Howdy There VanAGoneers!

Well, you learn something new everyday.

I've had my '91 Syncro Vanagon for almost a year now, and I've spent a not
insignificant amount of time trying to figure out how to back up 'well'
(defined as safely, without hitting that tree on the right rear, and at a
respectable pace;-))  I've adjusted the mirrors and gotten out of the van
countless times to try to 'learn' a good way to accurately gauge "how much
room I've got left before I hit the wall/car/parking space limiter/fence/kid
etc."..and nothing has REALLY been a dependable measure....until NOW:

I've found that with not too much leaning I can see the LOWER BACK EDGE OF
EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT REAR TIRE in the bottom part of the right or left
mirror.  When I just focus on THAT BACK EDGE, and use IT as a reference
point to the nearest object, I get an extremely accurate read as to where
the rear bumper is etc and can really nail the distance with precision.

Using any other reference point  along the sides of the van just has not
worked for me ......the distances get really distorted.

And yes, if you must ask, this HAS changed my life.

I would be curious to know if anyone else uses this or any other trick too
or what your experience is if you give it a try.

Happy Trails.....

Tony
'91 Syncro Westy ('teepee')
Pacific Grove, CA
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