Trying to see over the hood

[Stinkyfinger]

We all know how great the fj is off road, but one thing that drives me nuts is trying to see over the hood on the trail. As soon as the front end comes up when you are trying to drive up onto something or you are going over a little knoll you completely lose site of the trail and the rocks you don't want to hit. Sticking your head out the side is not the easiest thing to do in the fj.
My question is, have any of you found a product, other then someone spotting for you that would help. I was thinking maybe a magnetic mirror to mount on the front or what I was really looking into was one of those wireless back up camera's. I wasn't sure if mounting a camera on the front with the mud,water and branches would get destroyed.
I know I'm not alone on this because I've heard others complain about how big the front hood is and how they can't see.
Will a camera take the abuse or is their something else out their I haven't seen yet?

 

[Toledo FJ]

I'm sure you could fab some sort of protective cage for a camera.

 

[woody]

tell ya what, one thing I really like about the ARB front bumper is that it offers a great reference point for the front of the rig...I haven't seen any others that provide that so well....

 

[Stinkyfinger]

tell ya what, one thing I really like about the ARB front bumper is that it offers a great reference point for the front of the rig...I haven't seen any others that provide that so well....

Did you just get a bonus for telling me that, it almost sounded like a plug

I really want something to watch what the wheels are doing and if I'm going to hit something. Thats why I was thinking of mounting a backup camera somewhere on the front to give me an extra set of eyes.
I only have you out spotting me on the trails once a year (yankee toys fg) so the rest of the time I need something to replace you with

 

[woody]

hehehe...plug or not, I've got an ARB on my 80-series and love it...

you see some "big" mirrors on school busses, wonder if something like that could be retro'd to a front bar setup...

either that, or just get enuf seat time that a spotter is optional

 

[Niner]

Every vehicle I have ever wheeled loses sight when the front comes up. I think that is part of the thrill of wheeling.

 

[Stinkyfinger]

So basically, you guys are saying stop being a sissy and get behind the wheel and drive.
Thanks guys for the response and support
Thats why I keep coming back here

 

[woody]

we never said that....out loud

honestly, once you learn the corners, a spotter is optional for all but the dumb lines...I'm at the point where I can swing the front corner within inches of a tree and know when it'll come into contact...

seat time....seat time.....

 

[DC Cruiser]

OOOPs double post. See below

 

[DC Cruiser]

I have the same problem which is worsened by the fact that I have long legs and a shorter upper body. I had the same problem with my ol FJ40 and I solved it by getting a seat cushion. Kinda of a drivers lift kit.LOL I bough a gel type cushion for the FJ Crusier and it is also quite comfortable for longer trips. Yes the ARB bumper also helps because it gives you some referance to go by.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

It's the same with the 40 model. Take a good look, outside as well if needed, then visualize where you're going and take off

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

Every vehicle I have ever wheeled loses sight when the front comes up. I think that is part of the thrill of wheeling.

Rovers are much better in this respect than Cruisers. One thing the Discovery has going for it is visibility.

 

[Eric Winkworth]

I actually don't find that the case on my 70....

the lowered fenders give plenty of visiblity side to side....

 

[Stinkyfinger]

I still plan on getting out and picking my coarse, but it doesn't take much to be bumped off coarse or to forget the exact line you wanted to go. The camera would be a visual reminded or confirmation as your moving.
I'd rather see my mistakes coming then have to hear them as they pass unwillingly underneath the vehicle.
I'm not a big fan of the sound of metal being dragged across rocks, it's like nails down a chalk board

 

[woooody]

Having Wheeled both a 40 and an FJC, I agree that the hood is huge, and is an issue. However, you need to be able to pick your lines in advance, and drive them, knowing what is coming up. I find that I leave a bit more room between me and the guy in front so that I can see the trail better. But really, you should have a spotter.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

I'll just pile on the more seat time, wagon.

Wanna talk BIG hoods? See my sig line. I spend a large % of time looking at nothin by blue sky.
I've wheeled that Ramcharger on stuff as tight as ATV trails here in AZ. I'm not bragging on my abilities as much as I'm giving an example of 'If I can do it..." kinda thing.
You'll learn to keep a running mental picture of what's ahead, and know when metal gets close to terra firma.

 

[MajorMiner]

Search for back up camera here that someone posted. I just installed one but it can be used for the front. They are $80 at Costco so buy two (i did) if you are worried about breakage. The second will go on the front eventually...they are color wireless monitors. Item number 202791.

 

[NYCTRD]

go cheap!

just buy one ( or two) wireless cheapies and get creative with mounting.
The lenses on most are quite wide and you could mount up in the engine bay a bit and get the desired view & protection...

 

[killerkoff]

Me Too

i put my CB ANTI on the passenger side helps me out some;p