Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Towing mirrors
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personmiss baritone
26/1/2018 at 8:19am
 Location: hartlepool
 Outfit: Sterling Excel 520 View miss baritone's Profile View Profile   Reply to miss baritone Reply   Quote miss baritone Quote  
Joined: 22/7/2007

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   388
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 20
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 7
Site Nights 2021: 6
Site Nights 2020: 10
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 0
Picking up our caravan tomorrow and we're starting to make our list of what we need to buy. I know I need to use towing mirrors. My vehicle is a Vauxhall vivaro van. As with most vans it has large wing mirrors. All that seems to be available locally are the universal towing mirrors that strap round the back of the car mirror. I don't think they will fit the van mirrors. I did spot these on go outdoors website http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/streetwize-suck-it-and-see-mirror-p293504. They seem to hold on with a sucker. Has anyone used them. Are they really secure and would my van be legal with them on

-------------
Good cakes aren't cheap. Cheap cakes aren't good


PersonRob and Tina
26/1/2018 at 9:37am
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I've been using Suck it and See mirrors for the last 7 years. They are easy to fit and with mirrors that can be adjusted from inside the vehicle they are very easy to adjust to give good rear vision. I expect your van is quite wide anyway so a pair of these would be fine and they will definitely fit any vehicle you might have in the future. These mirrors have an elastic safety cord which stops the mirror from falling to the ground (I have never had one come off yet), this cord goes over a car door mirror easily but I'm not sure of the design of your van mirror and don't know if you have a way of securing the cord.

Hope this helps.

Rob


Personmiss baritone
26/1/2018 at 11:46am
 Location: hartlepool
 Outfit: Sterling Excel 520 View miss baritone's Profile View Profile   Reply to miss baritone Reply   Quote miss baritone Quote  
Joined: 22/7/2007

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   388
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 20
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 7
Site Nights 2021: 6
Site Nights 2020: 10
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thank you Rob. That is very helpful. I was worried about them staying attached and of course complying with the law. So it's great to know there are extra bits to keep it in place

-------------
Good cakes aren't cheap. Cheap cakes aren't good


PersonRob and Tina
26/1/2018 at 12:28pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I think they would be ok if you can find a way of getting the elastic cord over the mirror, it depends which mirrors your Vivaro has fitted. If you have the twin stalk type you could use a releasable cable tie to secure the safety cord to the stalk.

When you fit these mirrors you moisten the sucker, put them on the mirror and turn the big knob to get a good suction. Before you set off just try tightening the knob again, you can often get another half turn or so which locks the mirror on more firmly.

Good luck with collecting the caravan, hope we can see some pictures soon.

Rob


Personmorepints
26/1/2018 at 5:35pm
 Location: Dartford Kent
 Outfit: VW T6 conversion View morepints's Profile View Profile   Reply to morepints Reply   Quote morepints Quote  
Joined: 06/5/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   980
Site Reviews Total: 48
Site Reviews 2024: 7  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 21
Site Nights 2023: 2
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 2
We use Suck-it-and-see mirrors, and they are good. However, I find if the mirrors are damp, they can loose suction and droop, or drop off (Twice!). Hence I try to remember to put them on the evening before using. If not, then dry the mirrors with a cloth, then finish with a dry hanky. I don't need to moisten as Rob suggests.

There are two types, plain and convex. I use two convex, though the shop suggested one of each. Overtakers do come up quite quick on the motorway, so I try to arrange it so there's still a bit of ordinary mirror to check distances in the overtaking zone. You should be fine with the size of mirrors on your Vivaro.

As Rob says, the great advantage is being able to adjust from the driver's seat.


Advertisement



PersonRob and Tina
26/1/2018 at 5:47pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The first time I fitted the mirrors I found I got a better seal for the suction if I moistened the sucker so I have carried on doing that. It also leaves a mark on the door mirror glass so I can see where to fix the towing mirror next time. Thinking about it after reading morepints post, these mirrors are called "suck it and see" not "lick it and stick it" so perhaps I'll try a dry fit next time I use my mirrors.

Miss baritone, I'm sure you'll have lots more questions when you've collected your caravan, keep asking questions and colloquialisms are fine.

