When towing a caravan or any other trailer that is wider than the rear of your vehicle, it is a legal requirement that you fit towing mirrors additional.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you can’t see me in the mirror, then I can’t see you.” If you can’t see the mirrors behind your trailer, then you need additional mirrors.
But which rearview mirror do you need? Flat or convex? And what is the difference between them?
In today's article, we clear up any doubts you may have about the Mirrors you need when towing a trailer.
When do you need towing mirrors?
As we have already mentioned, when you are towing a caravan or trailer and its width is greater than the width of your car, you will need the towing mirrors.
As a very simple guide, look at the back of your car (with a trailer attached). Move further away until you can no longer see the mirrors sticking out of the car. This is how far you will see with your mirrors.
If you quickly lose sight of your car's rearview mirrors, you should install additional towing mirrors to expand your field of vision while driving.
However, when you start looking for mirrors for your trailer, new questions begin to arise:
- What is this about flat and convex mirrors?
- Which one is right for my trailer?
- How far should the mirrors reach?
- Etc, etc, etc.
We asked ourselves the same questions and this is what we found out.
Flat or convex mirrors for your trailer?
Flat mirror (also called concave) It is a mirror that has a reflective surface curved inwards.
Thanks to this it shows the enlarged image and the objects you see in them seem closer to you.
Generally this type of mirrors is used in the telescopes (to bring the image closer) or in a simple makeup mirror.
Convex mirrors Instead they have a reflective surface curved outwards.
Thanks to this they distance the image they show and allow expand your field of vision.
Surely you have seen in the rearview mirrors of your car the phrase: “Objects are closer than they appear"That's because you have convex mirrors. These move the objects displayed away so you can see a bigger picture of what's going on behind you.
You will have also seen these mirrors in the corners of some establishments such as hospitals or in the street corners with poor visibilityThey are placed there to help drivers see if there is a car approaching on the street that you cannot see.
Trailer mirrors are manufactured both flat and convex, however Convex ones enjoy more popularity. By allowing you to expand your field of vision, They give you more security and information in the event of any unforeseen event..
Which mirror is right for your trailer?
You already know whether to choose the flat or convex towing mirror, but there are so many on the market that it is difficult to know which one is best for your car/trailer model.
At COMANCHE we have tested many rearview mirrors and in the end we have opted for the Milenco AERO mirrors. Why?
- The Aero mirror range is continually improving over the years and has been modified to suit all new vehicles as they are launched. They currently fit all cars, 4×4 and vans produced since 1995.
- Unlike other mirrors that are installed using rubber bands (which wear out over time), in Aero mirrors, The clamping screws are made of stainless steelThey rotate on brass inserts, which never corrode, despite rain or snow.
- His Assembly is very easy. You simply screw it onto your car mirror (see video below),
- They are equipped with Chrome safety glass, which will not discolor over time. Thanks to this, it is a long-lasting product.
- All Aero mirrors have the “E” mark, which means that they comply with the most recent European safety legislation. It is very important that you take this into account when purchasing a towing mirror.
- They offer superior vision and a vibration free view away from your trailer.
- On the Grand Aero, the head is the largest ever used on a towing mirror. It has been designed to allow you to see the top and bottom of your trailer. Thanks to this you can Avoid high-level obstacles, such as traffic signs or trees that can damage your trailer.
- Are extremely stableThey are shaped to allow you to see far beyond your trailer and cars on the three lanes of the highway.
- If you can't see your mirrors behind your trailer, then you need wider mirrors. Extra wide arms are available for narrow/wide trailer combinations.
Here is the video where you can see the stability of these mirrors during the trip:
And what does the law say about towing mirrors?
- All mirrors must have the E mark ensuring compliance with the latest European safety legislation
- In Europe You must be able to see 4m from either side of your caravan or trailer and 20 metres behind youThe easiest way to make sure you are complying with the law is to make sure your mirrors are wider than the caravan/trailer. So if you are looking from behind the caravan/trailer, make sure both mirrors stick out.
- On towing vehicles complying with Directive 2003/97 EC or sold after January 2007, towing mirrors They can project 25 cm more than the widest part of the caravan/trailer. On towing vehicles prior to this directive, mirrors may project 20 cm beyond the widest part of the caravan/trailer.
- Since December 12, 2005, it is a legal requirement that you have approved mirrors (with electronic tag) on both sides of the towing vehicle.
Remember, if your trailer or caravan is wider than your car, you are obliged to fit towing mirrors. With everything we have told you, it will not be so difficult to choose the right ones for your vehicle.
So before you hit the road, give your car and trailer a good once-over. Check the axes, the pilots and the wheels. And check if you need to install the towing mirrors.
We wish you a wide road!
