Upgrading DL3 mirrors to Tow mirrors on Duramax LTZ

Nut4RedWine · January 12, 2018

Hi all,

The Machine: 2018 Silverado 2500HD Duramax LTZ CrewCab. Yes, it is fitted with the diesel exhaust brake RPO code A40.

It came with the standard DL3 mirrors, so fully functional meaning power everything, seat memory, temp sensor, etc. However, tow mirrors were not fitted and I need them with all the functionalities of the DL3. So I inquired with Customer Service and was recommended the following:

23372182 Outside rear view towing mirror package; black in color.

23372181 Outside rear view towing mirror package; chrome.

84125571 Driver door wiring harness.
84125561 Passenger door wiring harness.

The memory module will require dealer programming.

Accessory Camper Mirror feature:
Power glass adjust
Heated glass
Lighting (Red Turn signals, Amber Park lamps, White Cargo Lamps)
Manual Extend/Retract, Manual Fold

Accessory Camper Mirrors do NOT have:
Memory, Power Fold, Puddle/Courtesy Lp, Electrochromic day/night change

I am flabbergasted and most displeased by the last paragraph, the "do NOT have". I want an upgrade, not the contrary!
From reading a few threads, it appears I have 2 options:

a) Get the LH and RH DQS mirrors and harnesses and hope everything works; or
b) Go aftermarket with a Trail Ridge set from their single vendor and hope everything works.

I keep reading the wiring is is not a simple task with either options. I also read the TR tow mirrors do offer a bit more functionality at a significantly better price and equivalent quality. Naturally, I tend to lean toward TR mirrors but not sure which set to get for full functionality and how much of a nightmare it will be to have them working correctly.

Anyone here with a Duramax (and associated RPO A40) and LTZ package went from DL3 mirrors to Trail Ridge tow mirrors? Would be nice to hear on the experience and the part number that was purchased.

Should I go with the DQS mirrors, what are the part number for the LH & RH mirrors and wiring harnesses associated with RPS A40? Will it be plug & play?

Thank you in advance for sharing and spreading the knowledge.

pgamboa · January 12, 2018

Hi all,
The Machine: 2018 Silverado 2500HD Duramax LTZ CrewCab. Yes, it is fitted with the diesel exhaust brake RPO code A40.

It came with the standard DL3 mirrors, so fully functional meaning power everything, seat memory, temp sensor, etc. However, tow mirrors were not fitted and I need them with all the functionalities of the DL3. So I inquired with Customer Service and was recommended the following:
23372182 Outside rear view towing mirror package; black in color.

23372181 Outside rear view towing mirror package; chrome.

84125571 Driver door wiring harness.
84125561 Passenger door wiring harness.

The memory module will require dealer programming.

Accessory Camper Mirror feature:
Power glass adjust
Heated glass
Lighting (Red Turn signals, Amber Park lamps, White Cargo Lamps)
Manual Extend/Retract, Manual Fold
Accessory Camper Mirrors do NOT have:
Memory, Power Fold, Puddle/Courtesy Lp, Electrochromic day/night change

I am flabbergasted and most displeased by the last paragraph, the "do NOT have". I want an upgrade, not the contrary!
From reading a few threads, it appears I have 2 options: a) Get the LH and RH DQS mirrors and harnesses and hope everything works; or
b) Go aftermarket with a Trail Ridge set from their single vendor and hope everything works.

I keep reading the wiring is is not a simple task with either options. I also read the TR tow mirrors do offer a bit more functionality at a significantly better price and equivalent quality. Naturally, I tend to lean toward TR mirrors but not sure which set to get for full functionality and how much of a nightmare it will be to have them working correctly.

Anyone here with a Duramax (and associated RPO A40) and LTZ package went from DL3 mirrors to Trail Ridge tow mirrors? Would be nice to hear on the experience and the part number that was purchased.

Should I go with the DQS mirrors, what are the part number for the LH & RH mirrors and wiring harnesses associated with RPS A40? Will it be plug & play?

Thank you in advance for sharing and spreading the knowledge.

I have helped over 500+ members on this forum with this upgrade. I have a comprehensive mirror thread on the 1500 page of this forum.

You can most certainly perform this upgrade. You do NOT want to get that “package kit” 23372181/23372182 because like you’ve learned, you’ll lose power fold and memory options.

