Towing Mirrors

[Double D]

I am driving from Michigan to Florida to pick up my '04 Bambi Safari in 3 weeks. It will definitely be an adventure for us. I am towing it home with my 2000 Chevy Astro van. I'm having the Reese hitch with WD package, 7 way light thingie, electric brakes and friction sway bar installed here before going down. I asked the folks up here that are doing this work about setting me up with mirrors (they're an RV/Trailer dealer). They recommended some new type of setup that can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle (suction?), rather than "strap-on" types that are more vehicle specific. Does anyone know what this "new" type of mirror is? Should I go with them? Maybe first I should ask if mirrors are really needed...
Thanks in advance for your help!
Also, I see the term, "SOB" dealership used in the threads. What is this?

Darrell

[Condoluminum]

There are several types of Extenders that strap or clamp onto existing mirrors to give you wider view and chance to see what is coming behind trailer, and are worth safety enhancement... Best advice I can offer is try them and see that they are secure, as you will see insecure models littering the highways as they have fallen off and done former owners litle good.. We used long black plastic slipover extensions on Suburban from mid-90's, and had much better view of what was going on behind us, and they were held on with clamp and threaded knob/bolt... THey're going into classifieds if anyone wants a pair, as Excursion has its own built in extenders...

As for SOB dealers, that is polite form of "Some Other Brand" of Trailer or Motorhome, used as shorthand here to describe non-Airstreams... Not really intended to be derogatory...

John McG

[overlander64]

Greetings Darrell!

Welcome to the adventure of Airstream ownership!

Originally Posted by Double D

I am driving from Michigan to Florida to pick up my '04 Bambi Safari in 3 weeks. It will definitely be an adventure for us. I am towing it home with my 2000 Chevy Astro van. I'm having the Reese hitch with WD package, 7 way light thingie, electric brakes and friction sway bar installed here before going down. I asked the folks up here that are doing this work about setting me up with mirrors (they're an RV/Trailer dealer). They recommended some new type of setup that can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle (suction?), rather than "strap-on" types that are more vehicle specific. Does anyone know what this "new" type of mirror is? Should I go with them? Maybe first I should ask if mirrors are really needed...
Thanks in advance for your help!
Also, I see the term, "SOB" dealership used in the threads. What is this?

Darrell

While I can't speak to the latest of the various temporary-mount trailering mirrors; I have had experience with numerous past attempts, and none of the experiences have been good. I finally followed the advice (in 1996) from several veteran Airstream owners and purchased a set of McKesh mirrors -- see:

http://www.hensleymfg.com/mckeshmirrors.html

I was fortunate enough to pick up both sets that I own during the annual flea market at one of the WBCCI International Rallys. Even if I were faced with paying full list price for a new set of these mirrors, I wouldn't hesitate as they provide a clear view particularly when equipped with the convex spot mirrors on each side.

My primary tow vehicle is the '99 Suburban, and I utilize these mirrors when towing either of my coaches. I could probably get by without the McKesh mirrors when towing my Minuet with the Suburban but the extra safety and security provided by their excellent rear view makes them a must have for me.

Good luck with your adventure!

Kevin

[Double D]

Thanks to Condo and Overlander for the info. I'll look into the McKesh units. Thanks for explaining the SOB term! Any tips on towing in the snow? Heaven forbid but I'm hauling into Michigan in February!

[cosmotini]

Originally Posted by Double D

Thanks to Condo and Overlander for the info. I'll look into the McKesh units. Thanks for explaining the SOB term! Any tips on towing in the snow? Heaven forbid but I'm hauling into Michigan in February!

Congratulations on the trailer!

You may want to look into a good set of add-on mudflaps like the Enkay Mud Tamers. If you DO run into bad weather, they will help keep your trailer from getting beaten to death by cinders/salt/etc.

I also would suggest the McKesh mirrors as Kevin has.

Good luck,

Dennis

[AgZep]

I put a set of Schefenacker mirrors on my Silverado. I think they're absolutely fantastic: http://www.ttt-mirror.com

They give you one very large square mirror, and a smaller convex mirror. They extend by about a foot or something when you need them, but can be moved back in close when you aren't towing. You get to keep all the features of your existing mirrors, like remote adjust and mirror heat, and add other features you may want, like running lights and turn signals. Since Schefenacker is an OEM mirror supplier for several car manufacturers, they're built right, and look good.

I installed mine myself, but wouldn't recommend it for those who are afraid of stripping and connecting wires and so forth.

[balrgn]

Congrats for your new toy! Pics of the trip I hope?

[SafeHarbor]

Hi, Darrell,

Congrats on the new Bambi. Advice about towing in snow? My best advice is to thoroughly wash the bottom with warm water to get the salt off it when you get home as it will eat up the belly if you don't.

I picked up my 31' in March last year in Grand Rapids, towed it to Toledo and Cleveland and then back to southeastern GA. We had to borrow the sellers' (great folks) neighbor's Suburban 4x4 to get it out of the barn and up and down his hilly, snowy driveway. I hitched it up in a wide place in the road, thanked the gentleman, and started to drive away without putting on the towing mirrors! I noticed their absence at the next stop sign. Fortunately, Michigan makes wide roads with emergency lanes.

The roads themselves weren't much problem. I just kept it slow and avoided any quick maneuvers and gave myself about five times the normal stopping distance. I did see some of the hot rods that blasted rudely past me sitting in the median on the way to Cinci. I waved and slowly went on along my way.

