More than just helpful side mirrors, specialized caravan towing mirrors are crucial for personal safety, and Australian law requires you to use them.
In most cases, standard car mirrors will not suffice, and you will be exposed to blind spots.
Types Of Caravan Towing Mirrors
There are two broad types of towing mirrors: portable and permanent.
Portable mirrors are generally easy to install and attach to the factory mirrors of your tow vehicle.
Permanent mirrors will replace the automotive mirror glass and are slightly harder to install. Installation may involve removing door panels, and you will need to ensure that the mirrors are compatible with the exact model of your car.
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Which Caravan Towing Mirrors Should You Buy?
Start by deciding the size of the towing mirrors you need.
In general, their size should be enough to allow you to comfortably see the entire length of your caravan, on both sides, in both on-road and off-road conditions.
Available for most vehicle models, thousands of campers driving Fords, Landcruisers, Toyotas, or Amaroks all use towing mirrors.
Look for tow mirrors that come with a warranty.
Tow Mirror Styles in Australia
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Extendable towing mirrors
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Clip-on towing mirrors (clips onto existing mirrors)
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Door-mounted towing mirrors
Benefits of extendable towing mirrors:
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Reduce blind spots
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Easier to maneuver, reverse, and park
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Additional visibility when overtaking
Benefits of clip-on towing mirrors:
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Easier fitment
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Use when needed
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Extended visibility, enhancing your towing experience
Benefits of door-mounted towing mirrors:
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Often more stable than mirror-mounted models
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Better suited for larger vehicles
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Effective as caravan mirrors
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Improves overall visibility and blind spots
Our Most Popular Towing Mirrors
Our top mirrors are by a brand called Milenco.
These models include:
How to Choose the Best Tow Mirrors
When selecting tow mirrors, consider the following factors to ensure you get the best fit for your needs:
Cost
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Determine your budget before purchasing tow mirrors.
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Compare prices online to find the best value for your money.
Local Laws
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Ensure your mirrors comply with local laws to avoid fines.
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Check your state’s regulations on tow mirror size requirements.
Vehicle Year
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Older vehicles may not support a universal fit.
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Look for mirrors that come with a conversion kit, if needed.
Functionality
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Consider mirrors with heating and LED features for cold or foggy climates.
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Opt for telescoping mirrors if towing large or tall cargo.
Field of View
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A wider field of view makes trailer maneuvering easier.
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Convex mirrors can offer a broader perspective, enhancing safety.
Installation
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Decide if you will install the mirrors yourself or hire a professional.
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For DIY installation, simpler manual mirrors might be the best choice.
FAQs:
Why Are Caravan Towing Mirrors Important?
Your car’s rear-view mirrors may suffice without a caravan, but once hitched, their length isn’t enough for full visibility.
Maneuvering a car with a loaded caravan requires expertise and maximum visibility of the road and surroundings.
Caravan towing mirrors, especially those with an adjustable mirror head or a single mirror design, extend your view, ensuring you can see the entire length of your caravan from the driver’s seat, making them essential for safe towing.
How Do You Install Tow Mirrors?
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools
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Generally, you’ll need a 10mm-deep socket wrench and a Phillips screwdriver.
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Check your vehicle owner’s manual and mirror instructions for additional tools, like a ratchet or spanners.
Remove the Old Mirrors
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Remove the sail panel and sometimes the door panel.
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Unscrew the three 10mm nuts holding the old mirror, ensuring the mirror doesn’t fall.
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Unplug the wiring harness if your vehicle has power mirrors.
Install the New Tow Mirrors
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Screw the nuts back into place, ensuring they are properly tightened.
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For power tow mirrors, plug in the wiring harness.
Test the New Mirrors
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Test power mirrors to ensure they adjust with the power switch.
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Check that turn signals and heating functions work if applicable.
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Consider mirrors with stainless steel components for durability and strap-on options for easy installation.
So if you’re out shopping for a towing hitch or braking system for your new caravan, check out some caravan towing mirrors as well.
Since towing mirrors are a mandatory requirement in Australia, they can also save you the hassle of unnecessary fines and paperwork!
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
