F 150 / 21

[Vermilye]

For those towing a 21 with a new Ford 150, do the standard mirrors work or do you need the trailer mirrors (which are hard to find, at least on a lot here in upstate NY)?

[Casper]

Hi Jon, I’ve got them on my F150, but I don’t really need them. Towed my 21 with a Ridegline for 3 yrs with just the standard mirrors and didn’t have any issues. The bigger mirrors are a bit of a pain in parking lots. Already have had someone do a hit and run on one....cost me $500 to replace��.

[rbryan4]

I'll be a contrasting opinion. I had stock mirrors on my 2015 F150, and now have the power folding and telescoping trailer tow mirrors. I think they are a HUGE improvement in visibility while towing. That was with a 19 as well, so it's even more important with a wider 21. They also help even when not towing, because of the lower mirror that shows you curbs as well as helping with blind spots. It's hard to find any truck equipped with them on a dealer lot, let alone to find a truck that's equipped the way you like - that's the main reason we ordered a truck.

As for them being an obstacle when parked, I just power fold them in. No issue.

[huskersteffy]

I have some "clip-on" ones I use when going long distances but find the stock mirrors work ok for just a 1-3 hour campsite run. That said, I live in a pretty rural part of the country. I can see my anxiety level rising if I lived in the middle of a large urban area that required stretches of interstate just to get out of town. YMMV.

[sjnuss]

I agree with Robert. We are not in a full size Ford but a full size Chevy and my next truck will have towing mirrors. I currently have standard mirrors but use add ons when towing which greatly improve visibility behind the trailer. Couple of options to consider: negotiate the mirrors into the sale as a dealer add on or install yourself with a purchase from a place like 1A Auto.

Steve

[BCnomad]

The 84" of the 21 is just enough to warrant tow mirrors on my 1/2 ton with ~80" mirror placement.

Next truck will have something similar to Robert's mirrors.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by sjnuss

Couple of options to consider: negotiate the mirrors into the sale as a dealer add on or install yourself with a purchase from a place like 1A Auto.

Good points. The only issue there is the add on mirrors, whether they're the Ford mirrors or an aftermarket brand, won't have power folding and telescoping - two features we really like because it's easier to fold or extend them. Power fold/telescope requires not just the mirrors to be changed, but different controls inside - something I don't think any dealer does.

[War Eagle]

So here's my ambivalent view: 1) I do fine with our F-150's standard side mirrors, but then when towing, my wife also monitors a rear-facing camera (viewing out the 21's rear window) to let me know if someone has snuck up close directly behind us that I might not be able to see, and 2) if we ever upgrade to a newer F-150, it will be for the 10-speed transmission and the 6.5' bed (the 5.5' has revealed some limitations for our use), and if we do that, we'll likely opt for the towing mirrors next time, too, just for a little added visibility without the camera.

[frank_a]

Add them on. Not hard to do.

https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Towi...62075-76G.html

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by frank_a

Add them on. Not hard to do.

https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Towi...62075-76G.html

That item is not a fit for an F150, the vehicle Jon is referring to.

[Vermilye]

Well, after visiting all the dealers in the area, I gave up and ordered the truck. The big option on most of the trucks in upstate NY include a package (302A) that includes remote starting for $4500.00. Nice on cold mornings, but since I have lived for 73 years without remote starting, and don't plan to see too many cold mornings, I just couldn't justify that and all the other options added to the trucks on the lot. Plus I wanted white, and I guess because we are in snow country (my wife would never let me buy a white vehicle) there were only 3 white trucks out of the 125 I looked at.

At least I'll get the telescoping tow mirrors & the rest of what I wanted. Sure hope it comes in before I need to leave for the Boler 50th!

[BCnomad]

Congrats Jon.

[rbryan4]

I think you'll be happier with the ordered truck Jon. There were several things I didn't care for on my 2015, but had little choice about due to the timeline. The 2018 is set up just the way I wanted.

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

That item is not a fit for an F150, the vehicle Jon is referring to.

Sorry, did not notice. Isn't it weird they don't have them for the most popular truck in America?

Frank

[Marry]

Congratulations Jon!!! We will keep our eyes open for a 21, pulled by a fancy white truck, cruising prairie roads, in August.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by frank_a

Sorry, did not notice. Isn't it weird they don't have them for the most popular truck in America?

Frank

Yes, but it's pretty common. You can find aftermarket parts for GM products basically anywhere, but over the years I've noticed it's not always that way with Ford.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

Well, after visiting all the dealers in the area, I gave up and ordered the truck.

One thing I forgot to mention Jon, that I hope was on your order - the 36 gallon fuel tank. Worth every penny, and range is never an issue. It's gotten to the point where we're surprised that we need gas.

[cpaharley2008]

Jon, have you weighed your new Escape? I guess you are upgrading your tow vehicle from your new Tacoma since you feel it is not adequate for the new trailer? I thought of the Taco for the 19 but now I may stick with my Ram, I get 13-15 mpg towing. The Taco would get maybe a couple more to 17 towing?

[Oldtimer]

One also need to remeber is the wind drag the big towiing mirrors have the reduce gas mileage

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Oldtimer

One also need to remeber is the wind drag the big towiing mirrors have the reduce gas mileage

My guess is there's no way I'd notice. Especially when there's a rather large piece of trailer behind me pushing all that wind.