Posted on 29/11/2016 13:16
Hi , I have a Peugeot Boxer van and when towing the caravan it's only 2" wider than the van ... the mirrors have no issues seeing behind and the lower one gives a better view than the extending mirrors the tow shop flogged me which promptly fell off ! . Does anyone know if I actually need to fit them please ? Thanks in anticipation ..
Posted on 29/11/2016 13:46
I think you'll find you need mirrors regardless of what you think.
There is a legal requirement for mirrors
The law says when towing you must have a view to both sides of your caravan /trailer of 4 metres & must have a rear view of 20 metres behind you .
It's required you only attache towing mirrors to the towing vehicle when towing also .
1 person likes this
Posted on 29/11/2016 14:02
If you stand at the back of the caravan and look straight down the side and can't see the mirrors on your van, you need mirror extensions.
Even if you can see (part) of the vans mirrors, you will be much safer (less of a hazard) to OTHER road users by of the improved view extensions will provide when fitted.
Posted on 29/11/2016 19:18
You need to check where the mirrors are as against the width of the caravan. If they stick out further than the caravan then you are legal, if not mirrors are needed. Jills diagram is the legal position.
If you need mirtors I would look closely at the profile of the ones on the van to see how you would attach them. Some dealers will let you try them in their yard if it looks like a problem.
Posted on 29/11/2016 19:29
No legal requirement for towing mirrors when towing.
The interior mirror can provide some/all of the legal requirement.
Towing mirrors fitted while not towing are legal if they do not exceed a certain distance beyond the widest part of the vehicle. [someone with more free time than me will be along shortly to look it up].
Posted on 29/11/2016 19:41
Providing the field of vision is as per the blue area in Jill's diagram, that is all that matters in terms of the law. If that can be achieved using the vehicle's mirrors, there is no requirement for extension mirrors.
As the OP tows with a commercial vehicle it's very likely extension mirrors will not be necessary as mirrors fitted to commercials are generally far better and with a greater field of vision than those fitted to cars.
Posted on 29/11/2016 21:09
No legal requirement for towing mirrors when towing.
The interior mirror can provide some/all of the legal requirement.
Towing mirrors fitted while not towing are legal if they do not exceed a certain distance beyond the widest part of the vehicle. [someone with more free time than me will be along shortly to look it up].
All I can see in mine is a big caravan.???
Posted on 29/11/2016 21:41
No legal requirement for towing mirrors when towing.
The interior mirror can provide some/all of the legal requirement.
Towing mirrors fitted while not towing are legal if they do not exceed a certain distance beyond the widest part of the vehicle. [someone with more free time than me will be along shortly to look it up].
Write your comments here...http://www.broadlane.co.uk/caravans/help-advice/why-you-need-caravan-towing-mirrors
Hope this sheds a little more light on the matter.
The fine for towing BLIND can be up to £1000
If caught and prosecuted for ‘towing blind’ in the UK, i.e. without any caravan mirrors or using mirrors that are too narrow, you could receive three points on your licence and be fined up to £1,000 for each side
poppypetal