Cargo Van Seatbelt help

[karlboer]

I have a 2001 Astro Cargo. Just got it, and love it.

Problem:
There is no window in the sliding door. When I try making a left turn from a road that is not exactly 90 degrees from the road I am on, I need to lean WAY forward to see if anyone is coming from the right out the passenger window. The problem is, that the seat belt won't let me lean far enough to see! My only solution is to slide the shoulder belt down to my waist, and then move it back once I have made the turn.

Any suggestions? Can I get a longer belt?

[Logan]

I've got the same thing. I've just learned to put my nose perpendicular to whatever road I'm turning on to. Sometimes that means turning right before doing a left turn lol

[CaptSquid]

Get a seat-belt extender from the dealer.

[GnarliSafari]

our vans are equipped with mirrors, learn to use them! ive driven long wheelbase windowless Chevy Express's in the past and put the little round bubble mirrors on to help with my blind spots, but since i am used to not having windows i drive my window safari as if its windowless and find it hard to believe you are unable to see your blindspot via the mirrrors.

[89AstroDan]

Plan your route to make right hand turns only.

[rlsllc]

I've got the same thing. I've just learned to put my nose perpendicular to whatever road I'm turning on to. Sometimes that means turning right before doing a left turn lol

I drove a service rig for years, used this same method, NEVER had a problem.

I did, however, add a separate (not stick on) round blind spot mirror on one truck since it didn't have one of those "objects are closer than they appear" mirrors on the right side, but that was for lane changes, not the problem you stated. I added one on the left side just so it would match, I really didn't need it.

I'm not a fan of the stickons. Vehicles come from the factory with mirrors that work, as long as you adjust and use them correctly. There are exceptions for trailer towing, etc, but I would still go a different route than the stickons, like add on towing mirrors, or different mirrors, if it were a truck.

[CaptSquid]

You make an excellent point, Gnarli. Try driving a Freightliner Century LWB with a 53' Lufkin Trailer. Can't look out the bunk area bulkhead because there ain't no windows.

[karlboer]

I like the seat belt extender idea.

I am not entirely used to the bubble mirrors. I do have them (stick on?) on the driver and passenger side mirrors, but it only measures about 2" diameter. I don't understand how ANYONE can see enough in that to know that I am not going to get broadsided.

There seems to be a LOT of 45 degree turns in my neck of the woods. I don't know if planning new routes is an option. What happens when you travel unfamiliar roads?

The extended mirror idea isn't bad, but then I wouldn't be able to get into my garage..... which already has only 3 inches of clearance on each side.

I think I will look into the seat belt extender idea.

Thanks for the tips guys!

[GnarliSafari]

allways be aware of your surroundings on the highway and in the case of your turning issues where mirrors dont do you much good, dont pull all the way up to or over the line stay far enough back to see whats in the distance and ignore those who may be on your ass trying to make you turn when you dont feel comfortable. you will eventually get used to it and stop feeling so timid.