2014-2017: DL8, DL3, Towing Mirror Upgrade – Mirrors Explained

[linda]

Awesome thread and great info here for those of us trying to do this retrofit. Like many others I am one of the GMT900 truck owners (2007.5 - 2014) trying to join the folding tow mirror club. Since A1Auto has released the TR00133 mirrors, we now have that option. See my thread HERE for more details.

 

I am considering 3 possibilities right now.

 

1. Stock approach with all stock hardware and factory look with the A1 mirrors. May require some programming for the power fold switches and BCM but maybe not....still not sure.

2. Custom setup with the A1 mirrors and a switch in the overhead console to operate the power fold feature.

3. Some combination of 1 and 2 where I disassemble the A1 mirrors from the arms and use the factory tow mirror body. This way I have the fold feature with a factory looking mirror. Then either use stock switches or custom switch.

 

If anyone can add any insight or help either in this thread or my own, it would be very much appreciated.

 

In addition, I have been searching far and wide for a USED switch for my retrofit. GM Part # 20877338 or 20835557. With this used switch I can potentially bypass the need for programming. This switch is applicable to the rare ext. cab/reg cab models with the upgraded trim. It only has (2) window switches instead of (4). If anyone has a line on one please let me know.

[woychc]

I just finished installing my 1A Auto tow mirrors with the help of pgamboa. I can’t say enough good things about his help, he replies within minutes, answers any questions you have and makes this mod super easy. I’m up in Canada. Ordered from 1A, shipped direct to Phil. He did his magic and dropped them off at UPS with the harnesses within a day. 1 week from ordering I have them installed. If you’re thinking about doing the tow mirror mod, work with Phil. Less than 2hrs start to finish installing. The harnesses are OEM or better quality. 100% PnP when you order from Phil. 10/10 for quality, replies, knowledge. This guy is amazing! Hit him up if you’re on the fence about doing it. His harness allowed me to keep reverse tilt, heated, power folding, adjust, etc. Every option as if factory done. And IF you don’t have these options, he can make it happen! Thanks pgamboa!!

 

 

 

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[pgamboa]

I just finished installing my 1A Auto tow mirrors with the help of pgamboa. I can’t say enough good things about his help, he replies within minutes, answers any questions you have and makes this mod super easy. I’m up in Canada. Ordered from 1A, shipped direct to Phil. He did his magic and dropped them off at UPS with the harnesses within a day. 1 week from ordering I have them installed. If you’re thinking about doing the tow mirror mod, work with Phil. Less than 2hrs start to finish installing. The harnesses are OEM or better quality. 100% PnP when you order from Phil. 10/10 for quality, replies, knowledge. This guy is amazing! Hit him up if you’re on the fence about doing it. His harness allowed me to keep reverse tilt, heated, power folding, adjust, etc. Every option as if factory done. And IF you don’t have these options, he can make it happen! Thanks pgamboa!!

 

 

 

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Thank you for the kind words and feedback! I strive to provide the best possible service, response, and support for anyone looking to make this upgrade happen. Truck looks AMAZING!! Thanks for sharing!

 

 

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[linda]

Any suggestions for this guy?

[Meltdowndan]

This would be the compatible model. As for the harnesses, I build them based on your trim and mirror you select. Once you have decided on a mirror, I'll have payment instructions sent in a PM. As for knowing if you'll need the RZY Jumper or not, it would be best to confirm what is present/not present in your door jamb connector. Please see the 1st post and confirm if you have pins 9, 11, and 41. You should have pin 41 since you should already have Turn Signals. If 9 or 11 are missing, you'll need the RZY first before anything.

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Yep looks like I'm missing #9 & 11, I watched your video on the RZY jumper, holy not fun looking lol... but I guess if I want the features it's a must! I can't imagine how the body connector of the x500/600 is accessible from inside the cab, I accidentally push it in, and had a heck of a time trying to get it back in its spot.

So the mirrors I want from A1 are still out of stock, 1AMRP01798, I'd get ones without the chrome and buy the caps separate, but it doesn't seem like the one down from it includes all the same features (missing memory or puddle lamp), and the one in your latest vid (which was a great side x side comparison btw) isn't for diesels, missing K40)

I'm on the email list for when one comes in, then I'd like to ship to you for the PnP harness build! I know you mentioned that the oem mirrors might have the k40 built in, just not the bottom cap part? If I bought mirrors without the k40 option and bought chrome replacement caps for a k40 would it have the necessary wire to complete the option? Thanks, Dan

[pgamboa]

Any suggestions for this guy?

Sorry... I don't have any knowledge on years prior to 2014.

