side-view mirrors how far do they stick out, how to dismount

kmhappel · 05-03-2019, 06:11 AM

Thinking of installing a Palram Arcadia carport for our thor vegas 27.7, but it is 128 inches (10.6ft) wide, The rv hole on our new house is normally 12 feet wide. This would fit inside.

We just bought our thor and I realize they set them up at the dealership and I have no idea if they fold flat against the sides.

I'm not at RV storage and wonder how far the mirrors stick out and how to dismount them if you can't fold them. Any ideas? Sorry I'm such a dunce, but never thought to ask.

Thanks in advance.

be happy · 05-03-2019, 10:45 AM

Do not know about your Vegas but my ACE mirrors stick out about 12 inch each and do not move.

JamieGeek · 05-03-2019, 11:15 AM

Axis/Vegas mirrors do not fold flat--they are fixed.

The best you could do would be loosen the set screws and turn them parallel to the coach.

Keep in mind the front of the Axis/Vegas is tapered so that the mirrors may not stick out as much as you think. (The RV by itself is only 94 inches wide, see here: https://www.thormotorcoach.com/vegas/specs/ -- not sure where you're getting 128 inches?)

**16ACE27** · 05-03-2019, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Axis/Vegas mirrors do not fold flat--they are fixed.

The best you could do would be loosen the set screws and turn them parallel to the coach.

Keep in mind the front of the Axis/Vegas is tapered so that the mirrors may not stick out as much as you think. (The RV by itself is only 94 inches wide, see here: https://www.thormotorcoach.com/vegas/specs/ -- not sure where you're getting 128 inches?)

Agree! The widest the RV could be legally is 8.5 feet (102 Inches).

Bob Denman · 05-03-2019, 02:45 PM

I don't know the measurement; but they ALL stick out far enough to leave an "unintended mark" on your forehead...

Oneilkeys · 05-03-2019, 05:28 PM

While I have seen the 102” trailer limit in many DOT sites, RV manufacturers obvious don’t pay any attention to this limit. My Axis is 94” wide without the mirrors, and the fixed mirrors are just Over 11” a piece. That adds up to 94” + 22 (or 23 to be safe) for a total width of 116”. I have 10’ or 120” width mounted next to the drivers seat along with the 11’6” height (although Thor says 11’ 3” just for a quick reference when I come up unexpectedly on low bridges or narrow ramps or construction. The ACE is listed as 99” width or 5” wider than the Axis and I think the mirrors are just as wide as the Axis which would put it at least 121” or over 10’. There is a little bit of “taper” to the front of the Axis, but I don’t think it is enough to make much of a difference. I’ve “squeezed” my Axis into 10’ openings at garages to change the oil, but you have to be real careful that the rear tracks straight. Best to back out, if you can.

**16ACE27** · 05-03-2019, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oneilkeys

While I have seen the 102” trailer limit in many DOT sites, RV manufacturers obvious don’t pay any attention to this limit. My Axis is 94” wide without the mirrors, and the fixed mirrors are just Over 11” a piece. That adds up to 94” + 22 (or 23 to be safe) for a total width of 116”. I have 10’ or 120” width mounted next to the drivers seat along with the 11’6” height (although Thor says 11’ 3” just for a quick reference when I come up unexpectedly on low bridges or narrow ramps or construction. The ACE is listed as 99” width or 5” wider than the Axis and I think the mirrors are just as wide as the Axis which would put it at least 121” or over 10’. There is a little bit of “taper” to the front of the Axis, but I don’t think it is enough to make much of a difference. I’ve “squeezed” my Axis into 10’ openings at garages to change the oil, but you have to be real careful that the rear tracks straight. Best to back out, if you can.

That's because the legal limit of 8'6" does not include mirrors, only the body of the vehicle.

Oneilkeys · 05-03-2019, 06:16 PM

That’s true in some states, but not all. Some do not list any exceptions and others only allow mirrors 3” or 6” beyond the 102”. This is a list of all state restrictions.

https://www.rvtripwizard.com/rv-info...-road-laws.php

You don’t see anyone getting tickets for this and it is not something to worry yourself about, but the laws are out there.

While RVs are exempted from Federal limitations on the 102” width limit, some states have additional limitations.

Oneilkeys · 05-03-2019, 06:21 PM

The only worry that I can think of is if you are involved in an accident in your RV that is legally outside the limits set by that state, some smart lawyer might be able to use that against you.

Bob Denman · 05-03-2019, 06:27 PM

If you live your life in fear of what "some smart Lawyer" might find: are you really living?

Try to do the best that you can...

Oneilkeys · 05-03-2019, 06:36 PM

As I said, I don’t think that this is something that keeps me up at night, but the fact that my Axis - the narrowest of the Class A RVs - is outside the law in 29 states is not particularly comforting.

Long & Winding road · 05-10-2019, 09:00 PM

The Axis Mirror arms will fold in some, maybe not totaly flat - never tried that. But if you need a couple of inches total - not a problem.

I moved mine a few times to try and help wth wind noise on the interstate. Right now I have them moved in (so at a angle with the wind) as far as I can go and still have full field of vision in my mirrors.

And to answer your next question... I can NOT tell a difference with wind noise levels..... but I would think it would help some when trucks pass you or high winds will driving on the interstate?? Hard to say. I have not been on any long trips lately.

Plus I figured if a bird or rock hits the mirror they might deflect to the sides instead of making full impact with the mirror (might prevent damage?). Cant hurt.

I Spray some dry lube at piviot points a couple times a year so they dont rust in place. So far so good

If your dont move try some pentatrating lube.

Hooligan2 · 05-19-2019, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

If you live your life in fear of what "some smart Lawyer" might find: are you really living?

:

.......................
Well at least we didn't get to "your Insurance company will not cover your illegal mirror related accident".
(Sorry Oneilkeys)

Of course my mirrors fold flat..

Bob Denman · 05-19-2019, 03:03 PM

YOu're right: we DID manage to miss that part of the ridiculousness...

But if you seen an insurance claims adjuster lurking...

: just fold them in...

kmhappel · 05-25-2019, 07:04 PM

The answer for the Thor Vegas 27.7 turned out to be, they are not foldable or movable at the connect to the body (four bolts hold them on), They stick out 13 inches but are at an angle. The body is 8 foot wide and with the mirrors 10 feet clears (barely). You guys are lifesavers. I have missed so many problems with your advice.

BTW, the Palram unit forms a great looking rv cover that the HOA even likes (OMG)...

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