I tried towing today for the first time with our new to us Suburban. Come to find out, I can't see the side of the trailer with the stock mirrors. I could see down the side about half way with the regular mirrors on my van.
So, my question is, which towing mirrors do you guys use, and which work best? Are the slip-ons from Camping world ok?
I do not like the onces that go on the Fender with straps, I would prefer a slip on or perhaps convertible mirror. that can slide in when not towing etc.
Any advice would be appreciated.
I use CIPA slip-ons that I bought from Camping World. They are tailored for my mirrors and are quite attractive. I think they work great. Very little vibration and, if I take them off and put them on carefully, they hold their settings very well.
Since I seldom use the truck except for towing, I usually just leave them on all of the time.
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John W. Irwin
2005 Classic 28 "Sabre-Dog III"
2004 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison
WBCCI Region 9 Webmaster, #9632
I bought the cheap strap-on ones, and I'm not happy with them. they don't extend far enough to make a difference when driving, and they jiggle around like crazy, no matter how much you try to tighten them. can't look at them on the highway without getting vertigo! I do use them when backing up, though, where every little bit can help. putting my trailer away in the driveway involves a 500 foot backing maneuver, an "s" curve, and to top it off, a steep uphill climb after the second 90 degree turn. every little bit helps, there.
I'm intrigued by the "mckesh" mirrors that I've seen mentioned, but they seem rather spendy, plus, I'm afraid something like that HAS to scratch the paint on the door of the tow vehicle. yes? no?
I have used the McKesh mirrors on my tow vehcile, towing two trailers - a 12 ft Coleman Popup and my 25 ft Safari SS. Have never tried anything else so can't offer a comparison. My comments though for what they are worth:
- easy to put on/take off
- as long as the paint is clean under the pad, there is no marking of the tow vehicle body work (watch out for grit!)
- excellent visibility
- no vibrations
- easily adjustable
I would highly recommend the McKesh mirrors. I give them a “thumbs up” however; they have the strap on the door. I just used them last month when I went to FLA and it was about 1800-2000 mi that I was towing. I never had any problems with them coming loose or with the straps. The straps didn’t make any noise or slap against the door at all. There was some vibration in the mirrors but very little. I was also towing with a one ton Dodge Ram dually. I think that in itself will have a tendency to add vibration. Once you get them adjusted I think you will like them. I also ordered the small round convex mirror and I found that was a great help also.
I've used a slide on mirror in the past for the curb side on a different vehicle and it was such a nuisance that I quit using it. I found I could drive as good without it. I suggest the McKesh, I don't think you will regret it.
Take a look at http://www.kennedydiesel.com/ and look under truck accessories then mirrors. I use the heated Lucerix mirrors but understand the newer Schefenacker have some advantages.
If you call John tell him HowieE said hello
I bought a pair of Mckesh mirrors years ago and ended up selling them. I hated the way they distorted the rubber weatherstrip on my door window and they rubbed on the window, putting too much load on the window motor. A friend tried them with the idea of buying them and sent them back to me for the same reason that I didn't like them. I finally sold them to someone on another forum and it was good riddance.
I didn't find that the McKesh gave me any more useful visibility than the slip-ons. With the Mckesh, I had to remove them when not towing; I just leave the CIPA mirrors on 90% of the time.
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John W. Irwin
2005 Classic 28 "Sabre-Dog III"
2004 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison
WBCCI Region 9 Webmaster, #9632
Uwe, I had the dealer install the "trailer mirrors" on my truck to replace the heated, electric mirrors that came on it. I believe they cost about $350 and you can extend them when you tow and retract them when not. They were well worth the money.
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Jerry Sullivan
'01 Limited
'01 Safari
On The Road, USA
I have the Mckesh Mirrors and I like them so far. I also cannot offer a personal comparison, since these are the first ones I bought. John is right about the squashed black rubber on the Window, but it goes back to it's original shape after a short time. I think they offer great visibility. Al
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I do use them when backing up, though, where every little bit can help. putting my trailer away in the driveway involves a 500 foot backing maneuver, an "s" curve, and to top it off, a steep uphill climb after the second 90 degree turn. every little bit helps, there.
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