Ford towing mirror add-ons

[EMD_Driver]

Originally Posted by JohnB

The F350 has Ford towing mirrors and they are good just I added the Round blind spot mirror to both sides to make them even better.
John

I didn't want to hijack the TV tires thread, so I'm posting this here. Someone told me about these blind spot mirrors for Ford towing mirrors. I ordered a set and now have them on my dually. They mount to the mirror arms and do a great job! Since I've installed them, I now use them almost exclusively! You can click on the pic, to see their website...

[JohnB]

Yes those are the ones! They are great!

And you can really see down the side of that high up truck. Riding around empty a small car can totally disappear below the bed rail of the truck on the passenger side and even if you turned your head your looking right over them.....scarey...

Only negative I have is they did not use stainless screws to hold the mirror on. The plated ones are now rusting. Need to get 6 small stainless sheet metal screws and replace them.

[Jim-Bev-2363]

I repeat myself but ....... The kind of molded plastic mirrors I have been using simply clamp to the factory mirror with rubber straps. The plasitc flexes and mirror can be a bugger to view. It does have simple installation and good viewing position if held still long enough.....
. TEMPORARY MOUNT TOWING MIRRORS - JCWhitney#

The fender mounted mirrors That place the mirror so far away as to be of no help. The driverside mirror is blocked by the windshield post on my Ford Expedition.....
#750 ROBERK FENDER MOUNT TRAILER TOW MIRROR SET (s | eBay

jim

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Jim-Bev-2363

..... The driverside mirror is blocked by the windshield post on my Ford Expedition.....
#750 ROBERK FENDER MOUNT TRAILER TOW MIRROR SET (s | eBay

That is the one I have. I modified it with a piece of aluminum angle stock to make the joint a bit more rigid and it sticks out a bit more so I can see down the side of my camper. When it is mounted on my 4Runner the mirror is visable just above my regular mirror so I don't have to turn my head, I get 2 views with one quick look. I will see if I can post some pictures tomorrow.

My first trip (looooong ago!) I had the ones that clamp on the regular mirror and there was way too much vibration to be able to really see anything

[Jim-Bev-2363]

I've taken some pictures of my fender mounted mirrors. I concentrated on the driverside mirror since it the one with the major problems. First pic is a view of the front of the TV with mirrors mounted.



Next is showing the mirror mounted to the fender. The top slides into the crack between the hood and fender. The bottom fastens to the fenderwell at the closest point to the hood.



Next is the view looking towards the driverside mirror and all I can see is the windshield post.



Next is the view if I move my head about 8 inches to the right.



And if I move my head to the left, or against the window.



jim

[EMD_Driver]

Hey Jim...

From the pics, it doesn't look as if those "Towing" mirrors will do you much good. If that were my TV, I would look into getting a set of Ford stock towing mirrors. Like the ones on mine and John's trucks. From the picture of yours, it looks as if they might just bolt right up. The downside to them, is the cost. They can be expensive.

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Hi Gary, I'll check for towing mirrors but like you said the cost might stop me so till then I'll be checking snap-on type. I really do like the ones that strap to the doors if I can find the money. One day I will.

[kanyonkitty]

Jim & Beverly,

Attached is a link to a few photos of "McKesh" towing mirrors set up on an Expedition. I know they cost a bit more, but over the years I have read many great reports on them. I think the ones you have now sit TOO far forward on the vehicle to be of any use.

What are the Best Expedition Towing Mirrors - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

[Gene]

I can see where the A post gets in the way for Jim. Here is the view from the driver's seat on mine. The regular mirror shows me what is next to me and just above it is the view down the side of my camper (if I was hooked up). I don't have to move my eyes far to see the big picture.




Here you can see the 1 inch angle stock I added to make it more rigid. It is longer than the
original arm so the mirror is higher and more to the left.



Another view



Looking down from the top.

[henryj]

Jim, I used some clamp-on like that on a Ranger with Ford's dumb "flag" style mirrors and they were totally useless--at about 50 mph the mirror folded up. The GMC is my first truck with factory towing mirrors and nothing else comes close and still looks decent.

I wonder if your fender mounts might vibrate way more than a door mount. I believe the McKesh are similar, but are door mounts. I too have heard nothing but good things about them. They do need to be removed when not towing, even if it's just a quick trip to the store.

I see a lot of the CIPA--or other brand--slide on mirrors in campgrounds. I have no experience with them, but they also make OEM style mirrors that may be less than factory price. If you know a mechanic he may be able to get a factory mirror for the trade price. The markup on any parts is huge.

Henry

[Jim-Bev-2363]

I just remembered that I have a neighbor down the street that works for the Ford dealership, in the body shop. I wonder if he could be of any help. Might have to bump into him one day.

jim

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by Jim-Bev-2363

I just remembered that I have a neighbor down the street that works for the Ford dealership, in the body shop. I wonder if he could be of any help. Might have to bump into him one day.

jim

Jim, Think junk yard and a set of used OEM mirrors off a F250 or F350 as an option

[Jim-Bev-2363]

John, My first thought was to ask him 'if' truck mirrors will even fit the Expy. If so then I can go junking.

jim

Edited to ask: How much extention in inches will your factory mirrors extend?

[Sunline Fan]

Originally Posted by JohnB

Jim, Think junk yard and a set of used OEM mirrors off a F250 or F350 as an option

Unfortunately, many others have had the same idea, and from what I've found, they are hard to find. Many yards don't even have Super Duties, and if they do, the mirrors are priced quite high.

I went with aftermarket (but OEM style/appearance) ones for mine (since it originally just had the paddle style), but they are terrible. They mirror glass shakes quite a bit and the whole thing shakes terribly when pulled out. But then again, Michigan roads don't help. Since I'm fortunate enough to have experience with the OEM ones too, I know for the future just to choke up the extra $100 or so and get the real OEM parts.

After Googling pictures of a 2008 Expedition for the mirror and looking at a picture of mine, I'm pretty sure the Super Duty mirrors won't fit an Expy, but I may be wrong. The mounting holes may fit, but the plastic trim on the outside probably won't.