Mirror Modifications on a 99 Ford Explorer

OK. I may be towing a TM3023 next week, and I am concerned about the size of the mirrors on my TV Explorer. I've seen ads for "add-on" mirrors for the existing factory mirrors. Does anyone recommend using that type of mirror, or am I going to have to have something permanently installed? I'm already adding the receiver hitch, wd hitch w/sway control, brake controller... just wanted to keep any additional costs down right at the time I'm purchasing the unit. Ideas anyone?

[commodor47]

I have used this clip on mirror system; they are adequate but tend to vibrate blurring the view:

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-M~7070.htm

I now use this slip on mirror; much improved with very little vibration. Read disclaimer as this style does not fit all models.

http://www.etrailer.com/p-CTM2200A.h...cleid=19996978

Dick

[Keith Wire]

A number of us use McKesh Mirrors.

http://www.hensleymfg.com/mckeshmirrors.html

I get no vibration when I get them tight enough...

I've never tried the McKesh mirrors but am a big fan of the CIPA brand slipover mirrors. They are custom designed for almost any TV, easy to intall/remove and pretty much as vibration free as the factory mirrors to which they are installed. They are incredibly durable - I smacked one on a drive up teller post with no harm. - camp2canoe

P.S. I forgot my CIPAs one trip and bought a pair of the rubber band mount universal mirrors enroute. They are terrible - they don't stay put and vibrate like mad.

I used the McKesh from when we bought the Tm in April 2005 unil last month when we bought a GMC truck that had factory tow mirrors.

I compared the McKesh versus the factory tow mirrors and discovered that the McKesh mirrors stick out about 3 inches farther than the factory tow mirrors when fully extended.

I would recommend something that stick out the maximum distance allowed by law so that you can see behind you, not just down the sides of the trailer.

My only complaint about the McKesh is that they are not electric adjust, for when you switch drivers.

Originally Posted by commodor47

I have used this clip on mirror system; they are adequate but tend to vibrate blurring the view:

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-M~7070.htm

I now use this slip on mirror; much improved with very little vibration. Read disclaimer as this style does not fit all models.

http://www.etrailer.com/p-CTM2200A.h...cleid=19996978

Dick

Odd -- I use the 7070 mirrors above and I have no vibration problems with them, and they work very well for me. They don't make the slip-ons to fit my mirrors (they're the power folding mirrors), so I can't comment on them.

[Bill]

The stick-out length of the McKesh mirrors is adjustable. That helps it accomodate most any tow vehicle. By the way, I've concluded that the center of the two extension mirrors should be about 102-104 inches apart, for reasons discussed here. I don't know of any clip-on mirrors that can manage this.

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=3658

Bill

Here's what I've observed - both from my experience the past 6 months as well as the experience of two friends who've pulled TMs for several years.

My friends both use the strap-on type mirrors. They say that they vibrate a bit, and both have lost one when the straps came loose. But they are cheap. I got a set of "Tow-n-see" morrors (http://www.tow-n-see.com/) from the dealer. I thought the mirrors were a bit small. But they are easy to use and can be adjusted using the mirror adjustment on the TV. So many people on the forum use McKesh that I looked for those. Found a clone at CW - made by EagleVision - http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...w-Mirror/14887.

I still have both and use the Tow-n-see for trips to the storage lot and for short camping trips since they are so easy. I use the Eagle Vision for longer trips and when I have a little more time to install and tighten them. The Eagle Vision mirrors give me a bigger area and allow my TV mirrors to stay useable, but they vibrate a bit.

I like them both, but for different reasons.