"Correct" Side Mirror Settings?
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Joined: Jan 2020
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"Correct" Side Mirror Settings?
This is such a simple question I was on the fence about even asking 
Is there a "correct" way to set up the flat and convex mirrors on these trucks? Back when I would occasionally push snow in single axle dumps I would set the tall/flat mirror so I could see the left/right edge of the dump bed which would also give me a view behind the truck if I leaned over a bit. I'd set the lower convex mirror so I could see the blind spot and adjacent lane. That worked for me for all those years so thats the way I set it up now. What do you all do?
Is there a "correct" way to set up the flat and convex mirrors on these trucks? Back when I would occasionally push snow in single axle dumps I would set the tall/flat mirror so I could see the left/right edge of the dump bed which would also give me a view behind the truck if I leaned over a bit. I'd set the lower convex mirror so I could see the blind spot and adjacent lane. That worked for me for all those years so thats the way I set it up now. What do you all do?
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,422
Likes: 20
I set up the lower convex mirrors so I see the rear tire in the bottom inside corner of the mirror. Helps when backing up to curbs. The top mirror adjusts to the relation of how I have the convex mirror set up. Don’t need to see the sky.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
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Depends on what you’re doing.
Driving on the highway, I set them to see as much as I can in the lanes in either side if me.
When plowing, I set them more to see the rear tires and closer to the truck sides to see how close I am to things when backing up.
Driving on the highway, I set them to see as much as I can in the lanes in either side if me.
When plowing, I set them more to see the rear tires and closer to the truck sides to see how close I am to things when backing up.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,343
Likes: 4,368
From: SW VA
My upper/flat mirrors are set so I can just see the edge of the bed on the inside of the mirrors.
The lower/convex mirrors are set so the rear tire is at the inner 1/3 of the mirror, with the other 2/3 facing out.
The lower/convex mirrors are set so the rear tire is at the inner 1/3 of the mirror, with the other 2/3 facing out.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,765
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I have the large mirror so the inside corner lets me see the back corner of the bed and the lower convex mirror so the inside sees where the rear tire hits the ground. When towing, I usually have the upper mirror in about the same spot but I angle it up so I can see if the top of the trailer is going to hit any branches (still lets me see cars along side the trailer). I then angle the lower mirror so I can see where the trailer tires hit the ground in the center of the mirror. That lets me see the tires all the way around a corner and when backing into a campsite.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 133
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Big mirrors on both sides pick up exactly where my interior mirror stops, which eliminates any blind spots on the highway (everything I drive is adjusted this way). For good measure the lowers are adjusted to basically see the blind spot by the rear axle but lower. When I have them out to tow the big ones get adjusted back in until I can just see the sides of the trailer and the lower still works for my blind spot at the rear axle.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 777
From: SoCal/Wyoming
This is what I have always done and I have never had an issue with blind spots on regular street/highway driving. The best way to initially set them is to sit roughly in the center of the vehicle and adjust each side mirror so you just lose sight of the side of your vehicle. In regular driving the side mirrors are not used to see what is directly behind you, that is what the rear view mirror is for. You can make fine adjustments on the road. Let a vehicle slowly pass you and you should initially see them with the rear view mirror. As the vehicle passes out of the view of the rear view mirror, the vehicle should now be visible on the side mirror. When the vehicle is no longer seen on the side mirror, the vehicle should be far enough even with you that you can see the vehicle by looking out the driver/passenger window. Takes a bit of getting used to as the peripheral view will be a bit distracting at first. I keep my lower mirrors aimed at the rear tires so I can easily back in or go along a curb without issues.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 407
Likes: 6
I like the flat mirrors to where the horizon is at the top of the mirror, and jus barely able to see the side of the truck on the inside of the mirror.
You have to move around to see what you need to with flat mirrors.
The convex is supposed to show the rear tires and the blind spot, but they really don’t.
Ford royally screwed the pooch clipping the top corner off the mirror.
You have to move around to see what you need to with flat mirrors.
The convex is supposed to show the rear tires and the blind spot, but they really don’t.
Ford royally screwed the pooch clipping the top corner off the mirror.
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