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07-23-2014, 04:00 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, BC, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 17B;2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4
Posts: 701
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Clip on mirrors necessary ?
Comments on another thread has us wondering:
We will be towing a 17b with our 2012 Nissan Frontier King Cab.
Should we be ordering clip on mirrors ahead of our towing lesson with Valley Driving School?
17b width is 6'8" or 80".
Nissan spec book says 72.8" but that doesn't seem to include the mirrors? We actually measured the truck width and including mirrors get 84" width.
Any advice/suggestions?
What kind of clip on mirror system has been working for people?
The Fit System 3891 Deluxe Universal Clip-on Trailer Towing Mirrors System got favour able mention on this forum today.
Thanks for any comments
Larry
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07-23-2014, 04:11 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2010 Escape 13
Posts: 431
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We had clip on mirrors similar to the one you describe and did not like them because they were difficult to adjust, noisy and unstable while driving, and had to be readjusted every time we took them off.
We replaced them with Grand Aero Towing Mirrors which are easy to adjust, quiet and don't need to be adjusted every time you take them off. These mirrors are highly rated. They are not cheap, but worth the money. We bought ours from Amazon.com.
These mirrors are made by Milenco in the UK. More information from their website: http://www.milenco.com/products/mirr...towing-mirror/
__________________
Brian
2003 Subaru Forester
2012 Toyota Highlander V6
2010 Escape 13 "Ladybug" Feb 2010
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07-23-2014, 04:41 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
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Ditto on the Milenco Grand Aero.
I used Tow 'n' See mirrors, but they've been retired.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
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07-23-2014, 04:42 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Morro Bay, California
Trailer: 2016 Escape 21
Posts: 330
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We use these and are happy with them:
http://www.costco.com/JR-Products-Ae...100103655.html
There is a little vibration, but we find the mirrors to be invaluable and can see so much more when driving and backing up. They're easy to install and once adjusted, you just put them on and off by hand tightening a couple of screws.
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07-23-2014, 04:46 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
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Those are Milenco Grand Aero mirrors under a different name. They make a couple styles. I have their original mirrors, not the tear-drops shown on that Costco site.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
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07-23-2014, 05:49 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
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Larry, the rule of the road in most provinces and states, is that you have to be able to see into the lane you are in a couple hundred feet back, on both sides. If you can't you need to add mirrors.
I too bought the Milenco mirrors a couple years ago. Much better than the strap on ones I had.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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07-23-2014, 06:10 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Sequim, WA, Washington
Trailer: 2013 19'
Posts: 134
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Aero Mirrors
Based on comments from this site I purchased the Aero Mirrors and have been very satisfied with them. I made a mistake and ordered the Aero Mirror instead of the Grand Aero, so mine a a bit smaller than the Grand Aero but they have still worked well and are easy to put on and take off. I purchased mine on sale from Amazon.com
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07-23-2014, 06:19 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Canyon Lake, Texas
Trailer: 2015 19 "Past Tents", 2021 F150 Lariat 2.7L EB
Posts: 10,222
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo
Those are Milenco Grand Aero mirrors under a different name. They make a couple styles. I have their original mirrors, not the tear-drops shown on that Costco site.
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The teardrop ones are called "Milenco Aero 2" on their website. Milenco makes several different styles.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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07-23-2014, 06:23 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: palo alto, California
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic #7
Posts: 314
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Add our Bump to the GRAND AERO. they have worked well for us.
__________________
7-7-7 Our Marriage
2013 Escape 21 Classic
2014 Sequoia
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07-23-2014, 07:58 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, BC, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 17B;2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4
Posts: 701
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Thanks for these responses. So it looks like we are buying more stuff.
It looks like we'll go with Milenco mirrors rather then buying cheaper and then buying again.
Next question if I may. What are the benefits/differences between Teardrop (Aero 2) or Grand Aero mirrors . The teardrop are smaller the Grand are bigger. I'm inclined to go bigger but have no real basis in making a decision.
Liz thinks the Teardrop have a sleeker mounting design.
Costco.ca is offering both on its website
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07-24-2014, 12:48 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Spruce Grove, Alberta
Trailer: 2009 17B - Escape Pod
Posts: 148
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I hate to differ, but we do not use extensions on our mirrors, and feel no need to do so! That is one thing I love about the 17B, we are light, can pull a U-turn in a residential neighbourhood (when we are lost!), and have no need for mirror extensions.
__________________
Dave
2009 Escape 17B
2010 Toyota Highlander
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07-24-2014, 01:38 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, BC, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 17B;2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4
Posts: 701
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Dave I'm glad to hear your differing opinion.
Can u post the width of your tug?
Do you think you are legal as per post #6 on this thread.
