2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Which tow mirrors, factory or CIPAs?

[TWilkening]

My truck has the power heated mirrors, and they suck for towing. I am wanting to put a good set of towing mirrors on, but don't know which would be better. Should I convert to the factory style mirrors, or buy a set of CIPAs? Thanks

 

[CollinsR]

I just bought a set of CIPA's and used them for the first time this weekend. For the one trailer I need to use them with and the once every so often I'm going to use them, they are perfect. Unless you can get a great deal on the factory tow mirrors... . I'd stick with CIPA's



Rick

 

[steved]

The only thing I don't like about the CIPAs is the fact they tend to vibrate driving down the road... but as stated by CollinsR, unless you get a smokin deal on a set of OE tow mirrors or really tow a lot, they will work fine for the $$.

steved

 

[zstroken]

I really like my CIPA's. Zero issues with them.

 

[FLynes]

The CIPA's I had vibrated like crazy on my '97, and that was a Gasser.

 

[johnmoore]

Gee, I hope they have fixed the vibrating problem. I just ordered a set from Geno's.

 

[steved]

Again, for the occaisional tow, not a big deal. But if I towed for a living, they definately would not last long on my truck...

steved

 

[HPetrat]

I installed a set of pwr/htd CIPA mirrors on my 98 QC 4X4 (5spd) about 4 weeks ago and have zero vibration or any other issues. Overall very happy with them.

Got mine from Geno's as well.



HP

 

[HSpiering]

Had CIPA on my 94. worked great. Maybe better than stock on 06. they stick out a long way even when not in use.

 

[PC12Driver]

I've been running the CIPAs since 2003. No vibration problems, great customer service (quick service on a replacement glass), and a great view.



#ad

 

[Forrest Nearing]

EEEEEEEWwww.. . Ford mirrors!



I gotta cast my vote for factory tow mirrors. Awesome visibility, and they look great too!



the non-power jobs are less than $200 new. I did the power conversion on mine and love them (though I would probably be fine with non-power as I rarely adjust them)



going the power route may be a little on the expensive side as you essentiallly need TWO sets of mirrors, but I sure love mine

 

[dclassens]

The CIPA mirrios are nice, but my vote is for the factory tow mirriors(non power). I love the flip up, and I love the looks of these mirrios. Just my $. 02.



Dave



PS- the factory break away has saved me more than once!!

 

[VicR]

Have had the CIPA's on my truck for a couple years. Actually I got the ones that are branded 'Bestop'. Zero vibration. The only thing I don't like with them is they fold forward instead of backwards, but thats a really minor issue.



-Vic

 

[Ponz]

I hate my CIPA's

I've had my CIPA's for 3 years now. They vibrate like crazy, so bad I have to stick foam insulation on the top and side to be able to use them everyday and thats with them in the closed position. The roads in Austin,Tx are not the best, some bad potholes, but after one pothole the drivers glass and mount left the truck pulling the wiring out with them. Hopefully one day I'll get ride of them and put in the factory jobs. Ponz

 

[Forrest Nearing]

the factory jobs are awesome if you don't plan on adjusting them often. . w/ a dualy they look GREAT standing at attention... I think they look fine on a single wheel truck flipped out, but others might argue otherwise.



a brand new non-adjustable pair will run you less than $200 to your door. heck of a deal for some great mirrors IMO

 

[GCULP]

Powervision! Powered, heated, and motorized telescoping. easy installation, great customer service. I had a set of CIPA's but you'll notice the passenger side is at a different angle to the cab than the driver's side, they do that because there isn't enough travel in the lense to see correctly when they're extended, plus they look funny when everyone walks by in the campground. hope you like them.

 

[JHudson]

I second that regarding Powervision... . super mirror. I had the CIPA and they vibrated, so I sold them and went with the Powervision. I have had the Powervision for 3 years now and just love them.

 

[DGullick]

What's up with the power conversion that Forest speaks of? I've been sitting on this mirror issure for awhile. I have the stick on CIPA's which are get by at best, mainly to keep highway patrol at bay. I was majorly disappointed when I found out the factory flipups for 2nd Gen where all unpowered. Forest, did you buy a set for 3rd, rob the parts for power, and install them in the 2nd? Up until now I was sold on the power permanent mount CIPA's. THX.

 

[Froadin]

I have the CIPSs on my 01 and love them. No vibrations for about 3 years now.
Factory tow mirrors on the 05. They work good, but they are just not the same as the CIPAs.
All mirrors are power heated. Both options are used fairly often as well, and work great.
I love to be able to adjust the mirrors while backing up. Makes a world of difference sometimes to be able to see it in the mirror instead of getting out of the vehicle all the time.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

yes, if you do a search for "power towing mirror conversion" you'll find a number of threads on the subject.



it requires a pair of 2nd gen mirror bases (that attach to the doors) and a pair of 3rd gen power mirrors and you simply swap the stalks onto the bases and do some very simple wiring. it's a somewhat involved/expensive process, but you can shop around on ebay and the various internet classifieds and save some money



but I think they're the the best looking mirrors out there, and the visibility w/ them is awesome.



the manual towing mirrors are very nice, my buddy loves his and leaves them flipped in 99% of the time. I prefer the visibilty with them flipped out and think they look cool standing at attention like that.



but if you want/need power adjustability (which is NICE) it's definately more involved