FYI - no window in the slider is asking for trouble! Even with the big factory window visibility is terrible.
You concerns are really unfounded as you will discover.

 

These work. Motion windows. One bunk window would work just as well or better.

 

@Boondogger
I've seen lots of pictures of your rig lately on other threads, it's awesome! I actually had yours in mind when I was writing this thread. For you, thinking in terms of blind spot specifically, if you had to get rid of one of the two that you have, which do you think is more valuable in covering the difficult area? The closer up one or further back one? From what I've read, you've been everywhere (as MsNomer says!) and so I really value your input regarding driving situations where the extra visibility came in handy (or when it didn't.) Thanks!

 

@keeponvaning Very interested to hear your input, but I'm a little confused by your comment... so, no window on the slider is asking for trouble, or my worries about having a window there are unfounded? It was probably just a typo but I'm having trouble figuring out which of these you mean. Yes worry about no window, or no worry about no window? 😅

 

Option 2 is to install a camera on that side around eye level and set to see oncoming traffic(at 90 thru 45 degrees).

I don't get the safety concern of someone breaking the slider window....the passenger door window is inches away, and easier to reach in from outside and unlock. Bear spray and or a 9mm is better "protection" than nixing a slider window. Security works two ways, as in seeing if someone is standing there when you slide the door open. As for privacy, we installed a magnetic insulated curtain on ours.

As for a smaller window placement, a rectangle one would work fine.

 

@Motor7

Camera is definitely another option to look into, great suggestion. Right now, electrical stuff is my biggest "knowledge monster" that I'm working through, so I haven't focused on other electrical/wiring things much because I'm still trying to master the basics of how the magic lightning juice works. I do remember seeing one build out somewhere that had a full security style set up with camera views of all sides of the van. Impressive! I don't think it's for me, but I admire the dedication and it definitely gave the build a very undercover, sting operation vibe. 😂

I actually haven't thought about the breaking of the slider window specifically, I just remember this guys' van (not a pm) that got broken into via the back windows at my old job. Since my bed's in that area, I'd rather eliminate the temptation, than deal with a break in after the fact via defensive weapons, if at all possible.

The slider window for me is definitely a psychological thing a well. I love high up windows that look down, love being on the second floor of buildings, etc. However, I feel very uncomfortable when house front doors have full length windows, or if there are floor to ceiling windows in a room. Do I know why? Not in clear terms. Probably would require a therapists couch and hypnosis or something lol. But, being honest with myself and my preferences, a big slider window will probably always be an itch in my mind. I can deal with it if I have to, but I'd prefer not to. So if I'm lucky enough that my van ends up not having one, I want some ideas of where I can put a much smaller, higher up window somewhere that will serve the purpose of eliminating the blind spot concern while still making me feel "at home." Hope that clears up my goals/intent, at least a little

 

I am also confused by @keeponvaning comment “Even with the big factory window visibility is terrible.”

I feel the opposite. I installed an AMA slider window that is OEM style, meaning it looks like the factory window but with a nice size slider.
That window combined with a 160° (or so) digital rear view mirror for $120, and the basically 4 Promaster mirrors leaves me with absolutely no blind spot.
The Promaster mirrors are the best mirrors I ever had on any vehicle regarding visibility.

Other than that I completely agree with KOV.

Side note - I would definitely get a 159” WB next time around and I don’t full time in it. The extra 2’ don’t make much difference in driving or parking, but 2 extra feet is a lot on the inside.

 

Thank you for the input and mirror advice!

Side note - I would definitely get a 159” WB next time around and I don’t full time in it. The extra 2’ don’t make much difference in driving or parking, but 2 extra feet is a lot on the inside.

Regarding this side note, I really appreciate it! I'm finding the debate on 136 v 159 more polarized than I anticipated lol, so it's got me hemming and hawing between the two. I've got more research and soul searching to do on this this topic, but experienced advice like yours is golden.

 

I was actually taking about the all around visibility on the right side of the van. Even with the big mirrors and slider door window I’m always asking Mrs KOV is it ok? That damned B pillar is always blocking my view

 

Oh, gotcha!

