Strap on towing mirrors

[Blakers]

Are there any good add-on towing mirrors out there? What do you all recommend for a 2500 without getting rid of my stock mirrors? 24 ft camper will be used a few times a year.



Thanks a lot!



Blake

 

[Steve Campbell]

I was in a pinch...

and purchased some at NAPA. They were not what I really had in mind, however they worked well. I have been looking at my factory 99 mirrors and am trying to figure out how to add about a 3-4 inch extension in the swivel part of the aparatus.

 

[BLee]

I bought my mirrors from Barksdale Engineering in Kansas City, 816-741-6233. They have ears which attach to both inside and outside edges of the stock mirrors, along with an aluminum bar which passes across behind the stock mirrors. They're pretty good, much better than some universal junk you might see at WalMart or a local parts store. They vibrate a little when running at speed, but they are certainly usable for towing. One of these days I'll get around to the extending, heated, adjustable, folding units, but these will do till then. Bill

 

[dremelts]

Blake,



Here's a link that shows the kind that I got. We're pulling a 25' fifth wheel and I find that these work very well for me.



http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=21154&src=SRCH&tcode=37



They don't vibrate too much and they stick out far enough that I can see behind the trailer - at least on the driver's side.

 

[lizzyhermit]

here is what I use and I love 'em.



http://www.hensleymfg.com/mckeshmirrors.html



very easy on/off and almost no vibration

 

[R-N-R]

I can vouch for the Mckesh mirrors as well. They provide excellent view, minimal vibration, and are easy to put on and take off. Unfortunately they are a bit overkill with the factory tow mirrors so I just sold mine to a fellow TDR member. I will miss them..... :{

 

[Big John]

Blakers, I have a set of the McKesh mirrors I will gladly ship to you and let you try them. You pay the shipping, and if you like them, I will sell them to you for the $50 I paid for them. I used them on a Suburban and a '96 model 2500 and they worked great. If you do not want them, ship them back to me.



E-mail me your address, if interested.



Big John

 

[Doc Tinker]

McKesh here too



and 50 bucks is cheap

 

[cwsoules]

McKesh Mirrrors

I too have McKesh mirrors and love them.



I found that the right side plate mirror did not give me a good enough view behind the rig and of the 5er's tires. I made up a 90 degree angle iron and shifted that mirror so the long side is vertical. I now can see well behind and my 5er's tires. The driver's side is OK. Get the big spot mirrors too. Whennot towing they come off and stow nicely in my in bed storage locker.

 

[BK]

I'm using a slip on pair... I have the stock electric/heated mirrors wich I like a lot. . didnt want to loose them either. But didnt want mounting feet and straps against my paint. .



Geno's sells something just like what I have...



http://216.167.41.9/CoastalData/showdetl.cfm?&DID=30&Product_ID=263&CATID=1



They work well for me. they slip over the stock mirror. The mirror is fully adjustable and stays in exactly in the place I last left it.

I tow a 26ft TT (30feet rear bumper to hitch) and have no problems seeing the rear of the trailer.



I had a set of cheapo strap on mirrors. . they strapped on to the stock mirror. . they vibrated soo much I couldnt see a thing. They also moved around a lot so they never stayed in adjustment.

Ah here's a link to the POS strap on's NOT to get...

http://www.campingworld.com/browse/products/index.cfm?deptID=5&subOf=43,32&prodID=559

 

[Deezul1]

McKesh mirrors for me until the Powervisions went on. They are pretty good for strap ons but I did have some vibration but not real bad and not all the time. $50. 00 is a great deal.

 

[Blakers]

Thanks a lot guys! A good selection.



I know the bigger McKesh ones look more usuable, but I'm not sure if I want something strapped on my paint like that. Big John... thanks so much for the great offer!



From what I see, I'm leaning toward the ones from Geno's. They're smaller, but my trailer is not that wide. Everything I have ever bought from Geno's is really nice.



Still considering it though... .



Blake

 

[RThompson]

Check out strap on mirrors at WalMart. About $25 for a pair. I got frustrated with the Mckesh mirrors and sold them. WalMart strap ons were just as good for visibilty. Gotta be careful with any bracket and strap mirrors (like McKesh) as they will wear away at your clear coat paint.

New truck has OEM tow mirrors and they leave something to be desired. Location of the spot mirror can be a pain in tight traffic.

 

[R-N-R]

My towing miles are light compared to most TDR members but I never noticed any paint issues. The pad is more than adequate and I made sure to adjust it to a "strong" section of the door.

They retail with Convex for about $150. I just sold mine for $75 w/ shipping. $50 seems like a great deal!



RThompson is right on with the factory tow mirrors!

 

[DBazley]

Mirror thoughts....

Hey Blake,



David here, you know with Perma Shield Products, eh ? Hope it's going well for you, and you're enjoying it.



Saw your post, I just ordered the Mc Kesh mirrors myself, paid retail, but they do look very well made & designed. I have some cheap slide on ones now that are just awful !



I think if you use the Mc Kesh (or similar) but make sure the Perma Shield Finish Guard is protecting your finish, then there should be no excessive rubbing from the mirror pads. Now, if one leaves them on for lengthy periods, occasionally loosen them & clean any dirt or dust from that area to prevent build up & scratching.



With the above in mind, the Finish Guard will do quite a job of preventing abrasion damage, assuming their pads are well designed, which I expect.



I just hope the Mc Kesh mirrors will do a similarly good job providing great rearward vision ! I went to camping world's site & their cheap imitation of the Mc Kesh was the same price, so I figured it wasn't a bad buy, even if I didn't have anyone offering me a used set for half price !!



Hey, Blake whatever you do, I wish you towing mercies and no breakdowns !



David B Oo.

 

[BigMike]

I lucked out and bout a used pair of Wheel Masters Eagle Vision mirrors. They have them in Camping World for $54 each. Once you get them adjusted, they work great. Clamp onto your door very tightly. Some vibration, but not bad. No problem with the pad rubbing on the door. I guarantee you can extend those things almost far enough to see your rear bumper. . I really like them and plan on using them until I bite the bullet and install some powervision mirrors.

 

[R-N-R]

1/2 price

Last year I was asked about the McKesh mirrors darn near everywhere I camped. This year I put a for sale sign on them and did not get a single inquiry two weekends in a row... . go figure.



One day on the TDR classifieds resulted in a sale!