f-150 towing mirrors

[Jim Bennett]

I have the factory towing mirrors, a feature that was a must for me. I used them extended with my temp trailer, but it was 8' wide. I have only towed my 5.0TA home so don't have lots of experience with this combo yet, but I did find for the most part they did not need to be extended, but really did add a bit more view rearward when they are.

What I really like about them is the large size. I much prefer them for all types of driving, as you get a great rear view from them, and the large convex at the bottom really give a wide view with not too bad of distortion.

These mirrors with their broad view are great for reversing as well.

If buying again, I would definitely be getting them.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I have the factory towing mirrors, a feature that was a must for me. I used them extended with my temp trailer, but it was 8' wide. I have only towed my 5.0TA home so don't have lots of experience with this combo yet, but I did find for the most part they did not need to be extended, but really did add a bit more view rearward when they are.

What I really like about them is the large size. I much prefer them for all types of driving, as you get a great rear view from them, and the large convex at the bottom really give a wide view with not too bad of distortion.

These mirrors with their broad view are great for reversing as well.

If buying again, I would definitely be getting them.

Hi: Jim Bennett... On the other side they make great "Mosquito catchers" too!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: Jim Bennett... On the other side they make great "Mosquito catchers" too!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

My grill works great for that too.

[TallyHo]

We have the standard mirrors on our F150 and use fit system's snap on tow mirrors to tow our 2017 19'. Really does give you a wider view behind you and makes lane changes much safer. Also much less expensive than the ford tow mirrors and I like the standard mirrors size-wise when not towing.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by TallyHo

I like the standard mirrors size-wise when not towing.

Interesting you would say that. I replaced the standard mirrors on my F150 with towing mirrors and find I like them much better whether I am towing or not towing. They provide a larger view and are infinitely adjustable. I actually use them more when not towing than the rear view mirror on the windshield, which obviously is not of much use when towing.

[TallyHo]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

Interesting you would say that. I replaced the standard mirrors on my F150 with towing mirrors and find I like them much better whether I am towing or not towing. They provide a larger view and are infinitely adjustable. I actually use them more when not towing than the rear view mirror on the windshield, which obviously is not of much use when towing.

Hum, well maybe I would like the ford towing mirrors more, never had them. I did have them on an old chevy, they were huge and forever getting in the way in parking lots etc. The only way to get them out of the way on the passenger side was to get out and fold them in. Do the shopping, get ready to drive off, look, get out again to fold them out!
Funny about the rearview mirror, when we got home from our cross country trip it took several days to learn to reuse the rear view and the first time or two I had that instant where I thought omg where's the trailer!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

Interesting you would say that. I replaced the standard mirrors on my F150 with towing mirrors and find I like them much better whether I am towing or not towing. They provide a larger view and are infinitely adjustable. I actually use them more when not towing than the rear view mirror on the windshield, which obviously is not of much use when towing.

I almost never use the rear view mirror, as 90% of my driving is with a cargo/dump/recreational trailer in tow, and couldn't anyway. I agree that towing mirrors are just as beneficial if not towing though, and would not want to be without them towing.

I do like the idea and look of the Fit mirrors as an alternative. I tried to find something like that for my Pilot, but could not.

I know for a fact with some folks I know that they don't want the towing mirrors as a vanity thing, they don't like the look. They prefer the car like mirrors. Most of these people don't tow much, nor really do they need a pickup either. I read a while back that in Alberta the number one vehicle style driven by new millionaires is a pickup truck. To be fair, they did need one while working and growing their business, and just felt more comfortable driving one. I know I do. While I do like good looks in a vehicle if possible, that is secondary to getting the performance I want with all aspects of it.

[ruscal]

Jim,
I really understand the "vanity" factor thing. I purchased a Chevy SSR to set up for towing our Scamp 16. I could solve all the requirements to tow the trailer with the exception of the mirrors. The whole reason to use that vehicle was the cool factor, and I just couldn't figure out functional mirrors without killing the cool. We then went to a '67 C10 stepside which also had some miniature car mirrors that I swapped out for some OEM style mid size mirrors that kept the vibe, but functioned well while towing. Our latest trailer needed a bigger truck, so we just ordered one that was ready to go, but not much cool. The new trucks towing mirrors are so large, I had to learn to look around them when going forward. There are blind spots large enough to hide pedestrians.
Russ