Caravan Towing Mirrors: Are They Really That Important?

Caravan Towing Mirrors: Are They Really That Important?

When you first buy a caravan, it can seem like there is no end to the accessories and add-ons you need to get before you’re ready to hit the road, but none are as vital as caravan towing mirrors.

Why Do You Need Caravan Towing Mirrors?

One of the greatest hazards of towing a caravan is that it eliminates your rear vision and significantly enlarges your blind spots. Whether you’re reversing into a berth at the campground or cruising down the open road, having an unobstructed view of your caravan and everything around it will help you to avoid backing into a tree or being swiped by an overtaking vehicle.

Towing mirrors not only give you back your vision but are also a legal requirement. Under Australian law, you must have mirrors that allow you to clearly see 4 metres out from the edge of your caravan for a distance of 20 metres behind you. The diagram below shows your field of vision with and without towing mirrors.

Without towing mirrors, overtaking cars could easily sit in your blind spot without you ever knowing they’re there, massively increasing your chances of an accident. Even if you only take your caravan out once a year, it is essential to use towing mirrors in order to minimise the risk to yourself and other road users, and to avoid any fines.

The Different Types of Towing Mirrors: Fixed & Removable

When it comes to choosing towing mirrors, there are several different types available depending on your vehicle and budget, that generally fall into two categories: fixed and removable.

 

Fixed Mirrors

Fixed mirrors (or replacement towing mirrors) replace your car’s stock wing mirrors and offer a permanent solution to seeing what’s around you. Fixed mirrors are more stable than removable mirrors, and cannot be stolen off your vehicle – however, they are significantly more expensive than removable mirrors and will need to be installed.

While most caravan owners will opt for removable towing mirrors, a fixed mirror is a great choice if you are travelling full-time or spending large parts of the year on the road. Plus, you never have to worry about leaving them at home.

Removable Mirrors

Removable mirrors are what most caravan owners opt for, as they are an affordable and portable option that take only a moment to set up. Most removable mirrors are known as clip-ons, and attach to your existing wing mirrors with rubber clamps or grips. Although you can buy door-mounted mirrors or even bonnet-mounted mirrors, these are fairly uncommon and are more unwieldy to set up.

With clip-on mirrors, you can take them on or off your vehicle as needed and store them in the boot or in the caravan itself, reducing the risk of theft and the need for expensive installation. While prices can vary, you can expect a good quality set of removable towing mirrors to cost you around $150-200.

This may seem steep, but it is worth investing in a solid pair from a reputable brand such as Milenco or Camec, rather than cheaping out and risk them falling off while you’re on the road.

Which Towing Mirror Is Right For You?

Ultimately, there is no ‘right’ choice when it comes to towing mirrors – what you choose to go for will depend on your needs and budget. If you live in your caravan year-round or are embarking on a lap of the map, it could be worth investing in a pair of fixed towing mirrors that aren’t going to fly off during a long drive or be stolen when you stop for a rest.

However, if you’re like most caravan owners and save your adventures for the school holidays and summer break, a set of removable mirrors that you can store when you’re at home are an affordable and effective way to keep an eye on your caravan.

Travel Safer with Regent Caravans

No matter if you’re a new or experienced owner, there is nothing more important than your safety on the road. For more guides on road safety and owning a Regent caravan, including tips on caravanning in the wet, maintaining your caravan, and the most common causes of accidents and how to avoid them, head to our Tips & Advice section.