The **** Custom tow mirrors scratched the back of the mirror so I replaced them with Ksource mirrors. Yet to try them while towing but very good reports from others though.

 

BTW, when using my **** Custom Mirrors, I could see behind the trailer better than with the Factory OEM mirrors that I had on my previous 2010 F150. The Factory OEM mirrors use to telescope themselves out from opening the door. They weren't tight and I really missed the self dimming function of the regular side mirror I had before replacing it with the Factory Tow Mirror.

That's why I went with the **** but found scratches all over the back of the mirror from sliding them on. The Ksource mirrors offer the same glass size and extension so they should work just as good without the scratches.

Thankfully, I was able to smooth out the scratches enough, that they shouldn't be noticeable.

 

Lots of great information. Thanks.

 

I like your camper pics. Especially this one.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/121386...57632177774293

Do you miss not having a slide?

 

I noticed a very slight scratch the first time I used mine, so since then I make sure the mirrors are clean and treat them with a little ArmorAll before sliding them on, and no more scratches.

 

Pulling a 7x16 I just use the regular mirrors. But I do have the **** slide on extension mirrors for any bigger trailers when needed. I found if you spray some plastic dip in the *****, it will stop the scratches. Also just wipe down the trucks mirror housing to. Never tried the Armor All, I will next time also.

 

No, not if the trailer is wider and taller than the tailgate of the truck. Safety should be your first requirement, and the Ford towing mirrors are simply safer for towing a TT or enclosed cargo trailer than the stock mirrors. Some claim they "get by" with the regular mirrors when towing a TT or cargo trailer, but they would be much safer with the tow mirrors.


My Ford tow mirrors from the Ford accessories catalog are the ones for the XLT trim level. I wasn't willing to pay extra for memory, and power folding tow mirrors were not available back in 2012. Mine are heated with turn signals, puddle lights, manual folding and manual telescoping. When not towing I manually telescope them in so they are almost normal side mirrors. $440 list price for the pair, and my dealer gave me a good discount to they cost me less than $400 out the door.
http://accessories.ford.com/exterior...ror-10319.html


Instructions state they are dealer install only, but any idiot can install them in about 15 minutes per side.

For 2015 F-150s with Lariat or higher-level trim, PowerScope tow mirrors are a stand-alone option. These have heated glass, turn signals, puddle lights, power telescoping and power folding, as well as memory. You won't have any excuse not to put the pickup in the garage. But yeah, when extended in the towing position, they are similar to the elephant ears on my '99.5 F-250.

 

I used armor all on both the inside of the mirrors and the outside of the truck mirrors. The wet look just hid the scratches that were happening. Plus armor all catches the dust and dirt, and creates even more scratches.

I used to wash the tow mirrors inside and out, and the exterior of the truck mirrors, YET new scratches were always appearing from dirt and dust getting inside and scratching them when taking them off.

The wrap on Ksource mirrors should be much better in preventing scratches.

 

Thanks, that pic was the old 2010 F150 at the dump station. At the time, didn't have a pic of the entire rig so I snapped it real quick.

The slide models were about 1000 lbs heavier, which would had exceeded my GVWR when loaded with my family and very light gear. Plus the superslides only came with a short 5' sofa, while mine is 6'.

The slide model I did consider was a Jay Flight 28BHS but it didn't have any more room inside except for a larger kitchen. I didn't like the sofa placement as it was across from the dinette, crowding the area when everyone would be sitting. I like my sofa away from the dinette where we aren't right on top of one another when sitting. But the 28BHS did have a 6' sofa since it was only a sofa slide.

I should mention that we previously had a 2008 Jay Flight 19BH, which is nearly the same floorplan as the 2012 Jay Flight 26BH, without a front bedroom. We loved that floorplan as the sofa made it's own living room area away from the dinette and was straight in line with the entertainment so no neck turning to watch TV.

The 19BH had a lot of storage and comfortable sleeping area. We had a tornado in our area, didn't hit us but left a lot of hail damage everywhere. The camper had slight cosmetic hail damage but the insurance was going to cut us a check to repair it. We had an addition to our family which it made more sense to upsize than replace siding that was barely damaged. Since we loved the 19BH, the 26BH was the next step leaving our double bed in the corner, under the bunk, for one of the kids, and us upgrading to a queen bed in front. Plus we got all the extra storage in the queen bedroom along with some more kitchen cabinets as the Jay Flight line was upgraded when the Jay Flight G2 luxury line was cancelled.

We looked at the some superslide floorplans but really liked our layout better even if it didn't provide as much 'walking room'.

 

I just removed my regular factory mirrors and went to the tow mirrors and I love them!! I can see so much more, and IMO they make the truck look better.