Everything you need to know about towing mirrors

When planning to tow a caravan, one of the most important safety accessories you’ll need is a set of towing mirrors. Without them, you could be breaking the law - and putting yourself and others at risk. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which ones to choose? Our guide covers everything you need to know, including the different types of towing mirrors, what the law says about usage, and how to fit and adjust them properly.

Why do you need towing mirrors?

When towing a caravan, your standard car mirrors will likely not provide enough visibility down the sides of your caravan. If your caravan is wider than the rear of your towing car, you must fit additional towing mirrors.

The law requires that you must be able to see 20 metres behind you, and 4 metres out from each side of your caravan. If your existing mirrors don’t provide this level of visibility, you’ll need towing mirrors. There is a maximum distance of 25cm that the mirrors must not extend beyond the width of your caravan; this is however reduced to a maximum of 20cm on cars that were manufactured prior to January 2007.

Failing to use towing mirrors when required can result in a £1,000 fine and three penalty points on your licence. There’s also a serious risk of an accident occurring - people have been killed by towed caravans whereby the driver hasn’t been able to see them. If you don’t use towing mirrors, you might also find that your insurance is invalid.

Different types of towing mirrors

Whichever ones you choose, your towing mirrors should be robust enough to withstand strong winds. Not all mirrors fit all types of car, so do check in advance before purchasing! You can opt for flat or convex mirrors, or one of each if you prefer.

Towing mirrors must be E-marked to show that they comply with EU safety regulations - so if yours comply, there should be an E followed by a number, which is the country code, on your mirrors.

There are several types of towing mirrors:

Clamp or strap mirrors

These are the most common type and attach to your existing car mirrors with adjustable straps or clamps. They’re easy to install, affordable, and work well for occasional towing. Some of the more expensive ones are controlled by remote control.

Suction mirrors

Less common, but still available, these attach to your existing mirrors using a strong suction mechanism. They’re easy to fit but may not be as secure as the other options, and they can block some of the original view the driver gets as the suction area attaches to the existing mirror.

How to fit and adjust your towing mirrors

Once you’ve chosen the right towing mirrors for you, you’ll need to fit and adjust them correctly. Here’s how to do just this:

Fitting the mirrors

Attach the mirrors securely to your existing mirrors, ensuring they are tight and stable. The existing mirror should be clean before you start, to help the new mirror stay in place.

Adjust your view

Sit in your driving position and have someone adjust the mirrors for you from the outside. The position of the mirrors should allow you to see the edge of your caravan and several metres behind it, so have the person walk back the distance we stipulated above, and to the sides. You can then adjust further from the drivers seat to get it perfect, with a clear vision of the road behind you.

You should be looking to avoid large blind spots - if you can’t see the full length of your caravan and beyond, adjust the mirrors further out. Always check both mirrors from your seat before setting off, and make sure that the mirrors don’t move when driving before heading out on to a main road.

Our 5 top tips for using towing mirrors!

1. Check them before every journey, as vibrations can loosen them over time.

2. Keep them clean - any dirt can obscure your view.

3. Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, as well as other vehicles – towing mirrors extend beyond your vehicle width, so be extra cautious when in traffic.

4. Remember to remove them when not towing – it could be considered an offence to drive with towing mirrors when you’re not towing.

5. Do practice with them before setting off for the first time, as they can take a bit of getting used to.

So that’s our guide for you! In a nutshell, towing mirrors are essential for safety and complying with the law. Whatever ones you choose, make sure they’re fitted correctly and adjusted for maximum visibility. A good set of towing mirrors will make your journey safer, smoother, and stress-free - allowing you to focus on the road.

Have you got any recommendations for the best towing mirrors? Do drop them in the comments below!