Emily Sandberg is an outdoor enthusiast who takes her truck off road every chance she gets. When she's not towing anything, she covers her hitch with a hitch cover from Trailer Hitch Universe.
When it comes to hauling a heavy trailer, there can never be too much emphasis on safety. Any number of things can go wrong and put your life and the life of other travelers in danger. This is why it is very important to learn all you can about towing mirrors and other types of trailer safety equipment before you haul.
Towing mirrors are perhaps the number one safety consideration that you should make before hauling any type of load on a trailer. A towing mirror is an extra mirror that attaches to your vehicle's existing mirror or temporarily attaches to your vehicle in another way to extend your line of vision. You see, when you attach a trailer to your vehicle, you create blind spots. Towing mirrors eliminate these blind spots by allowing you to see areas that were blocked from sight by the trailer.
Towing mirrors are installed in a variety of ways. Most simply attach and clamp to your existing mirror by way of a clamp and tightening knob. All you have to do is slide the mirror into place; make sure it is held steady by the adjustable foot, and tighten the knob until the mirror is snug.
Be sure to follow all manufacturers' instructions when attaching your towing mirror. You should also double check bolts and clamps to ensure that they are securely fastened. Never take short cuts when attaching your mirror. This could cause the mirror to slip and fall; that would be bad at 30 miles per hour, perhaps disastrous at 70 mph or more.
After you have attached your towing mirrors, you will see that they come in handy in a variety of ways. First, they widen your field of vision which allows you to see what vehicles behind you are doing. A towing mirror will also allow you to check on your load and trailer without having to physically turn to inspect it. As you know, turning around while you're driving can be dangerous as it requires you to take your eyes off of the road and the traffic ahead of you.
Towing mirrors should be used in addition to your existing mirrors. Do not expect them to do the work of all of your mirrors. Simply use them to enhance your field of vision while towing. Be sure to check all of your mirrors frequently when hauling a trailer. Doing so is the best way to avoid an accident and keep your cargo safe.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Canadian Class B Rv Sales
- RV Towing Tips That You Need To Know
- How to Properly Install and Use Towing Mirrors
- Don't Know If You Want To Buy An RV Yet? Rent One First
- A Quick Guide to Trailer Hitch Accessories
- Mopar Gives the Jeep Wrangler With Authentic Jeep Accessories
- RV Campers - Your Home Away From Home
- Make your Used Car Stand Out From the Crowd Now
The ABS Brakes (Anti-Lock Braking System) in MPV Mahindra Xylo
By: Murtaza. Soni | 29/06/2009The ABS Brakes or Anti-Lock Braking System makes Xylo an even safer vehicle to drive. The basic function of ABS Brakes is to prevent the wheels on a vehicle from locking while braking so the vehicle doesn't skid.
Are you looking for quality 4x4 accessories, off road equipment and roof racks?
By: thom | 23/06/2009So you've tried extreme sports, but some extreme driving is next on your list. Tackle the veld in a customised Land Rover with all the excess accessories to make sure that you are ready to do battle with whatever mother nature can throw at you. Enjoy the journey and keep the destination changing. -Front Runner
Car Deals – 2009 Mahindra Scorpio’s 18 New Features for upto Rs.70000 lower than before
By: Murtaza. Soni | 18/06/2009Looking for the best Car Deals? How about 18 new features being offered at upto Rs.70000 lower than before on the great Indian SUV, the New 2009 Mighty Muscular Scorpio. Check out these 18 new features which includes the environment friendly Micro Hybrid Technology.
Used Jeep Buyers Shock!
By: Larry Morton | 17/06/2009Yikes! Used Jeep prices (especially Wranglers) can make a grown man wince...and that's not a pretty sight! So why are so many willing to fork out so much cash to get one of these rigs? Well I'll tell you what I know from experience and hopefully you'll get an idea of why these American icons are so popular.
Hummer H2 HID Kit
By: Reshma | 14/06/2009Hummer is a vehicle made and sold by General Motors. It was initially designed for military purposes but later modified to suit the roads as well. Hummer is one of the finest classes of vehicles and is known for its performance. Hummer H2 is the second vehicle to be added on to the road by General Motors. It is an SUV and marketed as a tough vehicle. The Hummer H2 HID kit is also designed to meet the roughness and toughness standards of the vehicle.
Sunglasses | Buy Cheap Designer Sunglasses Online - Sunglasses Save
By: acticles | 08/06/2009Designer sunglasses at cheap prices | Buy designer sunglasses online with Sunglasses Save – Mens sunglasses, Womens sunglasses and designer shades
The Start Stop Micro Hybrid Technology in SUV Mahindra Scorpio
By: Murtaza. Soni | 02/06/2009SUV Mahindra Scorpio now comes with the engine start stop system called Micro Hybrid Technology. Here is an overview on the working and features of The Micro Hybrid Technology.
Shipping cars in USA
By: yoad livny | 26/05/2009auto transport nationwide car shipping in united states
How to Properly Install and Use Towing Mirrors
By: Emily Sandberg | 23/08/2007 | SUVsWhen it comes to hauling a heavy trailer, there can never be too much emphasis on safety. Any number of things can go wrong and put your life and the life of other travelers in danger. This is why it is very important to learn all you can about towing mirrors and other types of trailer safety equipment before you haul.
The Top 10 Uses of Utility Trailers
By: Emily Sandberg | 22/08/2007 | TrucksThere are many reasons why it is a good idea to invest in a well constructed utility trailer. While you may think that you will only use a utility trailer a handful of times, the truth is that once you have a trailer, you will find more uses for it than you can imagine.
What Is a Weight Distributing Trailer Hitch?
By: Emily Sandberg | 22/08/2007 | TrucksWhen you are towing any amount of weight with a trailer, the control you have over your vehicle and trailer is vital for ensuring a safe trip. A trailer with unevenly distributed weight or one that is too heavy for your vehicle can be very difficult to handle and may cause an accident.
Hitch Mounted Rear View Cameras: Nice or Neccesity?
By: Emily Sandberg | 03/08/2007 | RVsThere is one type of camera and video system that can really get you out of a jam or tight spot, as it were. It's called a rear view camera; the most convenient of these are hitch mounted, and they can literally save your life and vehicle.
Eleven Essentials For Your Spectacular Summer Road Trip
By: Emily Sandberg | 12/07/2007 | TravelYour summer can hardly be considered complete with out a summer road trip. Here's a list of ten things you cannot leave home without, and one bonus item you just might find revolutionizes your time in the car!
Better Roadtripping Through Hitch Mounted Cargo Carriers
By: Emily Sandberg | 12/01/2007 | SUVsYou're not the only family with too many people and too much stuff to fit it all in the car; we're on every highway in America! People manage this problem differently, some with bungee cords and duffle bags, others with sleek roof top carriers, but I think I've found the perfect solution to our "excess cargo" problem in the hitch mounted cargo carrier.