Best and Cheapest Mirrors

Liltacker · Veteran Member

Best and Cheapest Mirrors

KFT · Guru

G'day and welcome to the forum, we can be a bit crazy in here but we do have fun.

your question "best and cheapest" are very difficult to resolve.

I have tried most types of mirrors over my years of caravanning and have settled on Milenco grand aero for several reasons
they are easy and quick to fit and remove
they stay adjusted to where I want them
they don't blow back when passed by trucks
vibration is minimal

Others will give you their version of what is best

Mine were $149 for the pair in a carry bag.

I fit them like this

hope that helps, you could also do a search using the search button in the blue bar at the top.

IMGP2598 - Copy.JPG

Liltacker · Veteran Member

Thanks KFT info great and don't mind the price as would rather buy them once only and know I've got a good pair appreciate the quick reply.

ps do you remember where you got them from,

Neil biggrin

Possum3 · Guru

I have had a set of Super Cheap mirrors which strap over existing mirrors fitted permanently for over 4 years (on two different Patrols) the strap-base stays on vehicle's mirror/s - just turn knob and remove extension rod and outer towing mirror (literally in seconds) when driving tug around minus van. see; www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Towing-Mirror-Easy-Fit-2-Pack.aspx
I permanently marked the top of attachment rod with white + which allows me to put back & set up in seconds with previous set angle and length of extension.

Liltacker · Veteran Member

Thanks Possum3 sounds great will have a look as I have a SuperCheap very close by appreciate the info. biggrin

Possum3 · Guru

I also made the strap a permanent size rather than adjustable as I figured I would always be using them exclusively on my patrol.

Stl · Senior Member

Hi Neil, I looked at heaps and over the years tried different types and fully agree with KFT, stainless steel threads into brass so don't seize up, haven't had them blow back yet, there is another shape as well . They can locate on top of mirror also. A lot better than the clear view (besides the price) in the sense that you can remove them easily. Clear views give a better view but don't close up enough when not extended, an absolute pain in car parks and driveways (mainly for other people). I purchased mine off Green RV in Gympie and very happy.
Len :)

Liltacker · Veteran Member

Thanks Len I agree with what you said and will look at that asap biggrin

KFT · Guru

Liltacker wrote:
Thanks KFT info great and don't mind the price as would rather buy them once only and know I've got a good pair appreciate the quick reply.
ps do you remember where you got them from,
Neil

Hi Neil

picked mine up from the maitland caravan show.

They are available from caravans plus, look here: http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=13569

the service from them is exceptional.

frank

-- Edited by KFT on Wednesday 13th of May 2015 11:07:13 AM

Cupie · Guru

KFT wrote:
G'day and welcome to the forum, we can be a bit crazy in here but we do have fun.

your question "best and cheapest" are very difficult to resolve.

I have tried most types of mirrors over my years of caravanning and have settled on Milenco grand aero for several reasons
they are easy and quick to fit and remove
they stay adjusted to where I want them
they don't blow back when passed by trucks
vibration is minimal

Others will give you their version of what is best

Mine were $149 for the pair in a carry bag.

I fit them like this
hope that helps, you could also do a search using the search button in the blue bar at the top.

Frank ..

I too am in the market for replacements for mine which are 15 years old and about to fail.

I had to do mods to make mine more rigid & also had to lengthen the arms so that they let me see the rear edges of the van.

What stops them from folding back with close passing trucks?

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Liltacker, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Now, I know what you ask but, I have the "Clear View" mirrors on my tug and work well for me. Worth every $ of many $'s. IMO. Fit and forget.

revemike · Senior Member

Dougwe wrote:
Welcome to the gang Liltacker, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Now, I know what you ask but, I have the "Clear View" mirrors on my tug and work well for me. Worth every $ of many $'s. IMO. Fit and forget.

I am with you Doug... the 'ClearView' are worth every $$$ I paid for mine. No more 'where did I put those blasted mirrors?' or "bother, I forgot to take the mirrors off before heading to town" - a small pull out or push in and they are ready to roll!!! love it!!!

brickies · Guru

Milenco tops for value for money had the strap ones never do that again

KFT · Guru

Cupie wrote:
KFT wrote:
G'day and welcome to the forum, we can be a bit crazy in here but we do have fun.

your question "best and cheapest" are very difficult to resolve.

I have tried most types of mirrors over my years of caravanning and have settled on Milenco grand aero for several reasons
they are easy and quick to fit and remove
they stay adjusted to where I want them
they don't blow back when passed by trucks
vibration is minimal

Others will give you their version of what is best

Mine were $149 for the pair in a carry bag.

I fit them like this
hope that helps, you could also do a search using the search button in the blue bar at the top.

Frank ..
I too am in the market for replacements for mine which are 15 years old and about to fail.
I had to do mods to make mine more rigid & also had to lengthen the arms so that they let me see the rear edges of the van.

What stops them from folding back with close passing trucks?

Cupie, I have no idea. Perhaps the aerodynamic shape of the mirror head or maybe the Nissan mirrors are a bit stiffer than some others although I have read where other vehicles owners have experienced the same stability.