You DO want DQS Mirrors. These come sold individually. Since you have Diesel and RPO - K40, you want to ensure you get the correct passenger side. Part #s for those are:

DQS Power Fold - Chrome Towing Mirror

Part # 84041609 - Driver

Part # 84228892- Passenger (Gas)

Part # 84228894 - Passenger (Diesel - K40)

You’ll also need new harnesses to support the lighting features of the tow mirrors. GM “shares” the same wiring slot locations between mirrors and this is why a hanress Swap is needed. Harness part #s for your trim and this upgrade are:

Towing Mirror Upgrade - DL3/A45

Part # 84125571 (Driver Side)

Previous Part # 23342727

Previous Part # 23171564

Part # 84125561 (Passenger Side)

Previous Part # 23171567

Previous Part # 23342716

The “previous part #s” are parts that’ll also work but may have been updated/superseded with new #s. They are all the same.

I make these equivalent harnesses if you want to purchase them from me. I offer a $ back guarantee on the harnesses if the don’t work. If you get them elsewhere, check their refund policy and most places charge a restocking fee or won’t take them back.

There will be one feature you’ll lose... that’s driver side Dimming. No tow mirror offers this.

There shouldn’t be any programming needed. In all the members I’ve helped, none have needed it.

Now onto aftermarket mirrors. 1A Auto/AM Auto sells mirrors from Trail Ridge. They are the ONLY company that offers power Folding mirrors to support this upgrade. They are more attractive in price. They also have smoke running light lens as opposed to Amber. The turn Signals are Amber LEDs and are off to the side of the cargo Lamp as opposed to the Red arrow in the glass.

Their mirror also offers a puddle lamp identical to the Puddle Lamp you have on your DL3. OEM Tow Mirrors don’t have Puddle Lamps.

Part #s to look from 1A Auto are (AM Auto sells the same mirror at slightly lower prices)

Black caps:

1AMRP01790 (01786) - $580.95 - K40, Power Fold, Textured Black Caps - https://www.1aauto.com/mirror-pair/i/1amrp01790

AM-592278965 - $548.20 - K40, Power Fold, Textured Black Caps - https://www.am-autoparts.com/products/side-view-mirrors/AM-592278965.html

Chrome caps:

1AMRP01798 (01786) - K40, Power Fold, Chrome Caps - https://www.1aauto.com/mirror-pair/i/1amrp01798

AM-4039565055 - $600.70 - https://www.am-autoparts.com/products/side-view-mirrors/AM-4039565055.html

If you go with aftermarket, you WILL need custom harnesses to accommodate the Puddle Lamp circuit as this is custom. Also, the mirror connector itself will need a little wire repinning which I have provisions for.

I have several YouTube videos out there including how to perform this upgrade, how to remove the caps, how to install the K40 options on the aftermarket mirrors, etc. So check them out when you get the chance.

Good Luck!

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avalonandl · January 12, 2018

There;s your answer- the forum works...

Nut4RedWine · January 12, 2018

Hi Phil, thank you for the prompt reply. Thanks again for the quality of the details, the usefulness of the information.

For your information, the links provided all lead to A1 Auto. They thank you too!

Not an issue for me, I already had scouted the sites of the 2 vendors.

[soapbox mode on] Normally I stick with the OEM but in this case, I perceive disrespect of the Customer base by supplying inadequate standard mirrors to long-haul towing machines. Bleeding us a little more for an upgrade that is in fact exactly the opposite is not decent. [soapbox mode off]

In the two aftermarket suggestions, one says "for Models WITH Temperature Sensors", while the other says "for Models WITHOUT Temperature Sensors". Is this difference a decision factor?

I will PM you regarding the required harness.

Cheers,

pgamboa · January 12, 2018

Hi Phil, thank you for the prompt reply. Thanks again for the quality of the details, the usefulness of the information.

For your information, the links provided all lead to A1 Auto. They thank you too!
Not an issue for me, I already had scouted the sites of the 2 vendors.

