Towing mirrors

[ATH]

Any recommendations for decent mirrors to attach to the OE ones for towing a van. I've got one for the drivers side which slots down behind the rubber and fits under the door but find it has scratched the window on the Defender and I'd rather that doesn't happen on the Disco.
I've an old set which I used on my Prado which straps around the mirrors but find with the shape of the D4s they slip off. [bigsad]
Pls advise.
Cheers.
AlanH.

[LandyAndy]

If your hands can reach to the dark depths of your pockets there is a replacement set you get.They slide out when you need them,a must on a big journey or if you are doing lots of vaning.
Cant recall the brand,they had a stall at the recent Caravan show.
They occasionally turn up in the markets section on here.D3 and D4 are the same model IF I RECALL CORRECTLY.Just check as the connector for the electrics may have changed.
Andrew

[simmo1]

If you tow pretty well full time then Clearview will be your friend. However if you tow part time Brunsgaard do the job really well, I think the 4 point ones are the job. I have tried milenco and simply put they just fall off.
Simmo

[V8Ian]

I got and fitted a pair of Clearview on the Paj, very disappointed. Too wide without a trailer and not wide enough to see the back of the van when extended. Big dollars wasted. [bigsad]

[ATH]

I've seen the huge things fitted to all the big boys toys and didn't want to go that way. As we'll only be towing occasionally I'd rather the type we can attach when necessary.
AlanH.

[Milton477]

I use these: Drive Towing Mirror - With Magnetic Support Pad, Single - Supercheap Auto (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Drive-Towing-Mirror-With-Magnetic-Support-Pad-Single/321389)
Very happy with them, just be careful not to scratch the doors with the magnetic pads.

[mr_squiggle]

The Clearview mirrors are a foolproof solution for a Disco and they have no trouble showing the back of our 25ft Jayco van. They aren't pretty and they aren't cheap, but they are good.
Beware of any of the slip on, clip on, strap on mirrors, I've had a few different ones that were all "these are great, you'll have no trouble with them" fly off as a truck went past in a crosswind.
The Brunsgaard ones are the only ones that seem to get a consistently good review, but they all vibrate to some extent. I'm sure you won't want to be trying too many and having to sell them secondhand......

[LandyAndy]

Too big and Ugly Alan????
Must admit I would like to see them in real life first.And to hear they work on a D4.
DISCOVERY 4 (http://www.clearviewmirrors.com.au/13390/DISCOVERY-4/)
Andrew

[V8Ian]

The Clearview mirrors are a foolproof solution for a Disco and they have no trouble showing the back of our 25ft Jayco van. They aren't pretty and they aren't cheap, but they are good.
Beware of any of the slip on, clip on, strap on mirrors, I've had a few different ones that were all "these are great, you'll have no trouble with them" fly off as a truck went past in a crosswind.
The Brunsgaard ones are the only ones that seem to get a consistently good review, but they all vibrate to some extent. I'm sure you won't want to be trying too many and having to sell them secondhand......
Is the Jayco 7' 6" wide? I had to flick the Avan to see the back corner or behind, in my lane. The Paj is wider than the Disco.

[mr_squiggle]

Is the Jayco 7' 6" wide? I had to flick the Avan to see the back corner or behind, in my lane. The Paj is wider than the Disco.

Nah, a bit over 8ft wide. Obviously we can't see directly behind but there's no issue seeing what's following or catching up.
Have to believe you about the width, never owned or measured a Pajero.

[mr_squiggle]

Too big and Ugly Alan????
Must admit I would like to see them in real life first.And to hear they work on a D4.
DISCOVERY 4 (http://www.clearviewmirrors.com.au/13390/DISCOVERY-4/)
Andrew

That's what I have, in black with no indicators. I reckon they're great.
There's a set for sale in the second hand section of the website. Some scratches on the left mirror, but there's spare parts available from Clearview.
You do lose the mirror fold and the reverse dip function though.

[Fatso]

I got and fitted a pair of Clearview on the Paj, very disappointed. Too wide without a trailer and not wide enough to see the back of the van when extended. Big dollars wasted. [bigsad]

They look ridiculous when not towing a caravan , passed an on coming vehicle yesterday which was not towing anything and looked like Micky Mouse , and had to move over to the side a bit as was on a narrow road and his mirrors stuck out to far . Also just too expensive .

[Chops]

I've looked at the Clearview as well,, they do look huge, and they don't have the features that the HSE has within them.
They'd probably be alright if they had a second telescopic section in them. Then they could sit in closer when not in use, and probably out further when being used.

[Jock McD]

Hi. I have use a pair of the Brunsgaard 4 point mirrors now for a couple of years with no issues. Don't vibrate much and don't come off until you want them to. I have added a lock nut to the clamping screw that prevents them working loose. Once set up they attach and remove very quickly and easily.

I also found the Aussie contact, Kel Olesen, very helpful when I needed some parts to repair the drivers side one which collected a Winnebago on a narrow Tassie mountain road.

[RobA]

Hi. I have use a pair of the Brunsgaard 4 point mirrors now for a couple of years with no issues. Don't vibrate much and don't come off until you want them to. I have added a lock nut to the clamping screw that prevents them working loose. Once set up they attach and remove very quickly and easily.

I also found the Aussie contact, Kel Olesen, very helpful when I needed some parts to repair the drivers side one which collected a Winnebago on a narrow Tassie mountain road.

