Jump to content

Tow Mirrors: "factory Vs Custom Clip/slide On"

Blue2500CC

Recommended Posts

Blue2500CC Enthusiast

Blue2500CC

Posted
Posted

I am going back & forth between buying a set of the tow mirrors from "Blackout's store" (I know it isn't "HIS" store, just the store he bought his set at! Thanks for the link!) or a set of the Cipa custom clip/slide on style models

 

Is one better than the other (besides price! Lol) in the terms of less vibration (or any other features), or are they about the same? I have used a set of the universal "strap/clip on" mirrors that attach with rubber straps, and they had some vibration at times.

 

Now if I go with the factory style mirrors, the plug is the same for the '07-'09 and the '10, correct? I only ask since when you specify a 2007-2009 they have a model WITHOUT turn signals, but if you specify 2010, they only show the model WITH turn signals. I have never had in-mirror signals, so I won't be missing them, YET! Lol Is it worth the $70. more for signal mirrors?

 

Also, is having a flat glass better/worse than the convex glass? It's been a LONG time since I drove a vehicle without a convex passenger mirror?

 

TY!

Chris

 

ps: I know there is a lot of towing mirror threads, just haven't found any comparing vactory style vs the custom clip on.

Mazer18 Enthusiast

Mazer18

Posted
Posted

I have seen a few "clip on" style mirrors around town, on older model trucks (2000-2006), and I don't really care much for the way they look personally. I added a set of "factory" tow mirrors to my truck back in June and I'm happy with them. They do get a slight vibration at highway speeds but not too bad.

 

I would say that the factory mirrors are "better" because for one, the mirror surface is much bigger, vertically, allowing you to see so much more than I imagine you'd be able to see with the clip on style. Second, because there are two mirrors. The big one that allows you to see behind you and a lower mirror that you can angle down toward your tires or wherever you like.

 

I can't help you with the year/turn signal question because mine are manual, powerless mirrors. It was a simple install for me and only took maybe a half hour and I was taking it slow. Just remove three bolts and tighten them back down is basically the procedure.

 

DO make sure you buy from "Blackout's" store, discountautomirrors.com. I made the mistake of buying OEM one's from GMPartsDirect and payed $210 for them before shipping! They are $170 at the link.

 

T4.jpg

Irv Enthusiast

Irv

Posted
Posted

Been contemplating the clip on mirrors myself, I had the slide on mirrors on my 97 and didn't like them mainly due to the scratches I got.

 

I am glad to see they now have a clip on mirror, I am sure I am going to like them a lot more?

 

My 09 came with turn signals plus they are heated so there is no option going to an extendable mirror without loosing 1 or both of those options.

 

What's everyone's, who uses them, take on these clip on mirrors, are they any good?

 

I will only occassionally be towing a 8' wide snowmobile trailer.

http://www.aztrucks.com/product.asp?Product=167

pwall Senior Enthusiast

pwall

Posted
Posted

I've many styles of clip-on mirrors over the years, and in my opinion, nothing close to the factory tow mirrors.

I would never go back.

Irv Enthusiast

Irv

Posted
Posted
I use the Cipa clip on style, and really like them. They fit like a glove :)

 

100_2681.jpg

Good to know :D

What kind/brand are you using?

 

I've many styles of clip-on mirrors over the years, and in my opinion, nothing close to the factory tow mirrors.

I would never go back.

Like stated above, I don't have that option if I want to retain my turn signal and heated mirror options, plus I only tow occassionally in the winter, provide we get snow?

pwall Senior Enthusiast

pwall

Posted
Posted

Mine have the turn signals, are power adjustable, and I'm quite sure they're heated as well. Manual folding/extending though.

mc7719 Enthusiast

mc7719

Posted
Posted
My 09 came with turn signals plus they are heated so there is no option going to an extendable mirror without loosing 1 or both of those options.

 

 

The GM/OEM extendable tow mirrors for 07-10, have the signals arrows, power adjust and are heated. :) I have 'em!

 

RPO code 'DPN'

mc7719 Enthusiast

mc7719

Posted
Posted
This is exactly what I have. They work really nice.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GMC-SIERRA-...=item23043fa799

 

Those are actually quite slick.... AND you'd be able to keep the power-fold and memory option on the DL3 mirrors.... (The DPN mirrors do not have power fold or memory, I lost both of these features with the OEM tow mirrors)

 

I almost would have rather gone with those... at least I didn't pay extra for the DPNs.

Would they fit over the colored cap on the mirrors? (I ask this, because I still HAVE the DL3 mirrors they took off... and may consider switching back in the future...)

Stevens03 Senior Enthusiast

Stevens03

Posted
Posted
This is exactly what I have. They work really nice.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GMC-SIERRA-...=item23043fa799

 

Those are actually quite slick.... AND you'd be able to keep the power-fold and memory option on the DL3 mirrors.... (The DPN mirrors do not have power fold or memory, I lost both of these features with the OEM tow mirrors)

 

I almost would have rather gone with those... at least I didn't pay extra for the DPNs.

Would they fit over the colored cap on the mirrors? (I ask this, because I still HAVE the DL3 mirrors they took off... and may consider switching back in the future...)

 

 

 

Yes, they fit over the colored caps :) I have them. And the power fold works great too.

oldmann Senior Enthusiast

oldmann

Posted
Posted

I like my slide on CIPAs. I added some more foam tape to the inside because I have painted mirror caps. Love em!! I only to 5 times a year under 100 miles.

ajcain79 Enthusiast

ajcain79

Posted
Posted

I use the CIPA slip on style. $70 vs $400 for the OEM. I'm happy with my slip ons and the extra $330 in my pocket.

Blue2500CC Enthusiast

Blue2500CC

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Stevens,

 

Thank you for the link & feedback of your mirrors! Those are pretty slick looking! Do you think you may have issues with how they attach when they get older (plastic becoming brittle)? Or won't you have your truck that long?

 

NBS & MAXx,

 

Thank you for the feedback on the CIPA's!

 

USMC, PW & MC,

 

Thank you for your feedback on the factory style set!

 

I have until Spring to make a decision. If I go with the factory style mirrors, I will get a set of the Kool Vues, about $200/pair, or $270/pair w/ turn signals, compared to $400 or so for the OEMs.

 

Chris

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...