Many 4×4 owners benefit from the towing capabilities of their vehicles. Countless 4WD models are made for towing, and whether you plan to pull a trailer or caravan, their comfort, equipment, practicality and efficiency make them the best vehicle type for the job.
There’s one more thing no 4×4 for towing should be without, however. In this blog post, we share all you need to know about towing mirrors whether you’re upgrading your existing 4×4 or kitting out a new one.
Why use towing mirrors
When towing a trailer or caravan, your field of vision is significantly reduced when using only standard mirrors. This creates blind spots that can impair your ability to spot and react to the hazards you encounter on the road.
StyleThatTruck explains more about how visibility and safety are enhanced through the use of towing mirrors:
“Towing mirrors will reduce the blind spot areas on either side of the road behind you and along the sides of your trailer. This will help you stay much safer out there as it will be much easier for you to spot other vehicles or motorcycles that would otherwise be in your blind zones. Towing mirrors will also help you to see better down the sides of your trailer as you back it into tight spaces to avoid hitting other objects.”
The latest guidance on towing mirrors
By law, every driver should have an adequate view of the road behind them, and this includes when towing a trailer or caravan using your 4WD vehicle. To aid visibility when towing, your vehicle must be fitted with towing mirrors if the trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of your vehicle.
Failure to do so will not only put you, your passengers and fellow road users at risk, you could be fined up to £1,000 and given three penalty points if you’re caught towing without the necessary towing mirrors.
Choosing towing mirrors for your 4×4
As with any 4×4 upgrade, buying the cheapest product isn’t your best option. The towing mirrors you choose have to be suitable for your vehicle, and durable and secure enough to stay in place even at high speeds. Towing mirrors should also be fitted with safety glass.
When selecting towing mirrors, be sure to measure your vehicle and the trailer or caravan you intend to tow. This will determine if the required field of vision can be achieved by the towing mirrors you choose.
Opting for extendable mirrors, instead of towing mirror add-ons is a great choice if you tow a boat, caravan or wide trailer regularly. These can be used in a standard position for everyday driving or an extended position for towing. Our Clearview towing mirrors are even suitable for off-road use!
Whilst it’s not a legal requirement, it’s recommended that your extendable towing mirrors are marked with the letter ‘E’ under EU safety guidelines if your vehicle was registered in 2010 or later.
How to use towing mirrors
Once fitted, your towing mirrors should be adjusted from the driver’s seat. The correct position means you should be able to clearly see the wheel arch of your trailer or caravan as well as the road (including the road surface) behind you. It is recommended that you enlist the help of a second person to test for blind spots during and after fitting.
You’ll then use your towing mirrors just like your standard mirrors to easily spot hazards and reduce risk during your towing trip.
