How many towing mirrors do I actually need?

If you have towing mirrors on your shopping list and have been browsing the various options on the market, you will most likely have seen that they are sold in both single and double sets. This could leave you wondering, “how many towing mirrors do I actually need?” Should you be fitting one or two?

Simply put, you should always fit two towing extension mirrors when towing a caravan. This is because you need to be able to see four metres to the side and 20 metres behind you, and with a passenger car and conventional caravan, this isn’t possible without extension mirrors.

With low and narrow trailers, it’s possible to achieve an adequate field of view without extension mirrors, but when towing a caravan, two of the best caravan towing mirrors will almost certainly be needed.

Think of it this way. If you are driving on the motorway and wish to change lanes to overtake, you will need to use the driver’s side extension mirror to judge the distance of any traffic approaching from behind in the lane you wish to rejoin. Having passed the slower-moving traffic, you will need to use the nearside extension mirror to judge whether it is safe to return to the inside lane.

When you’re choosing towing mirrors, you will find they are often sold with a choice of flat or convex glass. Selling the mirrors in single packs makes it easy for drivers to mix and match, as some experienced tow car drivers prefer to have one flat mirror and one convex.

Convex mirrors offer a wider field of vision. However, the image is slightly distorted and can make objects appear smaller and further away than they really are.

Another benefit of mirrors being sold in single packs is that it makes it cheaper to replace a mirror that has been damaged or has fallen off.

After buying your set, don’t forget to make sure you know how to adjust towing mirrors too, so you can get them perfectly positioned.

Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances and skill level. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects.

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