Standard mirrors vs trailer tow frustration

[Deanrd52]

My 2018 F350 I had built to tow 5th wheel so I had power folding and extending/retracting. The large size and the lack of "objects appear closer" distortion is missed, but blocking my vision was always an issue. With the convex mirror taking too much space. I could never see everything I wanted. Towing my pontoon boat yesterday wasn't as bad as expected. I still had good visibilty on driver's side, but pass side was frustrating with size. I wish there was an option to change right-hand mirror to remove that.

Oh well

Dean

Sponsored

 

[Chappy133]

I feel your frustration and I got these snap on tow mirrors from Amazon and they are a help. I just can't justify the $2.0K+ for adding the factory tow mirrors.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1HZ77J?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_

 

[Star Lord]

I spent the $1500 to add them to my F-150 Platinum. What a difference they make towing my 33FB Classic Airstream. I love them. I don't know why Ford doesn't include them with the Max Tow option.

 

[Deanrd52]

For the couple times a year I tow boat I'll have to see if it's worth it first.

Thanx

 

[Star Lord]

For the couple times a year I tow boat I'll have to see if it's worth it first.

Thanx

For me it was about ensuring I wouldn't lose any functionality I had with the standard mirrors and also if there was any problems I could go to the dealer.

There are a lot of aftermarket options and when you start loading up the options you are almost at the same price as the Ford tow mirrors and still wouldn't be 100% seamlessly integrated.

But it all depends on what you're looking for. Take your time and do a little searching.

 

[WoodBarn Mark]

I also have the snap on extensions
They do work pretty well with my travel trailer.

 

[Buyer2021]

I don't know why Ford doesn't include them with the Max Tow option.

Max Tow may be justified for those who 'pull heavy' even if only occasionally. For occasional use, some may prefer 'temporary' mirrors of the sort mentioned above for several valid reasons, especially on XLT and lower trims lacking power-fold.

One of my complaints about later F150 buying is the increasing trend of forced bundling / reduction of individual options to tailor a truck to a particular customer's preferences; I'm glad they've kept these as separate stand-alone options.

As an OE option the TT mirrors area a great deal, I doubt the net price would be lower if they were force-bundled with the Max Tow package.

IMO Ford's approach of separating the mirrors from the Max Tow package is a good move, I hope they maintain that approach.

 

[PowerBoostSoCal]

I really appreciate the discussion around towing mirrors ... I live in a summer (and winter for that matter) destination and drive to a business I own about 100 miles away - using combination of interstate and rural mountain roads. So we get travelers every day and I am amazed how many people will tow a travel trailer w/out trailer mirrors or extensions. If you approach someone doing this, look for their mirrors as you approach and many times you are a few inches to a few feet beyond the end of their trailer. Honestly, how can you change lanes or merge onto the freeway without seeing what may be there? Plus, you have your family in the vehicle with you ... so it's not just the knucklehead driver, but innocents as well ... ok, I am done. Safety first - or find yourself on a wonky youtube video!

 

[PowerBoostSoCal]

I feel your frustration and I got these snap on tow mirrors from Amazon and they are a help. I just can't justify the $2.0K+ for adding the factory tow mirrors.

Thank you for sharing, I just bought a set of these for my '25 Lariat.

 

[bgalakazam]

Snap on mirrors work just fine for 31’ Airstream. No way $1k+ for factory ones

 

[JumboJVT]

Snap on mirrors work just fine for 31’ Airstream. No way $1k+ for factory ones

OEM tow mirrors as built is $395. Adding OEM tow mirrors after the truck has been built with the small stock mirrors is $1500. There is value to the stock mirrors and the labor to install, only to be duplicated to add tow mirrors. If folks don't get that... If you want tow mirrors, but a truck with tow mirrors.

 

[Brooster54]

I tow a 31' travel trailer throughout the summer. When looking for a new F150 4X4 Screw replacement for my lease return in '23, my dealer couldn't find an XLT with the 301A option package, tow mirrors, and colour that I wanted. There was loyalty cash available at the time, so it was used to upgrade the standard mirrors to OEM tow mirrors. Love the truck, love the colour (Area 51). It draws compliments regularly!

 

[CND Supercrew]

Just for everyday driving and lane changes I think they are worth it...

 

[philmayfield]

I don't like how the factory tow mirrors look and I only tow a handful of times a year. I picked up those same snap-on ones linked above and they work great.

 

[Snakebitten]

I know we call them Tow mirrors, but I just think of them as Truck Mirrors.

On my SuperDuty truck, truck mirrors are the only option. Or you could say that there is no option for car mirrors on a SuperDuty.

On my F150 Powerboost, I had to choose the option to get Truck Mirrors, because on the F150 car mirrors are standard. ?

Sponsored