I recently purchased a 2004 E-250 for hauling and this particular van has no rear or side windows, so good side view mirrors are critical. It presently has a split mirror which I absolutely hate and really can't see anything out of. Can you recommend the best mirror for a van like this which is devoid of windows. Thanks.

 

Like you those dual element mirrors are horrible for see what's behind and to either side. Beginning in '07 both sides became single element again which greatly improves rear views.

Being in the auto glass biz I modified an existing OEM dual element set with the single element but added a heating option. Adding an NAPA #704 spot mirror gives me impressive close side view.

Towing mirrors are sometimes used but for the most part they're most useful when extended, the larger elements not all that much larger than the dual element versions.

BTW beginning '03 door shells were changed to accommodate the newer style mirrors with 4 mounting studs. Anything from 2003 to end of life will fit without modifying the doors.

Both types in OEM Ford and aftermarket versions through eBay, power and manual operated. Prices are cheap for the imported stuff but I can't speak to their fit, quality or longer term durability.

Once on eBay look around to see what else is offered---the choices are more varied than ever before.

 

Properly adjusted , they work fine
I have the spilt ones too.

 

I put camera on the rightside next to the mirror, monitor on the dash.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I put the camera on the bumper for this one.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Both can be adjusted for no blindspots. jim

 

Thank you all for your replies.

 

That's a near perfect addition---good prices too.

I've seen concept vehicles with rear and side-looking cameras completely replacing exterior mirrors. One minor advantage with a dedicated monitor would be drivers attention able to focus on one spot to see more.

 

Here's a link to the mirror section on our website for your 2004 E250. We have a few different mirror options for your van that may help out. If you have any questions, just PM me or reply back and I can help you out.

2004 Ford E250 Van Mirror

 

Yep!
Another advantage I discovered while goofing around with them is you can get wireless (still needs a power wire) to the monitor that can me moved around as needed. The right side camera I mounted to a magnet at first to test the best location. At one point, I had it pointed at the tires to see what happened as I cruised over the speedbumps in my neighborhood. Later, I stuck it underneath to watch the driveline looking for a clicking when I backed up (dry U joint, OEM 27 years).

It is really better to take a partner along on those trips as watching that stuff can get pretty interesting (don't ask how I know). jim

 

Bluetooth technology is everywhere these days---some of it actually useful!

I can only hazard a guess how you came to realize a co-pilot is advisable.

As a side note my 278K + miles 2000 E250 is just now having a front U-joint issue, very very minor but will be changed this day. I'm shocked the originals are still in there---this was formerly a wheelchair transporter.

 

Sometimes with a pilot, copilot, and navigator, everyone is watching the gauges instead of the road.

 

try Rock Auto, they have a wide selection, good prices and the trailer mirrors I bought through them were real nice.


one mirror came with a broken stud mount, requested a new one and it was delivered a few days later (no charge, no shipping cost) and I got to keep the original one so I have a replacement if it's ever needed.