This is a pet peeve that seems to be getting worse. While we headed home on Friday the weekend warriors were heading out to their various destinations. I passed by 65 travel trailers being pulled by SUV's, PU's and cars. Only one... Had proper towing mirrors. None of them could see passed the front of their trailers. It made it quite dangerous when they tried to change lanes. Then there were others that dealt with the poor visibility by putting the peddle to the metal and passed everything in sight not bothering with what was behind them. Most of them were commendable for having the proper sway bars etc. But missed the boat on extended mirrors. Is this something that no one told the newbies?

I’ll bet there are those that thought “I’m not putting those ugly mirrors on my vehicle”.

How can you be sure without sitting in the driver’s seat of each offending vehicle?

Not sure I understand your point. I don't have additional mirrors.I have OEM mirrors and have no problem seeing past my trailer. I can see the entire side of my trailer and then some.While I'm not a big fan of rear cameras,cameras are also readily available to provide a better view of what's behind you.Are you suggesting that OEM mirrors on all vehicles are not adequate for towing?

Vehicle code requires the rear visibility. They will eventually get written up along with speeding and unsafe lane change or something.

My truck with mirrors pulled in is 102” wide. I assume that cars and many RVs are narrower than that. My trailer is 96” wide, so I have 3” clearance on each side. Passenger awning struts take 1 ½ “ away from that side. I basically can’t see much on that side and can’t see too far behind the trailer on the driver’s side without giving the trailer a “wiggle” after bending forward in the seat. With a vehicle any narrower than mine, you won’t see anything until a passing vehicle in the lane left of you gets up to the back bumper of the trailer. With my tow mirrors extended, no problems. Is it doable—yesHave I done it—yesIs it safe—you decideTowing mirrors for this ‘ole boy for sure.

Mirrors.. no one said we needed Mirrors | Good Sam Community

wildtoad
Explorer II
Aug 27, 2022
I’ll bet there are those that thought “I’m not putting those ugly mirrors on my vehicle”.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 27, 2022
How can you be sure without sitting in the driver’s seat of each offending vehicle?
Lantley
Nomad
Aug 27, 2022
Not sure I understand your point. I don't have additional mirrors.
I have OEM mirrors and have no problem seeing past my trailer. I can see the entire side of my trailer and then some.
While I'm not a big fan of rear cameras,cameras are also readily available to provide a better view of what's behind you.
Are you suggesting that OEM mirrors on all vehicles are not adequate for towing?
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 27, 2022
Vehicle code requires the rear visibility. They will eventually get written up along with speeding and unsafe lane change or something.
ssthrd
Explorer
Aug 27, 2022
My truck with mirrors pulled in is 102” wide. I assume that cars and many RVs are narrower than that. My trailer is 96” wide, so I have 3” clearance on each side. Passenger awning struts take 1 ½ “ away from that side. I basically can’t see much on that side and can’t see too far behind the trailer on the driver’s side without giving the trailer a “wiggle” after bending forward in the seat. With a vehicle any narrower than mine, you won’t see anything until a passing vehicle in the lane left of you gets up to the back bumper of the trailer.

With my tow mirrors extended, no problems.

Is it doable—yes
Have I done it—yes
Is it safe—you decide

Towing mirrors for this ‘ole boy for sure.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 27, 2022
time2roll wrote:
Vehicle code requires the rear visibility. They will eventually get written up along with speeding and unsafe lane change or something.

Basically no chance of that even remotely solving the purported issue….but sounds nice in a perfect world.

Guess I have a different view. I have enough things in my life to think, ponder, or worry about that I couldn’t care less what other people do.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 27, 2022
And fwiw, if I end up towing a wide enclosed trailer with my half ton, I just deal with it. And know what I can and can’t see and act accordingly.
And when I tow with the brodozer, I really appreciate being able to flip up the moose antlers!
PButler96
Explorer
Aug 27, 2022
Those pesky weekend warriors, what a lawless bunch of criminals causing catastrophes lol.
NamMedevac_70
Explorer II
Aug 27, 2022
I have observed this situation also and use extra caution when in close proximity and have seen them change lanes into the next vehicle that had to take evasive action while I was far behind for my own safety. I always used the very ugly add on tow mirrors when pulling the 28 foot TT and then no worries. Cheers
Lantley
Nomad
Aug 28, 2022
The only rig you can manage and are in charge of is your own.
Putting too much time,effort and thought into deciding what's best for the other guys combo is futile.

Forum Discussion

Mirrors.. no one said we needed Mirrors

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Mirror

Towing Mirrors

Hit my mirror. Need help removing mirror housing.

Need some F150 tow mirrors

Aftermarket mirrors