GM Tow Mirrors

[tinbender]

Wondered if anyone has installed a set of the optional GM tow mirrors and has any tips to pass along for doing this job. Specifically interested in the part in the factory supplied instructions that refers to having to re-program the mirrors for them to function correctly. My concern there is that the mirrors are shipped folded and will they at least unfold, once plugged in, to be able to use them to drive it in for the reprogram by the dealer?

The vehicle currently has the stock mirrors that fold electrically and have the turn signal indicator in them.

Thanks for any help.

TB

[airstream66]

I have a pair that my brother gave me, for a 2006. They unfold/fold manually(at least mine do). Then they extend with the unfold button for the stock mirrors. Once they are extended they will not come back in unless they have been reprogramed. That's how I have mine pretty much all the time anyways. Those little motors and gears in the mirror aren't the best quality and only go in and out so many times before needing adjusted or replaced.

[16595]

I had a set of aftermarket mirrors installed today that I think should be the "cat's meow". (Although my wife may think the stick out quite a ways (17" when retracted & 21" when extended).

My crowning joy was to measure the outer edges of the mirrors and find that I have a 9 foot span, so I should easily be able to see around the 8' 5.5" trailer. No vibration either side.

Not cheap, but I have spent $200 on junk that hangs on the vehicle and gives poor vision, falls off, etc.

See: www.ttt-mirror.com

Dwight

[SteveH]

I have a set of the CIPA slip-over towing mirrors for my '07 GMC, and they are like my Dad used to say about my stepmother...."better'n nothin".

[Pahaska]

I paid $100 for the reprogramming as advised in the manual and then found that the mirrors I had bought on EBay were manual extend/retract. Even the dealer couldn't figure out why they didn't work until they checked the parts catalog.

Except for wasting $100, I'm just as happy to extend and retract them manually. Less to screw up.

Installation is a snap. I printed instructions I found on the internet for a different manufacturer, but they were an excellent guide in how to get inside the door.

[tinbender]

Follow Up on GM tow mirrors:

As for the reprogramming, after looking around for a GM mechanic who had any knowledge of how the mirrors were supposed to work, I found one who told me that in my case the reprogram was not needed. The mirrors are manual fold/extend. The top part works electrically for adjustment and displays the turn signal, just like it should.

They were easy to install and work great. The directions told you to take apart more inside the door panel than I actually had to. The stock ones did a good job but I can see more with the bigger ones. Takes away the anxiety of what is out there on the right side. The manual fold and extend is fine with me, I have only used the right side extended once. The field of vision is so good without being extended that I don't think about it.

TB