Towing Mirrors?

Cadpete · Guru

Towing Mirrors?

aussietraveller · Guru

The only issue with this style of mirror is when large vehicles coming the other way generate a wind buffer in front of them which can slam the mirror back against door window, there are several devices you can buy to support the mirror which will help.

You do need to have a mirror on the off side as well but obviously this side not prone to issues with wind from passing vehicles I use the Oro brand which are a bit more expensive but no where near $800 a pair which I think is a bit of a rip off.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Yes I agree the clearview are expensive but I bit the bullet and had them fitted to my Collie and they are great. No need ro even check the above rear view mirror when not towing as the view is magnificent. When fully extended the view is equally magnifencent. They are always there with no need to fit towing mirrors each time you hook up the Den. Just fold in when in tight spots or car parks, easy peasy.

Are they worh it?? You bet ya, IMO anyway.

Plendo · Guru

I tried a few different clip on/strap on towing mirrors and eventually landed up using a pair of Milenco mirrors, I found the others vibrated too much and they were more of a distraction than an aid.

If I could I would have a set of clearview mirrors, as then I would be able to leave them on all the time.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

A good reason to get a Collie Dave, a real tug biggrin

Long Weekend · Guru

I have used those strap on mirrors and as AussieTraveller says oncoming trucks can and do push them backwards. Some people hook a wire or cord from the mirror to a point on the front of the car - usually fastened to something under the bonnet.

A trick I have used is to put a couple of layers of toilet paper or similar around the swivel join of the door mirror then a few turns of duct tape on top. Stops the mirror from swinging backwards and is easily removed.

I now use the ratchet webbing ones - the mirror can be extended further out than the strap ons.

By the way, the rubber straps deteriorate very quickly so only leave them on as little as possible. But spares are available from some stores but may take some searching.

Murray

Retired - A long weekend lasts all year.

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Clearview mirrors? Worth every cent, towing or not.

Onedodger · Guru

Unfortunately I cannot get a set of clearview Mirrors for my tug.

So have been using the same mirrors I have had for a few years they are Ora towing Mirrors which are magnetic.

Mine do not vibrate and are very easy to fit.

Look here. http://www.oraproducts.com.au/#!product/prd15/2055480495/enzo-magnetico

They have never came off or folded in when heavy vehicles pass. They however have a safety cord to help if this does happen.

They have been used on three different tugs to date.

Radar · Guru

Hi Pete.

We run the $54.99 SCA version of mirror, not the greatest but have worked well on both vehicles Discovery 2 and the now the Navara over 4 years my only complaint is 2 or 3 times in 12000 ks of towing our caravan with the Navara they have blown in when a large lorry going in the other direction has gone past to which I blame the original mirror for being made so cheaply, just press the button wind the down and push it back out, easy as. As for vibrations nil.

The ones I have have a screw at the top of the mount, undoing that allows the mirror arm to slide out and then we place them in the map pockets behind our seats. My wife generally puts the mirrors on while I am doing other chores and most times not needing to adjust them. Wonderful Girl.

I would recommend try a cheap set first if your not sure about spending big bucks as you are only wandering about and not doing big kilometers these will be enough to do the job, you will still see traffic behind you and my experience so far I probably look in the original Navara mirrors more and use the add on second.

One thing I have found they don't help me to reverse any better, using a line from Dougwe "I tell you that for free". Ralph

Papou · Senior Member

Just purchased and used a set of Milenco extra wides and they are tops especially for the price !!:)..

Phil C · Guru

I have clearviews on my magnificent ford ranger (great tug). They are worth every cent. Only downside the ute now looks like a Mac truck, downright mean, Collie eating machine... Sorry Dougwe had to put that one in..

Merry Xmas

Cadpete · Guru

Excellent feedback - many thanks all.

Papou - are those the Aero or Grand Aero ones?

Just heard from the Council - not going to remove a street tree in the way of our second (informal) driveway so cannot get the Caravan stored at home (main driveway is too narrow at 2.5m for my likeing!)

rockylizard · Guru

Plendo wrote:
I tried a few different clip on/strap on towing mirrors and eventually landed up using a pair of Milenco mirrors, I found the others vibrated too much and they were more of a distraction than an aid.
If I could I would have a set of clearview mirrors, as then I would be able to leave them on all the time.

Gday...

