Caravan Rear Camera Vs Extended Mirrors On Tug

pajamajero · Newbie

Caravan Rear Camera Vs Extended Mirrors On Tug

TheHeaths · Guru

My understanding is that the camera doesn't remove the requirement for correct rear view mirrors.

I would suggest that part of the reason would be that as an electronic device, if they fail you would be travelling blind to some degree.

KFT · Guru

As I understand it the Australian road rules require a driver to be able to see traffic behind and to the side "by Reflection" so if the trailer you are towing is wider than the mirrors on the towing vehicle then mirrors are required.

This diagram gives the view required by ADR 14

Australian road rule 297 also has a requirement. see it here: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_reg/arr210/s297.html

hope that helps

Frank

Tony Bev · Guru

Hello pajamajero

Welcome to the forum, I am sure that some of the more seasoned travellers will be along to say hello

In regards to your question of
Is it legal to use an always on back of caravan camera to REPLACE extended mirrors on the tug

The following link to a similar questions, says no it is not legal to not have rear mirrors

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t60239278/rear-view-mirrors-or-camera/

Edit to say that KFT had posted while I was typing

-- Edited by Tony Bev on Sunday 8th of May 2016 05:57:10 PM

iana · Guru

Yep, regardless you still have to have the rear view mirrors covering an arc of view on each side.

Ron-D · Guru

The rear view camera fitted to my van is one of the best things I have fitted to the Van, it's nice not to have a blind spot and see what's following you at all times,

But there's no substitute for mirrors when reversing, The rear view camera is practically useless in my opinion for reversing the Van...

pajamajero · Newbie

Thanks for all the responses
It appears both would be the way to go

Cheers

Paj

Symo2540 · Veteran Member

Both is the way to go. I use mirrors to reverse van in then camera to make sure there is nothing behind where the mirrors can't see. Camera with audio as great as SWMBO can tell me what to do without he needs for radios.
Cheers

Delta18 · Guru

Eventually when Laws catch up with technology it will be legal to have cameras only. They would need to be on the sides as well as the back as some trucks now do.

Much like the old days when electric indicators were first fitted to cars, we still had to use hand signals for a long time before it became illegal to put a hand outside the car.

Sparkster · Senior Member

Just my two bobs worth.......

Something not mentioned here because it's probably been forgotten but the cameras lose their value during heavy rain when road grime etc. is picked up in the spray from passing traffic and your own car and covers the camera lense (s) leaving images almost obliterated until you get a chance to clean them.

I've found it very frustrating but just another PITA during wet weather driving.

Keith. cry

brickies · Guru

Good point Keith

OutbackMK · Senior Member

Just a note constable plod will drive up behind your rig, if he can't see the mirrors you will receive a fine.
I use the rearview camera (wired to rear vision mirror monitor) but also run extended mirrors to satisfy the law.
The camera is great as you can watch someone who gets right up your clacker and out of view as well as idiots deciding to pass 5 cars and a van down a long hill with a blind crest.
Both have their place, remember to remove or re-tract (if you are in the upper income bracket) the tow mirrors before you drop the van off and head into town (pod can pinch you for wide mirrors as well if no wide van attached)
Brian

Brenda and Alan · Guru

My reading of the current ADR 14/02 2006 covering rear vision devices does allow for camera/monitor devices to replace mirrors. The only problem is they must be tested against the standard and marked with an approval No. to be legal. Although I don't know of any manufacturer who has gone through the approval process they are increasingly used in the trucking industry so there now may be some that are approved.

Alan

-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Wednesday 11th of May 2016 09:09:47 AM

Phillipn · Guru

KFT wrote:
As I understand it the Australian road rules require a driver to be able to see traffic behind and to the side "by Reflection" so if the trailer you are towing is wider than the mirrors on the towing vehicle then mirrors are required.

This diagram gives the view required by ADR 14

Australian road rule 297 also has a requirement. see it here: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_reg/arr210/s297.html

hope that helps

Frank

Frank, that is 100% correct. I know a fellow that was booked for not having the correct towing mirrors, he told the police that he thought that a camera was all he needed. Sorry the cop replied. Mirrors are needed to see down both sides of the van or motorhome.

Rob79 · Member

I was stopped for an RBT in North Richmond NSW one Sat night in Feb 2015 and the cop said my mirrors were too wide. I said they weren't as they are Clearview mirrors and they were retracted. He said who are Clearview and I told him " the manufacturer" OK then. Have you been drinking. I had had one small white wine and we left. What I am getting at is some cops will have a go even if they are unsure; this bloke was happy with my response about the mirrors but not with my breath not registering

macka17 · Guru

Traffic cop gave me a warning. Yrs ago.
Said if he drives along behind me. and on looking ALONG the side of trailer/caravan whatever.
He can't see some part of the mirror.
He CAN book you.

Even if you don't need them (in your eyes) your wallet says make sure you have them there.