Getting ready to purchase new 1/2 ton truck, do I need to get a truck with the extended mirrors like used with the 3/4 ton trucks for a 30 TT?

mirrors will likely be the least of your problems. what truck (with specifics) and what trailer? can get factory towing mirrors as an option on most.

You will need something. Either the OEM tow mirrors or some type of after market add on. I use CIPA clamp on mirrors for towing my for my 33' TT. Works fine for me.

A friend has the F150 EcoBoost with the factory towing mirrors - we only wish our Tundra had them, but we bought used, so se la vie. We use Grand Aero add on mirrors. They're OK, but our friend's factory tow mirrors give him more view. Regular mirrors on our truck don't provide as much view as we'd like.

You are going to need towing mirrors of some kind. It is pretty hard to beat the OEM adjustable/sliding electric mirrors, even the manual operated are easy to use. My Ford tow mirrors were considered the best early on, but I think all OEMs are good now.My neighbor, that also tows a FW, came over to look at my new truck, and when he got in, first words were, "WOW, I need these mirrors".Jerry

Galena wrote:Getting ready to purchase new 1/2 ton truck, do I need to get a truck with the extended mirrors like used with the 3/4 ton trucks for a 30 TT?Absolutely yes. Since you're buying a new truck don't miss this opportunity to fit it with factory tow mirrors ... after market can work but there's nothing better than factory.

Extended Mirrors For 1/2 ton | Good Sam Community

52 Replies

NYcampingnut
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
Factory tow mirrors would be great, but it wouldnt be a deal breaker for me if a truck didnt have them. I have the factory style tow mirrors on my 2010 Ram. They were not on the truck when I bought it, I was able to buy a set of aftermarket ones on eBay for quite a bit less than OE. They work just as well, fitment was good and the finish on them is great. It took all of 15 minutes to swap them out.
LAJMINNIEPLUS
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
Galena wrote:
Getting ready to purchase new 1/2 ton truck, do I need to get a truck with the extended mirrors like used with the 3/4 ton trucks for a 30 TT?

Add on mirrors are nice, but factory or aftermarket tow mirrors are a lot better. I used Milenco Aero 3 mirrors and then pull the trigger on some aftermarket tow mirrors on Ebay. I really love them. I really couldn't justify the factory mirrors.
Edd505
Explorer
Jun 22, 2017
True truck mirrors:
https://www.millsupply.com/medium-duty-truck-parts/mirrors/mirrors-for-ford/west-coast-mirrors-for-ford/
austingta
Explorer
Jun 22, 2017
Tow mirrors are one of my favorite things. 2015 Denali 1500, I put factory 2500 towing mirrors on. 2015 F150 went to Kansas to find a Lariat with them as OEM. Then bought a 2016 Denali Duramax with them on the truck. Now I have a 2017 Ram 1500 with the aauto.com OEM clone tow mirrors. These are the best. The Ram, of course, uses the flip-up style to create a west coast tow mirror. Awesome visibility. Tow mirrors are available on 2017 Ram 1500 trucks, but they aren't power fold. Always a requirement for me. Try going through a bank drive-thru with them out... not pretty. The aauto.com mirrors are indistinguishable from stock.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Jun 22, 2017
nomadnewby wrote:
Do any tow mirrors allow you to see if there's a car behind your trailer??

Thanks

They allow you to see a car closer to behind your trailer. You can see the difference.

Of course, if he is 5 feet from your trailer bumper and right in the middle of the trailer you are not going to see him.
nomadnewby
Explorer
Jun 21, 2017
Do any tow mirrors allow you to see if there's a car behind your trailer??

Thanks
deltabravo
Nomad
Jun 20, 2017
Galena wrote:
Getting ready to purchase new 1/2 ton truck, do I need to get a truck with the extended mirrors like used with the 3/4 ton trucks for a 30 TT?

I would, because they extended farther than the add-on mirrors.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Jun 20, 2017
This is a old thread. After reading it I found these mirrors for my truck.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007L2JNT4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They work well. There is no vibration on this truck at all. This may have to do with the way the origanl mirrors are mounted from the factory.

I am just a weekend camper. I often don't even take these off and leave them on during the week.
fdwt994
Explorer
Jun 18, 2017
HuckleberryHunter wrote:
I used the McKesh style clamp on mirrors on my half ton. I really liked them and they did the job well even if it was a bit of a pain to get them set up each trip. Even though they're not as good as the factory installed towing mirrors (I really like the ones on my new 3/4 ton Silverado!) I'd still recommend them. I think even if I were going to buy a 1/2 ton now, I'd stick with the clamp on mirrors. I don't tow all the time so it's nice to get rid of those large mirrors when not towing a trailer. The stock towing mirrors (at least GM) are a pretty big sight obstruction and take some getting used to for every day driving.

I also recommend the McKesh. Been using them for 11+ years now and they work great. For my next truck, however, I'll get factory installed so it's one less thing and looks better. IMO, those who don't "need" towing mirrors are naive or are towing a very narrow trailer. They make a huge difference.
searfoss
Explorer
Jun 18, 2017
Galena wrote:
Getting ready to purchase new 1/2 ton truck, do I need to get a truck with the extended mirrors like used with the 3/4 ton trucks for a 30 TT?

ABSOLUTELY YES YES YES!
After towing 12 years with standard mirrors on my Ram I replaced them with towing mirrors. All I can say is OMG what a difference! I regret not paying for the OEM towing mirrors earlier. Don't waste your time on all the low cost alternatives with velcro or rubber bands etc do it the right way you will not regret it.