How to Drive a Motorhome/RV - Mirror Adjustment & Lane Control

In our latest RVgeeks Driving School video, Peter, a former Safety & Training Manager for a large bus company, shows how to adjust and use RV mirrors and monitor & control your rig's lane position.
If you're not sure exactly how to manage those convex mirrors, this clear explanation will take all the mystery out of using the two mirrors in combination to protect yourself against the unseen.
Minimizing blind areas and understanding how to use all four mirrors to protect you and your RV is easy when you know how.
We'll also show you how to tell if you're keeping that big RV in your own lane, using visual cues that are right there at your disposal.
Don't miss our previous RVgeeks Driving School video covering Off-Tracking & Rear Overhang:
• How to Drive a Motorho...
10 Quick RV Tips & Tricks:
• 10 Quick RVing Tips & ...
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Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks.
Many RVers are eager to learn more about using, maintaining and caring for their rigs. We hope our experience can help others go DIY, saving time & money, plus the satisfaction of a job well done.
We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
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Comments welcome! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe! #RVLIFE #RVDIY #RVLIVING #FULLTIMERV #RVREPAIR #RVMAINTENANCE #RVMODS #RVUPGRADES #RVTRAVEL #DIYRV #RVGEEKS

[@fantastiqueberliotz1209]

This is, without a doubt, THE best video I've watched on how to drive a motorhome and trust me, I've watched too many to count. I've never seen anyone go through all the steps, mark out the driving area, use cones, hose down the tires to illustrate how the wheels track and use a drone to film so much of it from above. You guys did a phenomenal job and I appreciate all the work you put into making this video. This merits way more than a five star rating.

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much for your kind words! You totally just made our day!! 😊

[@RVwithTito]

Wow. That was an outstanding video. Very thorough and you left nothing to the imagination. I love all of the synchronized camera footage. These are definitely must see videos for all RVers. Also, when behind the wheel you probably forget how long your RV really is until you see it's side view.

[@RVgeeks]

+RVwithTito Thanks so much Brian. Means so much coming from someone who knows what goes into making videos. Got your e-mail but hitting the sack before a driving day tomorrow. Will write back soon.

[@roadboat9216]

Well done this is just what I needed to refresh some knowledge. Circumnavigated the country in a 38’ DP. Just test drove a DS DP. was very surprised at how much in skills and knowledge that I have forgotten in16 yrs! You guys go the extra mile( no pun intended) to put out a good instructive video. Liked the one on overhang and off tracking. Good job.

[@traveller9625]

Good job guy's. This should be mandatory watching at the dealer's before being allowed to leave the lot.

[@jerryrayhamburg3639]

YES SIR FORSURE

[@Warmfireandtea]

@@jerryrayhamburg3639 . Along with a blue book value co.

[@fredhensley7840]

There are good videos, great videos, and then this.... The quality of instruction and attention to detail reveals some impressive talent and content. Won't be the least bit surprised if this particular KZbin segment ends up saving lives. Nicely done!

[@RVgeeks]

Well thanks so much, Fred. You just totally made my day. :)

[@tobycarlson1640]

The mirror alignment is also an issue for most drivers in their cars, I think a lot of drivers have never learned how to properly align mirrors. Good video and very informative like we come to expect from you, Thanks

[@daviddensmore2606]

Peter & John, absolutely superb. Whether a newbie or experienced, this video is a must see. Well done, clear and concise. I'll be passing this on. Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

+David Densmore Thanks so much, David! Very gratifying to hear. :)

[@jtall2671]

Been preaching proper mirror adjustment for years. Only a handful of people actually listened to me. Thanks for the video, now i have more fuel to keep preaching.

[@RVgeeks]

+John Tall Keep getting the good word out there, John!

[@RGColbert]

Man, you guys really produce some great videos. As someone who has done a bit of video work and production I really appreciate the time you put into the picture and picture video syncing, stills and graphics. Then, the content is incredible, I know that you have a background in driving instruction for big rigs and it really comes through on this video. Much appreciated, keep up the great work! I'm sharing this with all of my RV friends for sure.

[@Weretherussos]

Great video! We found that once we got the proper positioning of our mirrors we didn't need to use the side cameras anymore. I actually find it easier to merge in the RV than the Jeep!

[@duaneh1973]

Hope this video was useful! I've been searching all over youtube and the internet on how to adjust mirrors. This is the most well detail video ever! I've been towing a travel trailer for the last three years. Thank you very much!

