Quandary over Mirrors
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Gloucester, Virginia
Quandary over Mirrors
My wife gave me a check for $350 to be spent on new TT mirrors (I've got the sports). She knew there was a good chance I'd freak if she went ahead and had them put on as a surprise xmas present (since I'm pretty darn picky about everything). A good thing, too, as I am not so sure about replacing the sports, now. Oh, in the beginning I really wanted the TTs but now I'm not so sure. The sports have grown on me. She's pushing me to call the dealer to place the order.
Anyone gone from sports to TTs and not been happy? And why?
Is there really any better visiblity with the TTs?
I currently do not tow so there's no reason there.
I believe the replacement will be simple thanks to all the data here on FTE.
I suppose I could hang on to the sports and go back if I don't like the TTs.
Then again, it is time for the transmission flush and that's about $170 I hear.
Thanks,
Reid
Anyone gone from sports to TTs and not been happy? And why?
Is there really any better visiblity with the TTs?
I currently do not tow so there's no reason there.
I believe the replacement will be simple thanks to all the data here on FTE.
I suppose I could hang on to the sports and go back if I don't like the TTs.
Then again, it is time for the transmission flush and that's about $170 I hear.
Thanks,
Reid
Posting Guru
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The TT mirrors take a little getting used to - you now have 5 different places you can look (including your windshield mirror), and they each have their sightly different purpose - but I think there are no better mirrors out there. In fact, I really really miss them when I'm in "mere mortal" vehicles with standard mirrors. But as goofy as they look on the trucks from the outside, I guess it would really look strange to put them on my son's '82 Mercedes diesel!
Duncan
Duncan
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
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From: Gulf Coast, FL
I swapped in the TT mirrors on my '99. I agree with the added visibility and you can arrange the upper and lower to view different areas. I use the larger mirrors for traffic and the lowers for backing up. The smaller mirrors help as well during traffic for the blind spot. I suggest looking around on EBAY before you go to the dealer, you can install them your self. You could save a few bucks overall. What year truck do you own?
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
As I have just converted from an 1998 Expedition to a 05 F350 CC LB SRW, I really need to use the TT mirrors. There is still a very large blind spot in the flat mirrors and I have just purchased the C-Better round additional mirrors to aid in my getting used to the truck (~$50 is much less than smushing a car/snow bank). I will likely remove them after 1 year. I am also going to install a bed cap, so the center rear view mirror will be of very limited use.
Good luck with your truck..
Good luck with your truck..
Last edited by 1wheel; Dec 28, 2004 at 08:47 AM.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
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From: Northern Va
I didn't even look think twice before I replaced the sports with the tow mirrors.. I also added the c-betr mirrors. I now can see almost as good when backing up as going forward.
I even got a complement once from someone who was watching me back through a tight spot "nice truck control" he said.
Wouldn't give them up for the world...
I even got a complement once from someone who was watching me back through a tight spot "nice truck control" he said.
Wouldn't give them up for the world...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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Originally Posted by Frobozz
The TT mirrors take a little getting used to - you now have 5 different places you can look (including your windshield mirror)
Duncan
Duncan
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
The TT lower convex mirrors cause very little glare. The center if auto-dim is not too bad. The larger flat TT side mirrors are glare issues, however, the TT do offer better blind spot coverage (drivers side) and comparable on the passenger side (flat and convex vs. 100% convex).
Go to a dealer lot and try them out...
Go to a dealer lot and try them out...
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From: Gloucester, Virginia
Mine's an '03. Crew Cab Lariat. FX4. I keep checking out all the SDs and most do have the TTs. But I've got to the point where I like the sports, too. They didn't look right before. Now, they do. So I don't know. Maybe I'll throw it back to my wife and let her make the call.
Reid
Reid
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I already did what you are contemplating and I advise against it. I replaced my sports. I also added the C-Betters. My setup looks ridiculous, as I have three mirrors per side. I bet the setup costs me 0.75 mpg at 70 mph.
I would try some cheap convex stick-ons before I went to the TT mirrors. That should give you what you need. I only look at my C-bettors (convex) currently, so I think if you had convex, that would do the trick. I wish I could just get a sport mirror that was a little bit convex--I think that's all you need for towing or otherwise.
I would try some cheap convex stick-ons before I went to the TT mirrors. That should give you what you need. I only look at my C-bettors (convex) currently, so I think if you had convex, that would do the trick. I wish I could just get a sport mirror that was a little bit convex--I think that's all you need for towing or otherwise.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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From: Gloucester, Virginia
Problem solved. Wife says we're getting the mirrors. Oh well, it's only money. If I end up not liking them, I can probably sell them at not to big a loss in the local trading post (refuse to do ebay). Thanks for your comments. Jwdeats, I hadn't considered the MPG loss--now that'll bug me if it turns out so.
Reid
Reid
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TT's
I replaced my sport mirrors with the TT on my 99 F250SD because I tow an enclosed motorcycle trailer. They took a little getting used too, but are much better while towing.
However, if you don't tow I don't feel it would be worth the money and added drag on the vehicle. Plus you really need to be careful when pulling up to drive-thru windows. Those TT "Elephant ears" hang way out!
Just my 2 cents worth.
CRBourret
Coventry, RI
However, if you don't tow I don't feel it would be worth the money and added drag on the vehicle. Plus you really need to be careful when pulling up to drive-thru windows. Those TT "Elephant ears" hang way out!
Just my 2 cents worth.
CRBourret
Coventry, RI
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Originally Posted by jwdeats
I wish I could just get a sport mirror that was a little bit convex--I think that's all you need for towing or otherwise.