Mirror extensions for towing

[edmguy]

I assume a bunch of guys here bought their Expedition for towing, and if so, are you guys using mirror extensions or just the stock mirrors?

I just picked up my Expedition last week so I haven't even tried towing my trailer yet, but with the Explorer I had before, I used some of the mirror extensions that just slide over the stock mirror and give it an extra 4" or so (I know, sounds dirty...lol).

Anyway, I have been to a few places and been told no one makes mirror extensions for the Expedition, just the F150's and they are slightly different. People have tried selling me universal ones but they look so damn ugly and don't seem to mount very solid (one place let me try putting them on).

I'm having trouble finding something online as well.

Anyone have any recommendations?

I'm going to do a short 5 day trip next week with the trailer and I'm planning on trying with the stock mirrors, but I would like to find something because the more you can see on the road the better imo.

 

[AvroAero]

I don't use any, but I tow a dual sled trailer and dual seadoo trailer so its not a big deal.
Try ebay.

 

[JUST4FUN]

what is your trailer

 

[edmguy]

I tow a 26' travel trailer.

The Explorer definitely needed the extensions, but I might be okay with the Expedition, but I would still like some.

My last camping trip last month I took an 08 Superduty and the extendable towing mirrors on that thing was awesome. You could see so much. Twin turbo diesel was nice too.

Anyway, I did check ebay with no luck but I will keep looking.

So no one here uses any?

 

[Randy]

I tow an enclosed construction trailer that's 8 feet by 16 feet and haven't had any need to use extension s to see around the sides. I think you'll find the Expy is wide enough already for towing standard width trailers.

 

[chuck s]

I'm using McKesh mirrors to tow my 24' travel trailer for other than just a mile or two. I have 'em set 6" wider than the trailer on each side. If the mirrors fit the trailer will fit too. I'd rather smack the toll girl with the mirror than the trailer body!

-- Chuck

 

[edmguy]

^ wow those things are massive!

I'm heading out this Thursday for 5 days and only about 500km so I will see how it goes.

The universal ones part way down this page are the ones this place close to me tried selling me.

http://www.mirrormirror.com/

They fit and work, I just don't think they seem stable enough for highway driving and they look like ass imo. lol

Very nice Expedition and trailer btw!

Your trailer looks basically the same length as mine, only mine is a 97 without a slide out, so not nearly as good looking. That will hopefully be the next purchase for me now that I went from the Explorer to the Expedition.

 

[pronstar]

Originally posted by edmguy


The universal ones part way down this page are the ones this place close to me tried selling me.

http://www.mirrormirror.com/

They fit and work, I just don't think they seem stable enough for highway driving and they look like ass imo. lol

I have these, they worked fine.
I don't need them anymore, so I'd be willing to let them go if you want to just pay for shipping...or if you are in SoCalm jsut ocme and pick them up...

 

[edmguy]

So they were pretty stable at highway speeds?

I will let you know after this weekend if I am interested. Thanks for the offer.

And it would need to be shipped. I am in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Way north of you.

 

[pronstar]

They weren't rock-steady like a factory mirror...but were way more stable than I had anticipated. Did the job just fine...that is, I could see any cars that were alongside of me.

But it's not a huge tow mirror, so if you are expecting something along the lines of the ones offered on a 1-ton dually, you'll be dissapointed.

 

[edmguy]

Oh I know. They are similar to the slide on ones that I had on my Explorer and like I mentioned I tried them on the Expedition but I just wasn't convinced to buy them.

I think I will want them but I will see what the stock ones are like when I take off tomorrow.

 

[briguy_78]

Did you have problems using the mirrormirror or **** mirrors? I purchased these from a local shop and quickly tried putting them on and found that the bottom buckle didn't fasten securely to the mirror because of the turn signal lens on my 2003 Expy.

 

[green monster]

Try the prime products xlr rachet mirror.
website: http://www.prime-products.com/products.php?prodid=264

I've tried 4 or 5 different ones, this one is the best. Still not perfect, but better than the rubber strap. It uses a built in rachet with the rubber straps and holds them pretty securely. One note, don't buy the dual mirror which has the convex and regular lens in it. The lens vibrate within the unit. The single lens is the best.
Good luck.
BTW my Expy is an 03.....

 

[jimmyv13]

I towed my snowmobile trailer for the first time with my '07 and noticed I couldn't see past the trailer like I could with my F-150, they are simply too narrow. Has anyone found any new bolt on mirrors like the F150 mirrors that slide out to fit?

 

[KWT2000]

i pull a 5 place sled trailer with mine and dont see a need for towing mirrors...

 

[driverjohn2005]

They make mirrors that are a custom fit to the mirror. If I knew what year your Expedition was; that may help...

For me; I use a set that can be used on any vehicle. Got them brand new last summer.

About the best pic I have of them:

 

[jimmyv13]

i pull a 5 place sled trailer with mine and dont see a need for towing mirrors...

That's because the older Expy's have better mirrors. I'm not certain if it's better mirror placement, bigger mirrors or whatever, but the mirrors on the newer Expy's are awful for towing an 8' wide trailer. I had no problems towing this same trailer with my '04 F-150...

 

[gomer34]

That's because the older Expy's have better mirrors. I'm not certain if it's better mirror placement, bigger mirrors or whatever, but the mirrors on the newer Expy's are awful for towing an 8' wide trailer. I had no problems towing this same trailer with my '04 F-150...

I agree that the mirrors on the new Expy's are terrible. I have to use the **** strap on extensions on my 09 to tow my 34' TT. They aren't the greatest things, but they suffice.

 

[alaskan]

Can i ask what year your expy is?
I have a 2003 xlt with a 23' travel trailer.
I tried the capi(?) universal mirrors, which have the single strap in the middle that ratchets but it kept requiring us to adjust the darn thing every few miles.. I took them back today.. I'm wondering if anyone else with an 03 expy with the side cladding near the bottom of the door has used or tried the mckesh mirrors? I don't mind getting these over the others out there if they work on my rig.. Anyone?

 

[tri2spin]

Contact Ford and let them know your idea. www.thefordstory.com. I posted an idea tor towing mirrors. The more people that agree with the post the better chances we have for future Expys with tow packages to come with tow mirrors. I have had little luck with my 2003. The universal fit mirrors are not the greatest. They come loose, they fly off when a truck blows by you, they suck. The McKesh mirrors looks aweful. When I contacted Ford the suggested I go to the web sight above and post an idea. It is a long process to register but hopefully worth it