Rear view cameras
Discussion
I'm probably being a bit simple, but with the new trend of rear view cameras, would it not also make sense to add one on the sides of the trailer looking towards the rear. Blind side reversing would suddenly become far more simple and the blind spot when the tractor is on a tight turn would be eliminated.
I have rear facing camera on my regular artic trailer as well as an all round viewing/warning system (for london), yes it does make reversing safer and easier, and yes a nearside rear facing camera fitted about 1/3rd of the way down the side would be handy in some circs.
However what is missing these days, and what nearly all tractor units had when i started on the lorries, is the cab rear window, which makes blind siding far easier, when on the turn a look through that rear window gives you a vision stright down the nearside of the trailer.
The problem with all these electronic toys is that unless you have a regular vehicle you can learn intimately, the latest vehicles are getting frankly stupidly complicated with more switches and menus than you could shake a stick at, with all makes having different systems and dash layouts, which again change beyond all reason when the models are replaced.
Where do you put the screen, ideally it should be close to the driver to benefit from the best view possible, but glare is an issue at night and in poor light.
Sadly where to fit the screen is decided by either the fitting techs or suits either of whom have never sat behind the wheel or if they did at one time might not have done so since the Eaton Twin Splitter gearbox was last fitted to a new truck, a camera screen some 6 ft from the driver may as well not be there at all and it causes glare when you actually want complete darkness in the cab at night to see as much as possible outside, if there's no remote control for the driver to adjust things the screen will be a detriment not a bonus.
However what is missing these days, and what nearly all tractor units had when i started on the lorries, is the cab rear window, which makes blind siding far easier, when on the turn a look through that rear window gives you a vision stright down the nearside of the trailer.
The problem with all these electronic toys is that unless you have a regular vehicle you can learn intimately, the latest vehicles are getting frankly stupidly complicated with more switches and menus than you could shake a stick at, with all makes having different systems and dash layouts, which again change beyond all reason when the models are replaced.
Where do you put the screen, ideally it should be close to the driver to benefit from the best view possible, but glare is an issue at night and in poor light.
Sadly where to fit the screen is decided by either the fitting techs or suits either of whom have never sat behind the wheel or if they did at one time might not have done so since the Eaton Twin Splitter gearbox was last fitted to a new truck, a camera screen some 6 ft from the driver may as well not be there at all and it causes glare when you actually want complete darkness in the cab at night to see as much as possible outside, if there's no remote control for the driver to adjust things the screen will be a detriment not a bonus.
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