[@RVgeeks]

+duaneh1973 Thanks Duane! So glad we could help.

[@Burnstravels]

Outstanding information for whoever drives a bus, RV, or large vehicle, Thanks for this great information.

[@cesarmcguire8482]

I’ve hauled a 45 foot toy hauler for a long time. Decided to upgrade to an RV. Thank you for the very informative videos. They’re a potential life saver!!!

[@Eusepio1957]

This video should be shown in every driving school as a kind of learning material for motorhome drivers, and simultaneously for all road users to understand the complex of problems. (blind spot etc.) 👀 Arrivederci 😊

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Eusepio! We concur. 😉

[@ronymorrison917]

Wow! Like incredible! Made a huge difference, this should be a video playing in loop at all rv dealers and pay you for it!

[@RVgeeks]

Wow, thanks!

[@wildfan627]

came across this video five plus years later and renting an RV for the first. thanks for putting this together, super helpful. I have subscribed and am watching your other videos.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! And welcome aboard. Hope you have a blast on your first RV trip.

[@forrestshaw255]

I can’t stop myself!!! YOU GOT THIS! You could end accidents forever if you could end aggression on the roadway!!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Forrest! 😊

[@marshabrockman7443]

Excellent teaching! Thanks for your informative and potentially money/life saving videos.

[@rmj5]

Outstanding video. I'm especially glad you included information on the importance of scanning. This is vital for big rigs and it's a major component of "situational awareness."

[@gpapink]

Gents that was FABULOUS, PROFESSIONAL, EXTREMELY HELPFUL. We are experienced 5th wheelers but new to our Tiffin. I really appreciate your video. Thanks again!!

[@RVgeeks]

It's always great to hear that we've been helpful. Thanks so much for making our day, Rob. :)

[@tinatorres8291]

Wow! Very informative. All drivers including those who don't have an RV need to watch.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Tina! We think so , too! ;-)

[@TravelswithYoly]

Pretty darn thorough guys ... great production level :-) Good info for anyone whether they have a motorhome or not.

[@philipglick8161]

This is how you drive any car or truck or van trailer this is the proper way

[@Ganliker0661]

Great video, by far the most complete & helpful on the topic that we have found. Thanks!

[@frankthedealmakers3146]

omg fantastic vid, every student driver should watch this, just to gain perspective on what the "other guy" is doing. I am sending this link to the school board and hopefully they will add it as a requirement to their curriculum. god bless you guys

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much Frank!

[@wincrasher2007]

I am so impressed with your driving videos. There just isn't info like this out there and it is so well done. Thank you!

[@RVgeeks]

Great to hear. Thank you so much for the nice comment. You just made my day. :)

[@davidpittman57]

This Video is Four years old, i picked up a Class A RV today and this really helped me set up my mirrors. Thank You 🙏

[@RVgeeks]

Congratulations on your new RV, David! So excited for you, and so glad to hear that our video was helpful. In case you haven’t seen it, the follow up is just as important for a new owner of a Class A. Hope you like this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2awhHqnm81rsJI

[@joycev1105]

AWESOME, great video, as usual! thanks. Motorcycles have a way of creeping around you at a fast pace. Hopefully, the scanning will give a heads up when they approach. Staying to the right helps also

[@figuratibikes2857]

Seen so many videos to prepare myself for a testdrive for a large van to a new job. This what I expect from an expert in the area, very detailed and deep knowledge. Thank you so much!

[@RVgeeks]

So happy to hear we’ve been helpful. Best of luck on the new job!

[@Jurornumber5]

Just flip on your directional, and slowly merge over. They'll get out of your way. That's how we roll in Florida!🛣

[@miguelperaza6615]

You guys are awesome 👌

[@rogerj.ullrich5058]

I love it when things are so professionally explained. I, too, am a retired professional bus driver. Turning, parking and defensive driving techniques are a huge factor in keeping a "perfect" safety record.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Roger. It's always great to hear from a fellow professional.

[@forrestshaw255]

Gentleman please, before I even go on to the rest of this vid, I’ve paused @ 1:41 in to it and I drive for a living....... If you don’t say, look at the wide angle mirror first,,,, I will unsubscribe.. 8-12 rule..... please!! Smith system.

