RV Mirror Adjustment

RV mirror adjustment is the proper alignment of an RV’s side mirrors before driving. Critical for safe driving — RV blind spots are significantly larger than car blind spots and proper mirror setup is the only way to manage them.

Why RV mirrors are different

• Larger surface area — RV mirrors are 12-24” wide vs. 6-9” car mirrors
• Often have a small convex mirror integrated for blind spot visibility
• May be telescoping to accommodate trailer width
• Power-adjusted in most modern rentals

The adjustment routine

Before every drive:

Step 1: Position yourself in the driver’s seat

Sit normally with your back against the seat and hands at the wheel.

Step 2: Adjust the main mirror

• Outer edge should show the rear corner of the rig (or trailer end)
• Inner edge should overlap slightly with the back glass view
• Vertical aim should center on the side of the rig at about door-handle height

Step 3: Adjust the convex (blind spot) mirror

• Aim downward and outward to show the area beside the rig
• Should show the rear wheel when properly adjusted
• Should overlap with the main mirror’s view

Step 4: Verify with a walk-around

Get out, walk around the rig, return and check:

• Can you see your own feet in the bottom of the side mirror when standing 4 ft from the rig?
• Can you see at least 2 lanes of traffic in both side mirrors?

Tow mirrors (for trailer towing)

When towing a trailer, factory mirrors may not extend far enough out to see past the trailer width. Solutions:

• Telescoping factory mirrors — extend the mirror outward
• Clip-on tow mirrors — temporary add-ons for trailer towing
• Aftermarket replacement — installed permanently on the tow vehicle

Most peer-to-peer trailer rentals come with appropriate mirror setup. Verify at pickup.

Common adjustment mistakes

• Mirrors aimed at the side of the rig — wastes the mirror’s view
• Convex mirror aimed too high — shows sky instead of blind spot
• Not readjusting after passenger swap — mirrors are personalized
• Folded for storage but not unfolded — happens with auto-fold mirrors

Highway driving with proper mirrors

With properly adjusted mirrors, you should be able to:

• See vehicles approaching from behind in your mirror
• Track vehicles overtaking you through your blind spot
• See the white line on the side of the road in your peripheral view
• Glance rather than turn your head — eyes-on-the-road safety

Mirror types in different RVs

Rental class	Typical mirrors
Class A motorhome	Large 18-24” power mirrors with convex
Class C motorhome	Truck-derived 12-18” power mirrors
Class B camper van	Standard tall-van power mirrors
Tow vehicle for trailer	Factory mirrors plus possibly extenders

Check during the walkthrough

During the walkthrough, ask the rental staff to demonstrate:

• Mirror adjustment from inside the cab
• Mirror folding for storage
• Convex mirror positioning
• Tow mirror extension (if applicable)