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Review of Caravans Plus Service
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One of the most important factors when it comes to safety on our roads is the ability to see whats going on around you and your vehicle. While your cars mirrors are designed to give you a good view around the length of your vehicle, they aren't going to give you the vision you need while towing large objects like a caravan. Not only are towing mirrors necessary for your own peace of mind, they are also required by law in Australia when towing anything wider than your vehicle.
While there are a range of different towing mirrors available to suit all budgets, it is worth spending a bit of time working out which mirrors will best suit your setup.
The most common and popular form of portable towing mirrors, these simply clamp or strap onto your vehicles existing side mirrors. These can be adjusted from inside your vehicle and are generally very quick and easy to set up, but some are easier than others.
The Milenco Grand Aero4 are extremely popular, due in large part to their ease of use, quality and aerodynamic design. They use 2 clamps to attach to your mirror and will fit almost all vehicles (Milenco state they have been tried and tested and fitted all vehicle at the time of writing in April 2016).
The large mirror head gives a good range of rear vision and can swivelled and rotated to provide the perfect angle. The aerodynamic design provides great stability even in high speeds and when passing oncoming trucks, without the need for an extra support arm.
For even greater versatilely and grip, Milenco released the Grand Aero Platinum mirrors. This upgraded version of the Grand Aero4 features improved gripper plate design which provide greater stability while also fitting into extremely tapered mirror bezels.
This style of towing mirrors are mounted to your vehicles door and are usually more stable than the mirror mounted types. The added stability comes at a cost though, both in price and ease of use. Door Mounted mirrors are more bulky and take a little more effort to fit than the clip-on style but will also suit a larger range of vehicles.
Mounted by a drawbar that runs across the bonnet of the vehicle, these towing mirrors are the least convenient to fit. The improved stability and design of the other mirror and door mounted towing mirrors has reduced the need and popularity of this style setup. Another downside to the bonnet mounted mirrors is you cannot reach them to adjust your view from the drivers seat.
If you spend a lot of time towing, you may want a more permanent solution. Clearview Towing mirrors completely replace your vehicles existing mirrors with a larger dual mirror which can also be extended to increase visibility. These are great for those who are towing frequently as there is no need to attach an extra mirror every time you set off. The Clearview mirrors can also include electronic adjustment in the same way as the factory fitted mirrors.
While they are a top of the line, they come with a price to match ($700-$1000) which may not be worth it for those only looking to tow for a couple of trips a year. CaravansPlus does not sell ClearView mirrors but we still believe they are a product worth considering.
Another option to increase your vision while towing is to set up a rear view camera on the back of your caravan. While this will give you a good view of whats happening behind you, it is only to be used to provide additional vision and is not a substitute for towing mirrors.
When it comes to towing mirrors, there is no one definitive answer to which is best. While you do get what you pay for, how much you need to spend really depends on what features you are looking for and your setup.
If you are only doing the odd towing job, a simple, cheap, strap-on mirror may be sufficient.
If you are going to be spending more time on the road, you'll probably want something a bit sturdier though.
As previously stated, mirror mounted towing mirrors are the easiest to set up and remove so for a quality and convenient option the Milenco Grand Aero4 is a great choice.
If you are looking for the added stability of the door mounted style, and aren't worried about the added bulk, you cant go past the Enzo magnetic towing mirror by Ora. It is a more simple setup than many of the door mount style as it attaches by sliding down beside the window with the base of the mount held in place by a large anti-scratch magnetic pad.
You can check out our whole range of towing mirrors and spare parts here:
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22 Comments
Paul Brennan
I like your article it is very informative. I need mirrors I dive a Hyundai i40 & have an A-van Cruiseliner . What towing mirrors should I bee looking for?
Laura - CaravansPlus
Hi Paul, The Milenco Grand Aeros are an extremely popular choice that we have had a lot of great feedback about. They fit most cars so should be fine on your i40 - https://www.caravansplus.com.au/milenco-grand-aero3-extra-wide-towing-mirrors-pair-p-13569.html
Rodney
I have a Holden Trailblazer and I need mirrors.. Can you suggest a set?
Ross Atkinson
Go the Clearviews. You'll never regret it.
Wayne
Is there a restriction on mirror size when a truck goes past mine fly in
Ross Atkinson
My Ute mirrors did that with clip one. Bought the Clearviews and never an issue. Awesome purchase.
Bob
My original, cheap strap-ons did that frequently, but I've had no trouble since switching to Malencos
Neill
I have a Subaru Outback and a small Eurovan and would be more comfortable with towing mirrors. I had a cheap pair but they were buffeted and moved easily. I threw them away when we stopped as they were worse than useless. We don't go away a lot am interested in your comments. Thanks
Robert
I have a Ford Ranger and used the Milenco Grand Aero 3. Very easy to fit and provided good vision. Have had them for about 5 years. Unfortunately, I have had them come off the vehicle mirror when driving, and recently had the left hand mirror come off smashing it.
Craig Godfrey
Do you need towing mirrors (legal reasons) for both sides of the car as i can see clearly behind my van with just the drivers.
Peter
Towing. Mirrors for Vw touareg, looking at milenco aero, there website suggests a variation of fixing for Vw? Can you help ?
Laura - CaravansPlus
Hi Peter, Have a look here: https://www.caravansplus.com.au/aero-f-pads-suit-milenco-mirrors-4-pack-p-17548.html
Nico
Have a Pajero NW and will be doing a lot of caravan towing - do I need to go to the expense of Clearview mirrors or will ones like the Milenco Aero do the job?
Tabby
I have a Mitsubishi ASX and getting an A'Van Aliner, doing mostly frequent (bi-monthly) shortish trips. Would you please advise a suitable mirror. Thanks
Ken
I have an MQ Triton with the automatic folding side mirrors when locking. What towing mirrors would you recommend. Thanks
Kristopher
Can you please refer me to the ACTUAL LAW(S) in Australia that specify to must use extra mirrors? I can only find reference to being able to see 20 metres down the side of the caravan and then 4 metres out from that point. So if I can do that with one set of mirrors, why is it "required by law" as you state above to use extra mirrors?
Steve - CaravansPlus
Hi Kristopher, you are correct that additional mirrors are not required by law if you can get a straight line down your van with the ones you have. Because caravans and trailers are almost always wider than the tow vehicle, almost everyone will have to add towing mirrors to comply.
Darren
If you can see 20m down the side of your caravan, (almost all caravans are at least 250mm each side, outside of most Australian vehicle's view), then you are doing well. The 4m out to the sides from the rear is the easy part.
Graham
Purchasing Jayco Sterling 2009 tow vehicle also purchasing Mitsubishi Pajero sports 2016 what type of side mirrors required for safe towing
James
Hi all we are brand new newbies, new 4x4 and new van . Van is 21.5 ft inside overall 30ft long so got adjustable Clearview mirrors so going from NSW to all other states I will have piece of mind knowing I am complying nationally, just need now to be allowed to travel interstate 🛣 ha ha
Wayne
I’m buying a 2020 ford ranger (1850 wide), we will have a camper trailer (1880 wide). Do I need extra mirrors
Philip
Do the Milenco Mirrors attach to the 2020 Patrol Y62 please?