Towing Mirrors

[bobnalong]

Has anyone found a towing mirror that will fit the 2011 Highlander?

[Dman1]

Originally Posted by bobnalong

Has anyone found a towing mirror that will fit the 2011 Highlander?

Are the 2011 mirrors any different than the 2008-2010 models? I use the Reese mirror extenders that strap onto the factory mirrors of my 2009 HL. They are not ideal but they do the trick.

[bobnalong]

Originally Posted by Dman1

Are the 2011 mirrors any different than the 2008-2010 models? I use the Reese mirror extenders that strap onto the factory mirrors of my 2009 HL. They are not ideal but they do the trick.

The Mirrors on the 2011 appear to be the same. I purchased a set of CIPA strap on door mirrors only to find that the black and chrome trim on the bottom of the doors is plastic about 2 1/2" thick with no way for the mirrors metal clip to even get close to the metal on the door. This was after the folks a CIPA said they would work just fine.

Looked at some of the strap on Cipa and another brand however the edge of the clip pushes very hard on the surface of the mirror. I heard about some Ksource mirrors that have a ratchet on the strap but haven't been able to find anyone local that carries them to see if they will cause a problem with the Highlanders mirror.

[Dman1]

Originally Posted by bobnalong

The Mirrors on the 2011 appear to be the same. I purchased a set of CIPA strap on door mirrors only to find that the black and chrome trim on the bottom of the doors is plastic about 2 1/2" thick with no way for the mirrors metal clip to even get close to the metal on the door. This was after the folks a CIPA said they would work just fine.

Looked at some of the strap on Cipa and another brand however the edge of the clip pushes very hard on the surface of the mirror. I heard about some Ksource mirrors that have a ratchet on the strap but haven't been able to find anyone local that carries them to see if they will cause a problem with the Highlanders mirror.

There are a couple on this forum who use the McKesh mirrors with noo problem, which are similar...they latch on the bottom and top of the door panel. You can check trailer forums such as RVNET and Hybrid Explorer as well.

[bobnalong]

Originally Posted by Dman1

There are a couple on this forum who use the McKesh mirrors with noo problem, which are similar...they latch on the bottom and top of the door panel. You can check trailer forums such as RVNET and Hybrid Explorer as well.

The MeKesh mirrors attach in the same way. The problem is the black plastic trim extends down and out from the bottom of the metal part of the door at a 45 degree angle for 1 1/2 inches. It then goes out and up in a big sweep that is 2 1/2 inches from the door until it meets up again with the door.

I called the dealers body shop this morning and was told the trim is held on by double face tape and it will not take any type of pressure other than holding the trim in place.

[bobnalong]

Found a mirror that fits and stays in place. The K-Source 3891 with ratchet straps. Turned the mirror with the wide face out which now sticks out 9 inches beyond the factory mirrors and the trailer side.

Still need to make sure I can see something 200 ft behind the trailer.

[Dman1]

Originally Posted by bobnalong

Found a mirror that fits and stays in place. The K-Source 3891 with ratchet straps. Turned the mirror with the wide face out which now sticks out 9 inches beyond the factory mirrors and the trailer side.

Still need to make sure I can see something 200 ft behind the trailer.

Those are pretty much the same as the mirrors I use, except for the ratchet straps. Mine are just the rubber straps with the plastic clips. They are far from the best but do the trick.