 

The window closest to the front is the most important one. There are some intersections that are not 90 degrees and you absolutely can not see what is coming. With that being said, the more visibility the better. I wish I had factory glass in the slider.

I ordered these small windows as a newbie and was concerned about people reaching into the van. A large fixed glass window would be good although I do like the ventilation when I hang things to dry in front of the slider door.

I've mentioned before that I wish motion windows would make a window that had the opening slider at the top instead of the bottom.

In next van I would probably opt for factory glass on slider and back doors. Then add ventilation windows on the sides at the back. And I would really like narrow opening windows in the upper wall section on both sides of van.

Can't wait to see what you do when you get a van! You'll do great!

 

Great info, thank you! Lots to think on. And I appreciate the encouragement! This part of the process is rough, because I gotta learn all the things and everything seems like I'm doing it wrong and it's a bit of a slog. Your kind words go a long way in refueling the research energy! 💕

Quick follow-up, when you say "Narrow opening windows in the upper wall section on both sides of van" do you mean the bunk window area where people usually put them above a fixed bed, or those reaaally high up sections almost by the roof? Because I've been eyeing those sections by the roof too... I love skylights, but I don't want to waste roof space (plus insulation reasons) so I've been curious about putting small bunk windows there for ventilation/ambient lighting, etc. Just imagining at this point, but if you're thinking similar I'd love to hear your thoughts!

 

Factory window on the slider for us. That blind spot would be terrible without a window.

The factory window is some sort of plastic so it does not make the door heavier and more difficult to open and close.

For venting we have bunk windows in the quarter panels.

 

I agree about the need to fix that blind spot at the slider and after having a window there I wouldn't want to go back to not having one. We didn't like the factory style bonded windows, so I was going to purchase Motion windows but they were months out for delivery, so I took a chance and ordered this one on Amazon and it worked out really well, was pretty easy to install and I like the bottom-opening exit window style.

 

Love the look and the price. Any issues with the weight? Any issues with installation?

 

@FarmByForty - here you go! Just listed. Like new, etc, etc.

https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/2019-promaster-3500-extended-with-high-roof-not-finished-seats-3-25-000.105927/?post_id=866094#post-866094

 

@keeponvaning I saw that, definitely thinking the EXT is more rig than I want... I'm still on the fence about even a 159" 😅

 

I was pleasantly surprised the first time I did a U-turn in the Whale.....the turning radius is excellent on these vans. So going longer is really not an issue.

 

upper upper window
https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/a-slow-start.60913/

just pic of another

another

 

Woohoo @phil coming in clutch! TY!


Wow. Honestly, I quite like the look of that... not to everyone's taste I'd imagine, but it really scratches an itch for me 😂

 

I'm late to this party. We have a full-height Motion Window in the slider. All Motions open in the back half, further from the inside handle on the slider. It would take a long arm to reach. Motion's window latch is also very secure. In terms of blind spots, the slider window comes in handy, but it's not my primary tool. The two-piece heated power mirrors cover blind spots nearly 100% in most situations. I also consult my co-pilot in tight/unique situations. I would rely even less on a half-height window for blind-spots. Short cars can already disappear below our full-height.

 

I agree with the above as far as field of vision on the mirrors. I have, i think, the mid-sized power/heated mirrors and I am very confident in congested 60mph traffic. I might have to maneuver my head to get a better view on the lower mirror but it justs came natural. I can imagine the extended mirrors would be even better.

Just thought I should say I'm 5'7 of medium build. Taller folks may not have my experience.

 

I absolutely disagree with OP's (reasoning)
about "shoulder checks" And that the passenger mirror is not enough. (Not necessarily the OEM mirror).
IF you drive with a PROPER driving technique, you do NOT need to " shoulder check" & I would further suggest that doing so increases your accident risk to rear ending a hard Braking or stopped traffic vehicle in front of you!
Turn signal indicates your intention,
SLOWLY moving into your lane and quick glancing views of your CONVEX mirror ( that eliminates any blind spot), continuing your progress into your lane quicker as you establish it's still clear to do so.
You may (think) and (feel good) to do your shoulder checks BUT THATS the exact few MICRO SECONDS that cause Rear end accidents!!!! You still have some perifferial
vision when you GLANCE at your Convex mirror. OK, I KNOW you ( and others) will likely argue my opinion so I will let it go at that except to add that you can save yourself the expense. Work & so called security risk of adding a window by just getting a good tennis ball size Convex mirror mounted & changing your driving technique.
PS: Never have i seen race car drivers( even in a tight pack) with a trailing competitor desperately trying to nose into the lane he is moving into, have to do a " shouldercheck"
Yeah, I know...Apples & Oranges...

