Trailer Tow Mirrors

[JyRO]

I don't want to offend anybody but... I think the big trailer tow mirrors are UGLY!. I can see that they'd be helpful, but I'll keep my power heated mirrors, thank you. I've seen some covex add on type mirrors that look much better. The trailer tow mirrors look like a big fat golf club when rotated out. Saw one coming at me the other day and was glad mine didn't come with them. In my Y2K Ram Brochure they show a little convex in the mirror arm that can be used when the mirror is flipped out, but to my knowledge those mirrors are not actually on them. For some reason they're not there.

All I know is that the mirrors on the SuperDuty look GOOD. More like a big rig mirror. Just my $0. 02 worth. Once again, this is JMO, no offense to those who have them or bought them in the aftermarket kit.



------------------
Y2K 2500 Cummins ETC/DEE, SLT+, 4X4, Quad, LB, Intense Blue Sport, 3. 54 LSD, rear aux. springs (camper special), sliding rear window, all options except cab clearance lights including agate leather, totally stock engine, silencer ring removed, "stealth," mod to run fogs with high beam. Since everybody else listed their toys, I will too.
1995 Kawasaki ZX6-R (For Sale)
1990 Toyota Celica
1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL (For sale)

 

[Koa Man]

JyRo,
I just added PowerVision Mirrors to my truck. I have my thoughts on it in the Products forum. You can also check out their website. I did not like the looks of the big towing mirrors and the ones you add on to the stock power mirrors just vibrated too much. Made lane changing at night a hairy experience on a busy highway. PowerVisions are all power, but not heated. I did not have heated mirrors to begin with. These mirrors can extend out 6 inches, about 1. 75 inches further than the Magna X. They are also about an inch bigger all around than the stock Dodge mirrors. I think you would like them.

 

[JyRO]

KOA MAN - Do you have any pictures, or a website where I could see those pictures? I have heard the add-on mirrors do have too much vibration. That's something that I'd want to avoid. The mirrors you said you've added sound OK. As cold as it has been here, I don't think the heated part of the mirror has been all that helpful, I could live without that.

 

[RobG]

I have the new swing-out tow mirrors on my new 2001 ETH, and honestly, I liked the old tow mirrors on my 96 MUCH better than these new ones.

The driver's side mirror vibrates badly when extended, which is very annoying. The convex mirror is poorly placed (IMO) when the mirrors are folded, so I've had to use stick-on convex mirrors on the arms, so I can see the dually wheels when parking.

Also, I don't think these mirrors extend as far outward as the old tow mirrors did, from the one time I've used them that way, when I had my camper loaded.

I also don't care for the PowerVision mirrors because I don't think their shape compliments the shape of the truck. I'll have to just hold out until something better appears.

Rob

 

[Koa Man]

RobG,
I'm surprised the new mirrors on your 2001 vibrate so much. Usually factory mirrors are real good in that aspect. I think the Power Visions match the Dodge, not perfectly, but pretty good.

JyRo,
You can find info on the Power Visions at http://www.powervisionmirrors.com/ I agree with you that the Ford mirrors are real nice.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Jyro, I owned a set of those Ford mirrors until recently and they weren't that neat. They only would fold back, not forward so if you hooked one backing up, it was history. The fold back springs were too light and in a good headwind, they would fold back and smack the door window. I personally thought they looked like dumbo elephant ears. Ford didn't do their homework in the windtunnel as these mirrors made alot of noise in the wind. But, they didn't vibrate and were power adjust. Dodge pulled a big boner by not having power adjust in their tow mirrors.
I have the tow mirrors on my new truck and haven't noticed them vibrating yet. But I sure do miss the power adjust.

------------------
2001. 5 2500 QC HO 6sp LB 3. 54LS everything except leather, white/agate 2wd

 

[Koa Man]

The Power Visions will break away forward and back. No wind noise that I notice, but I haven't driven with them over 60 mph yet as I just installed them the other day. Springs on the break away are good, will take as much effort to push them in as the stock Dodge power mirrors.

