Ford towing mirror add-ons

[henryj]

The latest F150s finally have nice towing mirrors for that body style too, but I don't know if it's newer than yours. If the doors are the same they should fit.

I've pretty much given up on junk yards--people keep their vehicles longer and you just don't find the quality stuff at a decent price. Last thing I was looking for was the OEM aluminum wheel for the spare on my truck. One wheel was about as much as GM's option price on a new truck. So the spare just comes along for the ride and isn't in the rotation.

Henry

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Well this has taken a long time but my neighbor that works for Ford in the body shop has been looking for mirrors that will help me. He says the 2008 Ford Expedition will not accept extendable mirrors from other vehicles, specifically trucks. He not only checked Ford parts but aftermarket and nothing is a bolt-on fit. Says the only recomendations he got were for aftermarket clamp on mirrors.

While I was looking online I saw a set of clamp on mirrors from overseas. Instead of being held on with rubber straps and made with flimsey plastic they looked to be more sturdy. they clamp to the factory rearview mirror housing and are made of metal. The only possible problem I see is the mirror folding back at highway speeds, maybe, but they claim that is not a problem.

Milenco Aero Flat Mirrors - Twin Pack with Case Towing Mirrors Caravan Towing Equipment Carava...

I also looked around at the "TowSure.com" website and saw some interesting items. For instant is a piece that when TT is stored for extended periods of time the tires can be removed and stored inside by replacing them with metal stands (winter wheels).

Highlander Locking Winter Wheels Winter Wheels Caravan Wheels & Tyres Spares & Fittings Carava...

That might give extra life to the rubbers.

jim

[Jim-Bev-2363]

I have bought a mirror from WallyWErld that is held onto the vehicle mirror with a suction cup. When moving teh mirror I can adjust the mirror the same as factory ones. The only thing is the size of the mirror is kinda small. A good size bugeyed mirror will be added soon.

Camco Mfg Inc - Tow-N-See Towing Mirror - Flat - Mirrors - Camping World

Soon is the speed test.

jim

[Jim-Bev-2363]

The Camco mirrors vibrate jsut like the other clamp on mirrors and the mirror is smaller so can't see poop with them. As with many things in life, bigger is better. Return to Wallywerld.

jim

[christeve]

Has anyone found a simular mirror to fit the new chevy style camper mirrors?

[Jim-Bev-2363]

I stopped by a yard sale today. they had a pair of clamp on mirrors for $17.50. Not sure how they reached that price but I was eager to buy them. They work fine as far as being easy to hook up and don't vibrate all over the place. They are the CIPA Delux Door Mount Mirrors as shown here: CIPA Deluxe Door Mount Mirror CIPA Mirrors 11650.

I'm happy with these mirrors just as they are but I will see about adding bug-eyed mirror to them. I also have some concern about how the strap is routed over the edge of the metal frame. Seems the edge of the metal might cut the strap over time. Maybe a piece of tubing over the edge will soften the pressure on the strap. Still a most happy camper over this find.

[JohnB]

Jim, they are the knock off of the Hensley McKesh mirror. I had them on my other truck. They work really well.







And I can tell you for sure.... yours are cheaper then what mine cost me.... Son now has them and uses them for his PU.

John

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Thanks John,

Ca I get closer shots of your bugeye mirror mount? Maybe some day? I have the mirrors but not sure where and how to mount them. Had thought on the outboard position but then that might add more weight that would be good for stability. Closer like you have it would be more stable, I think.

jim

[JohnB]

Jim, I'll dig for some pics and report back. Son and my old mirrors now 30 minutes away.

If I recall they had a stub end mount. Like a piece of 1/2" round stock with a 1/4"-20 tapped hole in it. Then there was a small angle bracket to bolted to the horizontial mount from the truck.

Be back soon

John

[JohnB]

Here is he Hensley parts list. It shows the blind spot mirror. You can buy just the blind sport mirror

http://hensleymfg.com/wp-content/upl...Parts-List.pdf

McKesh Mirrors | Hensley Hitch Towable Products

[JohnB]

Jim

Here is a higher resolution shot. A link to my photo site to not bog the forum down.

Suburban Upgrades :: McKeskblindspot.jpg picture by JBarca - Photobucket

Click the pic when you go there. It will increase the size.

There is 2 screws and a plate that squeeze clamps the main mirror bar from extending in and out. Using one of those screws they bolted on an angle clip. From the angle clip they bolted on the blind spot mirror.

Sorry I do not have a better pic of the mount.

Hope this helps

John

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Thanks John.

That is food for thought.

jim

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Well, I guess when it rains it pours. I picked up another set of strap on mirrors today. This set was $5. Problem is the rubber pads used to protect the vehicle are in bad condition. One is completely gone, a 2 X 3 on the lower arm and another the same size, other arm, is torn at the edges. My question is now has anyone tried to buy parts from Hensley Mfg for the McKesh mirrors? Looking online I didn't see where to order so maybe it would be better to find the material somewhere and make my own.


Nevermind! I just found them online from the Hensley site for $5.50. Ain't teh internet wundurfull?

[Jim-Bev-2363]

After checking some more on these mirrors I have found that one is the McKesh and one is a Eagle Vision. There are some differences but only in the mirror head. One, the McKesh, has a 6 by 9 mirror which gives a good overall view. The other, the Eagle Vision, has a 6 1/2 by 6 1/2 mirror and size by itself will limit overall view. Adding the bug-eye mirror will make them equal as far as seeing what is behind you goes.

I have held both brands side by side with a tape measure and all brackets and belts are the same. The McKesh mirror head is one piece and better quality without any sharpe finger cutting edges but the mirror seems to be plastic. It also has the Hensley Mfg name stamped into the metal and a 800 phone number in case of any problems. Very professional.

The Eagle Vision can be completely disassembled with loosening one screw. Might be OK if needed to be taken apart for cleaning but probably not necessary. It also has sharpe edges that might be a problem when cleaning. The mirror seems to be glass instead of plastic. There is now identifying information anywhere but there is a warning sticker about damage to window if installation is not done carefully.

There is also a CIPA brand mirror of this same style. This mirror head, from looking at pictures since I don't have one in hand, looks similar to the McKesh in that it is a one piece mirror and not assembled parts as the Eagle Vision. The mounting hardware seems so close as to be cloned.



Since I have $22.50 in two sets, the McKesh and the Eagle Vision, I think I'm going to take the base of the Eagle Vision because it is in the best condition and the mirror head of the McKesh because I like the lower and wider shape and combine for the best condition and function. I'm still looking for parts for the bug-eye mirror mount so I can have six mirrors shinning headlight glare into my eyes.



Websites for mirrors:
McKesh: McKesh Mirrors | Hensley Hitch Towable Products
Eagle Vision: Wheel Masters - Eagle Vision Portable Rear-View Mirror - 6600 - Mirrors - Camping World