Width of towing mirrors

IanTG
IanTG Forum Participant Posts: 419
100 Comments
edited March 2021 in Towcars & Towing #1

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?

Comments

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,681 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2021 #2

    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
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited March 2021 #3

    Jousting for "white van man" laughing

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,681 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2021 #4

    Exactly what happened Cysurprised

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2021 #5

    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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