RV FEATURE
There are legal criteria to determine whether or not you require extension mirrors when towing . In most cases , these criteria mean that every caravanner will need them .
It ’ s possible I didn ’ t have tow mirrors fitted on my maiden voyage – I don ’ t recall . Nowadays , of course , I wouldn ’ t dream of not fitting them . Here ’ s how I set them up …
MIRROR IMAGE
When using the clip-on style of mirror , I ensure the rig is straight and then set the mirrors wide enough so that when I stand in the back corner of the van and look along the side , I can see that the very inside edge of the tow mirror is in line with the side of the van . Back in the cab , I might need to make some small adjustments , but the above is a good first step .
Standing directly in line with the rearmost corners of the van , about 20m away from the mirrors , and checking if the entire mirror is visible , is another approach .
Ultimately , your tow mirrors should provide a wide view of the road behind out to at least 4m . Again , there are legal requirements involved , but at the very least , if you can ’ t clearly see the rear corners of your van , not to mention all activity in the lanes to the right and left , then you need to rethink what you ’ re doing .
Some clip-on mirrors are prone to movement , whether caused by the wind , passing road trains , or vibrations from the road . It ’ s therefore sensible to check their alignment from time to time .
WHICH LANE WHEN TOWING ?
I recall negotiating secondary roads and tight streets on my maiden caravan voyage . And that made me nervous . Overhead obstacles such as branches , cars parked at the kerb , pedestrians … it added up to a harrowing experience .
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