 

[WCrovo]

I took the power heated mirrors off and put the factory tow mirrors on. I haven't used them for towing yet but I can't wait. I had the Genos garage clip ons on my 99 and found them to be pretty darn good. I thought the factory tow mirrors were a little on the ugly side at first but I have grown to like them. I think I will like them even more when towing. I live in a cold snowy climate and never used the power or heat on either truck so I don't miss that. They were a snap to install so in the winter when at home and not towing I could always reinstall the power heated mirrors. The little mirror in the corner is confuseing at first. When lifted up there looks to be a spot for another mirror. Have any of you put something in there? I will sell those Genos for 20$'s includeing shipping if anyone is interested. They do kinda look like golf clubs.

------------------
2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

[Big MAK]

I really like the "real truck" aluminum tow mirrors myself. I've hit all kinds of stuff with these mirrors -- they're my "early detection" system for the fenders.

Several of those narrow tunnels; like the needles hiway in the black hills. Clipped a wall in the tunnel with the mirror so adjusted to save the fender. Drove the going to the sun road in Glacier many times (over a dozen) with the mirrors all the way out. They told me to fold them in; I told them I'd driven that road a dozen times and hadn't hit anything yet -- and if the mirrors did I'd rather they hit then the fenders. Met a Ford SooperDoody with the black plastic mirrors on a one lane road that was allowing two way traffic. Nailed his mirror at 45mph. I bet my aluminum mirror faired a whole lot better then the plastic one. Not even a scratch on mine. Pushed through all kinds of ice and snow piles going backwards and forwards that folded in the mirrors.

Nothing beats a metal alloy for durabilty; and I'd strongly recommend them if the truck is going to do any real work. But hey, to each his own...

 

[RobG]

I think if I could get a set of the good ole metal mirrors like on my '96, and have them painted to match my truck (silver), I'd give serious consideration to switching to them. yeah, it'd mean punching holes in my doors to mount the lower supports, but it might be worthwhile.

I'll have to think on that one a bit.

Rob


------------------
2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate

 

[JyRO]

I also really like the look of the big metal tow mirrors. They have that tough truck look without having to look like they weigh 75 lbs. each (like the 2001 big plastic trailer tow fat golf club mirrors do).

The Geno's Garage clips ons don't sound too bad, as long as they don't vibrate too bad.

 

[Big A]

I got the factory power mirrors on my '99,and with the slip on tow mirrors, I've got the best of both worlds.
Big A

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I might agree on (poor looks) comment if I didnt like my Dodge tow mirrors so much!!
I only have 10,000 towing miles on the 2001 ETH but so far they work great. I have no viberation ( except at high speed) this is with a Alpinlite camper on the truck. The stainless camper mirrors on my 1995 are a very good mirror but you cant wash the door, and it is very prone to contact damage. If you seldom tow keep the standard mirrors and add on a extension. If you tow narrow forget it.

------------------
1995 2500 5 spd bombed. 2001 ETH 3500 stock. 1972 1066 International Harvester 414 ci diesel pulling tractor.
GONZO

 

[M1A2]

FOLD OUT TOWING MIRRORS, LETS NOT LOSE SIGHT OF IF THEY LOOK COOL OR NOT, DO THEY WORK OR NOT? CAN YOU SEE BESIDE AND AROUND A NORMAL WIDTH CAMPER? THAT IS WHY PEOPLE BUY THEM. I WOULD DRIVE WITH A GOLF BAG NAILED TO THE SIDE OF MY TRUCK IF IT SERVED A PURPOSE AND WAS FUNCTIONAL.

------------------
1999 FLAME RED 2500 SLT, QC, 4X4 AT, 3. 54 AGATE LEATHER

 

[madams]

No offence taken . . to each his own. #ad


Best $250 dollars I ever spent. They look great and perform well in both positions.

With my El-Cheap-O ST model I didn't have the electric or powered ones . . so the tow was an upgrade.

I tow a 34' tag-a-long . . and no, I can't see the license plate on the back of the trailer . . but these perform better than ANY clip on I had before.

I agree a powered version and the additional convex in the arm would be better but these work just great.

Happy New year to all from us Saints Fans down here in New Orleans

Michael

------------------
00 Driftwood 2500 ST QC ISB LB 5spd 3:54 LSD Tow & Camper Groups

my photos

 

[tony1461571]

Is'nt freedom of speech a good thing.
You are free to like or dislike anything you want.

