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MNDMAX
Big Lake, Minnesota, USA
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Joined: 10/18/2002
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I've been researching towing mirrors and reading threads on three different forums in an attempt to make a decision. I thought I'd post a summary of what I've come up with so far in case anyone else is in my position but doesn't have the time to do all the searching and reading. And, if I'm incorrect in any of my info, I'm looking forward to someone pointing that out.
This list is not inclusive and I've focused mainly on mirrors for full-size pickups and SUV's. Not every mirror is available for every make and model of truck. Refer to the manufacturers' websites for additional information.
1. Schefenacker TTT-mirror (telescopic travel tow mirror) MSRP $400 - $550. The most expensive replacement mirror I've found. Large, angular style. Incorporates an adjustable spotter mirror into the housing. Main glass is approximately 7" high X 9" wide and the spotter glass is 4.25"h x 3.5"w. Options include electric, heated glass, and LED marker lights and turn signals. These mirrors unextended measure 17.5" out from the vehicle - to a total of 22" - and manually telescope out another 4.5" Mirrors fold in for parking in tight spots or on impact. Available with interchangeable covers.
02-22-03: I received a file from Schefenacker providing dimensions and photos illustrating the mirror's size and extension measurements. Just click here to view the file >>> ttt-mirror images
PROS: Total extension, size, spotter mirror, lights, individual replacement parts are available.
CONS: Price, requires additional wiring for lights.
Company website: ttt-mirror
Best price I've found is $300 - $425 at WJ's Performance
2. Power Vision Mirror (MSRP $439 - $469) - this mirror extends and retracts electrically. These mirrors are available as factory options on '03 GM Pickups. Options include electric and heated glass. These mirrors are not as large as some others with the glass measuring 10.5" wide X 6.5" tall. The passenger side glass is flat so objects in mirror are not closer than they appear. These mirrors are 16" out when retracted and extend 5" to a total of 21" from the door. Mirrors fold on impact. An optional spotter mirror is available, however some users report it is not adjustable and is aimed up too much. The manufacturer claims the extended width from the outer edge of one mirror to the outer edge of the other is 107" - 109" depending on vehicle.
PROS: OEM style, power extension.
CONS: price, requires additional wiring and mounting of switch to extend, smaller glass.
Manufacturer's website: Power Vision
Best price I've found: $413 for electric with heated glass at Performance Truck and RV (must email for price).
3. Lucerix X-Mount/CIPA replacement mirrors. MSRP $400 - $479. These mirrors are large with glass size of 10" X 10" and telescope manually out up to 4.25" or about 19" from the vehicle. One user reported his mirrors measured 104" tip to tip on an '02 Silverado. These mirrors fold on impact or for parking. Stick-on spotter mirrors are optional. Mirrors are available with manual or electric glass, heated or non-heated. Mirrors are reported to install easily and quickly, using OEM power connections.
PROS: Style, size.
CONS: A little pricey, but the cheapest of the replacement mirrors.
Factory website: Lucerix and CIPA Mirrors
Best price I've found: $289 - $349 at Stylin Concepts
4. McKesh (MSPR $130) - These mirrors mount temporarily on the doors of your tow vehicle using straps and clips. Users claim these mirrors are the widest mounts (up to 20" from the door to the center of the glass) and allow the greatest vision to the rear. Main glass is 6" X 9" and most users recommend the optional spotting mirrors that mount to the brackets. Users report spending 10 - 15 minutes completing initial install, mainly adjusting the mirror to the vehicle, but only a minute or two to remove or reinstall once adjusted. Some users report these mirrors vibrate and others report the straps hum at speed. A few users have reported minor damage to their vehicles caused by the clips scratching their windows or by the adjusting device rubbing on their door if the provided guards are not properly installed.
PROS: Price, Size, extension, transferable to other vehicles.
CONS: Appearance, possible damage to door.
Manufacturer's website: McKesh Mirrors
Best price: $93/set online sale by manufacturer.
5. Various slip on or clamp on mirrors - CIPA and other brands make different styles of tow mirrors which slip on, clamp on, or strap on to your factory mirrors. These mirrors are reported by some people to vibrate, but most users report favorable experiences. The model most likely to vibrate are the clip on style while the slide on and the CIPA Universal (with the tension knob) suffer less vibration. Most mirrors extend 4 - 5 inches or more beyond the factory mirrors. Users towing 102" trailers report this style of mirror does not typically allow full view to rear. Cost is $11 - $40 per mirror depending on model.
