tow mirrors vs. reg. mirrors

[BSilveira]

I currently have regular mirrors on my 2500. So far I have manuevered my 20' race trailer flawlessly. I'm thinking about switching to the two mirrors. Will it help out with visibility when I'm not towing? How much are they? Where is the best place to find them?

 

[Jeepr]

I've got factory tow mirrors on mine, and I might be in the minority here, but I really don't like them. I find that when I pass a car on my right, I can clearly see in the rearview mirror I'm past them, but the right side mirror looks like they are still right next to me. People say to use the small blindspot mirror, but it is too small and makes things look too far away. I found when pulling the trailer, I could adjust them to see the trailer or the traffic, but not both. Again, I can see both in the small blindspot mirror but it is too small. I've tried turning them, but that didn't help much for me.



Based on this experience compared to the mirrors on my old Tahoe, I think I'd be happier with regular "objects in mirror are closer than they appear" mirrors. Just my $. 02.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I bought on Ebay (new) $340 for power and heated mirrors. IMHO they work great for towing. Also, they dont blur with vibration like some after market units do and the spots come in handy for daily driving and parking too.



Scotty

 

[Tony T.]

Well I like my tow mirrors, but you do really have to watch at times when going thru drive-thrus like at my bank,it's about a 1 inch clarence for me.



I have a set of pwr/heated standard/regular mirrors that are in like new condition that I would let go if someone wanted to change to standard/regular mirrors.



Tony

 

[Mobius1]

The trailer tow mirrors might take some getting used to when you first get them. There really isn't a blind spot with these mirrors but looking at the small convex mirror, it can be hard to determine where vehicles are exactly. They work pretty well for me as far as regular towing. I only tow a 2 horse trailer though.



Hope it helps

 

[klenger]

I wouldn't be without them. They are so good, ... (how good are they?) ... they are so good that I usually don't extend them when I'm towing because I can see around my 5th wheel with them in the normal position.

 

[NStates]

They are necessary when towing a wide body fifth wheel. They work great and when you get used to them you have a good view of both sides. The little spot mirrow works great when backing and you want to watch your tire. (curbs & etc)



Norm



My Truck – 2005 RAM 3500 SLT Quad Cab 4x2 Laramie Sport Bright White 6-Speed HO – Limited Slip - Edge Juice Attitude –PacBrake – 65 gal. Toolbox/fuel tank – Starboards – Recon Smoke Cab Lighting - Pulrite Super 5th – Kenwood TM 261 –Towing A Teton Fifth Wheel

 

[wneubauer]

I like my factory mirrors too... Wouldn't be without them.

 

[LesStallings]

Factory tow mirrors are SUPER.



I did 20K miles last year pulling an 8' wide enclosed gooseneck. The mirrors really get the job done.

 

[MRosinski]

When towing my 24x8. 5 enclosed I cant see anything. All I see is trailer, its worse when your backing up around a corner. Been looking at ebay for some tow mirrors.

 

[Eric_77]

The two mirors take some time getting used to. You have two locations to look at before a lane change but you get used to it. On the big trucks we often have 4 mirrors on the passenger side and there are times I wish the Dodge had at least one more.

 

[EEdmondson]

I've got factory tow mirrors on mine, and I might be in the minority here, but I really don't like them. I find that when I pass a car on my right, I can clearly see in the rearview mirror I'm past them, but the right side mirror looks like they are still right next to me. People say to use the small blindspot mirror, but it is too small and makes things look too far away. I found when pulling the trailer, I could adjust them to see the trailer or the traffic, but not both. Again, I can see both in the small blindspot mirror but it is too small. I've tried turning them, but that didn't help much for me.



Based on this experience compared to the mirrors on my old Tahoe, I think I'd be happier with regular "objects in mirror are closer than they appear" mirrors. Just my $. 02.

I agree with RStroede, the convex mirrors are too small. I would rather have the slightly convex mirror on the right.

Has anyone tried the 10"X10" mirrors on this sight? http://www.etrailer.com/cipa/

 

[hensign]

I had a 2nd gen with the small mirrors when I got my 8. 5x28 trailer. I upgraded to the tow mirrors and liked them so much they are on my 3rd gen. Nothing is perfect, some will not like where the convex mirrors are but... ... They are still worlds better than the little mirrors and vibe less than any of the aftermarket towing mirrors I have seen. I do have a little trouble making the change over when I flip them up, I am going to start putting them up a few days before I tow. If you are pulling a wide one you need them. But as stated earlier watch out they stick out far and will hit on trees, van mirrors, drivethroughs, and garages.

 

[Big Rig]

I have the factory tow mirrors. I don't know how they work towing. I have a Lance slide in camper & they work great for my use. They are really a great help in loading & unloading the camper. I tilt them down so I can watch the dually wheels clear the inside of the camper jacks by a half inch as I load or unload the camper. I also tilt them down when I am parking the truck next to a curb, helps to get close to the curb without getting up on it.

I also like the view I get I get while driving on the highway & I like the way the frost is removed when I turn on the heat to the mirror. As far as I can see there is nothing not to like about them.



Big Rig

 

[rbattelle]

Nothin' beats a nice BIG set of towing mirrors. It's so nice to be able to see things clearly!



-Ryan