Mirrors for towing

[Pudentane]

I did a search and didn't find any threads about mirrors. I've searched on the web and there are all kinds of mirrors from $40 to about $400 each. So my question is if you have added side mirrors for towing what do you have and how do you like them? I'm concerned that the mirrors on my 2002 GMC standard cab, shortbed, truck aren't going to give me the visibility I need to tow an 8.5 ft wide trailer.

Recommendations please?

[overlander64]

Greetings Louisa and Jasper!

If my experience is typical, you will need auxilliary mirrors for safe towing. For the past ten years, I have used McKesh Mirrors on my Suburban as well as my '75 Cadillac Eldorado and '65 Dodge Coronet. The mirrors when equipped with the optional convex mirrors on each side are one of my favorite towing additions. The initial purchase price is high, but they last indefinitely, and the manufacturer provides repair and replacement parts even for their mirrors that are decades old (I purchased a pair of 1978 McKesh mirrors for use on my Cadillac and was able to purchase the necessary wear replacement parts <Webbing and Pad Kit> directly from McKesh for a very reasonable amount).

You can find out more about McKesh Mirrors at: http://www.hensleymfg.com/mckeshmirrors.html

Good luck with your research!

Kevin

[davidz71]

I use the CIPA slip-on mirrors pictured below on my '01 2500hd and have been pleased with them. I eventually want to put on the OEM camper mirrors which were options for the '03-'06 CK/Silverado trucks. I'll try to post both sites for pictures.
http://www.cipamirrors.com/CIPACatalog.pdf
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...umber=15904035

The driver's side mirror is part # 15904034.

[Whizzo]

I'll second the previous fine recommendation. We've had four trouble-free years with McKesh Mirrors. Most importantly, they give an enormous field of view - especially with the aforementioned "fisheye" optional convex attachments. We found them a lot more effective and easy to care for than the smaller plastic clip-on styles. Plus, they give a sort of functional look that shows you're a serious tower!

[Duff23]

Great topic for a post! I'm in need for tow mirrors as well and am looking forward to hearing what the forum "experience" has to say.

[bandboss]

I bought a pair of McKesh mirrors even before we took delivery of our AS.
We've never had a speck of trouble. They are rock solid and give an excellent field of view. With a little experimenting, and the optional convex mirrors, we can adjust them and coordinate with the OEM mirrors and end up with an unbroken field of view from just behind the trailer (about one and a half car lengths behind the AS) almost up to the rear doors on our Yukon XL. As a bonus, as long as you keep the straps scrupulously clean, they are very gentle to the finish on your doors. Just be sure to tighten the straps securely to avoid interfering with the operation of your windows.
Although they come a little dear, they will last you through your trailer towing career.

Dan

[bobkelly]

On our 05 GMC Denali, I've added the Silverado truck mirrors noted above by Davidz71. They are 4 inches wider overall than the standard mirrors and they manually telescope out an additional 3 to 4 inches per side. Great mirrors and they are compatible with the wiring of the std mirrors. They fold in manually as tight to the side of the door as the std power folding originals.

In non trailering use, their only disadvantage is the larger planform and the greater width. Not a plus in tight parking situations.

GM parts direct put them on sale occasionally, in the $160/side range. Installation is straight forward.

[SilverToy]

Hello all -

When I got to the point you are at now, needing better/ larger mirrors for towing, I too looked around here a while to get a sense of what worked for others.

Essentially, you have to figure out what your needs are. How often do you tow? How much do you want/ need to see? Naturally, there is also the $ and cents issue.

My situation was that I wanted to be able to see MAXIMUM around my vehicle at ALL TIMES - towing or not. So that meant no clip on style mirrors that so many find very acceptable. I looked into trying to get the factory mirrors as a retrofit, but found that I would have to forgo all the adjustability using the OEM interior buttons.

The solution, while pricey, was to get a set of Schefenecker mirrors. I can assure you that they are WELL worth the money. They offer full use of the OEM interior buttons for adjustability, they have the heated mirror function and they offer a much larger mirror, actually a 2 part mirror, which create an unparalleled view out back. They even look like a factory mirror. I am a happy camper - figuratively & literally!

So, back to the questions that started this thread - Figure out your needs, answer the $'s question, and the solution will likely present itself quite quickly. Best of luck with your search - and be SURE to come back here and let us all know how it worked out for you. Pictures are always appreciated!

Ciao!

Axel
SilverToy

[tetstream]

I have the CIPA clip ons for my 2006 chevy HD. For less than $60 for the pair (at CampingWorld), you get a good view around the trailer. They are stable, don't pop off, stay in adjustment from one install to the next, don't marr the stock mirrors, and (best part is) they come off when I'm done trailering. I don't want big extended mirrors for non airstreaming.

I'd recommend trying a set for awhile, then think about spending the big bucks later.

[TBRich]

We decided to give inexpensive clip-ons from Camping World a try before we launched ourselves into a major expense... despite not being expensive they do a decent job...we added a couple of little convex mirrors to them and we get pretty good visibility... and if they get broken or stolen, it will not break the bank... I was actually quite surprised how well they did for us.

[davidz71]

I might add that I bought my CIPA units off ebay for around $16 so it was even a cheaper investment. I'm still using them 7 years later.

[SteveH]

I have the Cipa slide ons that are designed for my vehicle, an '07 GMC Sierra, and although they are nice, with satisfactory quality, I find them marginal in view for our new (to us) '01 wide body 25'. They were great with the earlier '75 23', however.

[Gunnyusmc]

I use Power Vision out of Pendleton, OR.
Plugs into your wiring and power extends, defrost & turn signals. Bolts into original mirror mounting holes. Also breaks away in BOTH directions.

Gunny

[Pudentane]

Thanks to all of you who responded. It was enormously helpful to have some guidance and feedback. I'm inclined to go with the McKesh because they are affordable, removable and I can probably deal with them alone - not an inconsiderable factor. I will post when I get it all together - and i expect to have a A.S in my yard within the next two weeks - woooo hoo!

[briandg]

Pulled 8000miles with my Mckesh mirrors last year on our Denali and love them.

[TheLuvShack]

McKesh. You'll love them.

[Garfield]

McKesh all the way...and don't forget the convex add-ons too.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Try this store..

GM Mirror Repair.com - Your Source For Power Camper Mirror Repair

[wbrownrr]

McKesh with the convex add-ons.... great field of view... we love 'em!

[Duff23]

I fully understand safety first...and that we're not in a fashion show...yada...yada...yada...but those McKesh mirrors are so darn ugly that I don't think I can bring myself to buy them. The CIPA are affordable and look decent enough, the Schefenecker are really nice but will break the bank, and Camping World has a few different options to ponder.

The way my Argosy is shaping up I've got plenty of time to think about it (i.e. somebody call a plumber!). Thanks for all the opinions.