Thoughts and musings on the visibility issue

[Huck BB62]

Well, today while being driven around by my wife, I looked at a bunch of cars. It got me to thinking. The media gushed over and over again about the new Mustang. I like it too. But I have to say, the H3 feels like you're driving around in a fishbowl compared to the 'Stang! We drove 'em, almost traded the Mini S in on one (now THAT car had excellent visibility, considering you're sitting on the ground!)

There's quite a few cars out there that have wretched visibility. Just seems odd to me that the writers hack the H3 to death for it's limited visibility to the point that they wouldn't buy one because of that issue and when you read some of the same writer's opinions of all the cars that you haven't a prayer of visibility, they're mute!

Ever take a close look at a Toyota Pious? Mustang? Eclipse?

Really, since you're on the ground, instead of up in the air like a Hummer, it's truly clausterphobic in the Mustang. By all the recent accounts, a resurgence in AMC Pacer sales is bound to happen!

Now, if I can just mount a mechanical arm to the driver's door of our H3 to work the ATM that I couldn't reach in our Mini S......

[Huck BB62]

Well, today while being driven around by my wife, I looked at a bunch of cars. It got me to thinking. The media gushed over and over again about the new Mustang. I like it too. But I have to say, the H3 feels like you're driving around in a fishbowl compared to the 'Stang! We drove 'em, almost traded the Mini S in on one (now THAT car had excellent visibility, considering you're sitting on the ground!)

There's quite a few cars out there that have wretched visibility. Just seems odd to me that the writers hack the H3 to death for it's limited visibility to the point that they wouldn't buy one because of that issue and when you read some of the same writer's opinions of all the cars that you haven't a prayer of visibility, they're mute!

Ever take a close look at a Toyota Pious? Mustang? Eclipse?

Really, since you're on the ground, instead of up in the air like a Hummer, it's truly clausterphobic in the Mustang. By all the recent accounts, a resurgence in AMC Pacer sales is bound to happen!

Now, if I can just mount a mechanical arm to the driver's door of our H3 to work the ATM that I couldn't reach in our Mini S......

[nmikes]

speaking of being claustrophobic... is it just me or does it seem like there is a ton of wasted space between the plastic interior walls and the outside sheet metal... is this dead space really necessary?

[First Hummer]

Thats where they should have mounted the door switches along with the power mirror controls.Would have given more leg room.This summer I am going to look into removing door handle and mount those controls on side panel.

[HummBebe]

My Husband has an '05 GT. Visibility sucks . He had it lowered and now the ride sucks. I love looking at it in the garage, but when we go anywhere, we take the H3.

Visibility is an issue, but like anything else, you need to make adjustments to compensate for it. When you are parked and you are preparing to back up, take a walk to the back of the truck and see if there is anything you need to be worried about. That is all.

[MrsRobinsn2000]

I do find that going through the drive up window at the bank is no longer easy. I have to open the door half the time and hang out of my door to reach. I also have to stretch pretty far just to adjust my mirror but I still love my H3 and can't imagine myself driving anything but a HUMMER.

[Lucifer]

Yep that stang does some awesome offroading. Whew.. look at that flex.

[Mike E]

I don't have any issues with visibility in the H3. I did notice that it's a problem at bank drive thru's, but I don't go there too often.

[MrsRobinsn2000]

You don't go to the bank too often because there is no money in there after you make your monthly HUMMER payments? lol http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Vindutch]

Visibility is fine as long as your going forward.

[DarthKarl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Vindutch:
Visibility is fine as long as your going forward. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

So true!

[Mike E]

So true! Oh well! Life is all about fun. Not sitting at bank drive thrus. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Steve - SanJose]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DarthKarl:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Vindutch:
Visibility is fine as long as your going forward. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

So true! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, but for those that like to use REVERSE, you will see some of us have installed Hitchcams and cameras on their H3.

And some H3 owners have already backed into cars and trees resulting in expensive damage.

Visibilty out the back is pretty bad.

S.

[fourfourto]

A rear camera is a must(cool too)you can have it on while driving it gives you a good veiw unlike the rear view mirror.With the mirror I see 2 rear headrests and the spare tire .A guy was tailgating me and I see his roof in the mirror but he,s clear as day on the monitor.

[westcoastchick]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by fourfourto:
A rear camera is a must(cool too)you can have it on while driving it gives you a good veiw unlike the rear view mirror.With the mirror I see 2 rear headrests and the spare tire .A guy was tailgating me and I see his roof in the mirror but he,s clear as day on the monitor. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Where would you purchase this? and what should I expect to pay. TIA
WCC

[fourfourto]

You can just get a rear camera. use the find button theres alot of threads on this subject I went for the audio visual navigation and added camera to that. below is link
http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/4871031121/m/6441066151

[Huck BB62]

Backing accidents are number one in claims. The rear view mirrors on the Hummer are great. People should always, and I mean always look behind their vehicle before they get in it. I know of three tragic incidents of family pets snoozing on the driveway getting killed, one of a toddler getting smooshed. Backup cameras are no guarantee. We're getting one for one reason, parking lots. People are stupid, they'll walk right behind a backing car with the reverse lights on. Dummys. Other people just jump in, throw it in reverse and take off without looking, watch 'em, there are some big ninnies out there that cost us all plenty.

Ever notice that how UPS trucks never ever pull in? They'll double park, they'll do anything but make a backing situation. They're not allowed to. Utilities make people place cones front and back that have to be picked up before departure, same reason.