[@tushaye2175]

I'll say it again regardless that it's 5 YR'S on...it is still valid and very valuable information so thankyou again..☀️🙏☀️

[@chadharding4990]

I have driven a commercial truck and own a RV for decades and this is exactly how the true professional drivers setup the mirrors. You must see a little bit of the vehicle for many reasons. Like better judging of distance and helps to drive straight when looking at what is behind you. If you start to drift you can see the change in position to the lines on the road. Then quickly look forward and adjust. Some not mentioned you can see the tilt of the vehicle, due to wind or if the road is slick. This can help in making better decisions about the driving conditions. Safe Travels.

[@deltalimajuliet5680]

Sight angle: You may cover this in a later video. But in your scanning segment, leaning forward while checking your mirrors chages the sight angle and may allow you to view blindspot areas that could be hidden.

[@SomedaysHere]

Fellow Rvers... Again another great vid that should be seen by every Rver.... Thanks again. The life you saved may have been your own!!

[@rosaliemacrae7355]

Adjust mirrors on flat surfaces before you roll. Then be mindful to reevaluate during your drive. As conditions change in traffic, parking.

[@gustavoaflores8775]

How about if the lower mirror is flat and not a convex? I have one convex mirror missed and haven’t found how to replace it I’m thinking a flat will be better than nothing.

[@MrscionXB]

Wow very informative video. Great Job Guys. I will apply this technique on my Rig. thanks

[@buddyrogers1353]

Always gradually move back over to the right lane just in case, as depicted by the blue car hugging the right side of his lane thus creating and sitting in a blind spot, you suddenly hear a panicked blaring horn and need to abort your lane change. It is very nerve racking when someone sits on your right side and neither passes you or drops back so you can move over to that lane. For this reason, after nearly fifty years of driving vehicles with west coast mirrors with no convexes when I first started out, my preferred lane of travel has always been the "slow" lane to knucklehead-poof that side of the vehicle. By the other token, you are always going to find a knucklehead or two who sit static on your left side as you approach a slower moving vehicle. They know you are closing in on that vehicle, {at least they should know} and have nowhere to go but where THEY are sitting or you must hit brakes and lose speed and momentum. I don't understand people like this. They have got to be doing at least several miles per hour faster than you to catch up with you and then just sit there and all of a sudden even-pace alongside you. I usually cure that by drifting a little towards their lane and decrease their comfort zone until they get the message to either move ahead or drop behind to leave me that out in case it is needed.

[@jackcoughlin8943]

Good Morning Guys, another wonderful video. Great info. Thanks so much.

[@ginasablayanhovind2306]

Nice trick on mirror nice to know preference point ...now weakness is my right turn hits the curb...what ways I could learn.

[@paulmiller258]

Good vids the other better half of us now understands why i adjustment and look in my mirror s as you do ps I am a uk HGV driver thanks keep up the good work 👍

[@maheshgadipea856]

Could you please let me know the variation of length between car and lane along the car side using car side convex mirrors. Is it same or varied?? 🤔🤔

[@RVgeeks]

I’m sorry, but I don’t understand exactly what your question is. Can you please explain a bit?

[@maheshgadipea856]

@@RVgeeksI'm asking variation of gap between lane and car in the convex mirror at the alongside of the car. Thank you for the reply 😇.

[@RVgeeks]

Got it! Unfortunately, it is difficult to use the mirrors to judge the exact distance between the side of your RV and another vehicle alongside you.

[@maheshgadipea856]

@@RVgeeks Thank you. And this vedio very well explained... ❤️❤️❤️

[@bobfeltis632]

Absolutely crushed it! By far the most concise and accurate info I have seen on driving an RV. This plus the overhang video have given me much more confidence in my understanding on what is happening around the RV and why. Your use of drones and editing really bring the points home. Thanks so much!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful.

[@rebeccaconaway4533]

Fantastic instructions. I drove big rigs and a 38' motorhome and trailer is going to be a challenge.

[@cbkb983]

My dad needs to see this before he comes back from AZ. Excellent info guys thanks much

[@skippy3840]

Tremendous video. Now I know how to adjust my mirrors correctly

[@knightchallenger]

That's good mirrors options for newer motorhomes but older ones don't have many options on mirrors adjustment

[@Warmfireandtea]

Thank u thanku. Boy do we need help with this. I have to jump out 12 times to adjust mine. So tickled when I get it rite. I didn't know the near front was the worst blind spot. And now I know staying nearer a truck lets them see me better. U'r welcome.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much for letting us know this was helpful. Means a lot. 😊

[@Warmfireandtea]

@@RVgeeks . I told the p9sters at C.Carolyn to be sure to watch.📈

[@vegasdavetv]

geeks did it again. quality informative content.