Another vote for Kel and Brunsgarrd. We put them through hell last year towing the Ultimate over 22,000km of NT, Kimberley including the GRR twice, outback and SW of WA and then back to Adelaide in howling gales. Not a problem. We love them for being light and strong, nicely designed, don't make the car look like a truck 24x7 and are very quiet. As well customer service is excellent

Rob

[aus86inch]

We also have brunsgard mirrors. We have towed through some rough country and they hang on really well.

[ATH]

Thnx.for all the replies. Yes Andrew they're big and ugly and I know this 'cos the cook told me. [bigsmile1] Especially when the big boys leave them extended when the vans not on the back! *******.
I like the look of the Brunsgaard but from their website I see they have convex mirrors! And I truly hate convex mirrors and on the last 2 vehicles, Defender and Prado, I've had them replaced with flat mirrors.
When reversing I want to see a true pic. of what's behind me not a distorted view.
Maybe I'll have to try and adapt my old clip on set. [bigsad]
Cheers.
AlanH.

[The Fridster]

I've used Ora mirrors with the fridge magnet support arm for years on both Prado and now Disco and fond them to be excellent. I agree with the flat mirror requirement.www.oraproducts.com.au[bigsmile1]

[LandyAndy]

You would loose the heated mirror function too.
Until you have driven in the country on cold mornings you wouldn't appreciate the heat function.
When you go up hills the mirrors dew over,hit the rear window demist and the mirrors clear[wink11][wink11][wink11][wink11] Plus they melt the frost off them too if parked in the open overnite.
Andrew

[ATH]

Pull the other one Andrew.... grader steerers never look in their mirrors. :-)))
AlanH.

[ATH]

The Ora mirrors look very much like a set I've had for years and they did the job well on the Prado but tend to slip off the D4 mirrors. Thnx. for the info. chaps.
AlanH.

[RobA]

Thnx.for all the replies. Yes Andrew they're big and ugly and I know this 'cos the cook told me. [bigsmile1] Especially when the big boys leave them extended when the vans not on the back! *******.
I like the look of the Brunsgaard but from their website I see they have convex mirrors! And I truly hate convex mirrors and on the last 2 vehicles, Defender and Prado, I've had them replaced with flat mirrors.
When reversing I want to see a true pic. of what's behind me not a distorted view.
Maybe I'll have to try and adapt my old clip on set. [bigsad]
Cheers.
AlanH.

Alan I understand what you are saying in regard to convex but the Brunsgaard setup is completely different from what I suspect you are worried about. Theirs is quite subtle not magnification as such it is virtually indiscernible and add greatly to your ability to see a wider field of vision without the crazy magnification effect I think you are concerned with. The view is most definitely not distorted through magnification and we have never experienced any of the issues you have mentioned with them, As I have said the design is subtle and beneficial. Find a local supplier and go and have a look if you are worried about it that will make your decision easier I suggest

Rob

[ATH]

Thnx. for that Rob. Yes I hate the distortion and will probably get the D4s changed for flat mirror soon but they don't appear to be quite as bad as others I've had changed. I mentioned this to my bro who was a panel beater (own workshop) for many years in Sydney and he reckoned lots of side on crashes are caused by them and drivers too lazy to turn their head a fraction to double check.
I'll find a stockist and check the Brunsgaards out.
Cheers.
AlanH.

[RobA]

Thnx. for that Rob. Yes I hate the distortion and will probably get the D4s changed for flat mirror soon but they don't appear to be quite as bad as others I've had changed. I mentioned this to my bro who was a panel beater (own workshop) for many years in Sydney and he reckoned lots of side on crashes are caused by them and drivers too lazy to turn their head a fraction to double check.
I'll find a stockist and check the Brunsgaards out.
Cheers.
AlanH.

Alan clearly we all have differing views on mirrors. I have never thought the mirrors on our MY15 D4 were a problem. The issue of side crashes has more to do with the indifferent driving skills and standards in our wide brown land rather than mirrors IMHO

Rob

[ATH]

That's exactly what I said Rob, drivers relying on their mirrors and not bothering to turn their heads and checking properly. Would you believe the RACWA actually promoted at one time the positioning of mirrors so that drivers had "clear vision all round and wouldn't need to take their eyes of the road in front"!
But that's just one example of the lazy incompetent driving standards on our roads none of which are policed.
I don't think the D4 mirrors are as bad as some but I do not rely on them to show me if there's a vehicle hiding in my blind spot or how close they are, or to give a true picture when reversing.
AlanH.

[austastar]

Hi,
Not towing, but the slide - on creates a big blind spot at the rear. I hate it when trucks mange to hide in there.

I've just rigged up one of Safety Dave ' s caravan kit cameras and screen.

What a difference that makes!

The screen image is about the same distance/size as the convex side mirrors, so on the first try out today I got practice at judging distances in traffic and I'm very happy with the vision quality.

Cheers

[Ashes]

I've only had two types of mirrors. The rubber strap on ones but they were annoying as they moved, vibrated, folded in and weren't really wide enough to give a good view. I then got the Bruunsgard and they are so much better. Stable, good vision and once setup for your car go on without much adjustment. I tow infrequently and enjoy using these.

[transtar]

I have used Milenco Grand Aero 3 for some time. They clamp securely to existing mirror head . Have found they are good for rough roads inc. GRR and good with passing road trains where they remain steady due to aerodynamic shape of head. Have not fallen off yet and are good for those of us who don't want Clearview Elephant Ears on permanently but can fit wide mirrors when required for towing. Available with flat mirror glass too.

Transtar