I really do like them much better than many others I have used over the years except west coast truck mirrors but I will not be fitting them to my Nissan.

frank

Wanderlust · Veteran Member

I too have the Milenco Grand Aero like KFTs pic above.
Put them on four weeks ago and did half a lap from NSW South Coast (8,000 Ks and yes, it was too much in too short a time).
Absolutely first class - not one problem - but I did tie them to the main mirror on my Pajero with cable ties, just in case.
Bought them from NRMA shop.

brickies · Guru

KFT I notice you have under slung the mirrors I put mine on the top of the mirrors , Can you tell me your reason they also look neat that way all the photos had them mounted on the top

KFT · Guru

Hi Brickies

I noticed that the head of the nissan mirror has slightly more movement in it at the top than it does at the bottom = less vibration (they don't vibrate much anyway BUT less is good)

The other reason was me being vertically challenged the brackets when on top of the mirror were getting in my vision so I moved them to the bottom and much more betterer for me.

frank

Radar · Guru

We got ours from Repco, sub $60 strap around the mirror for the pair. Easy on and off specially when just takening the extended mirror section off. Been on off and on car now for over 4 years. Noticed with the new car the whole mirror blows in now and then, like twice in 5000 ks. Wind window down push back out.

At sub $60 we can afford to by a new set every 4 years which means we might buy 2 more sets by that time I will not care what is behind me.

Hope this helps. Ralph.

-- Edited by Radar on Thursday 14th of May 2015 02:19:09 PM

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I have these... ORA Big Red ...

and like KFT, I have them mounted on the bottom of the mirror, mainly because the Landy's mirror is a bit curved on the top but is straight and level on the bottom. The mirror is still in line with the vehicles existing mirror.

This assists greatly in them gripping better and I have the 'stabilising' arm up close to the vehicle's mirror (not mid-way as shown in the photo) and fairly straight (back more toward the door handle) to ensure no affect by passing trucks etc.

I agree Clearview mirrors are probably the best on the market ... but they are so damned butt-ugly - especially when there is no van on the back to give some reason for having them. Like elephant ears. Guess we are all different. hmm

Cheers - John

-- Edited by rockylizard on Wednesday 13th of May 2015 08:23:20 PM

Dougwe · Chief one feather

How, Rocky, I must have got the wrong ones then cos mine don't look anything like a butt. I spose if I look in one, well, then it would be real ugly and I tell you that for free.

Sorry Liltacker smile

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Hey Doug ya gotta remember that beauty is in the eye of the beer holder

Compare standard mirrors to Clearview for my chariot ... they are really ugly - especially for the price hmm

And the ones in the Clearview ad/photo are folded in ... they look even worse-er when extended. hmm

Even Prince Charlie's lugs are more attractive

Clearview 02.jpg clearview 01.JPG

Cheers - John

Plendo · Guru

John, I would agree with you the Clearview mirrors are butt ugly on a classy vehicle like a disco!

I am one of the first to have clearviews on a disco, and they are still ugly, but they are brilliant mirrors, easily the best I have ever used.

Large, clear, electrically adjustable, permanently fitted, and you can stay legal without taking your mirrors off when you disconnect your van (illegal to have towing mirrors fitted without the van in tow).

They truly are brilliant to use, all depends what sits higher on your priority list, function or vanity (sorry cheap shot).

Not the cheapest, but easily the best (in my opinion).

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I did say earlier, that the Clearview mirrors are the best on the market.

However, I'll go for vanity any time. I just could not do that to my lovely Disco. It would refuse to come out in public.

Smiley 01.png

In fact, I have yet to see a vehicle that I think the Clearview mirrors 'flatter' - in fact, even the bulky Cruiser 200 Series with the big BRIGHT chrome ones look ghastly.

Smiley Sad 03.jpg

Given the engineering nouse and expense that went into the development of the mirrors, surely they could have got an actual designer involved.

Again, I think they are the most convenient and functional mirrors for tow vehicles - BUT .............

cheers - vain old John

ballast2 · Guru

G'day. while they are expensive I have just had the clearview mirrors fitted to my BT50. they are superb INMHO and should have fitted them before.
Cheers

jonathan · Veteran Member

I've had the Clearview mirrors now for some 18 months and most satisfied with them.

I believe the effective functionality greatly outweighs the aesthetic appeal of being attached to a vehicle ..

Not all vehicles need Clearview (type) mirrors .. It depends on what they're towing .. so it can be most appropriate to fit an alternative rear view mirror system that one chooses ..

remember .. VALUE doesn't always equate to quality !

Steve11 · Senior Member

Hi Brickies, i have to clamp mine on the bottom of the mirror also. The top of the mirror has too much of an angle on it and the clamps slide out as you tighten the clamp. Ihave the latest Nissan Pathfinder,

cheers Steve

03_Troopy · Guru

No matter how good they are, Clearview mirrors are rediculously overpriced. If you could work out which american vehicles are similar to yours, you could get mirrors the same for easily half the price or less.

Chevvy Silverado mirrors

brickies · Guru

KFT and Steve had a look at the Pardo and can only fix the Milenco to the top , No room on the bottom they do look smart on the bottom

Friar Park · Senior Member

I agree with KFT Milenco - Great but had mine swiped so making do with strap ons at the moment.

Friar

-- Edited by Friar Park on Friday 15th of May 2015 05:07:34 PM