[@wanderingsmiles3288]

ditto... thanks guys!

[@pmanning431]

Good tips for driving a bus. Which I have just started. 😅

[@nealdavis350]

Helpful?! Unquestionably so. The bit about using correctly focused mirrors to learn to center the motorhome/RV in the lane alone was worth way more than the price of admission. But, of course that tidbit would be entirely unavailable without knowing how to properly focus ones mirrors. Thank you once again for this excellent video! :-) I am all the more aware of its value as I contemplate driving our newly purchased American Coach Revolution 42T 830, or so, miles from Alvarado, Texas to its new home, just outside Chattanooga. This video and the one about off-tracking and rear overhang may prove to be my salvation. Thanks again!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Neal! Just sent you a private response, and can't thank you enough for your kind words. Of all the things we've worked on with our videos, driving is the topic that means the most to me. So I can't thank you enough for your supportive comments. Glad to be able to help. Safe Travels, Peter

[@nealdavis350]

+RVgeeks You are very welcome, Peter. :-)

[@TrzCharlie]

Your videos rock! We have been RV less for almost 8 years now. Our last motorized RV was a Class C. Your video helped to remind me of the blind spot up front. Once our purchase has been made it should help me remember the proper use of my mirrors. Kudos. BTW toy with making videos of my various motorcyclerides and as RVwithTito indicated, it is a lot of work. Thanks for doing this for us.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much Charlie! Great to hear this information was useful for you. And Brian (our friend at RVwithTito) does indeed know how much can go into a well-produced video, since he makes them himself! We'll be connecting with him and his wife Melissa later this year to make a video together, so stay tuned for that. :)

[@deenibeeniable]

These are fantastic videos. I wish there were a non-muzak version.

[@MrTriMoot]

Great video, thanks so much. We are heading to North Carolina (June 26th) to pickup a new to us, 2005 Essex 4502 and we're coming from a 32' gas rig.....I AM SO NERVOUS! No...almost scared! sigh...I'm am constantly searching for videos that will help me prepare to learn about a 45' DP which is completely new to me, before we drive 2500 miles back to Spokane, WA. Sooooo much to learn!!! AHHH!!!!! LOL! Thanks again for this, is certainly has helped. Now I feel I'm 1% more ready that I was before. Now for that other 99%. OH...and did I mention I'm not even sure what route to take! I do want the safest, but at the same time, this is a 500 HP rig so I 'might' want to go through Colorado....but should I? Ugh...LOL!

[@RVgeeks]

Congratulations on your upcoming purchase! It’s always great to hear from a fellow Newmar owner…. Or about to be Newmar owner. 😁 I have a couple of tips for you that might help ease your drive home. First off, if you haven’t seen our off-tracking video yet, you absolutely should. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2awhHqnm81rsJI Second, stay on the interstate! It is by far the easiest driving of all, and Colorado will not be a problem as long as you make sure your engine brake is turned on when you are going downhill the “Low” setting should be plenty on anything other than outrageously steep grades). Once you get the feel of the air brakes, which are slightly different than in a gas rig, you shouldn’t have any trouble, as your 32 foot rig and your new one are either the identical width, or within 6 inches (your new one will be 102 inches wide, and your old one is either 102 or 96 inches wide). The length won’t come into play at all other than when you are maneuvering in tight places. Hence my recommendation to stay on the interstate! Have a safe trip, and let us know how you make out.

[@gsl2391]

nice job on something people might care for granted and some people need to work at.

[@jacksonmacd]

wow! you guys nailed it with this video. well done! I will recommend it to my newbie rv buddy. Looks like Port Mann bridge in the intro? or is it Golden Ears?

[@RVgeeks]

Don't know why we didn't get a notification of your comment when it first came in, Jack. So sorry for the VERY delayed response. Thanks you so much for your kind comment, and yes indeed, that is the new Port Mann bridge! :)

[@MDC2020]

I agree outstanding video..i'm a Class A commercial driver and I must say this video would be good for ALL drivers explaining how mirrors and blind spots work and what large vehicles have to deal with.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Means a lot to hear that from a fellow professional. :)

[@pathakarchana01]

This is phenomenal! Thanks for making this video.

