Towing mirrors are essential for drivers who tow larger trailers and caravans for both vision and to meet legal  requirements. When towing, it's crucial to be able to see down the side of the trailer to safely navigate corners, other vehicles, and for changing lanes. 

Standard mirrors are not always sufficient, especially when towing a full-width caravan that is two and a half meters wide. In this Cruisemasterclass we will outline some of the aftermarket towing mirrors options to help ensure you have the best towing experience possible. 

Cruisemasterclass Episode 10: Towing Mirrors

Australian Legal Requirements for Towing Mirrors

In Australia, the legal requirements for towing mirrors are outlined in the Australian Design Rules (ADR). The ADR states that drivers must be able to see down the side face of the caravan and out a couple of meters.

However, measuring this distance can be tricky, so a good rule of thumb is to adjust your mirrors so that you can see down the side face of the caravan while also seeing someone positioned at the back of the caravan at the required distance.

Towing Mirror Options for Towing Caravans

In most cases your vehicles factory mirrors will not meet the ADR vision requirements and you will require to fit an aftermarket alternative. Below we've outlined some of the most common aftermarket towing mirror options. 

Clip on Towing Mirrors

One of the cheaper towing mirror options are clip-on mirrors, which are available at automotive retailers like Autobarn and Super Cheap Auto. These mirrors typically cost between $25 and $100 and can be a bit fiddly to put on. 

These mirrors require manual adjustment which can become a pain if changing drivers regularly, they may also obscure your view if you have cameras for a 360-degree vision on your vehicle. 

In addition, these mirrors can shake loose when driving off-road and may remove or damage paint from your vehicle. 

Lastly, it's essential to remove these mirrors when not towing to avoid being caught for being over the maximum road width of your vehicle.

Clearview

ClearView Original

Clearview were the dominant brand in towing mirrors for years. Anyone who has been around towing has seen the traditional 'Elephant Ear' style of mirror from ClearView (pictured above). 

While they are suited to purpose they are big, bulky and no not offer the flexibility of reducing the mirror footprint when not towing. If not using on a regular basis the twin mirror set up can be difficult to adjust to and be disorientating. 

ClearView Compact

The more modern compact product from ClearView (pictured above) is a far more streamlined product offering the flexibility of viewing range through their telescopic design. These models can be extended out when towing and then returned to a more natural factory fit mirror position for day to day driving. 

MSA Electric Towing Mirrors

MSA towing mirrors do not have the history of ClearView but are often considered a little more stylish and flow with the lines of modern vehicles. They extend in and out like Clearview mirrors, with the additional section that can also rotate offering four mirror positions for ultimate flexibility in viewing range.

Being an electric mirror option the MSA range of mirrors include a plug and play loom that allows you to maintain the electric adjustment functionality of the vehicle regardless of the orientation of the mirror. Making it a convenient option if you are alternating drivers or regularly switching between towing and regular driving. 

There is no learning curve with MSA mirrors, making them easy to use right from the start.

Aftermarket Towing Mirror Cost

Both Clearview and MSA mirrors run between $700 and $1500, depending on the options specified with fitting an additional cost. Although they can be fitted D.I.Y it's best to go to an experienced fitting centre for Clearview or MSA mirrors.

Towing mirrors are essential for safe towing, with several options available on the market to ensure you are compliant with regulations. It's important to choose the best option for your vehicle and personal preferences, and to make sure that the mirrors are fitted correctly to ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience. 

If you have any questions, it's best to consult with a reputable and experienced towing mirror supplier or fitter, such as the Towing Performance Centre.