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Mollysdad · 05-22-2020, 11:29 AM

New mirrors are at the top of my to do list.
I currently have a set of CIPA add on mirrors that were okay, until one fell off on the interstate. I replaced it, cheap enough.
I'm thinking of just biting the bullet and adding the extendable mirrors. There's lots of choices, I probably won't spend $500 on the Toyota version, but some of the aftermarket sets report the base does not lie flat once installed. That would drive me crazy....
So has anyone added real tow mirrors to their Tundra, and if so, which ones, and how do they fit?

I'm not interested in another set of strap on/clip on/shove on.

Too tall · 05-22-2020, 11:53 AM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

After sitting in a Tundra that had factory towing mirrors it was apparent that they created a blind spot. Grant that my stature may have something to do with it yet there it is.

The above linked mirrors are terrific. I have them mounted under the mirrors opposite the picture. Easy on, easy off...Burmashave.

TG Twinkie · 05-22-2020, 12:51 PM

I have genuine Toyota tow mirrors. Installed them myself.
I have not seen a blind spot.

coltnkat · 05-22-2020, 01:19 PM

I've got this set on my 2015. Not sure if the difference between $300 and $500 is meaningful to you or not. A lot of folks will just say: go OEM. With that said, these fit snugly, look good, and get the job done. I have heard some complain about rattle at highway speed, but I haven't had an issue.

RJJ · 05-23-2020, 10:45 AM

I'd like OEMs, too, but last I looked, with the ones available, I'd lose the BSM on the stock mirrors that came with my 2018 Tundra. 🤨 If that problem has been fixed, I might take the plunge... 😏

Mollysdad · 05-23-2020, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coltnkat

I've got this set on my 2015. Not sure if the difference between $300 and $500 is meaningful to you or not.

The difference between $300 and $500 is meaningful IF the mirrors were the same and the dealer just added $200!
I looked at a set that was $200 and the Trail Ridge is $320.
They "look" identical, but I want them solid, no rust (on small parts) and a clean fit on the door.

Mollysdad · 05-23-2020, 11:23 AM

Strangely, the Trail Ridge mirrors from your supplier are $20 More if it does NOT have blind spot monitoring. Go figure! Both beat Amazon!

**azflycaster** · 05-23-2020, 12:23 PM

My Tundra came with towing mirrors as did my previous Tundra. If there is a blind spot, I have not seen it.

Pimms · 05-23-2020, 12:36 PM

Although we haven’t towed extensively, I’ve found the stock mirrors on our 2019 Tundra to be adequate. I had initially wanted the new truck to be equipped with factory tow mirrors, but was told I would have to give up the blind spot indicator, which is tremendously helpful with the non-towing mirrors.

aftermath · 05-23-2020, 01:26 PM

I have a 2017 Tundra with the OEM towing mirrors. I don't believe that the Tundras had BSM systems then. If they do today, are you saying that OEM Toyota tow mirrors would not have the BSM available? I certainly understand that an after marked part might not, but original Toyota part wouldn't?

I am not a purist and would most likely look at the parts shown in this thread. I believe that they are plastic so I don't see where the worry about things rusting comes in. And, my mirrors don't have blind spots. I really like the lower fisheye mirror. I can see who is next to me before I change lanes. I really like mine.

Mollysdad · 05-23-2020, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pimms

was told I would have to give up the blind spot indicator, which is tremendously helpful with the non-towing mirrors.

IF your Tundra came with blind spot monitoring, and you select a mirror with that capability, it will work. It's all in the wiring harness.
There's also a "puddle light" which illuminates the area by the door.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aftermath

I believe that they are plastic so I don't see where the worry about things rusting comes in.

The shell is plastic, but the internal screws and fasteners are steel. Some reviewers complained.

Iansk · 05-23-2020, 08:40 PM

The Ridge(whatever’s) look interesting but also look like they stick out farther than stock when closed?

Personally, I can’t stand BSM on vehicles, I feel it’s a distraction and yet another thing to rely on. I love my back up camera but I’ve become a horrible backer upper when in a vehicle that doesn’t have it.

To those who say they haven’t seen a blind spot... how could you? It’s a “blind” spot after all... (couldn’t help myself ��).

Ian

pickupjason · 05-23-2020, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Too tall

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

After sitting in a Tundra that had factory towing mirrors it was apparent that they created a blind spot. Grant that my stature may have something to do with it yet there it is.

The above linked mirrors are terrific. I have them mounted under the mirrors opposite the picture. Easy on, easy off...Burmashave.

I have no experience with factory tow mirrors but I am using the same dometic towing mirror(also mounted under the mirrors). It serves the purpose very well.

