Forum Discussion

Naio's avatar
Naio
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2019

Fender mount towing mirrors?

Hi guys, how's it going?!

I picked up a pair of towing mirrors at a junk store for cheap. After I got them home, I couldn't figure out how to install them.

Dr Google helped me and I now realize that they are Fender Mount. And apparently no one uses those anymore. The pictures I see online tend to be on vintage cars. Is there a reason for this? Are they terrible?

I'm wondering if maybe people don't like them because of having to shift the focus distance of their eyes, from looking at the rearview and side mirrors, to looking a few feet away at the fender mirror. Is that too slow?

Of course I can put them on my van and try them out, but I'm not where the van is, today, and I figured you guys will know things that I don't, anyway :-)

http://products.cipausa.com/product/cipa-11750-fender-mount-towing-mirror/
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Aug 04, 2019
    Ah, I will watch out for that, Lynnmor!

    Old guy's point about the vibrations also makes me think that new cars might have more of a vibration problem, since their exterior metal is so much thinner.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2019
    Older cars have the fender liner up above the fender edge giving a place to hook the mirror, newer cars are often flush.
  • Boomerweps's avatar
    Boomerweps
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2019
    There are newer versions that clamp on the door. They hook into the window frame, a V arm protrudes outward and a ratcheting strap hooks to the door bottom edge firmly. I mounted some to the outside of my factory mirrors on my 2008 Ford Explorer. Helped A LOT looking down the edge of the TT.
    I don't recall the brand but a quick search showed on Etrailer and amazon Wheel Master Eagle vision for $47 each. CIPA makes a version, too.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2019
    I think the view is so small as to be almost worthless except for seeing headlights at night.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Aug 04, 2019
    i don't remember any vibration trouble using them, back in 70's,
    pulling tent trailers, you haul etc..
    but that would be a matter of car body design and SPEED

    but car designs being what they are now , they might not work as well
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2019
    they aren't used much any more because of the vibrations. it's hard to see any thing behind you

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