Towing a trailer or large vehicle can be challenging for even the most seasoned drivers. One of the key things that make towing easier and safer is having proper towing mirrors installed on your vehicle. Towing mirrors are designed to give you maximum visibility and eliminate dangerous blindspots when a trailer or other towed vehicle is attached. Keep reading to learn what to look for to Enhance Your Towing Experience: Explore Top Towing Mirrors when shopping for towing mirrors and some of the top options available.
See More of What’s Behind You
One of the main benefits of towing mirrors is the expanded rearview they provide compared to standard side mirrors on your vehicle. Towing mirrors feature larger mirrors that extend several inches to allow you to see down the sides of the trailer to view traffic behind and beside you. This helps tremendously when changing lanes, backing up, parking, and more. The style of the mirrors varies, with some manually extending out while others feature powered telescoping functionality.
Account for a Wider Field of View
With the added length and width of a trailer or other towed vehicle, you need to account for a wider field of view behind your vehicle. Towing mirrors allow for this widened vantage point, giving you a view of the entire trailer from back to front. Some towing mirrors also feature additional convex blind spot mirrors for expanded visibility. This comprehensive coverage from all angles ensures you can drive safely without dangerous blind spots.
Resist Vibration
Standard vehicle side mirrors are not built to handle the shaking and repetitive bouncing that comes with towing heavy loads. The vibration can cause blurry, bouncing images that are useless when driving. Towing mirrors feature reinforced mounting and housing to resist this shake, keeping your view stable. Features like double ball joints on the arms also allow the mirror glass to stay aligned even over uneven terrain. This results in a steady view even when towing large loads.
Hold Up to Weather
Like vibration resistance, towing mirrors are also designed to withstand various weather conditions better than standard side mirrors. From rain and snow to intense UV rays, the housings protect mirror glass from damage and wear. Features like heated glass prevent icing, misting, and fogging in inclement weather as well. No matter the conditions, quality towing mirrors will provide optimum visibility season after season.
Manual vs. Power Adjustability
When shopping for towing mirrors, you’ll notice some models feature manual adjustment while others provide power adjustment options. Manual mirrors allow you to manually slide the housing back and forth to the needed position. Power mirrors include electronic controls to extend and retract the mirrors with the touch of a button. They often also fold forward or in to accommodate parking garages and other tight spaces. While manual adjustment saves money, power mirrors provide more convenience and flexibility.
Upgrade Your Towing Setup
If you routinely tow trailers, boats, campers, or other recreational vehicles, then upgrading to proper towing mirrors is one of the wisest investments you can make. The enhanced visibility they provide not only makes driving easier but also much safer. Use the criteria and features outlined above to determine what type of towing mirrors are best suited for your specific vehicle and intended use. With the right towing mirrors in place, you can head out on the road or trail with greater confidence and peace of mind. Safe travels!
Conclusion
Towing mirrors are specially designed for the needs of drivers towing trailers, campers, boats, and other vehicles. Key benefits like expanded visibility, vibration resistance, durability, and manual/power adjustability make them a must-have upgrade for frequent towers. Whether towing is for work or play, investing in one of the many high-quality towing mirrors on the market today will give you the safest, most convenient towing experience. Use the tips above to decide what type of mirrors match how and what you tow. Soon you’ll be heading confidently down the road with an unobstructed view behind you.