Tow Mirror for 4Runner

[lewisj]

I'm towing a 19' International with a V8 '06 4Runner (picked up the International from our dealer at the beginning of March). I purchased a set of automan temporary mirror extenders from JCWhitney to mount on the OEM mirrors and am not pleased with their stability or the improvement to see the back edge of the trailer.

Has anyone had any luck with any other temporary mirrors options that will improve my visibility for hauling my AS beauty around the countryside.

Thanks

[samb]

I, too, have not found any reasonable mirrors for my 4Runner or my T100. For now, I make sure I also have an unobstructed view through the middle of the trailer by keeping the windows clean and curtains open. If they tried, a motorcycle or an MG midget might be able to hide behind me, but not much else.
I hope someone will post here with "THE" solution.
Sam

[Gene]

I'm sure you've Googled this. McKesh makes an aftermarket mirror some people like better than the ones that add on to the existing mirror. There's a thread somewhere on the Forum about this.

Gene

[Freeheel]

Hi

The CIPA Universal Towing Mirror seems to have some pretty decent consumer reviews.

I looked at it in Can Tire the other day and it looks to have quality construction with a solid mount. I'll probably pick up a set next month to give them a try - assuming winter doesn't still have us in its grips.

[rickandsandi]

We have been using the McKesh Strap on mirrors for years and have been very happy. Tried others and they just blew off. Now four of our friends use them too!

[Road Ruler]

Another vote of approval for the McKesh.

[moosetags]

I had the McKesh for one season. I sold them after I tried the Tow 'N See mirrors from Camping World. I like them much better. They adjust with your OEM mirrors. They are inexpensive ($25.00 each), they are easy on and off, and very durable. I have used them on one of my Suburban for over 20,000 miles, and I have had no problems with them.

Btian

[Gene]

The best mirrors are ones that replace the OEM mirrors, or tow mirrors that came with the vehicle. It appears Toyota did not offer tow mirrors on the 4Runners. Sometimes an aftermarket manufacturer will offer a replacement tow mirror for a vehicle if enough of those vehicles are sold. You'd have to remove the OEM mirror and then bolt on the replacement. That's what I would look for if I were going to do a lot of towing with a 4Runner. Good visibility if very important, especially on busy interstates and for changing lanes. 4Runners are less popular than they used to be because of gas prices, the economy and the competition from the Highlander (a big station wagon not as rugged as a 4Runner in our opinion). So it may be hard to find a tow mirror that works well for it.

I thought McKesh had a mirror that replaces the OEM mirror, but maybe they only have the ones that attach to the OEM mirror. I think the add on mirrors vibrate and aren't easy to adjust, though people seem to have different experiences. Maybe they are comparing different McKesh mirrors. The pictures of the one with the lower support would seem to vibrate less. I'd look long and hard to find the best mirror because the cheap stuff just leads to frustration. But Brian may have found a solution, so I'd check out the CW mirrors too.

Gene

[lewisj]

Based on your guys inputs I researched and then purchased the McKesh mirrors. I've towed the trailer with them once and so far am very pleased. The driver's side mirror is of significantly more help than the passenger side, but I think once I get them adjusted a bit better I will feel far more confident in being able to see what's going on around me.

Thanks for the advice.

[rickandsandi]

Originally Posted by lewisj

Based on your guys inputs I researched and then purchased the McKesh mirrors. I've towed the trailer with them once and so far am very pleased. The driver's side mirror is of significantly more help than the passenger side, but I think once I get them adjusted a bit better I will feel far more confident in being able to see what's going on around me.

Thanks for the advice.

Good choice, I know you will be happy. Yes, setting them up take a bit of getting used to but once I had it I could see every thing every where except when Sandi was standin right behind the AS wondering why I wasn't backing up anymore.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by rickandsandi

Good choice, I know you will be happy. Yes, setting them up take a bit of getting used to but once I had it I could see every thing every where except when Sandi was standin right behind the AS wondering why I wasn't backing up anymore.

Do you stop backing, Rick, when you hit her and feel a slight bump?

My wife has a habit of standing just outside of the area where I can see her in the mirrors, a skill I do have some admiration for.

Gene