 

 

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[pgamboa]

Yep looks like I'm missing #9 & 11, I watched your video on the RZY jumper, holy not fun looking lol... but I guess if I want the features it's a must! I can't imagine how the body connector of the x500/600 is accessible from inside the cab, I accidentally push it in, and had a heck of a time trying to get it back in its spot.

So the mirrors I want from A1 are still out of stock, 1AMRP01798, I'd get ones without the chrome and buy the caps separate, but it doesn't seem like the one down from it includes all the same features (missing memory or puddle lamp), and the one in your latest vid (which was a great side x side comparison btw) isn't for diesels, missing K40)

I'm on the email list for when one comes in, then I'd like to ship to you for the PnP harness build! I know you mentioned that the oem mirrors might have the k40 built in, just not the bottom cap part? If I bought mirrors without the k40 option and bought chrome replacement caps for a k40 would it have the necessary wire to complete the option? Thanks, Dan

 

Yeah - The body side X500 Connector is not easily accessible. I found that having your E-Brake pushed all the way in helps. There is a very small cavity just big enough to the connector into the footwell area. I found that it can only come out one way... it backs out with the top tilted forward. Getting back in is a little tricky as you have to use both hand, one one the inside and the left hand in the door jamb, guiding it in.

 

So as for these mirrors, I had another member order a set with the K40 option. What was shipped... was 1AMRP01786 (like the one in my comparison video), but it came with the chrome cap that has the sensor in it. I was a bit confused on how this was supposed to be compatible, considering, what they sent me was 1AMRP01786 (not described by itself as compatible for K40).

 

What I figured out is that this mirror comes pre-wired (behind the glass) with the the temp sensor circuit coiled up and tucked away. So, all I had to do, was access this connector and plug it into the bottom chrome cap that had the sensor. My guess is that the K40 option designates that a bottom cap with the sensor should accompany the mirror. I also learned that other companies also sell the K40 sensor option by itself and this can be retrofitted to any mirror.

 

For example, check this out... https://boostautoparts.com/products/ambient-air-sensor-harness

 

I hope this makes sense, feel free to PM me if you need further explanation. I am going to look at another 1AMRP01786 mirror to confirm that the K40 circuits are present in the mirror and all you'd need is the cap with the sensor in it.

 

K40 - Caps

Black Textured K-40 (Bottom Only) - $33.95

https://www.1aauto.com/mirror-cap/i/1amrc00026?f=1097989&y=2015

Chrome Set of (4) - $55.95

https://www.1aauto.com/mirror-cap/i/1amrk00057?f=1098000&y=2015

Edited September 17, 2017 by pgamboa

[Meltdowndan]

Yeah - The body side X500 Connector is not easily accessible. I found that having your E-Brake pushed all the way in helps. There is a very small cavity just big enough to the connector into the footwell area. I found that it can only come out one way... it backs out with the top tilted forward. Getting back in is a little tricky as you have to use both hand, one one the inside and the left hand in the door jamb, guiding it in.

 

So as for these mirrors, I had another member order a set with the K40 option. What was shipped... was 1AMRP01786 (like the one in my comparison video), but it came with the chrome cap that has the sensor in it. I was a bit confused on how this was supposed to be compatible, considering, what they sent me was 1AMRP01786 (not described by itself as compatible for K40).

 

What I figured out is that this mirror comes pre-wired (behind the glass) with the the temp sensor circuit coiled up and tucked away. So, all I had to do, was access this connector and plug it into the bottom chrome cap that had the sensor. My guess is that the K40 option designates that a bottom cap with the sensor should accompany the mirror. I also learned that other companies also sell the K40 sensor option by itself and this can be retrofitted to any mirror.

 

For example, check this out... https://boostautoparts.com/products/ambient-air-sensor-harness

 

I hope this makes sense, feel free to PM me if you need further explanation. I am going to look at another 1AMRP01786 mirror to confirm that the K40 circuits are present in the mirror and all you'd need is the cap with the sensor in it.

 

K40 - Caps

Black Textured K-40 (Bottom Only) - $33.95

https://www.1aauto.com/mirror-cap/i/1amrc00026?f=1097989&y=2015

 

Chrome Set of (4) - $55.95

https://www.1aauto.com/mirror-cap/i/1amrk00057?f=1098000&y=2015

Well that's good to know about the 1AMRP01786 having the k40 provisions, but that mirror is out of stock too! Let me know when you pull one apart and which ever is avail first I will get, when it's avail I will need you shipping address as it probably better to ship to you first then to me after your mods

[pgamboa]

Well that's good to know about the 1AMRP01786 having the k40 provisions, but that mirror is out of stock too! Let me know when you pull one apart and which ever is avail first I will get, when it's avail I will need you shipping address as it probably better to ship to you first then to me after your mods

This is the inside of 1AMRP01786. As you can see, temp sensor circuit is provisioned and just needs to connect to the bottom cap.

