I went through the "let's see you camper being towed" thread and saw a bunch of different ideas on towing mirrors, From guys towing 29 footers with stock non-tow mirrors to add-on mirrors and finally the OEM towing ones.

What do you guys use with your trailer and what are the advantages and disadvantages? I am picking up my new trailer at the end of the month and I have the stock mirrors and wonder what I should do?

 

i'd buy my tow mirrors again...or maybe the option with power fold..

 

I have towed with both.

The site lines are so much better with tow mirrors, even without a large trailer behind you.

Highly recommend especially if you are towing a travel trailer.

 

I just installed tow mirrors yesterday, I took my boat for a short trip today, huge difference. My vote would be tow mirrors.

 

Wouldn't trade my tow mirrors for anything.

 

I had the Factory OEM tow mirrors on my 2010 F150 and elected not to put them on my 2012 F150 for a few reasons.

First, the mirrors are a real pain as they protrude out so far in the retracted position. I could not fit through my credit union's drive through and was within an inch through my other banks drive throughs.

Second, they tend to vibrate out when you let the doors swing open. If you catch them they don't come out as bad.

Third, they do not come with the driver's side self dimming function which was sorely missed.

Fourth, they did not extend out as far as the **** custom tow mirrors I use now. They could not see 'behind' the trailer as my **** Custom Tow Mirrors can.

Fifth, the bottom section convex glass is not powered or heated. Real disappointed as I used that mirror a lot.

2 advantages of the OEM Tow mirror were that it came with down firing entry lights which were nice but not missed. Also the better viewing at all times even when not towing. The 2012 standard mirror has a built in convex mirror that nearly makes up for that. The 2010 didn't have a standard mirror with convex corner glass, so those standard mirrors weren't as good obviously.

Right now, it's more convenient not to have the larger tow mirrors.

 

Love my 2011 OEM "Elephant Ears"

Even when not towing, if you have a Cap or other obstruction in the bed, you will appreciate them.

 

I have the power fold and extend tow mirrors and they are great! Like others have said better sight lines with and without the trailer. It does suck when I have to fold them in in the drivethru but that's why I got the power fold. Wouldn't buy another truck without them.

 

Thanks for the opinions. I, too, am hesitant to get the full tow mirrors for the fact they can be very wide, even retracted.

I found these add-ons and will give them a try as I can take them off and on at will. You can't beat the price and if they don't work out, I can always buy a set of real tow mirrors.

http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Towin...eid=2013300808

 

You can't beat the factory tow mirrors, pulling a trailer its a huge difference over from stock and even just regular driving. I love the ability to see my rear tires and over 2 lanes since theirs no blind spots. Ill never buy a truck again with out tow mirrors.