LiveNupe

Under what circumstances do you really need extended mirrors? Towing a 24 ft enclosed trailer? 28ft? Are there other factors to take into consideration beyond the length of the trailer?

gerryros

Its more about trailer width than length. Need to be able to see clearly down the lane next to you on either side. I’ve been in a situations where that was not possible - all I could see was the front of the trailer in my mirrors, impossible to switch lanes and hard to back up in tight areas. I currently tow a 28’ enclosed trailer with an HD pickup, even with mirrors extended I cannot see directly behind me but I can see what is in the lanes next to me— what’s coming or if I have completed a pass safely, as well as the sides of the trailer for reference (especially on turns and backing up) and making sure things look ok.

Frank 993 C4S

It’s not a function of the length of the trailer. You need the extenders in order to see down your adjacent lanes to switch lanes safely. You will also need them for backing up.

dan212

Adding to what Frank said, no mirror will be able to show what is directly behind you. This is just basic geometry.

I towed a heavy steel trailer with large factory elephant ear mirrors on a Ram 2500. Loved towing with that and the great view those mirrors gave. While I could not see directly behind the trailer, I could safely change lanes etc. Just like any tractor trailer.

Large trucks usually have signs that say "If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you". That is geometry.

To see what is directly behind you, mount a camera on the back of your trailer. Thats what I did.

markmark26

i just pulled 26ft enclosed trailer home with a 1 ton Truck.. I don't know how people are pulling 24ft + enclosed trailers with SUVs. Must be a scary ride. As far as visibility limitations, one solution is to have additional cameras installed each side of a trailer and in the back. I have rear camera on my trailer, but plan to add 2 more, one for each side of a trailer.

Dennis C

Many states have laws that specifically state the requirements for rear visibility with your side mirrors. I’d start by checking your state laws. For example, Colorado statutes (where I live) require exterior mirrors on both sides of the tow vehicle that allow for an unobstructed view of 200 feet of the highway behind the vehicle. They don’t specifically call out extended towing mirrors, but it would be hard to meet this requirement without them when towing a large trailer.

Adding to what others have said above, I’ve got extensive towing experience and I can’t imagine towing without towing mirrors that extend when needed. If your truck didn’t come with towing mirrors, there are aftermarket options as well as OE options in many cases. Many people use clip-on mirror extenders or something similar. I’m not a fan of those personally, but they’re an option if you don’t want to spend the money on proper towing mirrors.

RSA964993

Toss in lack of blind spot monitoring with inadequate mirrors and you’ll have the most stressful trip ever. I had a Covid production 2021 Ram 2500 diesel that they took out the blind spot monitoring in the towing package due to the chip shortages. The mirrors were adequate but with the way people drive on the highway when you’re towing a big enclosed trailer, it wasn’t fun. I ended up on a Ram forum where they had an entire do it yourself section of installing the blind spot monitoring. Once the taillights with the chips became available, I went ahead and put in the blind spot monitoring in myself.

177mph

The new GMC's have an amazing camera package that eliminates the need for towing mirrors. Cameras down the sides of the truck show me everything -way past the trailer. Plus the option for a camera on the back of the trailer - and inside that I can view from my dash. Gotta love new tech!!