Tow Mirrors
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Tow Mirrors
Haven't been on here since researching for my '04 FX4. I'm currently driving an '07 FX4 and just made a deal to order a 2017 Lariat last night. My '07 has been an unbelievably good truck to me, but after 13 years in the same vehicle, I'm looking forward to the change. Plus I was single when I bought the '07 and now I'm married with 3 kids, so I'm going up to a Super Crew.
One question I have...does anybody regret having the tow mirrors? I do a substantial amount of recreational towing, but typically nothing huge. My biggest is a 23' Sea Ray cuddy cabin that I can currently see down the side of but not behind. The tow mirrors would solve that, but I only tow it twice a year, basically, so I don't want to shoot myself in the foot the rest of the year for 2 times. I do tow other boats all summer, so the mirrors would not go unused, but not totally necessary either.
Just curious on everyone's thoughts. The Lariat has the power-folds (are they automatic when the truck is turned off?), so that helps in parking lots, drive thru's, etc.
One question I have...does anybody regret having the tow mirrors? I do a substantial amount of recreational towing, but typically nothing huge. My biggest is a 23' Sea Ray cuddy cabin that I can currently see down the side of but not behind. The tow mirrors would solve that, but I only tow it twice a year, basically, so I don't want to shoot myself in the foot the rest of the year for 2 times. I do tow other boats all summer, so the mirrors would not go unused, but not totally necessary either.
Just curious on everyone's thoughts. The Lariat has the power-folds (are they automatic when the truck is turned off?), so that helps in parking lots, drive thru's, etc.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
Likes: 4
From: Seattle area
I feel the tow mirrors are a must even if you don't tow. They were the one feature I couldn't find on any local lot, at least in the Lariot trim, and the primary reason I ordered my truck. Sounds goofy for a $170 ( or whatever) option, but really worth it IMO.
They're nice and big and the fish eye is huge. I actually use the fish eye probably 80% of the time. I've got mine adjusted so I can see both the rear tires, which is perfect for backing around curbs. But they're still useful for lane changes in normal driving. Plus, it's hard to beat having the auto extend feature when it's really needed.
Go with them...you won't regret it...
They're nice and big and the fish eye is huge. I actually use the fish eye probably 80% of the time. I've got mine adjusted so I can see both the rear tires, which is perfect for backing around curbs. But they're still useful for lane changes in normal driving. Plus, it's hard to beat having the auto extend feature when it's really needed.
Go with them...you won't regret it...
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 353
Likes: 5
From: N.W. Indiana
I feel the tow mirrors are a must even if you don't tow. They were the one feature I couldn't find on any local lot, at least in the Lariot trim, and the primary reason I ordered my truck. Sounds goofy for a $170 ( or whatever) option, but really worth it IMO.
They're nice and big and the fish eye is huge. I actually use the fish eye probably 80% of the time. I've got mine adjusted so I can see both the rear tires, which is perfect for backing around curbs. But they're still useful for lane changes in normal driving. Plus, it's hard to beat having the auto extend feature when it's really needed.
Go with them...you won't regret it...
They're nice and big and the fish eye is huge. I actually use the fish eye probably 80% of the time. I've got mine adjusted so I can see both the rear tires, which is perfect for backing around curbs. But they're still useful for lane changes in normal driving. Plus, it's hard to beat having the auto extend feature when it's really needed.
Go with them...you won't regret it...
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Thanks for the feedback. I was absolutely sure I wanted them going into the order process, but I started second guessing myself after I walked out. You confirmed my thoughts.
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Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,209
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From: San Antonio, TX
Get them. I wish mine had them. I'd have to have the power fold though. My Super Duty did and that feature is great.
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Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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Has anyone added the tow mirrors later? I sort of assumed it could be done later as long as you have power fold already. I ordered my Lariat with the standard mirrors; I'm still good with that decision since I only tow once in a while, but I'm still intrigued by the aesthetics of the tow mirrors, especially if I end up doing a lift.
Seems like it would be a simple bolt on, no?
Seems like it would be a simple bolt on, no?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 941
Likes: 25
From: Port huron MI
Has anyone added the tow mirrors later? I sort of assumed it could be done later as long as you have power fold already. I ordered my Lariat with the standard mirrors; I'm still good with that decision since I only tow once in a while, but I'm still intrigued by the aesthetics of the tow mirrors, especially if I end up doing a lift.
Seems like it would be a simple bolt on, no?
Seems like it would be a simple bolt on, no?
The dealer just quoted me $1100 for the non-power fold mirrors for my '17. No thanks lol.
the install is simple, unbolt and unplug the harness and put them back together. If you have the blind spot or 360 camera you can't use the aftermarket ones because they do not have the sensors.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 77
From: Central Florida
I'm looking at a set of power fold mirrors with factory chrome caps on eBay. They are brand new Ford mirrors with power fold, turn signal indicators & puddle lamps for $1,150.
They do not have BLISS indicators or auto dimming. I would like to keep BLISS if possible. Ford uses different connectors depending on your trucks options so it's best to use your VIN when looking at the mirrors to make sure they will fit w/o modifications.
They do not have BLISS indicators or auto dimming. I would like to keep BLISS if possible. Ford uses different connectors depending on your trucks options so it's best to use your VIN when looking at the mirrors to make sure they will fit w/o modifications.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
Likes: 4
From: Seattle area
I know we've covered the OP's question, but I thought I'd add a "why you wouldn't want" the tow mirrors for future reference (if someone searches and finds this thread).
My thoughts on why you shouldn't get the tow mirrors:
1) The MPGs: if you want to hypermile your truck, don't get these mirrors. They're not loud (wind noise), but they stick out there. The standard design is a balance between usefulness and not impacting the aero of the truck. These are not aerodynamic. I'm guessing the reason these mirrors are not part of the tow packages are to keep them outside the CAFE test configurations.
2) The Looks: They're not for everyone. I love the look of the larger mirrors, but we've called them "ears" and "antlers" around the forum for a reason...
3) The Size: If you need to park in tight places or maybe go off-road on tight trails, they probably stick out a few inches more than the stock units (when folded up). The auto fold feature is awesome (does the stock unit have this?) but they are still bigger.
My thoughts on why you shouldn't get the tow mirrors:
1) The MPGs: if you want to hypermile your truck, don't get these mirrors. They're not loud (wind noise), but they stick out there. The standard design is a balance between usefulness and not impacting the aero of the truck. These are not aerodynamic. I'm guessing the reason these mirrors are not part of the tow packages are to keep them outside the CAFE test configurations.
2) The Looks: They're not for everyone. I love the look of the larger mirrors, but we've called them "ears" and "antlers" around the forum for a reason...
3) The Size: If you need to park in tight places or maybe go off-road on tight trails, they probably stick out a few inches more than the stock units (when folded up). The auto fold feature is awesome (does the stock unit have this?) but they are still bigger.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,872
Likes: 357
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
My thoughts too. I fully understand the utility of the larger mirrors. We tow about once or twice per month, so we are not towing all the time. The times we do, I find the regular mirrors more than adequate. If the OP has any qualms whatsoever, by all means try out trucks with each kind of mirror to be sure they are what you want. As pointed out by others, it's possible to change your decision after the fact, but it is not exactly an inexpensive switch. Unless you are towing weekly, I would guess that the big mirrors might be too much of a good thing. Not saying that I haven't wished for them once or twice, but in retrospect, I feel I made the right decision for me (we have the regular mirrors).