itguy08

Just ordered a 2016 Open Range LT272RLS and need to get the truck ready to tow it when it comes in in June.

Bought the F150 used and according to the window sticker the original owner left in the glove box and the Ford site, I have the Max Tow package. Somewhere along the line the previous owner put on the standard mirrors.

So I need some tow mirrors - not sure if I can go with the clip on style or splurge on the direct replacements. The OEM units are out of the question at $1k! The features I like about the ones on there are the heated glass and the dimming glass on the drivers side. Anything out there that can duplicate that for a reasonable price?

Any recommended clip ons?

akmedic77

You could also check with one of our vendors, 1A Auto...

itguy08

Yeah - I'm really liking their set of tow mirrors. Not sure how much I'll miss the auto dimming though.

akmedic77

I have mine (regular mirrors) aimed out far enough that I don't use the auto dim anyway.

KR Kodi

iTrader: (1)

The OEM PowerScope power-folding/power-telescoping mirrors (I think they came out on late 2013 trucks and 2014 ones with factory tow mirrors) DO NOT have auto-dim.


I put a set of the PowerScopes on my 2013, and they are really great!! I don't miss the auto-dim feature at all. When I wired them up, the power-telescoping feature uses the auto-dim terminals in the wire harness connectors.


They also do not have puddle lights. I wired up the side marker lights so one is a marker/running light, and the other comes on like a puddle light would. I also installed AMP power retractable running boards and the lights on them make it so I don't need any other puddle lights from the mirrors.


BTW, a set of new PowerScope mirrors will set you back around $2000 even from forum parts source Tasca ($1700 for a pair of mirrors, and another couple hundred $$$ for wires, switch, bezel, etc.). If you have a late 2013 or 2014 and the previous owner did indeed swap out his mirrors, all the wiring should be there. You'll know it if there's a switch on a bezel on the top of the driver's door panel like you see in the video below.

smokeywren

For your 2011, you can do what I did: order a set of tow mirrors from the Ford accessories catalog. Easy DIY project to install them


They have 3 versions:
1] XL style, pure manual mirrors with including manual telescope. MSRP is $400 and buying price from TousleyFordParts.com is about $310.
http://stores.revolutionparts.com/pa...mirrors-manual


2] XLT style, power glass with turn signals and puddle lights and heated glass with manual telecope and fold. Black caps, no memory. MSRP is $440 and I think I paid about $340 for mine.
http://stores.revolutionparts.com/pa...er-tow-mirrors


3] XLT Plus = same as XLT but with chrome caps and memory. If your stock mirrors have memory, then the memory is plug and play. MSRP is $650 and buying price is abour $501.
http://stores.revolutionparts.com/pa...er-tow-mirrors


Those three kits are from the Accessories.Ford catalog. If you want different features, such as the auto-dimming you mentioned, then you have to order from the parts department, an the price goes way, way up.

itguy08

Thanks guys. Since I've got a 2011 there's no power fold or telescoping buttons although that looks slick from the video!

One other question - I currently have the memory mirrors. Do I have to get memory mirrors or can I just get the regular ones and loose the memory function?

I'm leaning more towards the tow mirrors vs the clip-ons being my first tow and all I figure the better mirrors will be a much better investment.

winchested

Id go with the 1Aauto ones or go on rockauto.com

Its like 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the ford ones and they are identical.

adsbnsf

I just installed a set of the A1Auto Power Folding Tow Mirrors. They do not power telescope, but can be extended out by hand. Ones I got did not have memory on them, but they do offer them with it. If you do not have power folding mirrors they sell the upgrade kit that includes all the wiring, switch, and marker light setup. Since mine is an XLT, I went with the upgrade kit. Look and work really well. I changed out the clear marker lights with the amber style for more of an OEM look.

With memory:
http://www.1aauto.com/2007-14-ford-f...=869962&y=2011

Without memory:
http://www.1aauto.com/2007-14-ford-f...=869960&y=2011

smokeywren

My 2012 Lariat Plus Pkg OEM mirrors had the memory function as well as power fold. But I elected to do without the memory function to save $200, and power fold was not available on 2012 F-150 tow mirrors. I've never had memory mirrors before, so I don't miss them. My "XLT" tow mirrors from the accessories catalog, with power glass, puddle lights, turn signal lights and heated glass but without memory work just fine, but of course memory and the power fold function don't work.