Hi all, my name is Dan and I am new to the forum. I want to purchase an LT Panel to help advertise my home-based business. However, frankly, I am more than a little frighted with the thought of not having side windows to check when changing lanes, backing up, parking, etc. I realize there are those little round mirrors to help in that regard, but I am just having a hard time accepting that it would be safe. I would really appreciate your experiences, comments, etc. Also, are there after-market mirrors that would help? Thank you.

 

spotter mirrors will help. they're a GM option

 

I have the spot mirrors on my panel and use the power mirrors when merging on to the highway. It is a little harder backing out of a parking spot without windows but you'll get use to it. Can't be too hard to get use to, I have an 08 LT PANEL and an old 46 WILLYS PANEL.

 

As an ex truck driver we were instructed to always back into a parking space or to drive thru the space to the other one so that you will not have to back into traffic. Makes it a lot safer.

 

I have all my windows but I never look out the side rear windows to back up out of the driveway or when changing lanes. Shouldn't be any different in the Panel. My only concern would be backing out of a parking space in a parking lot but that could easily be avoided.

BTW,

 

You simply need to adjust your mirrors a little differently. I used to drive commercial trucks, and actually do not like my mirrors to be adjusted in the "normal" fashion. The way mine are adjusted, the front part of a vehicle enters into my peripheral vision just as the rear bumper disappears from the mirror.

If you are still concerned, you can opt for the AA5 option, which retains windows in the rear doors. Mine is equipped this way.

 

Boy, Some peoples kids..... What ever happened to the good ole days with no window panel vans being the fad...

"Don't come a knocking if this van is a Rockin!"

 

I have been driving a panel for almost 3 years and you do get used to it. If you just pay attention and learn to use the mirrors its no big deal. I find now that no matter what I drive, I no longer look over my shoulder and just use the mirrors. The worst case scenario is parking between 2 big suburbans and having to back out of a space. I park away from other cars whenever possible and so far no door dings either.

 

Thank you for those who have commented, so far. I know my concerns may sound silly to many, but for the 40+ years that I have been driving I have always been taught that after checking the mirror, you also physically look out the side window(s) before making any lane changes, etc. So, driving on California's freeways without that option available seems a little unnerving. Again, any further comments, helpful advice will be most appreciated.

 

You learn to compensate. Side mirrors get adjusted further out so you can't quite see the side of the panel. You park so you don't have to backup. Intersections are approached at 90 degree angles muck like crossing RR tracks on a motorcycle. On the interstate you learn to wipe traffic from your blind spot by passing a car and not changing lanes until it appears in the rearview.

The only real bad part is backing out into street traffic from between larger trucks, vans or SUVs.

I don't have the little convex mirrors but they would help.