If you have ever towed a trailer with a vehicle with inadequate mirrors, you know first hand the incredible frustration of not being able to adequately see your surroundings. Trailers can generate some massive blind spots, and you need as much information as possible to maneuver them into place.
The good news is that many aftermarket solutions can greatly improve your visibility and awareness. In this guide, we’ll look at how to find the best solution for your situation. We’ll start by explaining the different options, then get into our top 10 list. We’ll finish with tips and tricks to keep your time on the road a great one.
- Quick Guide to Tow Mirrors
- Top 10 Best Tow Mirrors 2024
- 1. Best Overall Tow Mirrors: Dometic DM-2912
- 2. Best Tow Mirrors for GM Trucks: SCITOO Replacement Mirrors
- 3. Best Premium Towing Aid: Furrion Vision Camera System
- 4. Best Budget Tow Mirror: CIPA 11950
- 5. Best Tow Mirror for Easy Installation: Fit Systems 3891
- 6. Best Tow Mirrors for 2015+ F-150s: JZSUPER Towing Mirrors
- 7. Best Tow Mirror Alternative: AMTIFO A7 Camera
- 8. Best Tow Mirrors for ¾ Ton and up Fords: YITAMOTOR Towing Mirrors
- 9. Best Tow Mirror for 2013+ Dodge Trucks: Fit System 80710
- 10. Best Simple Mirror Attachment: Fit System C0400 Stick-On
- Tips, Tricks, and More Information
- Tow With Confidence
Quick Guide to Tow Mirrors
Mirrors are simple devices, but there are a lot of variations when it comes to their shape and how they are installed. If you are considering buying some tow mirrors for your vehicle, you will have to do a bit of research in order to make sure they will fit your vehicle and solve the issues you may be having.
Major Considerations of Tow Mirrors
Tow mirrors typically extend beyond your factory mirrors. This allows you to get a better view of what’s behind and to the sides of your vehicle. The thing that differs greatly between mirrors is how they allow you to achieve that better view. To choose the best method for your situation, you will need to consider the following.
How Often Will You Be Towing?
Some mirrors sold are direct replacements for your factory mirrors, while others simply clip onto your existing mirrors. If you don’t tow very often, a clip-on style mirror can be taken off when it’s not in use. However, if you tow trailers frequently, you might pay more for replacement mirrors with lots of features.
How Much Extra Sight Do You Need?
Options range from small mirror additions that offer you a bit more viewing angle up to camera systems that give a near birds-eye view of your surroundings. If you only travel with a small trailer, it’s not worth it to get overly complicated mirrors.
What Vehicle Will Be doing the Towing?
The final thing you have to consider is the type of vehicle that will be doing the towing. Universal mirrors can often be used on any vehicle and can be transferred to different vehicles. Replacement mirrors, however, are vehicle specific. Like the very popular F-150 series of trucks, most common tow vehicles have multiple options when it comes to upgraded mirrors. Suppose you have an irregular tow vehicle, like a station wagon. In that case, you may have to settle for universal tow mirrors or cameras.
Main Types of Tow Mirror
Towing mirrors come in 3 main flavors.
- Universal: Universal mirrors are easy to mount and can go on any vehicle
- Clip-on or Molded: Clip-on mirrors slide over existing mirrors and provide a more factory look than universal mirrors.
- Replacement: Replacement mirrors take the place of your existing mirror and will require tools to install.
Extra Features
Side mirrors can be very fancy. Suppose you are replacing a factory mirror with many features or adding some extra functionality. In that case, these are some to look out for.
- Telescoping or extendable mirrors can be adjusted to maximize the viewing angle.
- Folding mirrors can be stowed out of the way when not in use.
- Powered mirrors can be adjusted with controls inside the cab
- Turn Signals or other lights are standard features on many factory mirrors.
- Dual mirrors have multiple mirrored surfaces, one convex for wide-angle viewing and one plane for normal views.
- Heated mirrors have a defroster.
