There is no point ignoring the importance of caravan towing mirrors. In fact, ignoring them could come with a £1,000 fine for each mirror and three points on your licence.
Regardless of the size of your vehicle, even if it is a 4 x 4 they are still a legal requirement and you must ensure that you have a view of 13ft from the side of the caravan at a distance of 20 metres behind the driver.
So how much do they cost?
They do not cost a lot when you consider the cost of a fine especially as the average price is around £20. Investing in a sturdy set will protect you in the long-term as they can withstand strong winds and bumps. They can be fitted and removed very easily and stored away until it is time to use them again and while it may seem a pain to fit them each time, you soon get used to it.
Purchasing Mirrors
Towing mirrors have to meet all EC regulations so it is important to buy them from a retailer you can trust. If you are purchasing second hand, if the mirrors are over 5 years old then they may not meet the EC regulations.
They are not universal so ensure that they have been manufactured to fit your vehicle but they do come in three different types of fittings. There are screw clamps, suction pads and bands that fit around the mirror, which one you choose is down to personal preference. However, suction pads could cause problems when travelling at high speeds and that would mean a loss of rear vision.
Towsure offer all different types of towing mirrors at a fantastic price.
Fitting the Mirrors
To fit the mirror correctly, it is important to remain in the driver’s seat as this will allow you to use someone to help find the right angle by gauging when they first appear in view.
One crucial point to remember is that if the nearside rear view from the interior mirror is not adequate then a nearside mirror has to be installed. Equipping the driver’s side only is not sufficient enough.