pjazz

Hi guys,

I'm going to be picking up a cargo trailer in a couple of weeks. I haven't towed many trailers especially with the truck I have now. Since I don't have tow mirrors currently. I'm wondering can I get away with the standard mirrors for now. I would also like an opinion on hitch locks. I was looking at some pricey ones between $250-$300. Are they worth the money?

Here's a link to the trailer I'm getting.
https://www.maxxcargo.com/2019-spartan-8-CS1g.html

Thanks,
Larry

mikeinatlanta

I needed but did without tow mirrors for 18 years on my last truck. Sure glad I have them now.

flyflotr

If you are going to tow more than a few times, get the mirrors. Amazon has a large variety of tow mirrors starting with clip ons for under $30. I use a locking pin like this one
It would take considerable effort to cut through it.

pjazz

Thanks for the replies. I meant the lock that covers the trailer hitch.

TellyDSP

Master Lock sells a kit that has keyed-alike locks for the whole trailer setup. Looks like they've changed the design since I bought mine, but same concept. Has locks for the trailer tongue and hitch shank on a neat little kit.

Flamingtaco

That trailer is 2 inches wider than your truck on both sides, but 6.5 inches narrower than your mirrors on both sides. You will have no issues using the standard mirrors with the trailer as you will still be able to see into the lane behind the trailer a bit. Tow mirrors will give you a better view, but I wouldn't consider the standard mirrors to be a hindrance with this trailer.

13XLTEco

What TellyDSP said about the locks. I have had same for years and a lil graphite dust goes a long way with em. Mine came in a canvas zip bag with hitch pin lock, coupler pin lock, tongue insert locking mechanism. I use em weekly.

Steven Gilland

I would heavily suggest tow mirrors with that particular trailer. It'll be slightly unsafe to change lanes on the passenger side, as you won't be able to see more than 5 or so feet past the front of the trailer into the other lane. Quickly approaching cars in the lane to your right may be out of your field of view. I just purchased a Toyhauler, after the first haul home I immediately ordered the Ebay 8 Pin mirrors from Syppo. I had this brand mirror on my 2007 Ram some years ago and loved them. Yes, the main lense is not quite as stable as the OEM glass, but it doesn't bother me. Mirrors look great, do their job and function properly.

Hitch locks are subjective. If someone wants your trailer bad enough, anything is susceptible to a grinder and about 5 minutes of their time. I went with a $50 amazon ball insert lock just to have one level of protection, but where there's a will, there's a way.

Flamingtaco

If you can't see more than 5ft in front of the trailer, your mirrors are adjusted too far in. You should have to lean towards both mirrors a good bit before seeing the side of the truck. Adjusted out, you'll have a solid view of the lanes beside you, and the convex mirror will cover to about half way the length of the truck.

djennings

I found some **** slip on mirrors at an RV dealer that really helped me see around my car hauler. It's the same width as yours, just 24' long. I take them off when I park the trailer but they are a big help when towing. I invested in the Proven Industries coupler lock and a set of their puck locks for my ramp door. It was cheap insurance for the times when I have the trailer loaded and parked at the house or when I take it somewhere and leave it in a lot for a short time. You can also get all the PI locks keyed alike when you order which is nice as I have cabinet locks, an RV door and an escape door which all have unique keys. Almost all the sub $40 locks can be defeated very easily as evidenced by various YouTube videos. The PI lock will take someone a while to get through and then they'd pretty much have to pick the lock while on their back.