I ordered a pair of the towing mirrors from Mopar4less got them on friday will have them ASAP. I have the heated mirrors they are just fine, but not for towing I pull 30ft 5th wheel camper. I have the clip on type.
Now there is ugly can't wait to get new mirrors on. I just have to get in my son's heated garage for the instalation.

98. 5 Black slt quad 3500 354 LS AUTO TRANS FIBERGLASS RUNNING BOARDS SPRAYED IN
BEDLINER 15K 5TH WHEEL HITCH FACTORY FOG LITES ALPINE STEREO SYSTEM CD CHANGER ALL JBL SPEAKERS AMSOIL FRONT TO BACK COMING REAL SOON FACTORY TOWING MIRRORS TST POWER MAX 3 ADJ SHIFT KIT TOURQE CONVERTER E-BRAKE FROM TST AND NEW DIGITAL GAUGES FROM TST.

 

[JyRO]

M1A2 - I'd find something more aesthetically pleasing AND functional, rather than put something just plain ugly on my truck (like a golf bag?) JUST because it does the job. But, to each his own.

madams - I'd have to agree with you on the move from ST mirrors, you had nothing to lose. I have power adjustment and the heating to lose. I'll either wait until there is some attractive power and heated towing mirrors, or I will go with the slip-on's from Geno's.

 

[DLBurns]

I have been using the McKesh towing mirrors from the folks who make the Hensley Arrow tow hitch for about a year now! They are very well made, easy on and off, do not vibrate and I can almost see my trailer license plate #ad
I f I remember the cost was right at $125. 00 for the pair!

------------------
01' 3500 Bright White,QC LWB, Auto, 4:10, Line-X Bedliner, Member San Jose RamRunners
2000 Dutchman Travel Trailer ( 1st class POS )
1996 Harley-Davidson FLHR

 

[John]

I like the look of the Powervision mirrors too. I've been waiting for them to finally debut their heated version since I purchased my '98. 5 Ram... in June of '98! After at least 12 calls and Email inquiries to them throughout all the successive months, they keep promising they will be out. . THIS WINTER. I actually talked to a Powervision rep. at the Timberline Dodge/TDR rally last July who concured with the projected release date for the new heated mirrors. Further, he stated the new heated version would have a slightly different mirror head shape (different mirror vendor) and a retro "heat" kit would be available for the existing style of Powervision mirrors.

I have really looked into these mirrors, talking to many Rammers with them and have found NO complaints of vibration. . EVEN WHILE EXTENDED. #ad


------------------
John Treibel
'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4 Sport, Glasstite Vision II, 285 BFG A/Ts on M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares & tow hooks, NW Custom s/s-rubber mud flaps, Mag-Hytec diff. cover & trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Reese Titan V hitch, SPA gauges (3), Dynamat, '00 Sport grille and headlights/PIAA Super White bulbs, PIAA Dual Sport 900 aux. lights, BD exh. brake and TorqLoc, Amsoil Dual Remote Bypass, Optima Yellow Tops, DD3s/DD Boost Module, Aeroquip AQP braided s/s fuel hoses, Banks High-Ram intake manifold and 14 cm2 turbine housing w/Big Head wastegate actuator, ATS 3-piece exh. man. , Banks 4" dia. s/s exh. sys. , BD V10/Cummins hybrid TC & mod. trans. frt. pump, BD VB & PressureLoc, Air Bulldog induction hood (with NACA ducts), plus MANY other trick modifications

Recycle Bin: Prime-Loc fuel filter relocation kit (due to flow restriction), Bosch 275s & VA CPC (upgraded to DD3s... WOW! what a difference!), '00 Dodge/Cummins valve cover (going back to my OE '98. 5 valve cover... tricked out though), VDO Vision gauges (upgraded to $PA gauges. . three of 'em... where's that when you need it? LOL)

 

[M1A2]

I wonder how we all survived when the mirrors had to be adjusted by rolling down our (manual) windows.
And by seeing behind the trailer I mean't seeing the car behind it.

------------------
1999 FLAME RED 2500 SLT, QC, 4X4 AT, 3. 54 AGATE LEATHER

[This message has been edited by M1A2 (edited 01-01-2001). ]