That’s about everything you need to know to dive into it. We just have one final thing to point out. Some mirrors come as a set, but some are only sold as a single mirror. People who tow infrequently may not need two mirrors, but it can be frustrating if you order towing mirrors expecting a set and only get one.
Top 10 Best Tow Mirrors 2024
1. Best Overall Tow Mirrors: Dometic DM-2912
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Universal clamp-on
- Comes as a set
- Telescoping
- Adjustable
Ease of Installation
The DM-2912s are installed using clamps. The mirrors themselves are on long metal rods. You clamp the rod holders onto the mirror’s frame, then slide the mirror into the holder. Everything is tightened using thumbscrews, so you don’t need any extra tools.
It is a bit more difficult to install than a strap-mounted mirror, like the CIPA 11950, but it’s a lot easier to install and remove than a replacement mirror.
What really sets these mirrors apart is that they can be installed in a large variety of ways. You can mount them to the top, bottom, or side of your factory mirrors. You can even mount them to something that’s not a mirror, and that can be really handy if you have an offroad vehicle or something similar.
Best Suited For
The biggest advantage to the clamp-on style is that it is truly universal. That’s the reason we rate these mirrors so highly; they will fit your vehicle.
The issue with many strap-mounted mirrors is that they are limited by the factory mirror’s size. If a factory mirror is too big, most “universal” mirrors won’t fit. Replacement and molded mirrors will only fit a specific vehicle. If you have unusually shaped mirrors, or drive a vehicle that isn’t commonly used for towing, then your options are really limited.
That’s where these DM-2912s come. They will fit. They are also really well built, offer a lot of adjustabilities, and genuinely offer a lot of functionality that you can not get with most other universal mirrors. Anyone that tows somewhat frequently, but doesn’t want to replace their factory mirror, will find a lot of utility in these clamp-ons.
Our Thoughts
Even if these weren’t the most universal mirror out there, they’d still be a really good option for most people. They are a little small, but they extend further than most others, which can make up for that. They are a little expensive, but they will outlast most plastic mirrors. In short, if you don’t want to think too hard and just want a great way to add a bunch of visibility to your vehicle, buy these.
Pros
- Very durable
- Truly universals
- Lots of mounting and adjustment options
Cons
- Expensive
- Could be bigger
2. Best Tow Mirrors for GM Trucks: SCITOO Replacement Mirrors
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Replacement
- Comes as a set
- Telescoping
- Folding
- Convex and Plane
Ease of Installation
GM vehicles are well known for being easy to work on, and the simplicity of these mirrors makes them perhaps the easiest to install replacement mirrors on our list. There are no wires to plug in or splice, no extra modifications that have to be done, and almost all Silverados and GM trucks share parts. You don’t have to worry about the fitment.
The hardest part is popping off the interior trim without breaking the plastic retainers. GM products are notorious for having brittle plastic pieces holding everything together. If you are really concerned about it, you can help protect them by prying gently on the cover with a putty knife until you find the tabs. Press each tab in with a screwdriver as you work your way around the outside of the trim piece, and it should fall right out.
Best Suited For
There exist a large group of people who only own a truck to do work. They might have a car for getting around, but the truck is there to tow, get beat up, and make projects happen. For some, it’s a matter of livelihood. Buildings don’t get built by loading a single brick into a Prius per trip; they get built by people who own trucks that can haul. They don’t need to be pretty. They just need to work.
That’s what these mirrors are for. They are for everyone who owns a Chevy truck to do work and don’t need fancy extras like defrosters or power adjustments.
Our Thoughts
The SCITOO mirrors are inexpensive as far as replacement mirrors go, and they offer a big upgrade over the factory mirrors. Even if you aren’t towing, the extra visibility is really nice for driving offroad or backup up to a loading dock.
