Towing a Travel Trailer with Regular Mirrors?

Tek74 · March 28, 2016

Yes, I completely understand that larger tow mirrors stick out farther to allow the driver to better see the travel trailer that you are towing.

I'm just curious if anyone has ever tried towing a travel trailer with regular mirrors? Is it just "harder" to see the trailer, or is it "impossible" to see the trailer?

I'm just asking because I have regular mirrors and was contemplating renting a 20' trailer in the near future for a camping trip to see if I like using one enough to buy one.

muddkatt · March 28, 2016

I have towed a 30ft travel trailer with the standard mirrors on my 2001 Sierra 1500. I could see the trailer just fine, I could not see down the side of it. I bought a set of trailer mirrors that slip over the truck mirror. They just add a second mirror that is about 6 inch further out, you still have full view of the factory mirror and can adjust it separately. Hell, I liked the tow mirrors so much that I left them on the truck. I sold that TT about 11 years ago and still have the mirrors on the truck.

My advice is to buy a set of the mirrors. Here is a link of some that fits our 2015's:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-2015-2016-SILVERADO-SIERRA-CLIP-SNAP-ON-TOWING-SIDE-MIRROR-EXTENSION-/171559935117?hash=item27f1c4dc8d:g:ZCMAAOSwj0NUjQPY&vxp=mtr

amfr · March 28, 2016

I tow a deck boat and it's wider than my truck so I like the fact my tow mirros see around the boat and behind the boat. Keeps an eye on my wheels also so I stay in lane as well as turning making sure I don't hit any curbs. It's about safety. Some states require tow mirrors. Depending on how wide of a trailer you get determines how much you can see around and behind

sent from Florida beech

15slvrDbl · March 28, 2016

I did one 30 min tow with our 27'TT. Could not see anything but the trailer. Could not tell if I could change lanes, if I was getting pulled over nothing. It was horrible esp since my last truck had them. The dealer wanted no part of putting them on for me before the purchase. I bought aftermarket for about $200 and called it good. If you are doing a one time tow I would not spend the $ a set to bolt on. Here in MI you can also be ticketed for improper equipment for not having mirrors that you can see behind.

xelli · March 28, 2016

I'm just asking because I have regular mirrors and was contemplating renting a 20' trailer in the near future for a camping trip to see if I like using one enough to buy one.

I would urge you to make your trailering experience as pleasurable and stress free as possible. Check with your trailer rental location to see if they offer temporary trailer mirrors for rent.

Here in MI you can also be ticketed for improper equipment for not having mirrors that you can see behind.

Many (most?) other parts of the US as well.

NitroCherokee · March 28, 2016

I started out with the regular mirror's towing my 33' TT, I towed it about 11 miles to the RV dealer and bought a set of mirror extensions. I did not like not being able to see behind me at all. My new truck I ordered actual tow mirrors as soon as I got home from the dealer

Retired Bob · March 28, 2016

Walmart also sells the same mirror as ebay (above) for about 1/2 the cost:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Fit-System-Snap-Zap-Clip-on-Towing-Mirror-Pair/46832221

all made by the same company.

Tek74 · March 29, 2016

I didn't know that they made extenders that attach to the regular mirrors. That's definitely the route I would want to go, as I don't like the look of full size tow mirrors.

airman734 · March 29, 2016

I used the extenders that they sell at e-trailer for one camping season. They worked well, I just wanted a bigger view and power adjustment so I had my dealer install the tow mirror upgrade my truck this year.

If you want the extenders, PM me. They are just sitting in my garage. I'm sure we can work something out.

Smoothbassman · March 30, 2016

Walmart also sells the same mirror as ebay (above) for about 1/2 the cost:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Fit-System-Snap-Zap-Clip-on-Towing-Mirror-Pair/46832221

all made by the same company.

Thanks for the link. Saved a bunch on mirrors.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

xray58 · April 2, 2016

I bought these a few weeks for my 2016 High Country. They worked perfect. I was skeptical but read the reviews and they were right.

Sorry, here is the link. http://www.amazon.com/CIPA-10950-Chevrolet-Custom-Towing/dp/B00T36HLYU/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1459555807&vehicle=2016-47-491-523--53-6--19471--8-1-5052--1-0&sr=1-1&ymm=2016%3Achevrolet%3Asilverado+1500&keywords=towing+mirror+silverado

ewbldavis · April 3, 2016

I've towed with regular mirrors and strap-ons. If you are renting a unit occasionally, you'd be OK.

If you buy one, hit up ebay or someplace and get the jogger-smackers. I added them to my Sierra and LOVE the visibility - towing or solo.

They are everything and more when towing. Much nicer not having to store towing mirrors, too.

Smoothbassman · May 7, 2016

Here are the mirrors. They work great!!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

Retired Bob · May 8, 2016

Are these the same CIPA towing mirrors mentioned above, but $10 less than eBay - and can be returned to any Walmart store if necessary:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/CIPA-Custom-Towing-Mirrors-Chevy-GMC-Cadillac/17805945

EDIT: These are not the model number 10950 and it does not appear as Walmart has the 10950 model.

Imcrazy · May 8, 2016

At least get the snap on ones but, If I was going to trailer much, I'd want the trailer mirrors on my truck.. They do look kinda goofy on a 1500 for some reason though.