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Topic ClosedTow Vehicle Mirror Extensions? - Event Date: 11 Jun 2017

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Kup-Pod View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Tow Vehicle Mirror Extensions?
    Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 7:43pm
Good evening all,

We recently purchased a 2017 RP178 and will take delivery in a couple of weeks.  

I am towing with a 2016 Santa Fe XL, 3.3l with AWD.  I have a fair bit of towing capacity available for this vehicle and will be equipped with a sway control / load leveling hitch.

The one question I do have, will I be needing side-mirror extensions for highway travel?  

Any thoughts or advice out there?

Thanks... K&S
2017 RP-178
2021 F150 5.0l
"Lead me on a level path"
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jato View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 8:02pm
Although this has been covered before, you can find it under topic search mirrors, ect, i will put in my 2 cents worth.  We have towed our 177 going on 7 years now with 3 different vehicles, 94 F-150, 08 Explorer and currently a 13 Explorer.  In none of the cases have I seen warranted the use of extension mirrors.  Before we purchased our 177 back in January 2011 we saw our first R-Pod at Fort Wilkens State Park in Copper Harbor, Michigan in October 2010, being towed by a Subaru and that didn't have mirror extensions on it either.  There are some on this forum that use them, I believe more don't.  Nevertheless, go with what you are comfortable with, the beauty of this being narrower is the great visibility you have using your existing vehicle mirrors.
God's pod
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Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 8:06pm
Depends on the state. Vermont, for example, requires towing mirrors. The criteria varies by state, but the main requirement is that you have a clear view parallel to the side of the vehicle to the rear. If your 'Pod is wider than your tow vehicle, then mirror extensions are a good idea, even if they are not strictly required.
StephenH
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john in idaho View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 8:18pm
I like to see down the side, and peek at the tire bulge from time to time.  I don't know how one could pull back in after passing without being able to see down the side of the trailer.  Listening for honking is one way, I guess.......
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 8:27pm
Ditto!! I like checking the tires and the side marker lights. I think they are a plus!
Leo & Melissa Bachand
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 8:53pm
Probably depends somewhat on the TV itself. When we tow with our F-150, I can see down the sides of the R-pod very well. Of course the F-150 is a lot chunkier than your average RAV4 (for example).
bp
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 8:55pm
Thanks everyone, that helps.

Still getting used to the forum and maneuvering my way through all the posts.  Lots of helpful info in here!
2017 RP-178
2021 F150 5.0l
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 5:00am
I tow with a 2014 Explorer. Using the factory mirrors, I can see the sides of the Pod, but I can not see if there is a vehicle close behind me. So with mirror extensions I can get a good view of my tires & also know if someone is ridding my bumper.
Rob & Becky
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 8:51am
I bought mirror extensions while I was looking for a trailer.  I tried them with our pod and found that for our Dodge Dakota 4x4 the factory mirrors work fine.  So, now my extensions are sitting in the garage collecting dust.  We have a clear view down both sides of the trailer and behind us.  As with all trailer mirrors configurations there is a cone of blindness directly behind the trailer.  As the bumper sticker on some trucks says:  If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 9:17am
For what it's worth, I replaced the mirrors on my Xterra with a set from a Nissan Titan.  Yes, they manually extend, but for me the convex mirror is what I use, particularly when changing lanes.  The larger mirrors combined with the extension do make the job of backing easier.

Jim
Jim McP
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