If you really do want Clearview mirrors then this site will make ya a bit happier

http://clearviewmirrors.com.au/12135/NEWS/COMING_SOON/

[edit: I think Clearview mirrors are goddam ugly (especially when not extended for towing) and way too expensive hmm ]

Cheers - John

-- Edited by rockylizard on Monday 15th of December 2014 07:02:28 PM

Hallmark1 · Veteran Member

Clearview mirrors are yes, expensive but they are great,after having many difference types would not have anything else now.

Baz

Papou · Senior Member

Grand Airo . And they sit quite stable without viabrating outvof viewe or slamming back against the window which is what happened about eleventy five times with previouse strap type I had n got sick of winding window down n pushing mirrors back out :)..

Felix · Member

sorry guys as stated by others the clearview towing mirrors are definately expensive but they are the best, i have tried a lot of different types but i bit the bullet and shelled out the $800 bucks before my last trip, not sorry i did

lkgr · Member

Cadpete - Had a set like the ones you are asking about. Found they were ok but used an occy strap to stop them folding back in. The wife and I used to have a few arguments when it came to adjusting. We had a recent camping/4wd expo here in Bunbury a few weekends ago. The wife said go and don't come home without the "Clearviews". Now on my cruiser and they are the ducks guts. No more further arguing. Larry

wanderers · Veteran Member

Agree with everything that Doug said....they are worth every cent

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Phil C wrote:
I have clearviews on my magnificent ford ranger (great tug). They are worth every cent. Only downside the ute now looks like a Mac truck, downright mean, Collie eating machine... Sorry Dougwe had to put that one in..

Merry Xmas

That's alright Phil, My Collie is red so can run faster than yours, so there biggrin

Sorry to digress a little there, not like me at all really. I blame wombat even though he's not here.

Umpie1 · Senior Member

Cadpete wrote:
Getting ready to pick up my tug on Saturday and so the next thing on the (too large) list is towing mirrors. Loved the idea of the Clearview ones until I saw the price - $800 for the Colorado! I think this type will do the same job but would like comments on how well they stay on / in alignment and other choices out there. Also does one need a pair or just one on the drivers side? They are from Supacheap Autos - http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Towing-Mirror-Multi-Fit-Heavy-Duty.aspx?pid=164899#Recommendations
Many thanks
Pete

-- Edited by Cadpete on Monday 15th of December 2014 12:28:50 PM

I have a pair of these and have used them without any problem, even when trucks meet me. If they are fitted properly and are firm to adjust there should be no problem. I set the bottom mirror on each side so I can see the white line or the edge if the road. The top mirror is the one I set so I can see what is behind the van.

PeterD · Guru

If you are not going for the Clearview mirrors I would suggest steering clear of the ones fitting to the existing mirrors, they are rarely stable. I would suggest the Aussie Truck Mirror style.

Jonathan · Senior Member

.. as others have stated before me, I'm pleased I spent the money on the Clearview Mirrors too ..

-- Edited by Jonathan on Wednesday 17th of December 2014 05:49:27 AM

03_Troopy · Guru

I can see that people are happy with their Clearview Mirrors, but I really can't see why they price them so high. I mean seriously.. $800.oo for a set of mirrors. I am surprised someone hasn't come up with a similar style mirror at a more realistic price.

PeterD · Guru

Troopy, these mirrors are the same quality as the OEM mirrors on your truck. If you compare them with the price of OEM ones I think you would come to the conclusion they were in fact cheap. Remember the vehicle manufacturers tool up to churn them out by the thousand. Clearview tool up and then have very few manufactured. I think it's amazing that they can tool up and supply so cheaply.

03_Troopy · Guru

I'd hope they are better quality than the agricultural type on my troopcarrier mate lol

Madnos · Member

I agree with Dougwe, the mirrors are brilliant no more hanging out the window to get it back in to position just to have them blown out again.

Rube · Newbie

You can't go wrong with clear view I have them on my Bt50 and no more rubbing paint off.

Cadpete · Guru

Sounds like once we are on some serious towing trips the Clearviews are the way to go, meanwhile it would seem my initial choice is reasonable. Many thanks all for your responces.

Pete

Hydeeeho · Senior Member

Hi CadPete, I also had a Colorado and purchased some used ones off the Clearview site for $500 and used them for a couple of years and resold them also on the Clearview site for $500, so all they cost me zip/nothing, could not be happier

Cheers

Dave