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Old 06-04-2012, 08:13 PM   #1
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How hard is it to remove side mirrors?

We are heading to Alaska next week. 4 months to look forward to amazing scenery and great fishing. We are taking the Alaskan Marine Highway ferry from Prince Rupert up to Haines. The maximum width they allow before adding serious overcharges (25% more!!) is 102". My 04 Itasca Sunrise is 102", without the mirrors. The mirrors add another 18" even when folded.

So the question is, how hard is it to remove the side mirrors? We will be getting on and off the ferry 3 times, so we'd need to remove and reinstall them 3 times.
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Old 06-04-2012, 08:34 PM   #2
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You mean they won't cut you a break on the mirrors
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Old 06-04-2012, 08:54 PM   #3
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Check here, Velvac Techical Support
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Old 06-04-2012, 09:00 PM   #4
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The mirrors should not be included in the 102" Max width.
Its a safety device.
Id do some more research on that.
I wouldn't want to be along side you when you change lanes either.
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Old 06-04-2012, 09:01 PM   #5
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i don't mean to question you, but are you sure they count the mirrors, maybe it's just the body. I'm wondering this because I've done the BC ferries with no problem (and they pack 'em in tight) but it could certainly be different than Alaska. What about 18-wheelers with their mirrors? Why can't they just match you up next to cars, since they can still get close to you because your mirrors are too high to impact them. I'm curious about how this works, as I have a similar rig.... I hope you let us know how this works out.
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Old 06-04-2012, 09:18 PM   #6
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Your mirrors should just fold in towards the body. You shouldn't have to remove them to get under the required width. They shouldn't be too much of a problem on the ferry.
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Old 06-05-2012, 02:15 AM   #7
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I have assumed that the mirrors are a limiting problem. I'll check with the ferry people tomorrow and let you all know. Ass-u-me. Yeah, I know. Thanks for the brain cell restart. I'll find out for sure.
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Old 06-05-2012, 05:32 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J&SW
I have assumed that the mirrors are a limiting problem. I'll check with the ferry people tomorrow and let you all know. Ass-u-me. Yeah, I know. Thanks for the brain cell restart. I'll find out for sure.
Very good question.
Post what ya find.
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Old 06-05-2012, 08:00 AM   #9
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Hi J&SW

Not sure about the ferry requirements but do know removing the mirrors is very simple.

I do it twice a year since as you stated the rig is 8.5ft the mirrors add another 18" even when folded in, which makes it about 10.5ft wide. My winter storage is a heated barn with a 10ft door.

Remove the plastic end caps with a sharp pointed tool then unscrew the four lag bolts and unplug the connectors. Becareful of the gaskets.

Strongly suggest if you plan to remove them more times in the future add "threaded Inserts" and stainless bolts to replace the lag bolts that simply go into the fiberglass and were not designed to be removed and installed more than once.
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Old 06-05-2012, 06:42 PM   #10
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OK, here's the skinny on it all. They DO measure total width. So, mirrors count. I have to remove them so I won't have to pay a 25% surcharge. Called Valvac, but not particularly helpful. Called Winnabego, much more helpful. They suggested I tape the inside wiring connector outside so it doesn't fall down and get lost in the door when disconnected.
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Old 06-05-2012, 07:44 PM   #11
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Good info, thanks for the follow-up. By the way, FWIW, I tend to agree with KJINTF's suggestion IF you will be re-screwing them into fiberglass holes very many times.... or maybe some other solution for the wear problem. Catch lots of B-I-G fish! Hope you'll give us a report later....
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Old 06-05-2012, 07:56 PM   #12
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Hope u don't have to back off the boat. U should take a junket up to Stewart/Hyder on the way to Prine Rupert...enjoy the drive through Northern BC
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Old 06-05-2012, 08:28 PM   #13
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Gotta take off your awning, grab handles, and porch light too?
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Old 06-05-2012, 08:43 PM   #14
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I went on two different Alaska Ferrys in 2009 and they did not charge extra for mirrors, awnings or tail pipe. They actually took my word for the length. I disconnected the car so I wouldn't have to pay for the tow bar (depends on the group graduations of lengths for increases in price). They were very helpful in manuvering and watching for dragging the tail over hang beyond rear wheels and mirrors next to trucks or side wall. Not cheap though!
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Old 06-05-2012, 08:49 PM   #15
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Forgot to mention...This year I upgraded the mirrors and my Velvac's were bolted on and very difficult to get to the rear side nut & washer, plus I ended up ripping the gasket and taking the small plugs off to get at the bolts it's easy to scratch them up.
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Old 06-06-2012, 12:15 AM   #16
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Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by tderonne View Post
Gotta take off your awning, grab handles, and porch light too?
May have to sand the gelcoat a few millimeters too.
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Old 06-06-2012, 12:17 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnFreyja View Post
I went on two different Alaska Ferrys in 2009 and they did not charge extra for mirrors, awnings or tail pipe. They actually took my word for the length. I disconnected the car so I wouldn't have to pay for the tow bar (depends on the group graduations of lengths for increases in price). They were very helpful in manuvering and watching for dragging the tail over hang beyond rear wheels and mirrors next to trucks or side wall. Not cheap though!
John
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That would be nice. I may try it, plead American Idiot, and see what happens.
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Old 06-06-2012, 12:21 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steelheadbluesman View Post
Good info, thanks for the follow-up. By the way, FWIW, I tend to agree with KJINTF's suggestion IF you will be re-screwing them into fiberglass holes very many times.... or maybe some other solution for the wear problem. Catch lots of B-I-G fish! Hope you'll give us a report later....
Yes, BIG fish, and lots of em. We are very much looking forward to the fishing. Have an 8 day float on the Goodnews River, over on the Bering Sea side of the far west of Alaska. Can't wait.

I will also check on a fix for the fiberglass holes.
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Old 06-06-2012, 12:24 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lac View Post
Hope u don't have to back off the boat. U should take a junket up to Stewart/Hyder on the way to Prine Rupert...enjoy the drive through Northern BC
Yes, Stewart and Hyder are on the list. Bears, and more Bears. Have my new Nikon D5100 with 55-300 lens all set up to capture the wonder of it all.
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