Rob


PersonColin21
26/1/2018 at 6:34pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6281
Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18
Not quite sure how wide the Vivaro van is, but it is possible that you won't need additional mirrors at all. If you have good visibility past the caravan with the van's ordinary fitted mirrors you will be ok. Check with this website;

https://www.caravanwise.co.uk/caravan-tips/towing-mirrors.html


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


Personmiss baritone
26/1/2018 at 10:42pm
 Location: hartlepool
 Outfit: Sterling Excel 520 View miss baritone's Profile View Profile   Reply to miss baritone Reply   Quote miss baritone Quote  
Joined: 22/7/2007

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   388
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 20
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 7
Site Nights 2021: 6
Site Nights 2020: 10
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks everyone for the advice. At first I thought I probably wouldn't need extra mirrors, but I keep getting conflicting answers when trying to get an answer so thought I'm better off being over precautious and using them.

I did tow several years ago but it was a much smaller lighter van and car. I didn't know anything about weights at the time and after a couple of snakes soon learnt the art of packing correctly. I did tow for about 5 years in total but because I was so unknowlegable at the time, still class myself as a beginner

-------------
Good cakes aren't cheap. Cheap cakes aren't good


PersonDarrenElbrow
28/1/2018 at 9:58am
 Location: Poole Dorset
 Outfit: Conway Challenger 1997 View DarrenElbrow's Profile View Profile   Reply to DarrenElbrow Reply   Quote DarrenElbrow Quote  
Joined: 30/7/2016

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   188
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
You can get fined by the police if you fit towing mirrors if they aren’t needed. If you can see 4m out at 20m back with stock mirrors you’ll Be fine


PersonLlaniDavis
28/1/2018 at 12:06pm
 Location: Llanidloes Powys
 Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4 View LlaniDavis's Profile View Profile   Reply to LlaniDavis Reply   Quote LlaniDavis Quote  
Joined: 28/6/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1963
Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by DarrenElbrow on 28/1/2018
You can get fined by the police if you fit towing mirrors if they aren’t needed. If you can see 4m out at 20m back with stock mirrors you’ll Be fine


Really?
Exactly what offence would you be committing?


Advertisement



PersonST1100
28/1/2018 at 1:01pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View ST1100's Profile View Profile   Reply to ST1100 Reply   Quote ST1100 Quote  
Joined: 01/8/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   568
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by DarrenElbrow on 28/1/2018
You can get fined by the police if you fit towing mirrors if they aren’t needed. If you can see 4m out at 20m back with stock mirrors you’ll Be fine


More like you will get fined if you are towing without mirrors when they are needed

I had a Range Rover that was quite wide but still needed towing mirrors if towing a caravan.


PersonDarrenElbrow
28/1/2018 at 3:21pm
 Location: Poole Dorset
 Outfit: Conway Challenger 1997 View DarrenElbrow's Profile View Profile   Reply to DarrenElbrow Reply   Quote DarrenElbrow Quote  
Joined: 30/7/2016

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   188
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Read this
This covers everything you need to know about towing, including weights, dimensions, licences, mirrors etc etc;

https://blueskyrecreation.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/the-laymans-guide-to-towing-in-the-uk/


PersonDarrenElbrow
28/1/2018 at 3:36pm
 Location: Poole Dorset
 Outfit: Conway Challenger 1997 View DarrenElbrow's Profile View Profile   Reply to DarrenElbrow Reply   Quote DarrenElbrow Quote  
Joined: 30/7/2016

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   188
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
https://blueskyrecreation.wordpress.com/2017/06/25/towing-mirrors-a-quick-look-at-the-law/


PersonOpensauce
28/1/2018 at 5:12pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
From the above link...

“Fit suitable towing mirrors if your trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of your car”.

That is all anybody needs to know. It is posted on every mirror related thread on this forum & invariably gets lost among all the other posts.


PersonBodsey
26/3/2018 at 4:08pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Bodsey's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bodsey Reply   Quote Bodsey Quote  
Joined: 26/3/2018

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I have a dilemma. We have a Pennine Fiesta that is 1.8m wide. The car, mirror tip to mirror tip is 2.1m. Legally we are only allowed to have towing mirrors that are 25cm wider than trailer on either side (1.8+0.25+0.25=2.3). This means the towing mirrors could only be 10cm long on each side. Does anyone know of any this small?


Personnavver
26/3/2018 at 8:09pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4664
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Sounds like the car is wider than the trailer. Why do you want towing mirrors at all. Surely you don't need any.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

4680 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder