So I'd like opinions on why the '00-'05 factory tow mirrors are "so horrible". I've noticed a lot of bad talk about the mirrors and how you can't see anything. Here's my opinion: I can see everything I need to see, either towing or not with these mirrors and I think they work really well.

My observations when towing:
The upper mirrors (when pulled out) replace my rear view mirror. I can see down the side of my TT and what is behind me.
The lower convex mirrors show me cars in my blind spots on either side and my TT tires in a turn so I know if I'm too close to the curbs. No funny contorting required.

My observations when not towing:
The upper mirrors are useless, when I ignore them and use the lower convex mirrors, I can see my blind spots really well. I think the trick is to use the lower mirrors for checking your blind spots when not towing.

Am I missing something here? What are your thoughts?

 

I like them. Though after 40+ years of driving vehicles with "standard" mirrors I still have to make myself use the lower mirrors.



I've never hit anything that I wasn't aimed at.

 

When I purchased the X it had the smaller paddle mirrors. While they were adequate, I was just not happy about them. I wanted to upgrade to the newer towing mirrors and was just waiting for the right time, and tax return to purchase a set. This was a few yrs ago before the market was flooded with them so they were still pricey. Then I saw this photo on fte comparing the newer 08 mirrors to the other tow mirrors, found info again on fte for the retro fit, and was on a mission. I was in luv.



I found that parking anywhere in the X and not having the mirrors bumped, smacked and what not was going to be hard, and the thought of always walking around to the other side to fold them in was not always going to happen. Ducking under them while going around the truck was a pain so I was sold on the power fold/extend on the newer mirrors. That is what sold me on it, and that is my story and I'm sticking to it. Incidently I still haven't towed anything behind the X, and only use the rear hitch for a bike carrier or pulling out newbs that get stuck.

 

I like the Tow Mirrors.... Though I had to get used to them... Now When I drive my other cars I cant see my blind spots. Im thinking of upgrading to the newer tow mirrors but I prolly cant even install them let alone do the wiring... Maybe I can pay someone out here in the south bay to do it for me???? Lol...


Laki

 

i dont tow, but i added the towing mirrors for looks. honestly i feel i had better vision with the paddle mirrors but i do not like how they looked on the truck.

the 08-up mirrors are much better though.

 

I got a set of C U better mirrors. They mount to the factory tow mirrors. They take away any blind spots that were there. Love em. Will post a pic of them if anyone would like to see them.

 

I have both, the paddle and the tow, but prefer the tow mirrors.

 

Yes, C-Betr mirrors are GREAT. While you can see the blind spot with the bottom half of the stock towing mirrors it's not near as easy as it with the C-Betr mirrors.

 

The 2008-2011 tow mirrors are the best mod I have made to my Ex, and I have made quite a few. IMO they look better than the tow mirrors that came on it, and they are night and day driving. I literally have ZERO blind spot now. Personally, I think the paddle style mirrors look absolutely retarded on a vehicle the size of an Ex. I don't even think they look good on an F-150. Anyhow, if anybody is contemplating upgrading to the 2008-2011 style I highly recommend it. It definitely updates the look. Mounting and wiring them is not difficult at all. Took me around 2 hours, and I am far from a mechanical or electrical genius. You simply mount them the same way the old ones come off, cut off the connectors from the new mirrors and the truck's wiring harness, and splice together 7 wires. 5 of the 7 wires are direct color to color (black-black, red-red, green-green etc) and the other two just need to be played with until you determine which is the correct wiring combination. Very simple IMO.

 

I just got mine and really like the tow mirrors. I hated the paddle ones on other trucks I looked at, both functionally and aesthetically. those 08 mirrors do sound nice though... how do they wire up if they add power folding? I'm guessing you would have to add a switch. My limited has the heated mirrors too which is priceless in winter... I wouldn't want to lose that.

 

jason,

I think you summed it up nicely...

I have my lower convex mirrors positioned to show me the blind spots on the side of my Ex and I feel they do a very adequate job of letting me know there is a vehicle there.

Are there better options on the market (C-betr)...sure...but I feel the factory tow mirrors are completely adequate for my tastes...I have no issues.

I had the paddle mirrors before...and this was one of the best mods I did...especially since I use my Ex for towing.

Joe.

 

Put the C-Betr mirrors on there and you will think it's as big of an upgrade as you did going from paddles to towing mirrors. They are that good.

 

I had paddles and changed them out for factory TT mirrors. That was a great improvement.

I added a pair of C-betr's and found they were noisy at highway speeds, and directed more air than I cared for into the cab when the windows are down. I took them off.

I get by fine with a pair of the little convex mirrors stuck to the top of the glass on the factory ones.

 

I would give them a 7. They do very well and I do not feel like I have any blindspots under normal conditions. When towing though I wish they would extend a little further. I can not get enough angle to see behind the trailer. I added a camera to the back of the trailer so now I can see all. The mirrors on my 03 Dodge Dually were wider when flipped out and worked better for towing. I could see a little more behind the trailer. I would give the Dodge mirrors a 9. My dad's 03 Chevy Duramax came with the extendable factory tow mirrors and they were worthless with his fifth wheel - I would give them a 3. He then upgraded to some aftermarket - lost his turn signals - gained a lot larger mirror - rate a 8 for functionallity but do not look very good. So in comparison with the others of the same vintages, I would say they are not the best but they do work well.

 

I would say this is also a personal taste/driving style/likes/dislikes.

In the 20K +++ towing miles with the Ex (7K with paddles and 13K with the telescoping)...I can say that the telescoping are not a disappointment.

I have adjusted the convex to show the blind spots...I never feel/felt that I am not seeing what I need to see whether towing or not.

Personal choices say that not everyone will be comfortable with the same things...

I have a few friends that feel the C-betr are a necessity...I disagree...but we're still great friends!