Pimms · 05-24-2020, 01:54 AM

[QUOTE=aftermath;2362956]I have a 2017 Tundra with the OEM towing mirrors. I don't believe that the Tundras had BSM systems then. If they do today, are you saying that OEM Toyota tow mirrors would not have the BSM available? I certainly understand that an after marked part might not, but original Toyota part wouldn't?.[/QUOTE

For 2019 models that was the case. BSM only on non-towing mirrors, which is very necessary as they do have a noticeable blind spot, but still okay for towing, IMHO,, but I understand the OP wants towing mirrors, and maybe the blind spot goes away with them, so no need for the BSM.

greghoro · 05-24-2020, 11:57 AM

Maybe I missed it but I did not see the year of Tundra that Mollysdad is trying to fit to. There may be a difference after the 2014 body refresh.

That said, I did a lot of research in 2015 on fitting OEM Tundra tow mirrors to my 2012 Sequoia, which I found were a direct replacement even though Sequoia never offered a tow mirror option.

At that time (2015), there were four different options that Toyota made available for the tow mirrors:
- Manual fold, Heated, Turn Signal, Power Adjust top portion
- Power fold, Heated, Turn Signal, Power Adjust top portion
- Power fold, Heated, Turn Signal, Power Adjust top portion, Auto dimming
- Power fold, Heated, Turn Signal, Power Adjust top portion, Memory

I can't speak of the blind spot option, as that was not available when I was doing research.

Note, I believe that your current mirrors must have the option to be able to use the options on the tow mirrors you replace. So if you don't have Auto Dimming, you most likely will not find that function working if you purchase tow mirrors that do have that option.

They did take some getting used to but I feel quite comfortable using them, both with and without the trailer.

Hope this helps.

Greg

UnklJoe · 05-24-2020, 12:44 PM

I bought the non-OEM mirrors from 1A/AUTO and installed them very quickly on my 2015 Toyota Tundra Platinum. They looked great.

The problem was that all of the features of my stock mirrors--including the electric folding feature--did not work on the new mirrors. I called the very helpful and informative people at 1A/AUTO and was told that the non-OEM mirrors electrical connectors were not made or guaranteed to be exact replacements for stock Toyota mirrors.... and that continuing to leave them on my truck and use them could cause serious damage to the truck's electrical system or the new mirrors--which couldn't be returned if that happened. Imagine my surprise! (If I recall correctly, there were two models of mirrors and I even opted for the more expensive ones (only about $15 if I recall correctly; my choice was influenced by the reviews).

They offered me a Return Authorization (I can't recall exactly, but I don't think it included a re-stocking fee)--but I had to pay for shipping, which cost $75.00!!! A very expensive lesson in buying auto parts without speaking to a human. (I've since talked with a Toyota service technician who told me that even in the same model year on the same vehicle the mirrors can be wired differently.)

I eventually traded the truck in (I LOVED that truck but it wasn't right for my travel trailer and the part of the USA where we mostly travel and glamp). If Toyota ever comes out with a diesel-engined Tundra I'm going to claw my way to the front of the line.

Mollysdad · 05-27-2020, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iansk

The Ridge(whatever’s) look interesting but also look like they stick out farther than stock when closed?

They do! All the replacement extendables do.

Quote:

To those who say they haven’t seen a blind spot... how could you? It’s a “blind” spot after all... (couldn’t help myself ��).

Why I aughta

Quote:

Originally Posted by greghoro

Maybe I missed it but I did not see the year of Tundra that Mollysdad is trying to fit to.
That said, I did a lot of research in 2015 on fitting OEM Tundra tow mirrors to my 2012 Sequoia, which I found were a direct replacement even though Sequoia never offered a tow mirror option.

2015, yes, thanks.
Currently, I do not have BSM, or even the markers on the side. Plain Jane OEM mirrors. But I understand the wiring harness is the same up to a point, so I may get the marker lights, but not the BSM, puddle lights, or power fold.

Mollysdad · 05-27-2020, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnklJoe

(I've since talked with a Toyota service technician who told me that even in the same model year on the same vehicle the mirrors can be wired differently.)

As far as I can tell from watching YouTube videos, the Tundra has a white Molex plug that carries the heat, power adjust, and marker lights. If you have BSM, power fold, or puddle lights, that's an additional harness.
Obviously, one harness has much more in use than the other, but I don't see where plugging it in to an empty socket causes a fire???

I don't plan to rewire anything, but the wiring diagram is easily found on Google.

Mollysdad · 05-27-2020, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iansk

The Ridge(whatever’s) look interesting but also look like they stick out farther than stock when closed?

They do!

Quote:

To those who say they haven’t seen a blind spot... how could you? It’s a “blind” spot after all... (couldn’t help myself ��).

Why I aughta

avonroemer · 05-31-2020, 12:27 PM

When I bought my 14 Tundra Limited I was told by the dealer that I could not purchase the tow mirrors separately. I found a pair on Amazon for $263 from Tyger Industries and they work great. When hooked up I had heat and turn signals, more than the little stock mirrors. They are manual extend but electric adjustment for the big upper glass.
There seem to be several on Amazon and they are cheaper now for some reason.
I would not tow without them. The stock mirrors do not give any view down the side of the trailer. My 23D is only 8 feet wide so the view is better than a wider unit, but these mirrors are great. Clip on or strap on mirror extensions are no where near as good.