PROS: Price, ease of installation and removal.
CONS: Smaller glass and total mounted width.
Hope this helps.
Don
*This Message was edited on 14-Feb-03 06:10 AM by mndmax*
*This Message was edited on 14-Feb-03 06:12 AM by mndmax*
*This Message was edited on 14-Feb-03 06:54 PM by mndmax*
*This Message was edited on 18-Feb-03 09:52 AM by mndmax*
*This Message was edited on 22-Feb-03 11:32 AM by MNDMAX*
2003 Jayco Eagle 285BHSS in Glass - Pullrite Superglide 16K Hitch - see My Pictures for installation process.
2002 Chev Silverado 2500HD DMAX CC/SB 4x4 - Dual alternators - Allison deep pan and Transynd synthetic ATF
Rancho 9000X Shocks - Linex - Northern (RDS) 60 gal aux tank/toolbox - Schefenacker TTT Mirrors
Dual headrest video system to keep kids happy and dad sane!
Visit TheDieselPage.com for answers to your GM Diesel Pickup Questions.
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Kenneth
Washington, the state
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Joined: 03/20/2001
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Thanks for the excellent summary.
My McKesh mirrors do not vibrate nor have humming straps. If the straps do flap, the trucker's truck of putting a half twist into the straps ends that.
Ken
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Drbolasky
Weisenberg Township, PA
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Joined: 04/20/2002
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To date I have not had the problems with the McKesh mirrors that others have reported. It may depend on the design/contour of the door.
Website for McKesh is www.hensleymfg.com or www.nosway.com
Doug, Linda, Audrey (USN) & Andrew
2008 Sequoia SR-5, 5.7 L, 2000 Coachmen Futura 2790TB Bunkhouse, Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension, Reese W.D. Hitch/Dual Cam Sway Control, Prodigy Brake Controller, McKesh Mirrors
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Titantow4
Lowell, MA, USA
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Joined: 01/23/2003
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Don,
Great research! Thanks for posting it.
Dale
'02 Toyota Tundra 4.7 TRD
'02 Jayco Qwest 12A
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Pgettler
Hollis, NH USA
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Joined: 11/11/2002
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Don,
Great work! Much thanks for sharing.
Phil
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tcruiser
43.4° N 86.2° W
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Joined: 12/11/2002
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Excellent post Don, thanks for the research you have done!! One thing to add, I believe Shefenaker is the oem of Fords truck mirrors.
Matt ">
05 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71
02 Trail Cruiser 27 RSL
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mike&laura
Ohio
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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You did a great job gathering that information. I do have one question though. What is the mirror surface area of the TTT mirrors? I don`t expect you to do my research. I am interested in that mirror this time around, but would like to know how it compares with the CIPA replacement mirrors.
I had the CIPA mirrors on my last truck, and other then them working their way out to full extention after a few miles at interstate speeds and a small but exceptable amount of vibration. I was pleased with them.
2002 Chevy LS 2500HD Duramax/Allison, crew cab, short bed, Forest Green,4x4, Banks 4" exhaust, Mobil 1 through out,Amsoil dual bypass and air filter. 295/75/16" tires, Prodigy brake controler, Reese class V reciever, 12,000# WD hitch with 1,200# bars, Dual cam sway control. 2003 Cherokee TT 29S
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BarneyS
S.E. Lower Michigan
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Joined: 10/16/2000
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Good post Don. ![[emoticon]](http://www.rv.net/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile") I am going to recommend that this be added to our FAQ.
2004 Sunnybrook Titan 30FKS TT
Hensley "Arrow" 1400# hitch (Sold)
Not towing now.
Former tow vehicles were 2016 Ram 2500 CTD, 2002 Ford F250, 7.3 PSD, 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 gas engine
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Rainman2002
Victoria, B.C, Canada
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Joined: 01/06/2003
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Don,
Thank-you very much for your research , I had many questions about which design / brand to go for before you posted your excellent summary. My decision has been made !!
Any chance of getting a CIPA link / address??
Rainman
*This Message was edited on 14-Feb-03 03:17 PM by Rainman2002*
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BarneyS
S.E. Lower Michigan
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Joined: 10/16/2000
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Rainman, Here is the CIPA website.
CIPA Mirrors
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