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Towing a Travel Trailer with Regular Mirrors?

Tek74

By Tek74
in Troubleshooting & Recalls

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Tek74 Enthusiast

Tek74

Posted
Posted

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 Senior Enthusiast

muddkatt

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

amfr

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

15slvrDbl

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

xelli

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

NitroCherokee

Posted
Posted

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

Tek74 Enthusiast

Tek74

Posted
  • Author
Posted

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 Enthusiast

airman734

Posted
Posted

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.

xray58 Enthusiast

xray58

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

ewbldavis

Posted
Posted

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.

  • 1 month later...
Imcrazy Senior Enthusiast

Imcrazy

Posted
Posted

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.

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