Due to its towing capacity the Isuzu MMUX is an excellent choice for individuals who tend to tow cargo, caravans, RVs, and other large items. However, to do this successfully you need to install towing accessories. Chief among them being towing mirrors.
Keep reading to learn all about Isuzu MUX towing mirrors.
Are towing mirrors mandatory in Australia?
The road rules do not explicitly state that you must have towing mirrors installed, they do state: A driver must not drive a motor vehicle unless the driver has a clear view of the road, the traffic ahead, behind and to each side of the driver. Towing mirrors are required by law when towing anything wider than your vehicle.
Do towing mirrors make a difference?
Yes. If your cargo is wider than your tow vehicle it restricts the view. As a result, the driver’s and passenger side car mirrors can’t see beyond the truck. Towing mirrors extend the view from the driver’s position to the back of the caravan and the blind spot to the side of it.
Tow mirrors extend out farther from your vehicle than regular mirrors so that they give you an increased rearward view of your tow trailer. The advantages of equipping your vehicle with tow trailers include:
- Better Visibility – Towing mirrors reduce your blind spots, so you can have a better view of the road behind you and on the sides of your trailer.
- Safer Towing – When you have a better view of your trailer, you can tell if it’s swaying or if any of your cargo isn’t properly secured.
- Maneuverability – Tow mirrors can make it easier to hitch your trailer, drive in reverse when it’s attached to your vehicle, and park when your trailer is hitched.
- Peace of Mind – When you have a better view of what’s going on behind you with your tow trailer, you’ll be able to drive and tow with more confidence.
- Legal Requirements – Most states require you to have tow mirrors if you’re towing a large trailer. Equipping your vehicle with tow mirrors will ensure that you’re towing legally.
Types of Tow Mirrors
Below are the different types of towing mirror available in the market;
Manual Tow Mirrors
Manual tow mirrors are typically the most basic and least expensive type of tow mirror. Because manual tow mirrors don’t have any wiring, they’re pretty easy to install.
Power Tow Mirrors
Power tow mirrors are similar in design to manual tow mirrors with the exception of their electrical wires and electronic components. The wires connect to the power mirror switch in your vehicle’s door. Even though they have wiring, power tow mirrors are relatively easy to install.
Telescoping Tow Mirrors
With telescoping tow mirrors, you can adjust the length of the mirror. Extend them when you’re towing. When you’re not towing, you can shorten them to standard length. You can operate a telescoping tow mirror with a power switch or manually. A power telescoping mirror extends and retracts with the touch of a button. Some drivers like telescoping mirrors because they can make a truck or SUV look bigger.
Directional Tow Mirrors
Directional tow mirrors, also known as turn signal tow mirrors, feature turn signals that are either built into the mirror glass or into the plastic housing. Some directional tow mirrors also feature puddle lights and heating functionality. The more functions a directional tow mirror has, the more expensive it is. Depending on what kind of truck you drive, a directional tow mirror can be fairly complicated to install.
Clip-On Tow Mirrors
As the name suggests, clip-on mirrors clip on to your vehicle. They’re an excellent option if you don’t tow that often. You can easily remove them when you’re not towing. You can also transfer them from one vehicle to another. While they might not be the nicest-looking mirrors, you can’t beat the price or convenience.
Selecting MUX towing mirrors
The best MUX towing mirrors are Clearview tow mirrors. They are designed to manually fold inwards or outwards towards the car. In case someone brushes past you in a car park.
Clearview Towing Mirrors are a full replacement towing mirrors meant to replace your vehicle’s standard side mirrors. Their clever design incorporates two different surfaces.
The top mirror features a flat, reflective surface that reflects vision directly down the sides of your caravan. Whilst a smaller, bottom convex mirror helps eliminate blind spots by giving you more vision out to the lanes beside your vehicle.
Clearview Mirrors are easy to adjust. So you’re always able to quickly switch the mirror to areas like tyres, wheels or the undercarriage of your caravan. They are substantially larger than your standard side mirror. In standard driving position, Clearview Mirrors have a wider outwards reach of approximately 100mm; a total surface area much bigger than the standard models.
Clearview Mirrors slide out an additional 100mm when you’re ready to tow. An additional extension that allows for around a total 200mm of extension over standard side mirrors.
Clearview power fold mirrors
The Auto-Fold Module makes your power-folding external side mirrors automatically fold to the body of the vehicle when you lock your vehicle. It will also make your mirrors fold out to driving position when the ignition is started. This feature is a great visual aid in determining whether your vehicle is locked from a distance.
- The Auto-Fold Module is an optional upgrade for any vehicle with power-folding side mirrors that do not automatically fold-in or out on ignition or locking/unlocking of the car.
- The Auto-Fold Module does not require Clearview Towing Mirrors. It will work on any external side mirror with power-fold enabled.
Once installed, the Auto-Fold Module is hidden away inside the door trim. Installation can typically be done in less than 30 mins. The extent of any hard-wiring requirements is capped at crimping 2 wires.
Check this: How To Update Isuzu MU-X Navigation
How long does it take to fit Clearview mirrors?
Depending on the complexity of the installation, a dealer/mechanic should be able to install the mirrors in approximately 15 minutes per side of the vehicle. If you opt to do it yourself, it may take longer than 15 minutes. Especially if it is your first time instilling them.
Installation requiring special fitting and/or hard wiring will require longer fitting times (eg: Camera and electric wiring kits). Unless you opt for easy installation towing mirrors.
Note: The 70 Series mirrors with electrics are more complex and will take more time than a ‘normal’ vehicle fitting. Please contact Clearview mirrors if you have any questions about fitting or wiring.
How to Fit a Towing Mirrors to Isuzu MUX
Follow the steps below to install towing mirrors on your Isuzu MUX;
Items needed
- Large Straight Blade Screwdriver
- #2 Philips Head Screwdriver
- Small Straight Blade Screwdriver
- 7mm Socket
- 8mm Socket
- 10mm Socket
- Clearview towing mirrors for MUX
Installation Instructions:
- First the door panel must be removed to access the side mirror connector. Start by removing cover of the side mirror. Then pry off the cover behind the door handle.
- Pry off the door electrics panel. Start at the back and then pry off the opposite end of the door electrics panel. Disconnect the wiring for the door electrics panel.
- Gently pry off plastic door handle cover starting at the top and then working it off at the bottom. Unscrew the screw behind the door handle latch. Remove screw at top of trim and then unscrew the screw just below.
- Pry off the entire door panel now starting at the bottom and work off the door panel up around to the top of the panel. Hook the loosened panel to the door leaving the electrics plugged in. Disconnect the side door mirror wiring.
- Unhook the wiring from the retainer clip. Unscrew the 3 bolts holding the side mirror on starting with the 2 bottom bolts. Save the nuts, to be reused in reassembly.
- Remove the original side mirror, snaking wiring through opening and install the new Clearview USA Towing side mirror. And snaking wiring through opening. Ensure everything is seated nicely.
- Screw down the 3 bolts to secure the mirror and re-connect the mirror wiring, picking the loom the fits your car.
- You get two looms, pick the loom that will fit the car you are installing on. Re-connect wiring and tuck the extra wiring away. Test the mirrors functions now before re-installing the door panel.
- Pop on the door panel aligning from the top of the panel. Give it a tap to secure and re-install the three screws behind the door handle trim.
- Snap the door handle trim back on and re-connect the door electrics panel.
- Snap on the door electrics panel. Replace screw behind the door handle and then replace the cover behind the door handle.
- Replace mirror trim cover and finish off by installing the new Clearview USA Towing Mirror on the opposite side.