The only issue is that, despite their prevalence, not everyone owns a 99-07 Silverado. SCITOO does offer other mirrors, like these for older GM trucks, but it can be difficult to find their inexpensive, basic mirrors for most vehicles.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Offers great visibility
- Easy to install for replacement mirrors
Cons
- Not available for all trucks
- No extra features
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Wireless camera system
- 4 Cameras and 1 monitor
- Split-screen monitor allows 4 views at once
- Parking and trailer assist lines
- Nightvision
- Audio recording
Ease of Installation
Unlike everything else on our list, this camera system takes a fair bit of skill and time to install. The hardest part about installing a wireless camera system, especially one with multiple cameras, is running power to them. Each one will need 12v of power. That will usually mean fishing wires through the walls of travel trailers or installing conduit on utility trailers.
The good news is that since they are wireless, you don’t need to run an RCA cable from the cameras to the cab. Power can be tapped anywhere, and most trailers already have their own independent junction boxes that make adding accessories easy. It would be much harder to run a 100′ video cable from the back of a trailer, through the vehicle, and into the dash.
Best Suited For
Even the best mirrors still have visibility drawbacks. They can’t see through a trailer and can’t see around protrusions on the trailer or vehicle. Cameras don’t have any of those issues because you can mount them anywhere.
The most common places to mount a camera on a trailer are facing back and on the side facing down. Mounting a camera facing back can give you a “rearview mirror” for the trailer, a great feature. Mounting it to the side will provide you with a great view of the wheel when backing up or pulling into a tight space.
This system gives you even more options and is specially made for RV and Travel trailers. It doubles as a security system, and one of the included cameras has a housing that allows it to be easily mounted above a door. Installing this camera system will noticeably improve the quality of life for anyone who owns a large travel trailer.
Our Thoughts
We have two camera systems on our list. The much less expensive AMTIFO is here. It can’t see well at night, it only includes one camera, and the range isn’t very good. The Furrion, by contrast, can see excellently at night. The resolution is great, and the monitor can display all four cameras simultaneously. It’s expensive. However, if you are going to get a camera system that will protect your investment and improve your travel comfort significantly, it’s worth it.
Pros
- Can display all 4 cameras at once
- Great image quality
- Doubles as a security system
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be hard to install
4. Best Budget Tow Mirror: CIPA 11950
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Universal
- Straps hold mirror securely
Ease of Installation
All you have to do is clip it onto your mirror and tighten the straps. The only thing that prevents this mirror from being the easiest to install mirror on our list is that the straps are a bit fiddly. They are not ratcheting or anything; they work just like a cheap backpack strap.
Best Suited For
This mirror is the one you buy if your biggest concern is the price. If you only tow once a year, or just need a tow mirror for a single cross country move once, then this thing is fine. It will extend your view, it will keep you legal in places that require tow mirrors, and it is secure enough that you don’t have to worry about falling off.
Our Thoughts
There are two mirrors on our list that are very, very similar: the Fit Systems 3891 and this CIPA 11950. It’s difficult not to compare the two. The CIPA is definitely cheaper. It feels cheaper, the straps are smaller, and there is less adjustability. If you tow every so often and need something that can be easily taken on and off, the Fit Systems mirror is better. It’s a better quality mirror that is easier to work with.
That being said, it’s three times the cost, and there’s no reason to get something that’s high-quality if you are only going to use it once or twice total. We just wish it was easier to get two in a set. That’s only because it would make it more convenient; it’s still cheaper to buy two of these than it is to buy one of the competition.
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Will keep you legal
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not sold in pairs
- Probably won’t last very long
5. Best Tow Mirror for Easy Installation: Fit Systems 3891
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Universal
- Ratchet straps hold mirror securely
Ease of Installation
The Fit Systems mirror here is the easiest universal mirror to install and remove on our list. You just slide it over your existing mirror and cinch it down. As long as your mirror isn’t too tall, it will fit, and unlike the CIPA mirror, the straps are incredibly easy to work with.
Best Suited For
Of the three universal mirrors we have on our list, this one is the best value. It’s much less expensive than the Dometic clamp-on mirrors but offers a similar high-quality fit and finish. It is quite a bit more than the CIPA mirror, but is easier to work with and has a bigger, more adjustable surface.
