Newby qu... Do i really need van side mirrors?

[Stevo PX]

Hi everyone, I see a lot of photos in magazines with utes with no extra side mirrors mounted, does this mean you dont need them by law? Or they are just not needed!Thanks for any help.

[RoyBraddy]

Don't know about the law but I sure want to see what is sitting in the right lane just out of view by the trailer before I attempt a lane change. We use the CIPA slip-on mirrors with the locking knob for our truck. Works good for us with no vibration. Comes off very easy for storing when not needed.

[FPM III]

Forget whether or not it's a law. If you're towing, you should be using some type of extension mirror to improve your range of vision. I've seen lots of trailer brochures over the years where the pictures show a TV attached with just its normal, inadequate mirrors. These are staged settings. That TV was simply attached to the trailer for the photo shoot and never towed it an inch. Plus, the photographer, probably not an RV person, would not even think to question whether the setting looks right due to his inexperience in this area.

Do the right thing. Get a set of extension mirrors. Your safety and the safety of others depends on it. You can't put a price on safety.

[clubhouse]

I agree with using mirror extensions, just makes me feel better about what I can see.

As for the legality, IIRC from 20+ years ago drivers education a vehicle is required to have a min of 2 mirrors whether that is 2 side mirrors or a rearview mirror and a side mirror. I don't recall any specificity of field of vision required. In fact as a kid it was very popular to replace the "large" OEM mirrors with much smaller and sleeker looking side mirrors.

[bigbird]

My mother in law bought a new 86 Pontiac Sunbird that never had a passenger side mirror (optional equipment). Talk about a blind spot, I just picked one up at the wreckers for her and away she went. I believe the mounting holes were already there with just a cover plate.

[dmax_83]

Try to tow without and then tow with and you'll find out quickly how much easier and less stressful (not to mention safer) having the visibility is. I used slip on mirrors with my old truck and I ordered my new on with "camper mirrors" that extend.