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Width of towing mirrors

IanTG replied on 21/03/2021 00:48

IanTG profile picture Member

IanTG

Caravanner from Cambridgeshire

Posted on 21/03/2021 00:48

I am aware of the legal dimensions of the area one is required to be able to see behind when towing a caravan, but is there a legal limit to the maximum width that towing mirrors can be?

I ask because I bought some BMW X5 brand-specific mirrors which are a perfect fit, no vibration, and easy on/off (they came from Germany). But they do seem wide, due to stems being long. I tow an 8’ wide van, but I estimate these mirrors give a width of 9’. That means I can see well behind, and I certainly know if the car will go through a gap, so will the van! 

But they do seem unnecessarily wide. Certainly seem wider than previous car & mirror combinations.

How wide are others? And is there a legal maximum?

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richardandros replied on 21/03/2021 07:05

richardandros profile picture Member

richardandros

Caravanner from East Yorkshire

Posted on 21/03/2021 07:05

There is a good explanation of the law HERE, and, yes, there is a maximum amount the mirrors are allowed to protrude.  Whether or not anyone is ever going to check - unless you still have them on when driving solo - is another matter.

I also have an 8' wide van and tow with a VW Touareg and use Grand Aeros with the additional extension arm and whilst the nearside one is at maximum extension, the offside one isn't quite so far out whilst still giving a clear view down the offside of the van.  I find this is the best way of avoiding it getting knocked off!  I have also stuck 'dayglo' yellow tape to the mirror to make it very obvious to oncoming drivers.

cyberyacht replied on 21/03/2021 18:25

cyberyacht profile picture Member

cyberyacht

Motorhomer from Hampshire

Posted on 21/03/2021 18:25

It was hire car in Gran Canaria. Dropped off the side of the tarmac and shredded the inside wall of the tyre. Changing a wheel in 38C is sweaty work. He missed my mirror though.

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