Towing without extended mirrors
Couldn't help but notice over the weekend a fair number of cars towing caravans without extended mirrors. Some I noticed as they arrived on site and a couple whilst travelling. We went for a walk in Henley on Thames and I watched a newish Volvo towing a caravan slow to a halt on a one way road because he was passing a lorry unloading. He had about 3ft ether side of him but obviously could see this as the car mirrors didn't give him a good enough view. Why risk it?
Anyone else noticed this.
Comments
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I was chatting with a club member on a CL not so long ago, we were only stopping overnight so had not removed our towing mirrors. He was on his way abroad, not the first time he had been, nor was he a novice tugger.
He was asking If I knew of a place nearby where he could buy mirrors as just before he left home his son-in-law had told him he needed extended mirrors to tow on the continent!
When I pointed out that they were required here too to comply with the requirements to be able to see things a certain distance behind the van, he was amazed. This was someone who had been towing for about 20 years.
His van was fairly new, so quite wide, no way was he able to see enough. Why do people not check the requirements?
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I tow an Eriba with a Freelander all over Europe without extending mirrors . Any criticism?
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This was someone who had been towing for about 20 years.
His van was fairly new, so quite wide, no way was he able to see enough. Why do people not check the requirements?
Strange really. I and those I new were using towing mirrors at the start of the 1980s and before.
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We travel up and down the M4/M5 regularly and I reckon something like 25% of outfits don't have mirrors - I just don't understand it - it's a 2 minute job at most to fit them and, since it's a legal requirement for most outfits, I wonder what the position would be insurance wise if any should be involved in an accident?
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Not strictly true, If your mirrors are doing what they are supposed to. then if they get through the gap comfortably the caravan will
The car I watched could no way see that much behind as the caravan was much wider than the car.
Not criticizing anyone BTW just sharing an observation. I tow a 2013 Elddis Avante with a Freelander 2 . The cars mirrors are nowhere near up to the job.
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Cat's whiskers principle.
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I use two vehicles to tow caravans.1 is a 2017 Shogun belonging to the company (caravan dealership) which is not equipped with extended mirrors (despite my many previous attempts) and my own Sorento which I use extended mirrors on.I am far,far happier when towing with my car and extended mirrors!
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Surely the simple point in all these things is that if you are involved in an accident even if the lack of mirrors are not the route cause your on a losing wicket from the start. You are not complying with the law and the police if involved will only take an even less favourable view.
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Sadly this is yet another example of the decline in driving standards since the Police Forces abandoned the concept of traffic depts. The police no longer stop and deal with all sorts of traffic offences. The only ones that risk a prosecution today is speeding, because that is pretty always done by camera's.
When I was a traffic officer it was normal practice to stop and advise errant motorists, for middle lane hogging, faulty lights etc. A caution for such matters was often far more effective than a ticket! We always prosecuted for bald tyres though!
Today, no one bothers!
TF
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That explains the blatant disregard for....red traffic lights,halt signs,number plate regulations etc.etc.(also speed limits in general) Is there now room for a "special force" of volunteers to uphold motoring law?
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Whilst I agree with the total disregard for the law on the roads nowadays.
I can't think of a worst recipe for disaster, Policing is a job for the police forces, not a wannabe with spare time on their hands and a personal score to settle based on what they think is right or wrong.
Only my personal opinion
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I totally agree with it being a recipe for disaster! but we do need some law enforcement or we might as well live in the jungle!(not the one near Calais) This is my opinion to which I believe I am entitled.
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You either judged correctly or whoops!