[soapbox mode on] Normally I stick with the OEM but in this case, I perceive disrespect of the Customer base by supplying inadequate standard mirrors to long-haul towing machines. Bleeding us a little more for an upgrade that is in fact exactly the opposite is not decent. [soapbox mode off]

In the two aftermarket suggestions, one says "for Models WITH Temperature Sensors", while the other says "for Models WITHOUT Temperature Sensors". Is this difference a decision factor?

I will PM you regarding the required harness.

Cheers,

Thanks for the update on the links. Not sure what happened there but will take a look. I noticed that the “K40” option on one of the links States in the description that it supports K40 but the “Fitment” section says it doesn’t. So they have a conflict within their own listing.

I’ll take a look at your PM shortly.

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Nut4RedWine · January 13, 2018

Just to let any interested party know, I tapped on the solid knowledge base accumulated by pgamboa. Not enough Gentlemen like him in this World.

So to upgrade from DL3 to DQS++ mirrors (2018 Silverado 2500HD LTZ Crew Cab 6.6 Duramax):

- purchased aftermarket 1A Auto # 1AMRP01790 - full functionality except auto-dimming;

- purchased related harness & pigtail from pgambo; and

- will perform the mod soon as I have the parts.

Will report back in due time.

Cheers

Hannah · May 29, 2018

How did these tow mirrors end up working out? I have the same truck only a 2015 so wondering how this worked out for you?

Nut4RedWine · May 29, 2018

Hello Hanna and welcome to the forum.

Was too darn cold up here so did not put them on yet. A truck too long to fit in an already filled garage did not help either. Now that the warm season is upon us, it should get done in the next couple of weeks.

Will post once done.

Cheers,

Scott Roberts · November 28, 2018

Does going the DQS route with GM parts void your warranty? My local Dealer is saying that it will and that they will not do it. "Now, this is after I got it as part of the purchases".

They put on the “package kit” 23372181/23372182, that pissed me off!

pgamboa · November 29, 2018

Does going the DQS route with GM parts void your warranty? My local Dealer is saying that it will and that they will not do it. "Now, this is after I got it as part of the purchases".

They put on the “package kit” 23372181/23372182, that pissed me off!

I don’t know how this would void your warranty.

The mirror kit they installed are physically the same as DQS. The only difference is that DQS Mirrors weigh more, have a power fold motor, and support memory.

So, if you have an LTZ/HC, SLT/Denali, you would have lost memory features and power fold with that mirror kit they installed.

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redwngr · November 29, 2018

I don't know if this makes you feel any better, but EVERY 2018 dmax the K40 exhaust brake feature.

Not available without it.

Edited November 29, 2018 by redwngr

Scott Roberts · November 30, 2018

So, I am getting told now that the parts do not fit a 2018 2500HD. I am assuming that is because of the 4th bolt in the powered towing mirrors? That is a simple fix of drill the hole. I really wish that Chevy would just create an "upgrade" package for the LTZ/HC and give clear instructions on how to install.

Non tow mirrors on a 2500 or greater is a safety issue. When I have to get a weighted tag it should be mandatory for tow mirrors.

pgamboa · December 1, 2018

So, I am getting told now that the parts do not fit a 2018 2500HD. I am assuming that is because of the 4th bolt in the powered towing mirrors? That is a simple fix of drill the hole. I really wish that Chevy would just create an "upgrade" package for the LTZ/HC and give clear instructions on how to install.

Non tow mirrors on a 2500 or greater is a safety issue. When I have to get a weighted tag it should be mandatory for tow mirrors.

This is the reason why I have several dealers now that will go through me for this upgrade... or refer their customers to my mirror thread or to me directory to assist.

Their documentation doesn’t have provisions for this upgrade outside of the “Camper Mirror Kit” which, as you know, is the Manual Fold set of mirrors.

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Scott Roberts · December 1, 2018

This is the reason why I have several dealers now that will go through me for this upgrade... or refer their customers to my mirror thread or to me directory to assist.

Their documentation doesn’t have provisions for this upgrade outside of the “Camper Mirror Kit” which, as you know, is the Manual Fold set of mirrors.

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I sent them this and your thread on the 1500 side.

Scott Roberts · December 17, 2018

So my dealer put on the 1AMRP01788 but did not wire the door harness for the amber lights or the spot lights. Do I just need the 84290982 and 84125561 harnesses? Just a shame on Chevy's part for this.

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-harness-84290982

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-harness-84125561