After having to replace both mirrors on my 2011 F250 because of failed components, This is just something I've started doing since owning my 2016 F450.

If I plan on folding my mirror in, I make sure it is completely folded in before closing the door. I realized that the stress on the internal components must be pretty severe each time you slam the door shut while the mirror is still folding in. I believe this will probably prolong the life of both mirrors. My opinion that is.

 

You may be right but it seems odd to me that anyone would open and get out then shut the door fast enough to catch it in motion.

Please, I'm not trying to be difficult. Just seems odd to me. Whenever I'm done driving I always turn everything off, check all the windows, close mirrors, then I shut off the engine and exit. Maybe I'm just old and slow.

 

That would make a lot of sense, I usually make a point to just wait for them to come in all the way before even existing the truck.

This is my third vehicle to have folding mirrors, and in the past I have heard techs (MINI and BMW)say they have less issue with mirrors that are used near daily than the ones that are only used intermittently. It's not so much use that ends their life, but inconsistent wear, and folding them/in out when they are already in swing. That also probably ties to not moving the doors when the mirror is in swing. How often did you use them your 2011?

These mirrors are sure a heck of a lot bigger than on my last MINI, and pulling those mirrors in was much more of a novelty than actual functional use.

 

I laughed a little when I read this, functionally I completely agree, how would you even be able to exit the truck while the mirror is in motion? In reality though, I could think of a number of people (my mother) that could manage to exit the vehicle while the door was in mid motion, and still have time to slam it shut. I would guess and say a lot of people do not even think about this.

 

Good advice... I also don't drive off until they are completely extended. Like when I have to put them in at a drive thru, especially at the bank.

 

Interestingly enough, they take about 5 seconds to fold in and I sometimes use to find myself turning the truck off, pulling the **** to fold the mirrors in and exiting all in just a few seconds. I find myself have to wait to close the door sometimes because the mirror is still folding. Figured not waiting could easily cause the gears to strip and fail.