Opinion - Tow Mirrors

[hbrady]

So yesterday I picked up my TT from the shop (new tires) and on the way home I noticed my stock mirrors on my RAM (not towing mirrors) seem to give me plenty of visibility. My plan was to pick up some add on towing mirrors but I'm thinking it would be a waste of money. I haven't hauled many miles so I wanted to see what some folks with lots of miles think. Would this view suffice for you?

[mike102]

I have a 2000 dodge 2500 and i just got a pair of towing mirrors off e bay a few months ago new for 139 shipped and it was the best thing i did, i tow a 36ft TT and now i can see behind the trailer you can't go wrong with these you'll be very happy you did and easy to install and look great.

[Community Alumni]

RideSlow wrote:
proxim2020, I was searching the forums about mirrors, and this thread came up. What company replaces stock? I now pull an 8'6" wide TH, and need more mirror. TKS in advance.

There's quite a few companies that make aftermarket mirrors to OEM spec. eBay is probably the biggest source for finding them. If you have a RAM then the 1500, 2500, and 3500 all share the same mounting points for mirrors.

[danimal53]

I have pretty short TT, but a small TV as well, so while i probably didn't NEED towing mirrors, i find it really helpful having them. Just extra visibility when switching lanes, added piece of mind. I have the grand aero clamp on ones as well, though i would like a custom slid on type. nobody seems to make them for my vehicle though.

[braindead0]

I use a set that 'clip' on to my stock RAM mirrors, https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Towing-Mirrors/Ram/2500/2014/CM11400.html?vehicleid=20144024956

I find they added width of 'view port' is a huge help when backing into sites, the driveway..etc. It allows me to have a clear view of the corners of the trailer when it's angled.

They vibrate a bit on the highway, but not so much that I can't see vehicles in adjacent lanes. When backing vibration isn't an issue.

[SoundGuy]

hbrady wrote:
Would this view suffice for you?

Not for me ... here's my set of GM "Camping Mirrors" mounted on my Avalanche, the same type of set I used on our previous Silverado.



Presumably you'll easily see that when extended these mirrors would offer a far better view of what is going on behind me that would your stock mirrors which offer about the same view as GM's stock (non towing) mirrors. When towing, the more you can see the better. :B

[allen8106]

RideSlow wrote:
proxim2020, I was searching the forums about mirrors, and this thread came up. What company replaces stock? I now pull an 8'6" wide TH, and need more mirror. TKS in advance.

You can buy OEM tow mirrors online from Rock Auto. They have multiple brands from less expensive to real expensive but all around they are cheaper than most others.

[allen8106]

donn0128 wrote:
Check junk yards for a set of flip up mirrors. They work very well, and keep the truck stock appearance. I have found add on one's never seem steady.

I've had to different sets, strap on and clamp on and neither are as steady as OEM but the clamp on are much more steady than the strap on.

[RideSlow]

proxim2020, I was searching the forums about mirrors, and this thread came up. What company replaces stock? I now pull an 8'6" wide TH, and need more mirror. TKS in advance.

[MorMJS]

IdaD wrote:
I think it's a worthwhile upgrade. OEM towing mirrors may be an easy swap. In all my searching I didn't find a single HD Ram that didn't have the towing mirrors so you've got a rare beast.

I dont understand wh any HD truck would not have them, but my HD Ram didnt have them and my cousins HD Ram didnt have them. We both added the OEM ones after, and im glad I did. One thing I would recomend is buying the OEM factory mirrors, even though they cost more they are far more sturdy than the cheaper ones that can be purchased online.

[cbshoestring]

270wsmhunter wrote:

Something to remember, if it's your loved one or yourself in the back of a rig sometime being held up by someone who does not yield to an emergency vehicle you might take a different view.

I was in no way trying to imply that anyone has the right to block emergency vehicles. Trust me, I give all due respect to the emergency situation at hand.

I was just sending that REMINDER that if I can't find you, I can't get out of your way. Sirens are multi-directional...they may even be a street or two away (in the city)...I need to put my eyeballs on you so I know which way is OUT OF YOUR WAY.

Big walled trailers have blind spots that will NEVER be totally eliminated. A little help letting me see you, helps me to get the H@!! out of the way.

[Community Alumni]

I prefer the towing mirrors that use the factory mounts. There's nothing to fool with after you get them installed. You only need to flip them to move them from one mode to another. When I bought mine, I got a set of aftermarket ones made to OEM spec from online for $150. They look and operate just like the OEM ones. My truck is from the previous generation. The current generation mirrors are a little more expensive. A cheaper option would be to get a set from the salvage yard. You can often find a set in really good condition.

[Tvov]

One thing that is nice about add-on mirrors is that you can then have one mirror aimed down towards the tires of the trailer, which is good for seeing if you are going to hit curbs or obstacles while turning. When I had add-on mirrors in the past I usually aimed the inside (stock) mirrors down a little bit.

This is what is really nice about having power mirrors - I can easily change their angle when parking the trailer.

Large "towing mirrors" are really nice to have, even if you are not towing all the time. You don't realize how much you use them until you take them off after using them for awhile.

[hbrady]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I have a 15 mile tow coming up, I think I'll make my final decision after that.

[270wsmhunter]

cbshoestring wrote:

270wsmhunter wrote:
I work in EMS and more often than not while running hot (lights and sirens) when I get behind a trailer and it doesn't move once we do get around them they don't have towing mirrors. If not for your own safety and convenience think about being able to see emergency vehicles.

Maybe you should not get "behind" the trailer. Any time a police officer has approached me from behind...they ride the left side of the lane so they are NOT in the blind spot. If I hear sirens, but you are tucked up my butt...how am I suppose to know where you are.



No amount of MIRROR is going to eliminate ALL blind spots....especially to the rear.


Look at the picture the OP has posted. They can clearly see "around" the trailer, and the spot mirror gives them additional visual. Of course, that is the driver side, and we all know the passenger side has a bigger blind spot. What would be gained by having the mirror stick out further???? I can clearly see the rear marker light in the photo.

For the record. WAY WAY WAY over a million miles pulling trailers. I have no problems what-so-ever seeing all I need to see pulling our KZ Sportsmen Classic 170 with the stock mirrors on my Ram 1500. If the trailer was wider (7') or longer (19') I might see the need to upgrade to a a mirror a bit further out, but as long as I can see "down" the side of the trailer, why would I???

IMHO...OP...save your money. However, you have to be confortable with what you see. So go with your gut.

I was offering some advice from an emergency responder viewpoint. We go through an Emergency Vehicle Operation Course and do stay back to make ourselves visible. I make it a point to look for the vehicle mirrors because if I can see them you SHOULD BE ABLE to see me.

Something to remember, if it's your loved one or yourself in the back of a rig sometime being held up by someone who does not yield to an emergency vehicle you might take a different view.