That makes it perfect for anyone who tows a small camp trailer every so often or needs to transport a trailer load of rocks once or twice. It’s a tool you can keep under your back seat or in the top of the box at home and simply install it when you need it, then take it off when you don’t.
Our Thoughts
In our review of the CIPA mirror, we said that this mirror, the Fit Systems 3891, is a better quality mirror and that for many people, it’s worth paying more. That’s the simple takeaway of it all.
We do wish, as we did with the CIPA mirror, that it came as a pair. However, the problem is more forgivable with the Fit Systems mirror since many people who infrequently tow only need a single mirror to feel more confident towing. These ones are expensive enough that it can be hard to justify buying two just for a marginal gain.
Pros
- Good quality
- Bigger than competitors
- Very easy to install
Cons
- Not sold in pairs
- Might not fit tall mirrors
6. Best Tow Mirrors for 2015+ F-150s: JZSUPER Towing Mirrors
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Replacement
- Comes as a set
- Heated
- Turn Signal
- Power Control
- Telescoping
- Folding
- Convex and Plane
Ease of Installation
The hardest part about installing replacement mirrors on newer F-150s is getting the door trim off of the inside. The correct tool to use is a trim remover like these ones, but a flat blade screwdriver wrapped in tape works just fine. Once you get that trim piece off, these are actually some of the easier mirrors to replace. The factory mirrors are held on by two 10mm nuts. Remove them, slide the mirror out, and slide the new one in.
Best Suited For
Unlike some other vehicles, the factory mirrors on the newer F-150s are actually pretty good. They have blind spot eliminators and are big enough to see around small trailers.
However, if you tow a lot or tow larger travel trailers, you might find the small blindspot mirrors lacking. These bigger replacement mirrors are perfect for taking up that slack, and they can be extended for an even larger field of view.
Our Thoughts
The tow ratings on the newer F-150s surpass the Super Duties’ limits from even a decade ago. There’s no reason they can’t tow bigger trailers, and these upgraded tow mirrors are perfect for that. They even come in three different finishes so you can match your existing trim. Unlike a lot of replacement mirrors, you won’t be sacrificing the factory look.
The downside is that they are expensive. It can be difficult to justify buying these replacement mirrors if you aren’t having an issue with the factory mirrors. The F-150 is the best selling vehicle in America, though, and the plethora of high-quality upgrade parts like these mirrors can help personalize your truck to your situation. There’s nothing wrong with wanting something to be better just because it can be better.
Pros
- Factory finish
- Telescoping design allows better viewing angles
- Large convex mirror for a better view
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be difficult to install
7. Best Tow Mirror Alternative: AMTIFO A7 Camera
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Wireless camera system
- Split-screen support
- Limited night vision capabilities
Ease of Installation
The good news about the AMTIFO wireless camera system is that there are no video wires to run. That’s often the hardest part about installing in-vehicle cameras. The bad news is that you’ll still need to get power to the camera, and you’ll need to figure out how to mount it safely.
It’s not a difficult thing to do if you are handy or comfortable with the wiring. Most trailers have 12 volts at their disposal for the lights. All you need to do is find an easy way to tap into that, and you’ll be good to go.
Best Suited For
Even with big tow mirrors, there can be many areas around the trailer that you cannot see. Sticking a camera on the trailer facing out can eliminate those issues and add a lot of confidence to your driving.
The biggest difference between this AMTIFO system and the Furion system we recommend is the price. The AMTIFO is very reasonably priced. It’s not as high-quality as the Furion, but you won’t find much to complain about if you are on a budget.
Our Thoughts
Before we get into our thoughts, the linked product is for one camera and one monitor. There is a two-camera system by AMTIFO here if you are willing to spend a few extra dollars. Having two cameras will allow you to see both sides or one side and out the back. Otherwise, you can add cameras at any time.
The only thing we really have to say about these cameras is that you should keep in mind that they are budget cameras. They don’t do well in low light, and the range is limited to 50ft. If you are bumper pulling a 30ft travel trailer, you may not be able to mount the camera on the back because it’ll be too far away.
