ok...I was just backing up tonight (to get Harold packed for a great wetwesties
outing) and I thought to myself.....geeze there has got to be a trick to
this...thanx for the information tony...will try it next time.....susanb

Tony Peet wrote:

> 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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