MSA, RIVAL, FULCRUM Towing Mirrors

When you're towing a caravan, camper trailer, boat or horse float, your factory mirrors usually can't show you what's happening beside and behind your load. Towing mirrors extend your field of view past the width of your trailer. They let you monitor traffic, change lanes safely, reverse with confidence, and keep an eye on your trailer's wheels and tyres.

Fulcrum Suspensions stocks the MSA towing mirror range. These patented, SEMA award-winning extendable mirrors replace your factory mirrors completely, so you get towing visibility whenever you need it and a factory-style look when you don't.

Why You Need Towing Mirrors

Most caravans and large trailers are wider than the vehicle towing them. With standard mirrors, the trailer blocks your view of the lanes beside and behind you, creating dangerous blind spots. Quality caravan towing mirrors help you:

• See past your trailer: Watch following and overtaking traffic in adjacent lanes.
• Change lanes and merge safely: Judge gaps accurately on highways and at roundabouts.
• Reverse and manoeuvre: Position your caravan or boat trailer precisely at campsites, boat ramps and driveways.
• Monitor your trailer: Spot sway, a flat tyre or an unsecured load early.
• Reduce fatigue: A stable, vibration-free view means less strain on long towing trips.

Towing Mirror Laws in Australia

Australian vehicle standards require you to have a clear view of the road behind and along both sides of your vehicle and trailer. A simple test is to stand at the rear of your trailer with the vehicle and trailer in a straight line. If you can't see the whole side mirror of your tow vehicle, you need towing mirrors.

Towing mirrors generally must not extend more than 150 mm beyond the widest point of your vehicle or trailer. It's also good practice to retract extendable mirrors when you're not towing. Rules are enforced by state and territory road authorities, and penalties can apply for inadequate rear vision when towing, so check the current requirements before you hit the road.

Types of Towing Mirrors

Clip-On and Strap-On Towing Mirrors

Clip-on and strap-on towing mirrors attach over your existing mirrors with clips, straps or clamps. They're affordable and quick to fit, which can suit very occasional towing. However, they often vibrate at highway speeds and can move or loosen on rough roads. They also block factory features such as indicators and blind spot monitoring, and you have to fit and remove them for every trip.

Replacement Extendable Towing Mirrors

Replacement towing mirrors permanently replace your factory mirror assemblies and mount to the door in the factory position. They slide out for towing and retract for everyday driving. Because they're securely mounted, they give a stable, vibration-free view and retain most factory functions. That makes them the preferred choice for anyone who tows regularly.

Why Choose MSA Towing Mirrors?

MSA towing mirrors use a large single mirror head that pivots on a heavy-duty extension slide:

• Four adjustable positions let you extend the mirror out for towing and return it to a standard driving position when you're not towing, while maintaining ADR compliance.
• The adjustable design caters to drivers of different heights and seating positions.
• A safety fold design lets the mirror give way inwards or outwards when it's bumped in car parks or brushes against trees and scrub on tight tracks.
• A factory-style fit means the mirrors mount in the original position and retain most factory mirror functions.
• Black or chrome finishes let you match your vehicle's styling.
• Built tough for long-distance touring, corrugated roads and off-road tracks.
• A five-year warranty backs the range.

Power Fold vs Non-Power Fold Towing Mirrors

Our MSA range is split into power fold and non power fold models, so you can match your vehicle's factory setup:

• Power fold towing mirrors: These fold in and out at the push of a button, just like factory power-folding mirrors. They're ideal for tight garages, car parks and narrow tracks, and they retain the convenience of your factory system.
• Non power fold towing mirrors: These are folded by hand. They suit vehicles that didn't have power-folding mirrors from the factory, and they offer excellent value without compromising towing visibility.

Towing Mirror Features Explained

Depending on your vehicle and model, MSA towing mirrors can include:

• Electric adjustment: Adjust the mirror glass from the driver's seat using your factory controls.
• Heated mirror glass: Clears fog, dew and frost for a clear view on cold mornings.
• Integrated indicators: LED indicators in the mirror head improve your visibility to other road users.
• Blind spot monitoring: Retains your vehicle's factory blind spot warning system.
• Camera provision: Retains compatibility with surround-view and side camera systems.
• Temperature sensor: Keeps the factory outside-temperature reading working.
• Puddle lights: Light up the ground beside your doors at night.
• Memory function: Recalls your mirror positions with your saved driver settings.
• Manual adjustment: Simple, robust adjustment for vehicles without electric mirrors.

Towing mirror accessories, including extension infills for power fold and non-power fold mirrors, are also available to finish off your setup.

Matching Towing Mirrors to Your Vehicle

Towing mirrors are vehicle-specific. Each kit is designed for a particular make, model, year range and, in many cases, trim level. Choose a mirror that matches the features your vehicle has from the factory, such as power fold, heating, indicators, blind spot monitoring and cameras, so every system keeps working after fitting.

Use the vehicle search to filter the range by your make, model, year and series. If you're unsure which features your vehicle has, our team can help you confirm the right kit before you order.

Fitting and Installation

Because MSA mirrors bolt into the factory mirror location, installation typically involves:

1. Remove the door trim.
2. Unbolt the original mirror.
3. Mount the new mirror and connect the vehicle's wiring plugs.
4. Test every function.

A confident home mechanic can complete the job with standard tools. Professional fitting is recommended for vehicles with blind spot monitoring, camera systems or memory functions, so these systems can be checked and calibrated correctly.

Setting Up Your Mirrors for Towing

Before each trip, take a few minutes to set up your mirrors:

1. Hitch up and line up. Connect your trailer and park with the vehicle and trailer in a straight line.
2. Extend both mirrors. Slide them out to the position that gives you a clear view past the sides of your caravan or trailer.
3. Adjust the glass. You should see a small portion of your trailer's side along with the full lane behind it.
4. Check both sides from the driver's seat.
5. Retract when you're done. Fold the mirrors back to the standard position once you've unhitched.

Shop Towing Mirrors at Fulcrum Suspensions

Fulcrum Suspensions has been helping Australians set up their vehicles for touring and towing since 1976. We stock an extensive range of towing mirrors, available in black or chrome and in-power fold and non-power fold options.

Choose between power fold towing mirrors and manual fold models, or see the rest of our 4x4 accessories for your touring setup.

Order your towing mirrors online with fast Australia-wide shipping. Choose our fully installed option at checkout or book professional fitting through our Click and Fit service. Pair your new mirrors with a GVM upgrade, towbar or suspension upgrade, and your vehicle will be ready to tow safely and comfortably.