View Full Version : extended mirrors when towing caravan
With a t2 does any one use extended mirrors when towing caravan if so what ones
Blocky10
27-04-2016, 19:01
I got a pair of mirrors with my caravan called "suck it and see". Avoid these as they shake about. Best I've used are mirrors that clip or strap to the terrano mirror assembly.
Ian
Lazy-Ferret
27-04-2016, 19:10
With a t2 does any one use extended mirrors when towing caravan if so what ones
Yes.... but we have a wide caravan.
When I towed the older normal width van I did not bother at first, as I also have a camera on the back of the van, which with it's angle of view meant I had an overlap and could see vehicles in both the camera and the mirrors as they came up the side., but I was told that by law I can't count the camera, and it's only the side mirror views that count. Without the camera, I could not see down the actual sides of the caravan which is the areas you have to be able to see by law...
https://www.lifesure.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Towing_Mirrors-768x442.jpg
I have the older version of the "Milenco Aero 2 Convex" mirrors that also have the straps as well as the clamp. I like the belt and braces approach, and don't find they vibrate that much.
I also attach the towing mirror to the top of the T2 mirror, with the bend to the mirror going up, which puts the mirror above other cars mirrors and reduced the chances of someone taking them out.
You can just make them out here..
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm322/Lazy-Ferret/Caravan/terrano.jpg
jims-terrano
27-04-2016, 19:45
Yep when I towed the caravan I still needed them. We have big mirrors as standard but they don't really stick out far enough to have a clear view. I always had mirrors for both sides even though I know a lot of people don't.
Always do as standard mirrors don't give the view that is needed by law, only can see the front edges of our bailey ranger with the T2 mirrors & not down the side
zippy656
27-04-2016, 20:49
3 points, and up to £1000 if you don't
Used one with two traps,
panelbeater
03-05-2016, 18:22
a transit was pulled over for no mirrors on way to clacton.had to drop van and get some befor cop would let it go.
terranosaurusdoug
03-05-2016, 22:05
I just bought some "rock steady" brand mirrors, basically a cheaper version of milenco, usable but not very impressed, two rubber straps broke first time I used them.
I would tell you not to get convex or concave mirrors though, its a personal preference of but they do my head in :D
Lazy-Ferret
03-05-2016, 22:30
I just bought some "rock steady" brand mirrors, basically a cheaper version of milenco, usable but not very impressed, two rubber straps broke first time I used them.
I would tell you not to get convex or concave mirrors though, its a personal preference of but they do my head in :D
I have had the Strap Milenco ones for 4 years now, and they are still fine... I never cut my straps down, I just tuck the excess behind the strap to stop it flapping around.
I like the Convex and find they give a better overall view, some how I accidentally ended up with one of each, when I should have had 2 Convex, but it was too late to take them back. I use the normal one on the nearside but find the viewing angle too small to be of any real use, so am keeping my eye out for another convex one.
terranosaurusdoug
03-05-2016, 22:49
I have had the Strap Milenco ones for 4 years now, and they are still fine... I never cut my straps down, I just tuck the excess behind the strap to stop it flapping around.
I like the Convex and find they give a better overall view, some how I accidentally ended up with one of each, when I should have had 2 Convex, but it was too late to take them back. I use the normal one on the nearside but find the viewing angle too small to be of any real use, so am keeping my eye out for another convex one.
I will get some milenco's at some point, still experimenting with these, I've been swapping them from side to side to see if I can get used to convex mirror and if i can see more with it.
the screw downs on yours I think are metal, mine are plastic, and like I said when I first used them two of the straps broke, but those were the best that thd local caravan place stocked and i was desperate.
Lazy-Ferret
04-05-2016, 11:39
I will get some milenco's at some point, still experimenting with these, I've been swapping them from side to side to see if I can get used to convex mirror and if i can see more with it.
the screw downs on yours I think are metal, mine are plastic, and like I said when I first used them two of the straps broke, but those were the best that thd local caravan place stocked and i was desperate.
Yes the Milenco ones have steel screws, and a nice big pad that clips on the end of the screw, to spread the load and stop them marking the mirrors.
If you don't get on with yours and find you prefer the flat mirrors, I have a spare pair of flat Milenco ones here, Only thing is, they are the later ones that don't have the strap. They came with the replacement Caravan when we got it, but as I said, I like my older ones. I am sure we could come to some agreement on them.
terranosaurusdoug
04-05-2016, 17:06
Yes the Milenco ones have steel screws, and a nice big pad that clips on the end of the screw, to spread the load and stop them marking the mirrors.
If you don't get on with yours and find you prefer the flat mirrors, I have a spare pair of flat Milenco ones here, Only thing is, they are the later ones that don't have the strap. They came with the replacement Caravan when we got it, but as I said, I like my older ones. I am sure we could come to some agreement on them.
Cool, are they the tear drop ones or the square ones?
Lazy-Ferret
04-05-2016, 19:54
Cool, are they the tear drop ones or the square ones?
Tear drop.
micktheshed
05-05-2016, 17:55
It's only legal to have no extending mirrors if the trailer is narrower than the car i.e. the normal mirrors give a clear view down both sides. For me it makes sense to have the extension either side anyway: if the mirrors go thru a gap then so will the 'van LOL.
On a related point, does anyone know how to stop the original mirrors vibrating?
I resort to forcing the excess rubber strap (from the extension mirrors) under them or using card as a wedge. I had the same problem on my Frontera.
panelbeater
05-05-2016, 20:54
i use the suction type must wet seals though before winding the center screw in though,sometimes they fall off onto the lanyard though.
Thomas-the-Terrano2
05-05-2016, 22:11
It's only legal to have no extending mirrors if the trailer is narrower than the car i.e. the normal mirrors give a clear view down both sides. For me it makes sense to have the extension either side anyway: if the mirrors go thru a gap then so will the 'van LOL.
On a related point, does anyone know how to stop the original mirrors vibrating?
I resort to forcing the excess rubber strap (from the extension mirrors) under them or using card as a wedge. I had the same problem on my Frontera.
I use the same approach, call it cat's whiskers.... if mirrors go through rest will follow.
Have to say, and doesnt help that terrano is narrower than the patrol we had, that the
extended mirrors dont extend far enough out for me. even with respect to diagram
above, i dont get same view down caravan I would down side of car. or from memory
the view i used to enjoy down sides of the buses n coaches used to drive. this is on
a caravan i suspect only 7 foot and a bit wide, let alone if was an 8 footer....
I have the strap on type square ones. I have found that there is a lot of vibration and it impairs the view. Also if it there is strong head wind the drivers side wing mirror keeps folding inwards! I have seen others that clip on to the top of the assembly and are tear drop shaped.
terranosaurusdoug
15-07-2016, 23:50
The tear drop shaped ones you've seen will almost certainly be milenco's, I bought a pair from lazyferret and they are awesome :thumb2
Of course they wobble a little but nowt compared to my old ones.
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.