Driving an RV comes with its unique set of challenges, and one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is adjusting your RV mirrors for optimal safety.
Why RV mirrors matter
Before we dive into the “how-to” part of adjusting your RV’s mirrors, let’s take a look at why adjusting your RV mirrors is so essential. The mirrors on your RV are your eyes on the road around you. They play a vital role in keeping you and others safe. Here’s why mirrors matter:
- Blind spots: RVs have larger blind spots than many other vehicles. Properly adjusted mirrors help reduce these blind spots, making it easier to see vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians around your RV.
- Lane changes and merging: When driving an RV, I am especially cautious when making lane changes or merging onto highways. Well-adjusted mirrors provide a clear view of adjacent lanes and traffic and allow these maneuvers to be made safely.
- Parking and backing up: Navigating tight campsites and backing up an RV can be challenging. Your mirrors help you gauge the distance from obstacles, ensuring you don’t accidentally bump into something or someone.
- Overall awareness: Adjusted mirrors enhance overall awareness of your surroundings. They help the driver make informed decisions while traveling.
Adjusting your RV mirrors step-by-step
RVs typically have two types of mirrors: flat and convex. Each serves a unique purpose and should be adjusted accordingly.
Adjusting the flat mirror
- Sit in the driver’s seat. Adjust your RV seat and steering wheel to your preferred position.
- Focus on the flat mirror on the driver’s side. Adjust the mirror so that you can see the side of your RV just visible on the edge of the mirror plus the adjacent lane. You should have a clear view of the road behind you without any blind spots.
- Make sure the mirror is level and not angled too far in any direction. You want your mirror to give you the most highway view possible.
- Repeat the procedure for the flat mirror located on the rider’s side.
Adjusting the convex mirror
The convex mirror is the one with a curved surface, usually located just below the flat mirror.
- Sit in the driver’s seat again, and this time concentrate on the convex mirror.
- Adjust it in such a way that you can see a wider area, including the adjacent lane and a portion of the RV’s side.
- Keep in mind that objects in this mirror may appear smaller and farther away than they actually are due to the convex shape. This is normal, and it helps eliminate blind spots.
- Repeat the procedure for the convex mirror located on the rider’s side.
Double-check and test
Before hitting the road, perform a quick test by looking in your mirrors and checking for blind spots. Make any necessary adjustments until you feel confident with the visibility.
Remember to readjust mirrors whenever you change drivers.
Note: It may take some trial and error to find the perfect mirror settings that suit your comfort and visibility preferences. Don’t hesitate to adjust them as needed to maintain an optimal view of your surroundings.
Before you begin your next adventure, take a few extra minutes to properly adjust your mirrors, and you’ll be well-prepared for the open road ahead. Here is a video by RVgeeks that demonstrates how to use the mirrors as you travel.
Do you have additional suggestions for adjusting your RV mirrors? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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##RVDT2233
I would agree with most of what you said, but as a retired semi driver I adjusted my flat mirrors to where with a slight tilt of my head I could see the sides of my vehicle, this gives a very good look at the lane beside you without seeing the side of your vehicle. Tilting your head just a few degrees left or right will allow you to see your vehicle sides for reference. After leaving the trucking job I drove school buses for 6 years, substituting for regular route drivers I would adjust the mirrors and would always upset the driver when they came back. I simply said to them you know what color your bus is so why do you need to have half of your mirror looking at the side of the bus?
What is suggested distance of inside of mirror from side of RV?
Thank you, Gail! I have done a combination of what the RV Geeks suggested (https://youtu.be/ldekjpYQ7Qw?feature=shared beginning at 50 seconds) and what Lazy Days RV suggested in a video of part of their driving class (https://youtu.be/4CeThR_A4VI?feature=shared beginning at 70 seconds). So far, it has stood me in good stead through 65,000 miles of RV driving.