Quote: Originally posted by JOHN BYRNE on 29/6/2007
I have just bought a pair of suckit and see mirrors they adjust with the electric mirrors of the car have not used them yet but will keep you posted on their performance
Regards
John
I have the problem of the extension mirrors vibrating, and have been considering a change to the Milenco ones. Purplehat's comments have caused me to think about the Aero model.
I have ruled out fitting any type which relies on suckers attached to the mirror glass. My main concern is that the unavoidable slipstream, especially when driving into a head wind, could possibly cause the adjustable mirror glass to be ripped away from its mounting.
I have to admit, I've given up on the towing mirrors. I had the strap on ones, but found visibility in the (curved) mirrors on the car actually gives a better view than the towing mirrors, so found I was using the car mirror rather than the towing mirror even with the towing mirror fitted. There is very little difference between the width of my car and van, so this would probably not be the case with many vehicles.
Quote: Originally posted by SoundsDigital on 02/7/2007
I have to admit, I've given up on the towing mirrors. I had the strap on ones, but found visibility in the (curved) mirrors on the car actually gives a better view than the towing mirrors, so found I was using the car mirror rather than the towing mirror even with the towing mirror fitted. There is very little difference between the width of my car and van, so this would probably not be the case with many vehicles.
When towing, the rear view mirrors must provide an adequate view to the rear and along both sides of the trailer. They must not project more than 200mm beyond the width of the towing vehicle or the trailer, whichever is the wider.
I think the word "along" is the important point. I can see to the rear with my vehicle mirrors, but only along the van with the extension mirrors.
I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Aeros. They really are superb. We have just put them back on to run the van into storage. No adjustments, just screwed down two knobs per mirror and hey presto, we found that they were exactly right, all set up and ready to go. No sitting in the car gesticulating at the hapless person outside in the rain whose trying to get them right. Leaves a lot more energy for the awning fights!!!
I do have to chuckle ar "aerodynamic towing mirrors!" ermm, is that going to make much difference when theres whats essentially a tin brick wall behind you!
Quote: Originally posted by timtheenchanter on 02/7/2007
I do have to chuckle ar "aerodynamic towing mirrors!" ermm, is that going to make much difference when theres whats essentially a tin brick wall behind you!
The answer would appear to be yes in that there is no vibration of the mirrors.
Hi, Purplehat. Just got back after 8 weeks in Cornwall. Weather was foul for most of the holiday, but we were fortunate in that we were meeting several friends over those weeks, so evening get-togethers paid some compensation.
Ref the mirrors. My reasons for considering Milenco are twofold. First, they are obviously good mirrors. Second, I have to swivel my head considerably to use the L/H extension mirror. This has to be a frequent practice on narrow, winding roads, and the ability to rely on eye movement only would be safer.
By adjusting the Milenco arm to point forwards, and the addition of a little bracketry, I hope to move the L/H mirror forwards and into the natural field of vision.
If that does not work, I have even considered mounting a rear view camera on the arm instead, with a facia-mounted monitor to the left of the steering wheel. The camera has to be on this arm, so that it is possible to see where the nearside of the van is, in relation to hedgerows and other obstructions. This idea can mean mega bucks, so I hope plan one works OK.
Ah Cornwall in the rain and cold. Remember it most unfondly, ditto already narrow roads with high overgrown hedgerows. The Milencos are smaller than other towing mirrors we have used, but they have pairs one of which is concave ( or was it convex). We went for the plain ones but wish I could have seen them first as the special shape is meant to improve the field of vision but can make things look more distant. It may just be that it would help in your quest, don't know. Sorry about the weather you've had. It was what decided us to head for France each year when the kids were tots. Post brood, we decided to return to Cornwall last year and it rained! So where's the next big trip you're planning?
Next year, purplehat, we are planning to go to France. We have done France several times with motorhomes, but never with a towed van. It is a few years since we went to France (before the Euro), so I will soon be posting a few topics in order to scrounge some up to date info from caravanners who have recently visited France.
I really do not see that any mirror in the world can see behind a car and a 20 ft long caravan. A door mirror cannot see directly behind a car, only the lanes either side, hence the need for an interior mirror. The only way to see directly behind the caravan is with a camera, which then puts you into the territory of watching tv while driving. Clearly not going to go down very well.
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Topic: Towing mirrors - which are best?