Pros
- Can offer better visibility than mirrors can
- Inexpensive
- Versatile
Cons
- Can be difficult to install
- Video quality could be better
8. Best Tow Mirrors for ¾ Ton and up Fords: YITAMOTOR Towing Mirrors
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Replacement
- Comes as a set
- Heated
- Turn Signal
- Power Control
- Telescoping
- Folding
- Convex and Plane
Ease of Installation
These are full replacement mirrors with an electrical hookup. Unfortunately, that means they are not easy or quick to install. Especially if you have an Excursion. They include the correct wiring adapter for the large SUV, but you may have to use a knife to trim the plastic down so it seals correctly.
Best Suited For
If you have an F-250, 350, 450, etc., you probably own it to do work with. That work can be towing a boat to the coast or towing a dump trailer full of gravel. Either way, you are going to want as much visibility as possible. The factory mirrors, though, leave something to be desired.
These YITAMOTOR mirrors are a great upgrade. Especially if you don’t have Ford’s factory tow mirrors. Even if you do have the Ford factory tow mirrors, they don’t telescope, and they don’t have the extra adjustability that the YITAMOTOR mirrors have. If you have a bigger F-series or an Excursion and tow with it, these mirrors are worth buying and installing.
Our Thoughts
YITAMOTOR makes tow mirrors for just about any common tow vehicle. In the recommended section of the product page, you can probably find your truck if you don’t own a Ford. We simply choose to showcase these Super Duty mirrors because of how much of an upgrade they are over the factory mirrors.
They are a little expensive, and if you don’t really care about the turn signal or defroster, you can pick up a set without those features for a bit cheaper. Also, be aware that you might have to do some extra wiring if your truck didn’t have powered mirrors, to begin with. It’s not an impossible task, but you will probably need to buy extra parts to complete the conversion.
Pros
- Big upgrade over stock mirrors
- Offer a lot of features
- Include wiring adapters to make installation easier
Cons
- Expensive
- Might require modification to fit some vehicles
9. Best Tow Mirror for 2013+ Dodge Trucks: Fit System 80710
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Molded clip-on style
- Comes as a set
Ease of Installation
These clip-on mirrors are the easiest to install mirrors on our list. There isn’t even a thumbscrew to turn; you just snap the new mirror onto your old one like putting a lid on a piece of Tupperware.
Best Suited For
These mirrors are perfect for people who own a Dodge Ram and use it to tow every so often. The thing that really sets them apart is that they are very, very easy, and fast to install and remove. People with work trucks will definitely appreciate that since chances are you are towing every so often, but not all the time. When the boss calls you up and tells you to go grab a mixer from the rental yard, you can just snap these mirrors on, and you are good to go.
Our Thoughts
One of the really nice things about these snap-on mirrors is that they don’t look like an afterthought. Call us vain, but we like our trucks to look good all the time, not just when they aren’t in use.
The downside is that they only look factory on Dodge Ram trucks. If you don’t own one of those trucks, these won’t fit. Something truly universal like the Dometic set we love so much is a better buy.
They are also really basic, even compared to some higher-end clip-on mirrors. That’s not wholly a bad thing. The simplicity means that there’s nothing to break, and most people don’t really need those extra features when they just want to tow a trailer from time to time.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Looks factory
- Durable
Cons
- Only fits Ram trucks
- No extra features
10. Best Simple Mirror Attachment: Fit System C0400 Stick-On
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Peel and stick
- Comes as a set
Ease of Installation
These little mirrors could not be easier to install. You just peel the film off the back, then stick them firmly to your existing side mirrors. Typically they go in the upper corner. They will somewhat obstruct your view, but you should be able to anticipate when objects will be blocked from view because of the extra information they offer.
Best Suited For
Stick on mirrors like this are meant for eliminating blind spots and extending your peripheral view. That can often be enough of a change to make you feel secure pulling a trailer. If you primarily tow a small trailer on highways, they work just fine.
Our Thoughts
The downside to a smaller mirror, especially a shaped mirror like these, is that the image you see will be very distorted. You will need to use other visual cues to fully interpret what you see, and that can take some getting used to.
