We love to help.

We love to help.

How do I perform a mirror check?

Almost 70% of damage reported for rented vehicles on Outdoorsy took place in the blind spot behind the driver’s side of the vehicle. How can this be prevented? Mirror checks. Performing mirror checks helps increase visibility and prevent damage.
To perform a mirror check, you’ll need to adjust four things:

  1. driver’s seat
  2. steering wheel
  3. flat mirrors
  4. convex mirrors

Why are mirror checks important?

Simply, you can’t avoid the things you can’t see, and it’s more difficult to see the things that are behind you. Mirror checks help you see more!

With proper mirror checks, you:

  • Reduce the chances of backing into objects and people.
  • Prevent the possibility of sideswipes
  • Reduce blind spots
  • Promote mirror overlap for better visibility

RV owners should help educate guests on how to use the 2-mirror system on larger RVs.

How to perform a mirror check

To perform a mirror check, follow these three steps:

  1. Adjust the seat and wheel.
  2. Adjust flat mirrors.
  3. Adjust convex mirrors.

Step One: Adjust the Seat and Wheel

This will be different for every driver. Adjust the seat and wheel to the position that will be most comfortable for the drive.

Step Two: Adjust Flat Mirrors

Flat mirrors allow you to see alongside and behind your vehicle. You use these mirrors to:

  • back up
  • look to the furthest point
  • watch to see if you’re moving in or away from your backing line

To Adjust Flat Mirrors:
  1. Rotate both flat mirrors side to side until the inside edge picks up the left and right rear corners of the bus.
  2. Tilt both flat mirrors up or down until the rear corner targets are visible in the bottom edge of the mirror.
  3. You should be able to see the rear corner area of the RV along with the horizon in the background.

Once mirrors are adjusted correctly, the flat mirror will view a narrow band, straight back starting near the rear bumper and off into the distance as far as the eye can see. This view allows you to see vehicles approaching from behind.

Step Three: Adjust Convex Mirrors

Convex mirrors allow you to see the entire lane next to you.

To Adjust Convex Mirrors:
  1. Adjust the convex mirrors as far down and far out from the RV as possible.
  2. Make sure you can see the side of the RV along with the entire view of the lane adjacent to you.

Once convex mirrors have been adjusted, you should have a viewing angle that runs down the side of the RV along with the adjacent lane.

Hosts, help your guests.

Take some time once the guest gets in the driver’s seat to make sure their mirrors are properly adjusted. Helping increase their visibility will help keep the bumps and bruises off your rig and keep the adventures moving. And because you’ll still need an extra layer of peace of mind, keep your RV covered with Roamly, our preferred RV insurance provider.