Anyone else tow with standard mirrors?

Doing something and doing it "right" are often different matters. I prefer to use the proper tools to do the job right.

RV’s are not commercial motor vehicles, but the width limit for CMV’s are 102.+ inch at least on major highways and reasonable access areas…
Some devices are permitted to be wider like rear-view mirrors, turn signal lamps, grab bars and a few others…

Individual state laws it would seem regulate RV size and weight requirements…

Friend of mine got stopped by a cop in Florida (?) and he gave them a ticket because they did not ave tow mirrors on the Lexus SUV pulling their Airstream. Said that if they could not see him behind them then they clearly did not have proper line of sight and needed tow mirrors.

They then bought my strap-ons.

I doubt if anyone here would argue the legality with some cop on the side of the road, especially when it's clearly a safety issue that can only be addressed by mirrors wide enough to see down the side of the RV. This regardless of whether we have towed without incident before. Even I have done it.

As for the real tow mirrors - I would have it no other way, even when not towing. The way I drive I look behind as much as I look ahead, and I love the huge dumbo ears on my truck. Hated the strap ons - size and looks.

I have plastic clip on extension mirrors that are now so loose inside the mirror pretty much only shows the ground. I'm not sure why I even put them on anymore. :) I can see fine with just the stock van mirrors, but a car can easily hide behind me.

elivi8 wrote:
I have extended mirrors and they help a lot. The other key factor is that if you are in a tight area and you bump the mirrors you KNOW that the trailer is next. It gives you a little warning and can save you lots of damage if you weren't paying close attention.

OK, Just a thought, are your extended mirrors within the legal 102" max? If your mirror gets "bumped" the trailer is next, but are you in a situation where your trailer should not be in? I'm all for safety but If I figure I can safely pass a 102 trailer I don't want to clip a mirror over the legal limit. It's rare but I've been in close quarters. There are safety standards but there are also those who sell items that have attraction to a consumer but nothing else. Just a thought, but if I can get passed your 102 trailer safely, I expect to get passed your truck.. IMO

I have extended mirrors and they help a lot. The other key factor is that if you are in a tight area and you bump the mirrors you KNOW that the trailer is next. It gives you a little warning and can save you lots of damage if you weren't paying close attention.

Maybe I shouldn't reply here because I don't know the modern laws but doesn't the 102" law apply to mirrors? I use stock mirrors on the F-350 and see all that is necessary for a safe tow. I think we have to consider the mirrors on a stock truck with a tow package will confirm to everything legal for the average driver. Those who think they need more may be outside the legal requirements.. Just a thought...

my standard mirrors work great and I can see cars behind the trailer just fine… I have towing mirrors and they do increase the rear vision some but one of them vibrates and is to distracting…

Not me I want to see and watch out for the crazies. :)

Whether you legally need them depends on where your towing. Various states "mirror" laws. Personally I want towing mirrors as they give me that extra visual edge. I see it like "wd/sway control". Its a small cost when you consider who's gonna be involved if they are ever really needed!