If you’re hitching up the van, boat, or camper and gearing up for your next big adventure, there’s one bit of kit you can’t afford to overlook – towing mirrors. Not only are they a legal must-have if your trailer or caravan blocks your view, they make the whole towing experience safer, easier, and a whole lot less stressful. The truth is that your standard mirrors just won’t cut it when you’ve got a big rig tagging along behind you. You need extra reach to see down the sides of your load, check those sneaky blind spots, and keep an eye on what's going on behind you.
So, let’s break down what you need to know about towing mirrors – how to choose the right ones, how to fit them properly, and which ones are worth your hard-earned cash. Time to get your setup sorted and hit the road the right way. You can also browse the full range of towing mirrors from Companion, Dometic and Milenco at BCF.
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Why Towing Mirrors Matter
When you’re towing, your rearview mirror might as well be for decoration, and your factory side mirrors don’t always give you the full picture. Without towing mirrors, you’re guessing what’s happening behind you, and guessing while towing is a fast track to trouble on the road, especially when you’re changing lanes or reversing into a tight spot. Aussie road rules are pretty clear, they say you need an unobstructed view at least 200 metres behind your setup and down both sides of your trailer. If you can’t see that, you need towing mirrors. Simple as that.
Picture this – you’re cruising down the highway, ready to overtake a slow-moving truck. Without towing mirrors, you’re banking on luck that nothing’s lurking in your blind spot. That’s not just stressful, it’s down-right dangerous. Towing mirrors give you the confidence to change lanes, merge, and reverse without breaking a sweat.
Types of Towing Mirrors
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to towing mirrors, but here are your main options you have to choose from:
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Clip-On Mirrors: Easy to install and remove, perfect for occasional towing. They clamp onto your existing mirrors and give you that extra width you need. Great for weekend warriors who only tow a few times a year.
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Suction Mirrors: Quick to fit and great for short trips, but not as stable at highway speeds. These are the “quick fix” option, but if you’re doing long trips, you’ll want something sturdier. A simple example is the Camec Suction Mirror.
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Replacement Mirrors: These beauties fully replace your factory mirrors and are the best option for serious towers. They’re rock-solid and often include features like electric adjustment, indicators, and even heating for foggy mornings. If you’re towing regularly or hauling a big caravan, these are worth every cent. You can check out options like the MSA 4x4 replacement mirrors range or premium clip-ons such as the Milenco Aero Platinum Towing Mirror.
How to Choose the Right Towing Mirrors
The best towing mirror for you depends on:
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How Often You Tow: If you're only hitting the road a couple of times each year, clip-on mirrors are an easy and affordable fix. But, if you’re towing every other weekend, invest in something more permanent.
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Consider Your Vehicle: Not all towing mirrors fit all cars. Check the compatibility, especially if your rig has big factory mirrors and indicators built in.
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Stability: Cheap mirrors can shake like a leaf at 100km/h. Look for aerodynamic designs and anti-vibration features that’ll help keep things steady when you hit the highway.
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Width of Your Load: If you’re towing a wide caravan or boat, then extra-wide mirrors could be worth their weight in gold.
Extra Features Worth Considering
When it comes to modern towing mirrors, size isn't everything – they can come with some seriously handy extras that make life on the road that much easier:
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Electrical Adjustment: No more fiddling around manually to get them into the right spot. Adjust your mirrors with the push of a button and Bob's your uncle.
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Indicators: Built-in lights for added safety making your intentions crystal-clear to everyone else on the road.
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Convex Glass: Gives you a wider field of view to cover blind spots and a better look at what's happening around your rig. This can be super handy when you're merging, overtaking, or reversing into a tight campsite.
Tips for Using Towing Mirrors
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Fit Them Properly: Follow the instructions and make sure clamps are tight. A loose mirror is worse than no mirror.
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Adjust for the Right Angle: The top flat glass should show the back corner of your vehicle; the bottom convex mirror should cover blind spots.
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Final Check: Give them a shake and make sure they’re solid.
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Practice Makes Perfect: Before hitting the highway, take a spin around the block. Get used to the extra width and visibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Leaving Mirrors on All the Time: They’re designed for towing, not every day driving. Leaving them on can make parking a nightmare and might even be illegal in some states.
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Buying Cheap Knockoffs: They might look the part, but flimsy mirrors will vibrate like crazy and give you a distorted view. Invest in quality – don't bet your life on a bargain!
FAQ’s
1. Do I legally need towing mirrors in Australia?
Yes! If your trailer or caravan blocks your view down the sides of your vehicle, towing mirrors are required by law.
2. How do I know which towing mirrors fit my car?
Check the product specs for compatibility. Clip-on mirrors are designed to fit most vehicles, but replacement mirrors are usually vehicle specific.
3. Can I leave towing mirrors on all the time?
It’s not recommended! They’re designed for towing and can stick out too far for everyday driving. Check local laws to determine if it is legal to leave them on.
4. What’s the best towing mirror for long trips?
Replacement mirrors like the MSA range or high-quality clip-ons like Milenco Aero Platinum are ideal for stability and visibility.
5. How do I stop towing mirrors from vibrating?
Choose mirrors with aerodynamic designs and anti-vibration features, and ensure all clamps and fittings are tightened correctly before you hit the road.
Towing mirrors aren’t just about ticking a legal box – they’re about making your trip safer and less stressful. The right mirrors give you confidence when changing lanes, overtaking, or reversing into that tight campsite. So, before you hitch up and head off, make sure you’ve got the right setup. Whether you’re after a quick clip-on for the odd weekend away or a heavy-duty set for big trips, the right towing mirrors make all the difference. Find the perfect pair, fit them properly, and hit the road with confidence.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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