[@dmills7375]

Excellent video. I’ve been driving. Lass A’s for a while now, but have never really set my mirrors correctly. This is VERY helpful.

[@RVgeeks]

So great to hear we’ve been helpful!

[@jerryrayhamburg3639]

I'm a newbe and this helped me a lot, thank you. I WAS A TRUCK DRIVER ABOUT 35 YEARS AGO AND FORGOT HOW BIG THEY ARE. sorry for the caps.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks for the note, Jerry! Means a lot. :)

[@paulmiller258]

Ps forget too say I have a 30 foot tag axle motor home keep up the good work

[@sykesc2]

Outstanding video! I learned the importance of proper mirror adjustment many moons ago when I drove a school bus in high school. I will definitely be sharing this with my husband since we don't have quite the same "viewpoint" on mirror adjustment. LOL Thanks for sharing!!

[@RVgeeks]

+Catherine Sykes Thanks Catherine! Always happy to settle a good dispute! LOL

[@terrencesullivan8584]

Use turn signals when you make any change to your position

[@digger105337]

Hint from a former truck driver, If you can't see the drivers face in the mirror ( day time) they may not see you! Pass of the left if at all possible with the drivers face in mirror as a sign that your most likely seen. 😉👍 Also when adjusting mirrors, the head can sometimes be moved to maximize view choice. You looking at the side of your rig should be minimal and wide side view should take presidence. Power mirrors can be repositioned for parking if necessary, and return to driving mode when parked.

[@RVgeeks]

Great additional tips!

[@winebox]

Thanks for this info. However I'm now really terrified of driving an rv altogether. We're still in the shopping faze and I was anxious about the driving part...but now? Eek! How did you guys get started driving these big things?

[@RVgeeks]

The explanation for how I started driving is covered at the opening of our other RV driving video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2awhHqnm81rsJI which you should also find very helpful. One of our most common pieces of advice for people deciding what kind of rig to buy is "Get the smallest rig you think you can be comfortable in" so not buying a huge bus if you don't need it will help make it easier to drive right off the bat. Also, they're not as hard to drive as they look. If it makes you feel any better, most states require no special license to drive an RV, and people take them out on the road with no professional instruction and get used to them pretty fast. The video I mentioned above is a great start for knowing what to keep an eye on as you get started. Hope this helps a bit.

[@xiaomingdu]

RVgeeks == high quality videos!!

[@DannybFlat01]

I just bought a 35 foot Greyhound Bus and this video really puts things in "perspective" My awning arm does get in the way. Thanks for the insight!

[@RVgeeks]

+dannybflat Congrats on your new bus, Danny!

[@jackbrown8052]

Fantastic video. Great production. Lots of good points. One more point, if you're travelling with a partner hopefully your partner will monitor his/her side of the RV to help with the blind spot.

[@RVgeeks]

I don't like to depend on that, but I do always suggest using every resource at your disposal!

[@raybbj]

Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver !!. Why didn't you come visit us? We're only 10 mins from this bridge ! I would have let you dump your black tank in my neighbours driveway !! haha

[@RVgeeks]

Sorry we missed you... and an "interesting" opportunity to dump. LOL

[@rob891]

I've been guilty of passing large vehicles on the right in the past. Usually not intentionally, but because there is no other choice. One scenario is a slow moving vehicle in the middle lane of a multi-lane highway ahead of me. If I stay back in the lane to the right, I could hold up traffic behind me which could get those drivers annoyed and even cause road rage. They're other scenarios. If I have to pass a large vehicle on the right I do it quickly so I don't linger in the blind area. After seeing this video I'll try harder not to pass a large vehicle on the right.

[@RVgeeks]

What crazier thing could there be than for someone going a little slower in the "slow lane" to cause road rage? It happens though. 😐

[@beckysmith1082]

Thanks for this important information!!

[@gordoncindy9386]

Just wanted to agree with all the other comments that this is a fantastic video (as per your usual standards). We have a truck and 5th wheel but a lot of this information is applicable to that setup as well. Also liked the trip across the Port Mann bridge! :) Take care.

[@RVgeeks]

+Gordon Cindy Thanks! We love that beautiful new bridge :)

[@michaelm9623]

A good subject well covered. You gave me a couple of things to remember as a motorcyclist. You discuss how to adjust the glass in the mirrors, but how should the mirror housings be set? Should they be aligned with the side of the RV?

