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fairchance · 11-09-2011, 05:26 AM

Going to pick up my first Airstream ( first large camper also) Saturday. A 2003 28ft Classic. Towing with a 2011 Ram 1500 that doesn't have tow mirrors. Will the standard mirrors be OK or will I need to add extensions? If so, what's the best ones available?
thanks!

gtc6452 · 11-09-2011, 05:30 AM

if you want something easy. I use mirror extensions made by Camco. I got mine at camping world but they have them at wal mart. very easy to put on and take off. They stay on very well. I like them.

zigzagguzzi · 11-09-2011, 05:36 AM

I use the cipa extensions that slide over the stock Dodge mirrors. They vibrate a lot but do give me a much better view to the rear. These and spot mirrors combined eliminate blind spots. I do not remember the part number for the mirrors. jim

Gringo · 11-09-2011, 05:37 AM

You might want to check the regulations/laws on towing where you live, too. I've seen posts here where people have mentioned the specs on how far behind the trailer you need to be able to see a vehicle behind you, with mirrors out far enough to meet that requirement.

By the way, you probably already know this but if you open up the curtains in the ends of the trailer you can see right through the middle of it, too.

dznf0g · 11-09-2011, 05:40 AM

Over the years, I've used every kind known to man, but these I like the best of any. Cost more, but you'll only need to buy once. Very nice mirrors and quality, simple universal mounting.

https://www.makariosrv.com/products/...-Products.html

Edit: I had CIPAs, the nylon starp on ones, and they cracked at the feet after 1 year. They also slipped down a lot, especially when rain soaked the straps.

zigzagguzzi · 11-09-2011, 05:42 AM

The cipa mirrors allow just enough rear vision to be legal as far as I know. As long as I have towed, I never tried keeping the curtains open to see out the back. I learned something already today and it is early. Thanks Gringo... jim

Gringo · 11-09-2011, 06:16 AM

I just figured that out on our first trip, actually. The side mirrors on the F-250 we rented slid out a few inches further, but it still didn't seem nearly far enough. Opening the curtains made huge difference. It took a little practice to see through the smoked plastic on ours in bright daylight, but once I got the hang of it I could see cars and trucks even tucked up right behind the trailer. you learn where to look. It's way easy at night, of course, with their headlights on.

Guess in older trailers before the smoked plastic, it would be a snap. Probably cover you legally, too. The stuff on top of a police car would really shine, yuk yuk...

TBRich · 11-09-2011, 02:17 PM

I highly recommend McKesh Mirrors...they are the best...we can see behind our rig while towing...what a concept! We love ours...easy on, easy off... McKesh Mirrors | Hensley Hitch Towable Products

wbrownrr · 11-09-2011, 02:25 PM

We use McKesh also, with the optional spot mirrors. Excellent visibility and excellent quality.

SteveH · 11-09-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairchance

Going to pick up my first Airstream ( first large camper also) Saturday. A 2003 28ft Classic. Towing with a 2011 Ram 1500 that doesn't have tow mirrors. Will the standard mirrors be OK or will I need to add extensions? If so, what's the best ones available?
thanks!

A while back I was talking to a Dodge dealer about a 1500 truck, and they told me they could install the large towing mirrors on the 1500 truck that come with the 2500, 3/4 ton truck.

Not saying I've used them all, but over the years I've used lots of slip-on, clamp-on type extension mirrors, and I've not found any yet that I was satisfied with.

Gringo · 11-09-2011, 03:41 PM

Does anyone make a replacement, bolt on mirrors for the F-250? I'm not too keen on temporary or strap on's either.

Airtandem · 11-09-2011, 03:50 PM

check out the mirrors on the truck; I just got an 11dodge with the tow pkg. the mirrors on the truck swivel to become tow mirrors. the mirrors are divided in that there is a small section and a large and when rotated the large part is o top. the roration also extends the mirrors out about 6 inches.
haven't towed yet, but they look impressive.

Kamiak · 11-09-2011, 05:30 PM

If you already have power mirrors on your truck, and you’re interest in a more permanent, albeit expensive approach, I recommend powermirrors.com. My Yukon came with them, but Powervision has large, factory-fit, powered, extendable mirror that work on Dodge products as well. They may have something that is a direct replacement for your truck mirrors. Simply press the button, and they extend, adjust, and retract.