[HummBebe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummBebe:
Visibility is an issue, but like anything else, you need to make adjustments to compensate for it. When you are parked and you are preparing to back up, take a walk to the back of the truck and see if there is anything you need to be worried about. That is all. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Like I said.... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[TexasRTR78]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MrsRobinsn2000:
I do find that going through the drive up window at the bank is no longer easy. I have to open the door half the time and hang out of my door to reach. I also have to stretch pretty far just to adjust my mirror but I still love my H3 and can't imagine myself driving anything but a HUMMER. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


LOL, NO KIDDING!!! I used the drive-through at Rosas (mexican food joint here in TX) and ordered a huge amount of food for my coworkers one day and when they tried to hand me the food through the window it would not fit...I had to pull forward and get out...I was sooo emabarrassed!!! http://www.emotipad.com/newemoticons/Eek.gif

[Steve - SanJose]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TexasRTR78:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MrsRobinsn2000:
I do find that going through the drive up window at the bank is no longer easy. I have to open the door half the time and hang out of my door to reach. I also have to stretch pretty far just to adjust my mirror but I still love my H3 and can't imagine myself driving anything but a HUMMER. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


LOL, NO KIDDING!!! I used the drive-through at Rosas (mexican food joint here in TX) and ordered a huge amount of food for my coworkers one day and when they tried to hand me the food through the window it would not fit...I had to pull forward and get out...I was sooo emabarrassed!!! http://www.emotipad.com/newemoticons/Eek.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And I'll bet that order was supersized ! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[NEOCON1]

did outback curbside service , samething girl tried handing thru window but no http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif atm no biggie cant reach from vette either , i just walk up http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[HummerJim]

I guess I was used to my old Isuzu Vehicross which had much worse visibility that the H3. I had the Japanese rear camera in my VX, and for me, it was too much of a personal distraction. . It's always been a trade off between styling and function, like the '63 split window coupe. The only real problem I have with the windows is I can't get the ticket at the airport parking lot and have to pull past it and open the door. I like the styling, so it's worth the small sacrifice.
As for that big dead space you metion in the door, buy some Dynamat and stick it in the door panels and it will make the H3 quieter as well as increase the performance of your door speakers. I bought 14 feet of it and it was enough to do the front and rear doors and back gate with enough left over to stick some under the carpet.

[Steve - SanJose]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by westcoastchick:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by fourfourto:
A rear camera is a must(cool too)you can have it on while driving it gives you a good veiw unlike the rear view mirror.With the mirror I see 2 rear headrests and the spare tire .A guy was tailgating me and I see his roof in the mirror but he,s clear as day on the monitor. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Where would you purchase this? and what should I expect to pay. TIA
WCC </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

For those wanting just the camera and leaving the stereo stock, a Hitchcam with 3.5" color monitor costs $1100 installed (SV Hummer-LG).

I'm been using this setup since November and it's very helpful.

S.

[fourfourto]

Originally posted by westcoastchick:

quote:
Originally posted by fourfourto:
A rear camera is a must(cool too)you can have it on while driving it gives you a good veiw unlike the rear view mirror.With the mirror I see 2 rear headrests and the spare tire .A guy was tailgating me and I see his roof in the mirror but he,s clear as day on the monitor.


Where would you purchase this? and what should I expect to pay. TIA
WCC



My system is posted here


http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/4871031121/m/6441066151

[DWPC]

Rear View Lens (http://www.rearlens.com/)

I've got one of these wide angle stick-ons ordered. I'll post on how it works out in the rear window.

For those interested, Kragen Auto Parts sells a license plate frame with rear view cam with a 4" color LCD screen for $150. I haven't seen it, but it probably comes from the same plant in China as the $500 jobs!

[thedieter]

DWPC:

That lens looks promising. I think that it would work best if placed high on the window to view over the tire.

Can't beat the cost and it should be reliable!

Looking forward to your results.

Best regards, Jack

[walc]

The "Rear View Safety Lens" (http://www.rearlens.com) has been a bust for me.
Due to the H3's outside mounted spare tire, I can't find a location, for it, that enables me to see my rear bumper or even close to it. So, it is worthless for parallel parking.
Furthermore, it makes backing up even harder, for me, because objects appear much further away than they really are.
If any of you have better results, please post.

[fourfourto]

My parents had that lens on there 33 foot motorhome and it worked well it also had a huge rear window.

[walc]

I've tried several different locations.
Currently, I have it at the very bottom, outermost side of the passenger side of the rear window.

[h2co-pilot]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by walc:
http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/ga/ul/2961097351/inlineimg/Y/walc.jpg
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Sewie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by h2co-pilot:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by walc:
http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/ga/ul/2961097351/inlineimg/Y/walc.jpg
</div></BLOCKQUOTE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://www.coolsmileys.net/happy/rofl2.gif

[walc]

I see the internet connection, at the trailer park, is operational.
Figured you classy folks would be out honky tonkin' on a Saturday night.
Didn't you have enough water for your weekly bath?

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by walc:
I see the internet connection, at the trailer park, is operational.
Figured you classy folks would be out honky tonkin' on a Saturday night.
Didn't you have enough water for your weekly bath? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[DarthKarl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by walc:
I see the internet connection, at the trailer park, is operational.
Figured you classy folks would be out honky tonkin' on a Saturday night.
Didn't you have enough water for your weekly bath? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

What a retort! Nicely played. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[h2co-pilot]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by walc:
I see the internet connection, at the trailer park, is operational.
Figured you classy folks would be out honky tonkin' on a Saturday night.
Didn't you have enough water for your weekly bath? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yep, life is tough. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

That was so exquisitely lame Mr. Clark. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.