[@RVgeeks]

Right. The inside edge of the housing should align with the side of the RV, just like the glass, allowing the glass to be adjusted as shown.

[@braelandis]

Loved it! It helps some, but I have a fifth wheel.

[@knoopsylvia]

Just love your video's! Safe travels!

[@simosmith7590]

I’m young bus driver in class

[@terry3193]

I'm constantly impressed with the quality content, narration, level of detail, and edits of your videos! Extremely professional! You really should be paid by a company to develop these videos. I am not aware of another video on this topic...at least at this level of detail. I consider myself a very defensive driver and constantly "scan", not only side to side but at varying distances ahead. I'm always amazed at the number of drivers that never scan and just react or simply rely on a single flat mirror. I have 3 teen drivers and we own 9 vehicles (including the 2 motor homes) and each vehicle has a convex mirror in addition to the flat mirror. Thanks again for the awesome video on a very important topic. I'm really looking forward to your series of defensive driving videos. Take care!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much Terry. Comments like yours make creating these videos worth the effort and very gratifying.

[@bscottroberts]

Great video. Thanks for the tips. I pull a fiver but I assume all suggestions apply to mirrors on my tow rig. Thanks!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Scott. Yup. Pretty much the same on any long vehicle.

[@nancythomas9871]

This is awesome! We just bought a 28 ft motor home, and this is the thing I'm most anxious about. That and lane changing.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Nancy! Congrats on your new RV! Might want to check out our companion driving video about off-tracking and rear overhang: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2awhHqnm81rsJI

[@kiwicomposer]

Great video.. I guess some of the visibility also depends on where the mirrors are mounted.. yours seem to be forward mounted which is great.. If they are mounted "old style", back a bit on the side then the blind spot is larger and more dangerous.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Steve! It's true that the further back the mirrors are mounted, the more they can increase the blind area, especially on the right. That's why I always teach that regular scanning of traffic around you is the only way to have complete situational awareness as you monitor other vehicles moving through your space.

[@leonkaiver980]

Great video. Extremely informative. Wondering if mirror setting would be any different when towing a travel trailer?

[@RVgeeks]

+Leon Kaiver If you have larger mirrors installed on your tow vehicle, with both flat and convex mirrors on both sides, the concepts are all the same. If you have factory mirrors, with only one slightly curved convex mirror on the right side (the type that says "objects in mirror are closer than they appear), then your mirrors will be basically the same as any other car, not like the ones we demonstrated here.

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

These videos are extremely helpful! I just got myself a couple of motorhomes to work on. Both of which are from the 70s, but the mirror adjustment is the same. One of the motorhomes actually doesn't have convex mirrors, but I'm thinking about installing some.

[@gregmacklem]

Great demo! My class C has similar mirrors to yours and I love them. Frankly I wish my CR-V had them too though they wouldn't be fashionable. Keep up the good work.

[@georgealex9205]

Super useful video thanks

[@JohnGilmour]

Excellent video! Thanks

[@Dieferdan]

Another quality video gentlemen. can definitely pick up on your previous occupation there! As a goods vehicle driver here in the UK, I cannot stress enough to other drivers how important mirror positioning and use is. Keep up the fantastic work guys!

[@bryanmanzeck]

Yet another great must see RV tutorial video! I have no idea how you did all the camera synchronization, very impressive!

[@RVgeeks]

+Bryan Manzeck Thanks Bryan! It was a little tedious... frame by frame comparison, etc... but so happy to hear it came out okay in the end. :)

[@rtuck59]

looking for a video that shows how to tell when the tow vehicle is past any object so it is safe to move into another lane. I've just recently started towing a vehicle behind my RV and want a video to show my wife how to judge distance when you can't see the tow vehicle in the side mirrors.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Robert! Great question. You have just identified the single trickiest spacial challenge for any driver of a large vehicle. Even after all my years of driving and training motor coach operators, I can tell you there is no easy automatic trick or answer to this one. There is simply no way to precisely judge how far behind you a car is in the adjacent lane. The mirrors simply don’t provide that information, other than vehicles appearing larger or smaller as they are closer or further away. But of course that’s not any kind of exact number or distance. The best thing I can suggest is actually a good practice anyway.... that is to pass another vehicle by a fairly substantial amount prior to moving back over in front of them. If you’re close enough to them that there is even the slightest chance that you haven’t finished passing them fully, there’s no way you should be moving over yet. My standard practice to this day is to err on the side of being further ahead of them before changing lanes, so there is no danger whatsoever that they feel I’ve cut them off, or even come close to it. Use your flat mirrors to tell when you are well past any other vehicle before moving over. Better to wait longer and be further past them than moving back in even a little early.