 

Well I also agree on mirrors. Wrote a long reply but it didn't post so I just say... Race car drivers use mirrors & that means...Learn proper driving technique! Semi drivers also use mirror only! Again, learn proper , safe lane changing technique and no shoulder check or side window required AND you be a better driver! Those MICRO SECONDS you use up turning your head vs. Glancing in a mirror COUNT!!!

 

The main visibility issue with slider, IMHO, is just when you're at an angled intersection. Before I had a window in the slider I had to unbuckle and look out passenger window twice at these type of intersections.

 

When you come into an angled intersection there is no doubt about it - its a very serious safety issue.


Gary

 

DustyS jumping right in

 

I don't know about "race car drivers" but looking over your shoulder is precisely what driver's ed teaches you to do, at least here:

To check a blind spot, quickly turn your head in the direction you
want to turn so you can look over your shoulder without moving
your body. Glancing quickly, you should be able to see if a vehicle or
pedestrian is in your blind spot.
This glance is an essential comple-
ment to checking the rearview
mirrors and ensures you have seen
all around you before changing
direction. It should be done very
quickly so you do not lose sight
of what is happening in front of
the vehicle.

You do you: myself I use the window 😊.

 

In traffic, I am limited to using the mirrors because my neck physically cannot turn. At acute intersections, though, I turn my body to look because mirrors just don’t cut it.

 

OP here. I'm glad you have passionate opinions on safe driving DustySummers. It's a good thing to care strongly about.

I fall into the "you do you" camp, like Pierre. As long as people are protecting themselves while driving and not endangering others with their driving, I'm content.

I was also taught to do the shoulder check in driver's ed (in the US). It has worked very well for me. I do observe safe following distances behind other cars, which also greatly reduces the risk of rear ending anyone. Personally, the shoulder check has saved me several times from motorcycles zipping between lanes (esp in CA where they can legally drive between cars, known as "lane splitting").

The blindspot on the passenger slider of the RAM Promaster, which is the primary topic of this thread, does seem to be an issue for most people regarding angled intersections as mentioned.

Some additional notes, for those interested:

In some states, you're not even legally required to have side mirrors (crazy!) In Florida, for example, you only need a mirror that provides a view of 200ft of highway behind you. (source). If your vehicle has back windows, then this requirement is covered by just having a rearview mirror. Seems wild to me!

Drivers of semi-trucks report large blind spots even with their mirrors. This government website is useful for visualizing these danger areas. I previously worked in logistics and was TDR certified (trailer, dock & release) and spent a lot of time on foot in trailer yards surrounded by semi-trucks backing in and out of docks. Because of the danger of these blind spots, there are very strict rules regarding operating distances in the yard between people, other vehicles, and semi-trucks for this reason. While rigs don't spend too much time backing in/out on roadways, it's something everyone should be cognizant and mindful of IMO. Tragically, deaths happen.

From what I see on TV... race car drivers seem to be in a quite a lot of accidents.... A google search says in NASCAR there's an average of 5.4 crashed per race, out of the apx 40 cars competing. That data may not be accurate, because it came from just a quick search. Regardless... I don't think I will personally risk using the driving habits of NASCAR drivers as my model for safe driving. Also, not sure blind spots associated with angled intersections come into play much on racetracks.

 

fwiw, race cars usually have team spotters talking to the drivers about the hazards around them

 

IMHO, People don’t go to races to watch cars going round and round and round and round. The accidents are where the excitement is.

 

Add some peep mirrors. But you need to have faith in the mirrors, some people don't trust mirror's. I drove semi and box truck and theirs no looking over your shoulder.