing into things in parking lots.

I have co-workers who continue to pull straight in, then back out even after several incidents.

MDShunk · 07-08-2007, 11:16 AM

I guess I back in and pull in with euqal freqnency, although I should back in more. I've had to buy a couple Malibu lights over the years. (why do people put them right on the very corner of the driveway?

)

JohnJ0906 · 07-08-2007, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

I guess I back in and pull in with euqal freqnency, although I should back in more. I've had to buy a couple Malibu lights over the years. (why do people put them right on the very corner of the driveway?

)

So they get free replacements every few years, of course.

frank · 07-08-2007, 03:36 PM

The first thing to get damaged on my van is the rear bumper (fender). Lots of scratches and dings make it look used anyway. I have to admit that even though I walk my van ( much like pilots do before take-off. I still manage to crash into things when reversing. I try to make a habit though of reversing IN rather than reversing OUT.

Frank