 

 

 

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[Kyleorsini]

I just finished installing my 1A Auto tow mirrors with the help of pgamboa. I can’t say enough good things about his help, he replies within minutes, answers any questions you have and makes this mod super easy. I’m up in Canada. Ordered from 1A, shipped direct to Phil. He did his magic and dropped them off at UPS with the harnesses within a day. 1 week from ordering I have them installed. If you’re thinking about doing the tow mirror mod, work with Phil. Less than 2hrs start to finish installing. The harnesses are OEM or better quality. 100% PnP when you order from Phil. 10/10 for quality, replies, knowledge. This guy is amazing! Hit him up if you’re on the fence about doing it. His harness allowed me to keep reverse tilt, heated, power folding, adjust, etc. Every option as if factory done. And IF you don’t have these options, he can make it happen! Thanks pgamboa!!

 

 

 

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how much did it run you all said and done. fellow winnipeger here. Pm me if you don't wanna post publicly

 

 

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[ObscureGlock]

Hi Phil, is it possible to keep my current DL8 Mirrors and just add the power fold option? Thank you.

[pgamboa]

Hi Phil, is it possible to keep my current DL8 Mirrors and just add the power fold option? Thank you.

Nope. Unless you can add the power fold mechanism into your DL8 mirror housing. If that's possible, it'll involve getting the fold mechanism (not sure if you can buy just the mechanism), taking the housings apart, and retrofitting the mechanisms into it. I have not done anything like this since just the mirror adjust motors alone are around $80-$100 each. At that point, you're betting off finding a set of actual DL3 Mirrors.

 

 

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[ObscureGlock]

Nope. Unless you can add the power fold mechanism into your DL8 mirror housing. If that's possible, it'll involve getting the fold mechanism (not sure if you can buy just the mechanism), taking the housings apart, and retrofitting the mechanisms into it. I have not done anything like this since just the mirror adjust motors alone are around $80-$100 each. At that point, you're betting off finding a set of actual DL3 Mirrors.

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I have no idea why I didn't think of that... I feel like an idiot now LOL. Thank you! I plan to get tow mirrors on my truck. Based on your experience, would it be best if I just go the power fold mirror route and then add the power fold controls to the doorcard, or should I do the DL8 to DL3 conversion first? Thanks.

[pgamboa]

I have no idea why I didn't think of that... I feel like an idiot now LOL. Thank you! I plan to get tow mirrors on my truck. Based on your experience, would it be best if I just go the power fold mirror route and then add the power fold controls to the doorcard, or should I do the DL8 to DL3 conversion first? Thanks.

Not a problem. I don't judge . I just provide information as I see it and as I can.

 

As for the 2nd part of your question, it l would be best to decide on what mirrors you will ultimately end up with. The circuit wiring between a DL3 harness (pinned for a DL8 upgrade) will be different than a DL8 to a Towing Mirror. Also, if you are looking at performing his modification yourself, please not that my thread "DL8 to DL3 Conversion" - the thread where I should a connector all torn up to harvest wires from, is old. While that method will work, you are MUCH better of modifying your existing harnesses to to the mirrors you want to upgrade to.

 

I offer complete PnP Harness for those that want the ease of "Plug and Play", but also offer a DIY Kit for those want to save and can perform the mod themselves.

 

If you have a higher trim truck with factory DL3 mirrors installed, upgrading to tow mirrors with my DIY Kit is a little trickier since you'll have to remove the unused circuits and replace them with the correct tow mirror circuits. Without the correct (pricey) terminal removal, it becomes a cut/splice job.

 

Hope this helps... whatever method you chose, I'm here for ya. Feel free to PM me for any more specific details or questions.

 

Thanks!

 

 

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[rlosson]

So I'm getting ready to start tackling this project. I've got a '14 LT Crew Cab with DL8 mirrors. It was an early build, so I'm sure I'll need the RZY harness even though I haven't checked for the pins yet. I'm planning on going to the A1 Auto mirrors that pgamboa used in the side by side. Those are pretty nice (helps that I want the bells and whistles but not the chrome).

 

Does anyone who's installed the RZY have any tips, tricks, or hints? I'm more looking for advice on how to snake the harness through the firewall and under the dash and things of that nature. Landing the new wires seems fine but time consuming and tedious given the hand yoga involved.

 

I've found the harness on GMPartsDirect for $95. It's on Amazon for ~115 and eBay is similar. My dealership says it'll run me $125. Does anyone have any other options for sources?

 

PS, Phil, I'll be reaching out to you soon for the mirror work.