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Telescoping mirrors - oem vs aftermarket

fourboysdad
Explorer
Explorer
Hi gang. Our tv doesn't have the right mirrors for towing and i'm tired of the mirror extensions. In your experience, how do aftermarket products measure up to oem? I've done some google research and haven't come up with much, plus I like the opinions on this forum. There's quite a cost difference between oem and aftermarket. Thoughts? Thanks!
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" - Gandhi

Me, DW, DS x4 (13, 9, 9, & 6)
2010 Jayco JayFlight 26BH
2006 Nissan Armada SE V8 4x4 w/ Tow Package
Reese WDH/DC anti-sway
7 REPLIES 7

tvman44
Explorer
Explorer
I replaced my OEM mirrors on my F250 with 3rd party towing mirrors and love them. As good as OEM but a lot less money. 🙂
Papa Bob
1* 2008 Brookside by Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
Husky 16K hitch, Tekonsha P3,
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs, Trailair Equa-Flex, Champion C46540
"A bad day camping is better than a good day at work!"

3oaks
Explorer
Explorer
I too started out towing with a pair of Cipa slip-on extended mirrors. Then order OEM Ford towing mirrors on my next truck and love them for the same reasons.

"Best to keep them retracted except only when towing."

I see no reason for not retracting them when not towing. As a standard practice, I always retract the mirrors once our TT is uncoupled from my truck.

myredracer
Explorer II
Explorer II
I tried the clip-on Cipa mirrors on our old F150 and hated them. Replaced them with OEM towing mirrors and they were WAY better. The large glass area on OEM tow mirrors really helps. Our F250 has split mirrors so you can glance in the blind spot. I found that the tow mirrors extend beyond the clip-on ones.

One downside I did find though is that your mirrors can get tagged by another oncoming pickup with tow mirrors. Had this happen on a narrow street once. I also find that sometimes when making a left turn and there's an island at the intersection with a signpost, the mirror seems to come perilously close to a sign sometimes. Best to keep them retracted except only when towing.

You just about always get what you pay for and wouldn't bother with cheap aftermarket knockoffs.

camp-n-family
Explorer
Explorer
I had aftermarket mirrors on my Tundra. Side by side comparison you couldn't see any difference and they functioned fine, for less than 1/2 the price. I would get them again.

I have read a lot about aftermarket mirrors being of poor quality and having issues with vibration but haven't experienced it personally.
'17 Ram 2500 Crewcab Laramie CTD
'13 Keystone Bullet Premier 310BHPR
Hitched by Hensley

carringb
Explorer
Explorer
They can come close to OEM. I went with aftermarket on my van. About 200,000 miles after putting them on, both mirror motors have seized. The OEMs seem to go forever. But.... I can buy 3 aftermarket mirrors for the price of one OEM. By now there are starting to look weathered anyways. Most likely I'll replace them with another aftermarket pair.
2000 Ford E450 V10 VAN! 450,000+ miles
2014 ORV really big trailer
2015 Ford Focus ST

K_Charles
Explorer
Explorer
http://www.ttt-mirror.com/ has a few left, the company stopped making them.

edbehnke
Explorer
Explorer
i love my oem tow mirros but keep trying.

http://www.truckchamp.com/towing-mirrors
eddie and sandie
3402 Montana 2013
Ford F350 2015