Clearview Towing Mirrors

[Grumpaw]

I got my new set installed. Took about an hour and half with a 15 minute toddler potty break and other various toddler stop work issues.

I used a T30 L torx wrench and only removed the tweeters. I figure the majority of my time was taking off and putting on the bottom bolts 1/4 turn at a time. I also replaced 2 out of 3 bolts with hex bolts M6x 18 and a fender washer. I didn't have a socket or wrench small enough for the third to be replaced as well.

Biggest issues is starting the bottom bolts getting them lined up, etc. On my passenger side unit the plug connector pushed 1/4 farther into the truck. Not enough to plug or cause issues other than making that bottom bolt that much harder.

Also there is a rubber gasket on the tweeters snap cover that is now inside my door along with a fender washer.

Not sure if I should worry about the gasket.

I think you'll like them. They make a huge difference when towing, especially if you have a standard 8 foot wide trailer.
I pulled my door panels off, made it easier....but, like you, I also replaced the torx with stainless hex bolts and appropriate washers.
Their going to be very "stiff" and hard to pull out at first, but the more you use the, they'll become easier to pull out.

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[Peragrin]

I think you'll like them. They make a huge difference when towing, especially if you have a standard 8 foot wide trailer.
I pulled my door panels off, made it easier....but, like you, I also replaced the torx with stainless hex bolts and appropriate washers.
Their going to be very "stiff" and hard to pull out at first, but the more you use the, they'll become easier to pull out.

Mine were not stiff at all. I could open them 2/3 in my bare hands not attached to the truck. Attached to the truck they slide out. Not easy. But I don't feel like I am going to break something.

I bet they have started prelubing them at Clearview.

 

[Grumpaw]

That's great....I've had to spray the 3 extend sections with some "dry lube" several times, but they have become much easier over the past year. Mine are the "all the way" Lariat mirrors, and to me it's the best $$$ I've spent on the Ranger....but than again we take at least 8-10 trips a year.

 

[Peragrin]

That's great....I've had to spray the 3 extend sections with some "dry lube" several times, but they have become much easier over the past year. Mine are the "all the way" Lariat mirrors, and to me it's the best $$$ I've spent on the Ranger....but than again we take at least 8-10 trips a year.

We have 6 trips booked since Jan. Most semi local, and longer trips for the kids. I was dreading the thought of losing more clamp on mirrors.

 

[ControlNode]

I finally got around to buying and installing my ClearView Compact mirrors. As I stated I planned on doing over a year ago, I went with the Lariat featured version of the mirror and adding all of those functions to my XLT. The mirrors came with the correct connector already installed in the mirror when they arrived. I still have to finish the vehicle side wiring updates to enable all of the additional features though. But I did rush to get enough working that I could mount them before a work function Saturday and then use them yesterday.

I know @tccoastguard stated that his were flat on both sides, well mine came with convex on both sides. I'm not sure I like the convex on the driver's side, I switch vehicles enough that I am not sure I'll ever get used to "objects are closer than they appear" on that side of the car. But I pulled the enclosed trailer 3 hours yesterday evening and had no issues.

There is some vibration of the mirror at idle too that was not there with the OE mirrors, but not so bad that I can't use them.

 

[ctechbob]

The convex mirror thing was what made me go with the other version of them. I didn't like the idea of having them on both sides all the time. Glad I did, sounds like it would have annoyed me.

 

[WhyNot21]

Bumping this thread, as I'm going to take delivery of our trailer soon.

Our trailer is 7' 6" wide, so I assume the OEM mirrors will be lacking. These appear to be the best option, but are really pricy! I would need want the full featured pair at >$1k. For those of you that have purchased these, do you feel they're worth the cost?

I would also appreciate some pictures of them from the front of the vehicle, extended, retracted and folded. I'm going to need to show the wife before she approves the purchase.

 

[ctechbob]

Can't help with folded as I don't think I've ever folded mine in....but...

 

[Grumpaw]

We have an 8 foot wide Jayco.....would not be without my Clearviews now.....

 

[ctechbob]

We have an 8 foot wide Jayco.....would not be without my Clearviews now.....

I agree.

I screwed around with clip ons and the like, hands down these are the best for the Ranger. I won't be without a set of real towing mirrors on any truck I use to haul anything with ever again.

Which is what pisses me off about Ford. I was pricing an F150 STX with the 2.7. They won't let you add the stupid tow mirrors to the f-ing thing. Sure you can add them after the fact, but jesus, let me buy them from the factory and slap them on. I don't want to have to buy the 3.5 or 5.0 for that.

Rant over.

 

[Friday yet?]

Which is what pisses me off about Ford. I was pricing an F150 STX with the 2.7. They won't let you add the stupid tow mirrors to the f-ing thing. Sure you can add them after the fact, but jesus, let me buy them from the factory and slap them on. I don't want to have to buy the 3.5 or 5.0 for that

That type ?? is SO annoying. Just let me build my damn truck like I want it.

 

[WhyNot21]

We have an 8 foot wide Jayco.....would not be without my Clearviews now.....

Love the plates!

Since you have a Lariat, do your mirrors have the power fold feature? I need to fold mine when parking in the garage, since we have it pretty loaded up with stuff we'll never use. That, and my wife's smaller daily driver needs more room. I assume they fold in close like the OEM's, but just want to make sure.

 

[Grumpaw]

Love the plates!

Since you have a Lariat, do your mirrors have the power fold feature? I need to fold mine when parking in the garage, since we have it pretty loaded up with stuff we'll never use. That, and my wife's smaller daily driver needs more room. I assume they fold in close like the OEM's, but just want to make sure.

Yes, they do fold. But, because of their design, they don't fold in as far as the OE mirrors do.
Give me a few minutes and I'll take a pic of them folded....

Here....unfolded and folded.....

 

[WhyNot21]

Yes, they do fold. But, because of their design, they don't fold in as far as the OE mirrors do.
Give me a few minutes and I'll take a pic of them folded....

Here....unfolded and folded.....

Thanks for taking the time to do this! I really need them to fold tighter, I decided to try my luck with some cheap clip-ons from Amazon for now. Worst case, I hate them and go with the Clearview's in a few weeks. I'm only out $40 if they don't pan out.

 

[dtech]

Thanks for taking the time to do this! I really need them to fold tighter, I decided to try my luck with some cheap clip-ons from Amazon for now. Worst case, I hate them and go with the Clearview's in a few weeks. I'm only out $40 if they don't pan out.

I bought these and have been very happy with them - they with the rachet straps they are completely secure and do not create much if any noticeable wind noise. If properly installed they fit tigthly and I see no risk of them coming loose. I will mention I tow a TT with a 7' 4" width, get good visibility so can't say how an 8' trailer would be. No way I was going to spring for clearview at that cost, having a TT is a sufficient enough expense as it is.

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