The small size and high distortion level mean they are not a replacement for a good set of towing mirrors. These kinds of mirrors are very cheap, though, and they can be a great confidence booster for someone who doesn’t tow trailers very often.
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy to install
- Good for small trailers
Cons
- High level of distortion
- Very small
Tips, Tricks, and More Information
In this section, we’ll look at some of the things you can do to make your life easier while towing. To start off with, though, let’s look at the benefits of having tow mirrors at your disposal.
Why You Should Use Tow Mirrors
There are three main reasons to use tow mirrors when towing.
Safety
When you tow a trailer, you have to plan movements on the road much further in advance. In order to do that, you need as much information as possible. Standard mirrors, when adequately adjusted and paired with a rearview mirror mounted to a windshield, have very few blindspots. When you add a trailer into the mix, though, you greatly increase the amount of space you need to be able to see and standard mirrors can quickly become inadequate.
Tow mirrors, especially ones designed to extend beyond standard mirrors, can eliminate those blind spots that are created when towing. You will be able to see vehicles coming from further away and have more time to react. Those few extra seconds can be the difference between a safe journey to the lake and a major traffic collision.
Convenience
Maneuvering a trailer adds a new layer of complexity to everyday driving. The steering wheel inputs can seem backward if you are new to towing, and pulling into a tight space can turn into a nightmare as the trailer cuts in sharper than your vehicle.
Having tow mirrors will allow you to see more of the trailer and better place it in your field of view. You can watch the tire instead of guessing, and you’ll be better able to predict the path of the trailer.
This is especially useful when backing up. Your vehicle’s factory mirrors may not be able to see far enough to the sides of the trailer to help you avoid obstacles that might be behind the trailer itself. Tow mirrors that extend beyond the factory mirrors will help you see the rear corners of the trailer and avoid running into objects.
Legality
It’s simply the law that you have to have tow mirrors if you are towing in some states. You can check your specific state here.
Some of the laws deal directly with the distance you can see out of the mirror. This can mean that your factory mirrors may be sufficient. Many modern trucks come with mirrors that can provide 200ft of view, which means upgraded mirrors are not necessary. However, most laws are enforced based on the discretion of the officer. Without having tow mirrors, it can be difficult for officers to tell that you are complying with the law.
Properly Adjusting Your Mirrors
To adjust standard mirrors, you want to sit in a neutral position and be able to just barely see the rear corners of your vehicle. That will give you the maximum amount of visual coverage. You can click here for a good graphic showing what that means.
Towing a trailer adds a new layer of complexity to the equation. First, you will need to see the rear corner of two objects: your vehicle and the trailer. Second, adjust your mirrors to keep the trailer wheels visible, an essential step in maneuvering a trailer. You will create large blind spots to your left and right.
Tow mirrors solve that problem in two ways.
- They stick out further. That means when angled so that the rear of the trailer is just visible, they cover more area, including traditional blind spots.
- They are either added in addition to your factory mirrors or include multiple surfaces. That way, one set can be adjusted for your vehicle, and one set for keeping track of the trailer.
Maintaining Your Mirrors
There are some simple things you can do to keep your mirrors looking great for years to come.
- Use microfiber rags to wipe dust off and avoid scratching the surface.
- Check the installation at every stop. Straps and clamps can come loose from road vibrations.
- Store the mirrors in a safe place when not in use. Simply tossing them in the bed with the rest of your tools will probably result in a pile of broken glass.
- Retract or remove tow mirrors when driving without a trailer. The extra width makes them very susceptible to damage from other motorists.
- Fold mirrors in when parked. It is difficult to keep mirrors from behind hit by careless drivers even when they don’t extend an extra 7” into the road.
Tow With Confidence
Towing a trailer can be stressful during the best of times. If you can’t see your surroundings in addition to feeling that stress, you will be in for a bad time. Eliminate the risk by installing tow mirrors. It only takes seconds, and everyone else on the road will be really thankful for it.
