Something you'll need before you go on your first trip are towing mirrors. These are a legal requirement when towing and there are many to choose from. II've used a number of them over the years and it's a matter of trial and error.
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When I first started towing I used towing mirrors that attached to the car wing mirrors with a suction pad.
These were great for a while, but I wasn't happy with the thought that they might fall off, they never did, I guess it's just me being a worry-guts.
Next, I tried strap on ones. A rubber strap goes around the back and secures it that way.
I found these a little fiddly to put on.
Finally I took the plunge and forked out for a more expensive pair of Milenco Grand Aero towing mirrors. (Click for prices)
These are easy to attached and I've never worried that they might fall off. The mirrors fit in-between the wing mirror itself and the plastic casing of the wing mirror unit. Then you tighten the clamp down onto the car's wing mirror. The do wobble ever so slightly, but have a large mirror and allow for good visibility down the side of the caravan.
So, my favourite out of the three towing mirrors I've had has to be the more expensive. The Milenco Grand Aero feels safe on the cars mirror, doesn't produce much wind noise and makes things safer by having a large mirror.
My car is fitted with wing mirrors that fold in when you look the doors and even with these tow mirrors attached it
Types of towing mirror
There are three main types of towing mirror and I've tried all of them — here's the honest truth about each:
Suction pad mirrors The cheapest option and easy to fit. I used these when I first started towing and they did the job — but I spent every journey convinced they were about to fly off down the motorway. (They never did. I'm just a worrier.)
Strap-on mirrors A rubber strap wraps around the back of your wing mirror to hold them in place. More secure feeling than suction pads, but fiddly to fit — especially on a cold morning in a campsite car park with everyone watching.
Clamp-on mirrors These are the ones I'd recommend to anyone. They clip between the wing mirror and the casing, feel genuinely solid, and take about 30 seconds to fit once you've done it a couple of times.
If you're still getting to grips with the basics of towing, my free ebook New To Caravanning covers everything from mirrors to motorway driving in plain English — no jargon, no faff. Grab a copy here.
What I actually use
My current mirrors are the Milenco Grand Aero — and after years of trying cheaper options, I wouldn't go back.
They fit securely, give excellent visibility down the side of the caravan, and produce very little wind noise even at motorway speeds. If your car has folding wing mirrors they'll still fit without any issues — mine do and it's never been a problem.
affiliate link: Milenco Grand Aero — Click to check current prices on Amazon
Quick buying guide
Not sure which to go for? Here's a simple rule of thumb:
Occasional caravanner on a budget — strap-on mirrors will do the job
Regular towing — invest in clamp-on mirrors, you won't regret it
Want the best available — the Milenco Grand Aero is hard to beat
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