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Your Guide to GMC Tow Mirrors
If you’re using your GMC to tow a heavy trailer, there’s a good chance that your factory mirrors aren’t good enough for the job. A pair of well-designed tow mirrors give you the proper visibility needed to haul a large trailer. Some states require all trucks towing a trailer to have side mirrors matching their legal specifications. Good tow mirrors make a world of difference to your driving and grant much-needed peace of mind on the road.
What are GMC Tow Mirrors
Tow mirrors are upgraded versions of your stock side mirrors. They often use two mirrors of different sizes, one larger mirror and another smaller mirror positioned below or to the side of the larger one. The larger mirror gives a more detailed view of objects close to the driver, while the smaller mirror shows objects much further away, such as a trailer. Tow mirrors have many advantages over traditional side-view mirrors, including:
- Increased field of view: It’s important that you can see everything going on around your car at all times. If you are towing a payload that exceeds the length of your vehicle, you’ll need to increase your field of view.
- Reduced blind spots: Most factory side mirrors have a limited view that creates blind spots. Blind spots make it nearly impossible to see things to your left, right, and rear. Tow mirrors have multiple fields of view that allow you to reduce the number and size of your vehicle’s blind spots.
- Peace of mind: Towing can be fun, but it can also be stressful. Not only do you need to be well aware of hazards that lie ahead of you, but you must also keep an eye on what’s going on with your load behind you. A tow mirror allows you to check on your trailer easily, limiting the time your eyes are off the road. You’ll be much more confident knowing you can check on your load at any time.
- State requirements: Some states only allow drivers to tow large campers or trailers when using the proper mirrors. Towing without the right mirrors is a safety hazard, which is why many states have strict requirements for tow mirrors. Check with your local laws to make sure you are towing legally.
Types of GMC Tow Mirrors
Manual Tow Mirrors
Manual tow mirrors have no electric adjustment. This means you’ll have to adjust them by hand. These mirrors replace your truck’s factory side mirrors and are usually cheaper than electric or powered mirrors.
Powered Tow Mirrors
Powered tow mirrors are some of the least affordable tow mirrors on the market. However, they are also some of the most convenient and easy-to-use tow mirrors. These electrically driven mirrors move in precise increments at the touch of a button. Installation can be more difficult as you’ll have to connect several wires.
Telescopic Tow Mirrors
These mirrors are popular among those with large trucks or trailers. Telescopic mirrors extend to give the driver a better view of their trailer but can telescope back in when needed. This flexibility provides a more narrow profile while driving without a trailer and maximizes visibility while towing. They come in both electric and manual options.
Universal Clip-on Tow Mirrors
Clip-on mirrors are great for drivers that tow on rare occasions. These are inexpensive options that are simple to install. Clip-on mirrors are far from attractive, especially if you’re trying to find an exact match for your vehicle, but they do their job. Some clip-on tow mirrors can vibrate loose and cause distracting noise while driving.
How to Choose GMC Tow Mirrors
The first major decision to make when deciding on new tow mirrors is whether you’d like to use OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer or aftermarket parts. If you are looking for top quality, reliability, and a perfect fit, OEM is the best option for a GMC.
OEM tow mirrors are designed and built by GMC. OEM parts will be made for your exact model with the highest quality materials. Aftermarket tow mirrors can be just as good as OEM mirrors, but they may also fall flat. Aftermarket parts are often cheaper and more readily available than their OEM counterparts, but they lack the consistency that comes with your original manufacturer.
Factory mirrors typically come with major blind spots that become worse when you’re hauling a large camper or trailer. Traditional side mirrors won’t offer the necessary field of view to tow any sized load safely. The industry standards say to have a mirror that allows you to see the entire length of your vehicle, your trailer, and the road behind you.
Some states have very specific legal requirements for all tow vehicles. For example, Illinois and Georgia require mirrors that offer at least 200 feet of visibility to the rear while towing a trailer. If you are unable to see the entirety of your payload, or if it obstructs your vision of the road to the side or behind you, you will need to install a tow mirror.
How to Replace/Install GMC Tow Mirrors
Disclaimer: The guidelines in this story are general and not meant to replace instructions for your specific vehicle. Please consult your owner’s manual or repair guide before attempting repairs.
Remove Your Factory Mirrors
- Roll the driver-side window down completely and then turn the truck off.
- Use a tool such as an angled trim tool or flathead screwdriver to gently pry the cover located behind the mirror.
- If your mirror is powered, unplug all electrical connections.
- Use a 10 mm socket to remove the three bolts.
- Remove the side mirror assembly from the vehicle.
- Repeat on the passenger side.
Install the New Tow Mirrors
- Place the tow mirror assembly in the same position as the factory mirror.
- Use the 10 mm socket to replace the three bolts and secure the tow mirror in place.
- Plug the tow mirror into the necessary connection.
- Replace the bolt covers
- Repeat on the passenger side.
A good tow mirror can increase safety while towing large, lengthy or heavy loads. Many can be installed quickly, while others may need professional installations. What tow mirror is best for you depends largely on how often you’ll be towing campers, caravans, or trailers. For more information, check out Car and Driver.
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Source: www.caranddriver.com