Towing a caravan already takes away the use of your rearview mirror, making you more reliant on your wing mirrors. When you consider that a lot of caravans are wider than their tow vehicle, it only makes sense to use towing mirrors any time you’re towing a camper trailer.
Having a set of towing mirrors and keeping a back up set of towing mirrors in your camping gear is a smart strategy. Since they’re detachable, and some are prone to breaking off, it’s smart to have a spare.
Every state and territory of Australia has specific laws requiring the use of towing mirrors. However, the specific wording can change from state to state. If you’re traveling to a different state of territory, you need to make sure you’re compliant with all their rules for towing a caravan, or you’ll be facing a hefty fine!
You can’t just improvise something either. Any towing mirrors are required to comply with Australian Design Rule 14/02. It specifically states that rear vision mirrors must provide a clear and unobstructed view of the rear and sides of the vehicle and any towed trailer.
The wing mirror must provide the driver with enough field of view to see a point on the ground at a distance of at least 20 meters from their seated driver’s position. It must also provide a minimum 2.5-meter-wide area of view from the side of the vehicle.
Both the driver and passenger wing mirrors need to be adjustable to ensure the driver can maintain the necessary field of view should the driving conditions change.
New South Wales Towing Mirror Rules
In New South Wales, towing mirrors are required if the caravan or towed trailer is wider than the towing vehicle.
Additionally, the driver must have a full-length view of at least 4 meters out from the side of the caravan.
Victoria
In the state of Victoria, towing mirrors are required anytime a trailer or caravan is wider than the tow vehicle. This includes any visual obstruction cause by camping equipment affixed to any part of the caravan that affects it’s width.
Queensland
In Queensland, towing mirrors are required if the trailer or caravan obstructs any portion of the driver’s rear field of view. The mirrors must provide a clear view down both sides of the vehicle as well as the caravan.
Western Australia
Western Australia requires towing mirrors if the caravan or towed trailer obstructs any portion of the view provided by the wing mirrors. Accessory towing mirrors must also comply with Australian Design Rule 14/02.
South Australia
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory
The towing mirrors must meet all the requirements stated in Australian Design Rule 14/02.
Different Types of Towing Mirrors
Clip-On Towing Mirrors
Clip-on towing mirrors simply latch onto your wing mirrors. This makes them easy to install and remove. They also tend to be inexpensive. If one is lost or broken, you’re not going to be out a lot of money.
They don’t necessarily fit all makes and models of mirrors. They also tend to rattle a lot on rough roads, which can be annoying if you do a lot of bush camping.
Sometimes they can blow off or break off in a strong wind. More than one person has complained about them chipping or damaging the wing mirror when this happens.
In Australia, the most popular clip-on towing mirror manufacturers are Grand Aero, Haigh, Milenco, and Repco.
Image courtesy of Caravan RV Camping
We personally use and recommend the Milenco Grad Aero Extra Wide Towing Mirrors as a great temporary option if you don’t want permanent large mirrors. The clips are very sturdy and mirror never moves once secured – even while testing out the 130km/hr speed limit in the Northern Territory (without the caravan on of course)!
Strap-On Towing Mirrors
As the name implies, strap-on towing mirrors are secured to the wing mirrors with a series of straps (some still have clips as well). There are different types of strap-on mirrors that are specifically compatible with different vehicle makes and models.
The straps can be a little fiddly but just like the clip on mirrors, they are still a great temporary option.
With some models getting them perfectly in place can be a little fiddly. The first few times you install them, they might slip out of place a little way down the road. More than once, I’ve broken out some black gaffer tape to secure an errant strap-on towing mirror in place.
In Australia, the most popular strap-on towing mirror manufacturers are Reich, Milenco, and Opposite Lock. Their models are also designed to not take up a lot of room when uninstalled and stored amongst your other camping essentials.
Door-Mounted Towing Mirrors
Door-mounted towing mirrors tend to cost more, but they’re more stable, and provide a better field of view. In states where a wide field of view is mandated, like New South Wales, they’re probably the best towing mirror to choose. Since they’re less likely to vibrate, they’re also a good option for bush camping on rough, washboard roads.
They mount to the doors, which requires some extra time to install and remove. If you’re only staying a day or two before moving on with your caravan, I would just leave them installed the whole time you’re camping.
Door mounted mirrors as slowly leaving the market due to their mounting design and risk of damage to the side of your vehicle. There are more practical smaller options available in the form of strap on and clip on styles as mentioned above.
Replacement Permanent Towing Mirrors
They replace the vehicles existing stock standard mirrors, providing an extended field of vision that significantly improves safety when towing. Their robust construction ensures that they remain secure even under harsh conditions, reducing the risk of vibrations or detachment while travelling.
Additionally, many models feature adjustable angles, fold in and sometimes even heating elements to prevent fogging, making them suitable for various weather conditions. For frequent towers, these mirrors are an invaluable upgrade that ensures safer and more confident driving.
Image courtesy of Outback Equipment
We are in the process of changing over the mirrors on our Land Cruiser 300 series and we will be installing the MSA towing mirrors with built in indicators and power fold. They certainly aren’t cheap but for regular caravanners they are incredibly convenient.
Wrapping Up
However, some states like New South Wales have even more specific towing mirror laws. So, it’s always wise to look up the regulations when you enter a new state. Keeping a set of clip-on towing mirrors in your camping supplies is the cheapest option. Yet they tend to rattle and tend to break with age. Strap-on towing mirrors may be more secure, but you need to make sure they’re specifically compatible with your make and model of vehicle.
For the die hard caravanners and campers permanent towing mirrors may be the option ensuring they are secure and stable while hitting the corrugations of the cape.
Permanent vehicle towing mirrors are essential accessories for drivers who regularly tow large trailers, boats, or caravans. Unlike temporary clip-on mirrors, these mirrors are designed to be a permanent addition to a vehicle, offering enhanced durability and stability.
They replace the vehicles existing stock standard mirrors, providing an extended field of vision that significantly improves safety when towing. Their robust construction ensures that they remain secure even under harsh conditions, reducing the risk of vibrations or detachment while travelling.
Additionally, many models feature adjustable angles, fold in and sometimes even heating elements to prevent fogging, making them suitable for various weather conditions. For frequent towers, these mirrors are an invaluable upgrade that ensures safer and more confident driving.
