Improving visibility for driving on/off 4 post lift

[Yankeefarmer]

My F250 just fits on my new lift. I have to fold in the mirrors to clear the posts, and when I do it interferes with my ability to see where the tires are tracking on the runways. (And they use every inch of width.)

My first try at using a mirror in a fixed location suggested that it would be challenging to locate one in a spot where I could see the length of the runways as I drive in or back out. I next tried a Nest camera, but the latency of the image was maddening- I’d back up a foot or two, the image wouldn’t change so I would stop, then see my truck back up a bit off track!

I’m now thinking of hooking up a CCTV security camera directly to a flat screen TV on the wall in front of the lift. I’ve already got a couple of flat screen TV’s handed down to me from my grown kids, so I can probably set this up for about $100. It just seems a bit like technological overkill.

Have any of you successfully dealt with this situation?

 

[pbon]

Could you hang red string down from the ceiling? A set of laser beams on a switch would be much fancier.

 

[BruceMc]

I actually set up an Arlo camera so I can watch from inside the vehicle. It works, but there is also some lag that can slow you down, since it's not quite real-time. And same experience with the mirror. Was thinking about getting one of those mirrors designed for security and seeing around corners.

 

[Justind97]

Could you mount a mirror or two where the walls meet the ceiling?

 

[Yankeefarmer]

After spending more time searching, I found a post from several years ago, using a pair of “back of door” wardrobe mirrors. Maybe the mirror I tried was too small.

It’s post #18 in this thread:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=226559&highlight=Tips+tricks+post+lift

 

[dagofast]

Most of our cars easily fit on the runways with room to spare, I just line up between the first two posts, ironically, using the side view mirrors, to gauge if I'm even. My old '88 C1500 might hang off of the ramp on either side by an inch if I don't get it perfect...in which case I just back out and try again.

I have too much stuff between me and the wall to use the mirrors posted above but I wonder if these convex safety mirrors could be mounted on the top of the front posts?

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detai...clid=ADL-155be596-e4de-429e-8279-a1fbff512f69

 

[south_paw]

I put a Waze wi-fi camera in my garage. Has a magnetic base can stick it anywhere. Have the app on my phone and can see in real time. Can also check in on my garage at anytime via the app.

https://www.amazon.com/Wyze-Indoor-Wireless-Detection-Assistant/dp/B076H3SRXG/ref=asc_df_B076H3SRXG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312106635483&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17372156126765889369&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1023347&hvtargid=pla-687048860392&psc=1

 

[Matt M PA]

I mounted a convex mirror from McMasterCarr on the wall in front of the lift. It's a huge help.

 

[rburke65]

Repurposed backup camera or WiFi camera to your phone

 

[racecougar]

I mounted a convex mirror from McMasterCarr on the wall in front of the lift. It's a huge help.

Same here. I picked up a 30" convex mirror for cheap at a local auction and mounted it in front of the lift. It sure beats hanging my head out the window to see where the tires are tracking.

 

[jcbrew]

I use a 4ft round mirror from an old dressing table someone was throwing away in front of my lift. My F150 barely fits also.

 

[charbar]

I use a 4ft round mirror from an old dressing table someone was throwing away in front of my lift. My F150 barely fits also.

F150online? Your username caught my eye....then I saw the F150.

 

[tdkkart]

If it takes up "every inch", just hang your head out the window and watch the front tire? I've got 5 vehicles, one hangs over 2" on the outside of both sides, one hangs over nearly an inch on the inside of each ramp, 3 are pretty much centered.

 

[ace10]

Are you able to get lined up really well before you approach the lift or do you have to turn into it?

For me, it's all about getting lined up and then trusting the line. I even have to drive under one lift to get to another in a tandem bay. All the while trying to make only micro adjustments to the line.

 

[Barnabas]

I use a temporary camera to connect my van to my trailer. This might work for your needs. The camera mounts with a magnet. It comes with a small receiver/viewer. They make a version with two cameras. The cameras are in real time, allowing you to make quick adjustments as you go.
https://www.etrailer.com/Backup-Camera/Swift-Hitch/04928.html

 

[dagofast]

I mounted a convex mirror from McMasterCarr on the wall in front of the lift. It's a huge help.

You pic and finding a good deal on an 18" diameter convex mirror on fleabay convinced me to give it a try!

 

[charbar]

You pic and finding a good deal on an 18" diameter convex mirror on fleabay convinced me to give it a try!

If you dont mind me asking, what did you give for that mirror? I have an idea in my head using lasers and a motion detector to help center on a 2 post, but i still might need a convex mirror. Amazon was pretty cheap for a 12" one, but that seems pretty small to me. Any bigger than 12" and the price seemed to jump up quite a bit....and Im a tight a$$! Just curious how much I might be getting raked over the coals

 

[dagofast]

If you dont mind me asking, what did you give for that mirror? I have an idea in my head using lasers and a motion detector to help center on a 2 post, but i still might need a convex mirror. Amazon was pretty cheap for a 12" one, but that seems pretty small to me. Any bigger than 12" and the price seemed to jump up quite a bit....and Im a tight a$$! Just curious how much I might be getting raked over the coals

$26.76 + tax. Shipping was free.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/18-Traffic...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[jmiller_2308]

I use a more rectangular convex mirror. Not sure what I paid for it when I bought it in 2016 but I see amazon has it for sale at $94.03. Measuring 30x20 and mounted high on the wall directly in front of the lift allows me to easily line up the approach and see both sides as I get on and off the lift.

"See All RR2030 Round Rectangular Glass Indoor Convex Security Mirror, 30" Length x 20" Width (Pack of 1)"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Z9ZRQY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Although this works well I also added 4" angle iron extensions to the rails for a little extra breathing room. The iron was painted safety yellow to really pop out as I was driving. The 4" extension also makes it easier to access and get in/out of the vehicle when it is on the lift.

See this thread. My comments/pictures start at post 11
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=400441&highlight=advantage+lift

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Jmiller, when I saw the extensions you did, it went immediately onto my to-do list. You did a great job!

 

[dagofast]

$26.76 + tax. Shipping was free.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/18-Traffic...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Update: This mirror was a bust. I just got home from the UPS Store to send it back. I wasn't able to remove the "protective film" on the mirror surface. The mirror itself was acrylic and the backing piece is a rubbery plastic. It was still better than some of the mirrors with card board backing that I read about in some reviews.

Anyway, ordered what I hope to be a better quality mirror off of Amazon.

 

[ssffnomad]

I keep a sting hanging on shop wall. A loop tied in each end , to slip over adjustment bolt on top of post . In the center of string is another string hanging down with a little foam ball on it. Simply line up center of hood to foam ball.