I can also vouch for the McKesh towing mirrors. I've used the same set from 1993 to 2005, mostly on a V8 Dodge Dakota. They install quickly, mount firmly, and don't vibrate excessively. I don't need them anymore, so whoever wants to come get them can HAVE them. (My new Dodge has these gizmo towing mirrors. Pictures in my gallery...)

Regards,

Lamar

[markjoandall]

McKesh, don't leave home without them. Great mirrors.

Mark

[Double D]

Originally Posted by cosmotini

Congratulations on the trailer!

You may want to look into a good set of add-on mudflaps like the Enkay Mud Tamers. If you DO run into bad weather, they will help keep your trailer from getting beaten to death by cinders/salt/etc.

I also would suggest the McKesh mirrors as Kevin has.

Good luck,

Dennis

Dennis,

Thanks, I think I'll look into a set. Sounds like a great idea-- year round!

DD

[Double D]

Originally Posted by AgZep

I put a set of Schefenacker mirrors on my Silverado. I think they're absolutely fantastic: http://www.ttt-mirror.com

They give you one very large square mirror, and a smaller convex mirror. They extend by about a foot or something when you need them, but can be moved back in close when you aren't towing. You get to keep all the features of your existing mirrors, like remote adjust and mirror heat, and add other features you may want, like running lights and turn signals. Since Schefenacker is an OEM mirror supplier for several car manufacturers, they're built right, and look good.

I installed mine myself, but wouldn't recommend it for those who are afraid of stripping and connecting wires and so forth.

Wow, I checked 'em out. Pretty impressive. Pricey, too! I'll see what's in the budget! Thanks!

[Double D]

Originally Posted by balrgn

Congrats for your new toy! Pics of the trip I hope?

Thanks! Will definitely take lots of pics and post them when we get back!

[Double D]

Originally Posted by SafeHarbor

Hi, Darrell,

Congrats on the new Bambi. Advice about towing in snow? My best advice is to thoroughly wash the bottom with warm water to get the salt off it when you get home as it will eat up the belly if you don't.

I picked up my 31' in March last year in Grand Rapids, towed it to Toledo and Cleveland and then back to southeastern GA. We had to borrow the sellers' (great folks) neighbor's Suburban 4x4 to get it out of the barn and up and down his hilly, snowy driveway. I hitched it up in a wide place in the road, thanked the gentleman, and started to drive away without putting on the towing mirrors! I noticed their absence at the next stop sign. Fortunately, Michigan makes wide roads with emergency lanes.

The roads themselves weren't much problem. I just kept it slow and avoided any quick maneuvers and gave myself about five times the normal stopping distance. I did see some of the hot rods that blasted rudely past me sitting in the median on the way to Cinci. I waved and slowly went on along my way.

I can also vouch for the McKesh towing mirrors. I've used the same set from 1993 to 2005, mostly on a V8 Dodge Dakota. They install quickly, mount firmly, and don't vibrate excessively. I don't need them anymore, so whoever wants to come get them can HAVE them. (My new Dodge has these gizmo towing mirrors. Pictures in my gallery...)

Regards,

Lamar

Hey, Grand Rapids is where we live. Sounds like your trip was without major incident. That's cool.
Thanks for the tips. The weather is very unpredictable here. It was in the upper forties all week and this morniong woke up to 6 inches of snow Hope Mother Nature is not PMSing the week we head up here with our new little baby!
Sounds like the McKesh mirrors are a favorite! Thanks again.

Darrell

[Double D]

Originally Posted by markjoandall

McKesh, don't leave home without them. Great mirrors.

Mark

Thanks, Mark. Looks like McKesh wins!

[SafeHarbor]

Folks, I've been contacted by someone who wants the McKeshs. The offer no longer is valid.

Lamar

[grannyred]

McKesh mirrors for me. Solid mirrors and easy on and off. Currently, there are two sets on ebay.

Ken

[Airstreammam]

McKesh mirrors sound great. I bought a cheap set of mirrors that hook on with a black strap. I lost one mirror on a freeway in Austin that nearly hit a BMW convertible behind me. Gave me a heartattack and that driver one too. I'm looking for new mirrors also. Karolyn

[Condoluminum]

For probably good reasons, California Motor Vehicle code prohibits towing travel trailers when there is snow on highway, and also requires tire chains on any state highway when there is snow on road.. Having grown up sliding up hills on snow tires and cobblestones in Pittsburgh, it seems kind of chicken, but quality of local drivers makes it reasonable...

Slow and steady would be the answer, and check brake controllers, since some require inertia of slowing tow vehicle to activate brakes in trailer... Could be one long slippery snake sliding down the road..

John McG

[Double D]

Originally Posted by Condoluminum

For probably good reasons, California Motor Vehicle code prohibits towing travel trailers when there is snow on highway, and also requires tire chains on any state highway when there is snow on road.. Having grown up sliding up hills on snow tires and cobblestones in Pittsburgh, it seems kind of chicken, but quality of local drivers makes it reasonable...

Slow and steady would be the answer, and check brake controllers, since some require inertia of slowing tow vehicle to activate brakes in trailer... Could be one long slippery snake sliding down the road..

John McG

Thanks, John. We will taker 'er slow, for sure...

Darrell

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by Double D

Thanks, Mark. Looks like McKesh wins!

I had the McKesh mirrors and they were high quality; however, I sold them and replaced them, first with the slip-on extensions and now with TTT mirrors. I would never go back.

Since I trailer mostly alone, I far prefer the electrically adjustable mirrors to the McKesh that required multiple trips in and out of the truck to adjust them every time they were installed or got bumped. I also hated what the clamp did to the rubber weatherstrip at the base of my windows.