towing mirrors

[pa camper]

I would like to upgrade the mirrors on my truck to the telescopic kind. I have looked at the "slip on" but think the telescopic would be a better choice. Any concerns or opinions?

[hankpage]

Knowing what kind of truck you are driving would help us a lot. There may be direct replacement OEM mirrors available. Cipa makes a quality mirror but may be a little pricey.

[SteveC7010]

If you drive a Dodge, they have the "flip-out" towing mirrors. They're even available on Ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Ram-Pi...item19c8b62bc3

$130 for regular, $180 for heated.

[pa camper]

It's a 2011 sierra 1500. I found OEM replacements for $185 and slip ons for $50. Just wondered if price difference is worth it. We don't travel far but we travel about every three weeks.

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by pa camper

It's a 2011 sierra 1500. I found OEM replacements for $185 and slip ons for $50. Just wondered if price difference is worth it. We don't travel far but we travel about every three weeks.

I used slip-ons for years ... they are better than nothing but the blurred vision gets to you after awhile. Vibration is not good. If you plan on keeping the TV I would invest in good mirrors. JM2¢, Hank

[pollockd]

i researched this for awhile before I decided on the slip-ons. it was not worth the price difference. I am happy with slip-ons. they do vibrate sometimes. one plus is that you can take them off when not in use, leaving more room to park in garages etc.

[pa camper]

I see you have the same TT as I do. Obviously you can see around your trailer just fine with them. Which kind did you buy?

[pollockd]

cipa mirrors

[Hunter757]

I say buy the telescopic option you will be happier in a long run. I was raised to buy or do it right the first time it might cost more upfront but in a long run you'll be much happier.
On my last F250 I upgraded from the paddle style to the telescopic glad I did, my new F350 came with them so no upgrade needed.
Good luck and happy camping!

[cumminsdad08]

the factory tow mirrors are very nice on the new GM trucks. we have several on our work trucks. not sure on the cost, but would be a direct bolt on with power or heated options. will also help on the resale of the truck in the future.

[2011 keystone]

Originally Posted by SteveC7010

If you drive a Dodge, they have the "flip-out" towing mirrors. They're even available on Ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Ram-Pi...item19c8b62bc3

$130 for regular, $180 for heated.

X2 THIS IS WHAT i PUT ON MY DODGE AND COULD NOT BE HAPPIER

[JRTJH]

Not sure how wide the GM mirrors are in the stowed position. On Ford's F150 trailer tow mirrors, when retracted to their closed position, they are still about 6" wider than the conventional mirrors. For me, that would mean that my truck would not fit through the garage door. That meant I had to use the CIPA removable mirrors. I bought the "custom fit" that slip over the Ford mirror. They work well, my only complaint is that they are not adjustable from inside the truck (no electric adjust) and it takes a bit to readjust with different drivers. So, if you're considering the trailer tow mirrors from GM, make sure that your truck will still fit through the door if you park in the garage....

[cumminsdad08]

Sounds like you need a bigger garage J/K

[86GT2r]

We bought a pair of McKesh mirrors when we got our Passport. Used them on a trip from IL to ND & back with no problems. They work well.
http://www.safetowingstore.com/McKes...rs-p/70007.htm

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by cumminsdad08

Sounds like you need a bigger garage J/K

I agree completely !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tell ya what... Since I'm not nearly brave enough, if you want to come talk to the DW and get her to let me spend the money, I'll build it starting tomorrow <G> Till then, I suppose I'm destined to compromise with smaller mirrors and get to sleep in the same bedroom instead of in my "new garage"

Really, when we retired and moved back to Michigan, we had to compromise with what we already owned here. To say it was a challenge to move out of 3800 SQFT and into 1700 SQFT is no easy task. We've learned to downsize rather than upsize... We'd bought the "cabin" years ago and it was supposed to be a "SUMMER PLACE" not a full time residence, but with the economy, we couldn't sell it, so we decided to keep it and compromise. It's really a nice place on the lake, about 10 acres of woods filled with wildlife,adjacent to about 50,000 acres of state forest. We really love it, but it was built to earlier standards and a "RV capable" 3/4 ton just won't fit in the garage... That's one of the reasons for the F150. Not that I'm complaining, don't think that, but a compromise with mirrors is a small price to pay for living in "paradise" LOL

[charltons]

Originally Posted by hankpage

Knowing what kind of truck you are driving would help us a lot. There may be direct replacement OEM mirrors available. Cipa makes a quality mirror but may be a little pricey.

I just installed a new set of Cipa mirrors on my Dodge. Took me less than 45 minutes and they are full power and heated. Under 400.00 for both mirrors.

[RCrawler]

Originally Posted by cumminsdad08

Sounds like you need a bigger garage J/K

Or park outside...

Jason

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by RCrawler

Or park outside...

Jason

Hmmmmm and just when I thought I'd found someone "brave enough" (or foolish enough) to approach her about spending more money...... GEESH, I guess I'll never get my new garage <G>

[Shelbs]

I had a set of McKesh mirrors and hated them. Sold them on eBay. Got a set of CIPA mirrors, the scratched the paint on the mirrors (even though they have pads inside, they don't hold up).

After the Directv installer dropped a ladder on my truck and broke the driverside mirror, I decided to take the $ from their insurance company and upgrade to these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GMC-SIERRA-2...#ht_5249wt_922

They are awesome! If you look long enough on eBay, you will find mirrors for just about any truck

[jbsmith]

I used a set of McKesh-style mirrors manufactured by Eagle Vision when towing our 24' hybrid behind a small SUV. The mirrors worked great and were stable with little or no vibration. It's all in how you mount them and the configuration of your window track and doors. I ended up buying a new truck/trailer and have the mirrors for sale in the For Sale/Wanted forum.

I tried a variety of suction cup and slip on mirrors. The slip on mirrors started to scratch the paint and didn't provide enough reach for proper field of view. The suction cup mirrors vibrated like crazy and I was afraid they were going to detach at highway speed and mangle the side of my truck. In my opinion, the McKesh/Eagle Vision mirrors are by far the best option unless you plan on replacing the entire mirror assembly.