[@propellanttech]

I hate when a car hits the blind spot, and exits (without me noticing the exit). It is the only time I tend to panic about where the car went. Doesn't happen often, but when it does, I change speed to make sure the car isn't hidden due to speed matching.

[@RVgeeks]

+propellanttech It's great that you're scanning so thoroughly and really paying attention to the flow of traffic around you. Nice work! 👍

[@shooter813]

The convex mirrors have too much of the mirror housing in view, which sacrifice valuable mirror real estate that could be used to see more of the surroundings. The entire mirror housing needs to be rotated outward away from the side of the RV a little to eliminate that issue.

[@RVgeeks]

You’re right about the outer edges of both convex mirrors being blocked by the housings/heads. But if you’ll notice, especially on the right mirror, the inside edge of the flat mirror is already experiencing the same issue. The real problem is the design of these mirror heads, with the glass so far inset into the head. We tried rotating the heads out a bit, but the loss of flat mirror area quickly overcame any benefit to the convex. My preference is for separate flat & convex mirrors with the thinnest possible frames, round convex, and the ability to adjust them completely independently of each other without the constraints of a single head.

[@forrestshaw255]

Pausing again@ 2minutes 38 seconds. You are spot on about aim, because , if at this point you don’t know how tall your rig is, aiming your mirrors at airplanes coming up your 6 is pretty much worthless. You got this, I’m just bemusing at this point! GOOD VID! Keep them coming. One less accident is greatly appreciated.

[@barryholiday8998]

I’m going to wait for FSD 😂

[@billlong5979]

Good info and I have been trained to drive a charter bus and have driven more large vehicles than I can remember. To me this is second nature but I'm sure it is new to a lot of people. I have gotten into more than 1 rig that had the mirrors set completely wrong.

[@RVgeeks]

+Bill Long Can' tell you how many times I've had the same thing.... getting behind the wheel of a bus that the previous driver had the mirrors set all wrong.

[@jackh2277]

Could you do a video on how to safely merge onto the interstate using only your mirrors? I felt like I was driving blind until my rv was parallel to the interstate the other day.

[@RVgeeks]

Hey Jack! Merging up an on-ramp onto a limited access highway can indeed be a little tricky due to the angle of the RV, which you've obviously experienced as you waited to get far enough along that you were parallel to the highway. It's easy to look 90 degrees straight out to the side, or back along the RV in the mirrors, but that 45-ish degree angle is the worst! Here's the only way to deal with it.... lean forward. Leaning forward allows you to increase your angle of view, and also puts you a little closer to the mirror. It won't work before you're a good part of the way up the entrance ramp, but it will get you a look at approaching traffic a little bit sooner, and that extra several seconds can make all the difference. Here's one other tip that I always use... use your left signal EARLY and long! Don't wait to activate it until you're actually ready to enter the highway lane. Vehicles already on the highway who are approaching your entrance ramp may see you, but not process that you're actually entering the highway (and therefore moving more slowly), so may not change lanes to make room for you right away. I always turn on my left turn signal well in advance of entering the highway... usually about half-way up the entrance ramp, and leave it on until I'm solidly in the right highway lane. That flashing signal gets the attention of people approaching me in the right lane sooner, and they almost always move over sooner to open up the right lane for me. They don't want to be behind a big, slow RV, so they're eager to move. Seeing that flashing left turn signal as early as possible helps them find a space to move out of your way that much sooner, making merging a snap. Hope this helps a little!

[@jamestaylor845]

excellent video. Thank you.

[@raybbj]

Another top notch video. I hope you are making some decent money off these videos. I can see a lot of work goes into them. You should market youself to do industrial training videos voice-over work. You are perfect for it.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much. We do make a little KZbin revenue, but hearing that our videos are appreciated is worth its weight in gold. :)

[@shawnenser2610]

Great video guys! Thanks for taking the time in making this video. Excellent tips for making safer traveling in RV's

[@robertorion6559]

That you so much for that video. That was perfect. My wife and I are buying our first RV this spring (a View) and I suspect this will help us very much indeed. If I could give it 10 thumbs up I would.