tow mirrors

[JR]

Ive got a question for you guys who have tow mirrors on your trucks. Has anybody used the power/heated extendable CIPA mirrors listed in Genos? Theyre running a 15% off special in March and Im thinking about picking them up. With the discount they will be running around $370 which is only slightly cheaper than what Ive seen the flip up style knock offs of the oem's. For years Ive been dealing with the factory standard mirrors and with spring around the corner Im dreading breaking my neck to look behind me where the blind spots are in those dang tiny mirrors all the time#@$%!. Just looking for some opinions on what you guys like/dont like about either.

Thanks,

JR

 

[DAN V]

I just got an email update from Amazon. They are on sale and even have the factory type flip up tow mirrors too.

 

[JR]

Thanks Dan, those are cheaper yet. I guess Im just curious as to whether these aftermarkets like the koolvue or CIPA are of decent quality or if I would be better off springing for an oem set. I found the oem's online for around $425

 

[DAN V]

I belive I have found OEM like on Amazon for less than $300. But I am not sure how good they are. You will have to do a search and make sure you read the reviews. That is why I like shopping with Amazon.

 

[JR]

I was on Amazon earlier after your first post and theyve got the power heated koolvue on sale for 325 right now. Oem from Dodge are about another 100 bucks on top of that. I wouldnt mind paying the extra 100 bucks if the quality is that much better, but if the koolvue or CIPA are as good I would just go with them. I didnt notice the reviews Ill get back on and check them out. Thanks Dan

 

[ILIANBG]

I bought my power/heated extendable towing CIPA mirrors from Genos. They were around $275 then (around 2005) if I recall. I like them a lot. Got used to the different view quickly.
I wanted the OEM flip/towing mirrors with power/heat but were not offered, they only made them manual and no heat option. So that's why I went with CIPA.
I don't know anyone local who has the Coolview's copy of the OEM tow mirrors (but with power/heat feature). So I could not see them in person. There are quite a few trucks with CIPA around me so I liked them and felt them in person. That helped my decision.
Ilian

 

[JR]

Thanks, Ilian. Do you have any pictures of your truck you could put up with them? Ive never seen a truck with that style mirror, would be curious to see what they look like. Thanks again,
JR

 

[Ram4Sam]

Thanks Dan, those are cheaper yet. I guess Im just curious as to whether these aftermarkets like the koolvue or CIPA are of decent quality or if I would be better off springing for an oem set. I found the oem's online for around $425

The oem tow mirrors from Dodge will be the original ones that came on the trucks but are no heat, manual adjust. They are great mirrors but are a pain to adjust. I have had the Kool vues for a few years now and they work fine. They look identical to the factory tows and fit as well as the factory tows. Mine have a little bit more buzz in them than the factory mirrors but the electric adjust is well worth it. Google search them, there are alot of discount auto part houses that sell them and sometimes they can be had for less than Amazon prices.



Sam

 

[Blu-meanie]

Here's a picture of a 2nd Generation, I have a pair on my '05 too, if you need one.

 

[JR]

Thanks, Blue. Those are the CIPA brand, right? Do they extend out or are they stationary? How about mounting brackets, did you guys have to buy any extra brackets to firm them up or are they ok on their own?

 

[DavidC]

I have had the CIPA's for quite a few years now. They pull out and no extra bracing required. My stock mirrors reside on a shelf in the garage. Even with the mirrors aimed to where I can keep an eye on the 32' 5ver wheels there is plenty of mirror to still see in back and side.

Dave

 

[DavidC]

CIPA power heated extendable

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

d4l,
I installed the the Kool-Vue power/heated mirrors a couple of years ago and am very pleased with their function and quality. However, they should be used with the reinforcement brackets for a stable platform. Many suppliers include them, while others do not. The installation was very easy; less that two hours with a beverage break or two. It wouldn't hurt to get a few door panel "christmas tree" fasteners since they will loose a few "branches" when they are pulled from the door. Here is a source for the fastners - http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Trim_Panel_Retainers_p/a19213.htm

Below are some pics from the navigator/photographer/snuggle-toy's viewpoint, so they don't give a true perspective from the driver's seat.

The wife and I took a walk around Mary Hill state park before departing to continue our three week journey along the backroads of "anywhere west of the Mississippi" when I noticed a TDR grille badge on our neighbor's truck. Fellow TDR member RideSlow2004's truck and trailer were parked to the right of us... his grand kids were having the time of their life. I found him down on the beach of the Columbia river with some of the grand kids. After a brief introduction and conversation it was soon time to get back on the road. Great man - great family!

 

[Blu-meanie]

They manually extend and bolt right on. No modifications needed. I have a set on my '05 too. I like the larger view, be sure you buy from one of their "authorized" dealers if you have any trouble with them CIPA will back their product. Call CIPA for the list. Geno's is on it.

 

[JR]

Thank you all for the pictures youve all been helpful this is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. PBJ, your snuggletoy takes some pretty good pictures! :-laf:-laf

Thanks again,

JR

 

[DennyDay]

Am using CIPA (from Geno's)on the third truck - - all heated/power - - and am very happy with them - - even when I broke a glass Robin got a replacement headed my way the same day by FEDEX. Couldn't be happier - - - unless sombody added turnsignals