Ours widths are this:
17b width is 6'8" or 80".
Our Nissan spec book says 72.8" but that doesn't seem to include the mirrors? We actually measured the truck width and including mirrors get 84" width.
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07-24-2014, 04:20 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2010 Escape 13
Posts: 431
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ddevin
I hate to differ, but we do not use extensions on our mirrors, and feel no need to do so! That is one thing I love about the 17B, we are light, can pull a U-turn in a residential neighbourhood (when we are lost!), and have no need for mirror extensions.
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You might want to check out this reference:
Trailer Mirrors | AAA/CAA Digest of Motor Laws
For example in California: A motor vehicle towing a vehicle or trailer must be equipped with mirrors on both the left and right side which provide a view of at least 200 feet of the highway.
__________________
Brian
2003 Subaru Forester
2012 Toyota Highlander V6
2010 Escape 13 "Ladybug" Feb 2010
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07-24-2014, 07:33 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Marana, Arizona
Trailer: 2018 Airstream Flying Cloud (Escape 19 & 5.0 previously)
Posts: 1,078
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I too have a Frontier we use to pull our 19'. I bought the Grand Aero mirrors and they worked everyone well. I then learned through Alf's post about the aftermarket towing mirrors sold by A1 Auto that extend/collapse and are also remote-controlled & heated (if you have that option) with the added bonus of smaller, parobolic mirrors on the bottom of both sides. This greatly enhances your rear view. Far superior to the Aero's and don't need to be taken on and off. One caution to the Aeros: they can be removed in about 5 seconds; I was always concerned about theft.
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07-24-2014, 09:56 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, BC, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 17B;2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4
Posts: 701
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Thanks Zardoz, this looks interesting. Things are getting complicated and more expensive by the minute! I found their website, did a search and found this: Search Results for mirror pair - 1A Auto
I'm experiencing sticker price shock . My son-in-law is a licensed mechanic ..... he could do the install.... too many expensive options.
Larry
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07-24-2014, 10:18 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
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I think those replacement mirrors are an excellent option for trailering mirrors. I just wish they made them for my Pilot.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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07-24-2014, 10:58 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, BC, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 17B;2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4
Posts: 701
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For other interested newbies the same issue is being discussed on the Fiberglass RV forum
Mirrors - Fiberglass RV
On that thread people are talking about wireless rear mounted cameras on the trailer to see people doing fast lane changes on you. One more item to ponder..... But I'm going to wait on cameras until we get a few miles/trips under our belts.
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07-24-2014, 11:30 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Marana, Arizona
Trailer: 2018 Airstream Flying Cloud (Escape 19 & 5.0 previously)
Posts: 1,078
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Larry,
As I noted on Alf's original thread, the enhanced field of vision provided by the convex (not "parabolic" as stated in my earlier post) GREATLY enhances your everyday driving. More importantly, it aids a lot when backing up, especially in parking lots. I can't wait until all vehicles are required to have backup cameras. The installation on each side is two nuts and a single plug after removing the door panel. Search for Alf's original thread; he provided me with invaluable assistance helping me get them on. And "yes," they are pricey. But nobody wants to compromise on safety.
- Rich
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09-01-2014, 02:49 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Carlsbad, California, California
Trailer: 2003 Scamp 16' SOLD , 2008 Airstream 19'
Posts: 107
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My Jeep Wrangler is so narrow that I couldn't see down either side of the trailer with the stock mirrors. I spaced out the factory mirrors with some 2" cocobolo spacers. The view improved, but I can only see down one side at a time depending which direction the tug is steered. This happens when backing up. On the highway the view of the adjacent lanes is not too bad. I will need to think of a wider mirror set up. Jeep mirrors need to fold back flat when 4 wheeling in narrow ravines. Extensions could be removed for wheeling, so may be the best solution.
Russ
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09-01-2014, 09:54 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oswego, New York
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21C, 2018 Ford F150
Posts: 5,363
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zardoz
Larry,
As I noted on Alf's original thread, the enhanced field of vision provided by the convex (not "parabolic" as stated in my earlier post) GREATLY enhances your everyday driving. More importantly, it aids a lot when backing up, especially in parking lots. I can't wait until all vehicles are required to have backup cameras. The installation on each side is two nuts and a single plug after removing the door panel. Search for Alf's original thread; he provided me with invaluable assistance helping me get them on. And "yes," they are pricey. But nobody wants to compromise on safety.
- Rich
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The only problem with this is if you want to add a back up camera to your trailer. I've found mine handy, and if my tow vehicle had a built in camera system, since it doesn't have a second input, you still need to add another monitor for the trailer.
I have a Rear View Safety system that uses up to 3 cameras, with a push button on the monitor to switch between them.
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