Are towing mirrors actually essential? Robert Pepper explores the legal obligations and the various mirror options.
Apart from towing mirror regulations, it’s evident that having proper visibility behind you while driving is crucial, especially when towing a wide trailer. This becomes even more critical as you may need to overtake or maneuver your trailer in reverse. Ensuring you are aware of being overtaken, or spotting emergency vehicles approaching from behind, is vital. Maintaining a good rearview lookout is challenging when a caravan or camper obstructs your view, creating a significant blind spot for the driver.
The issue lies in the width of vehicles like the Ranger, measuring around 1,850mm, and even larger models such as the Patrol Y62 at only 1,995mm wide. Comparatively, a small caravan like a J-Pod spans 1,860mm in width, slightly wider than the Ranger. A mid-sized hybrid van could go up to 2,100mm, with many larger caravans extending to around 2,500mm wide.
The Ideal Fix
Addressing this concern involves using caravan towing mirrors. These mirrors are broader than standard wing mirrors, offering improved visibility behind you for a safer driving experience, eliminating potential blind spots.
But is it mandatory from a legal standpoint to invest in towing mirrors? Here’s what the legislation states:
Legal Requirements Regarding Mirrors
Wondering if you’re compliant? While legal standards and practical safety measures may not always align, there is a specific regulation in place. Refer to the “Australian Design Rule 14/02 – Rear Vision Mirrors” for guidance. According to the rule:
“The field of vision must be such that the driver can see at least a 4 m wide flat, horizontal portion of the road which is bounded by a plane parallel to the median longitudinal vertical plane passing through the outermost point of the vehicle on the passenger’s side and which extends from 20 m behind the driver’s ocular points to the horizon (see Figure 5). In addition, the road must be visible to the driver over a width of 1 m, which is bounded by a plane parallel to the median longitudinal vertical plane and passing through the outermost point of the vehicle starting from a point 4 m behind the vertical plane passing through the driver’s ocular points.”
In essence, your ability to see the entire length of your caravan or camper trailer at its widest point and an additional 20m behind it is required. So, your mirrors should be wider than what you are towing to comply with the regulations.
The diagram from the RVSafe Handbook below illustrates the distinction between using standard mirrors and towing mirrors. It’s evident that without towing mirrors, a significant blind spot remains. Most caravan setups necessitate towing mirrors based on the aforementioned legal criteria. Nevertheless, even if you barely meet the minimum requirements with a camper trailer or a small RV, opting for towing mirrors is the safer choice.
Varieties of Towing Mirrors
Towing mirrors come in two primary forms: clip-on and replacement mirrors. Clip-on models are designed to be placed over the existing wing mirrors, while the replacement versions either extend outward or retract closer to your vehicle.
The law also prohibits any protrusions that exceed 150mm beyond the overall width of the towing vehicle or trailer—whichever is greater. Hence, you must stow away or adjust your towing mirrors when not in use. Mirrors may extend up to 230mm beyond the vehicle width if collapsible to 150mm.
Selecting Clip-On vs. Replacement Mirrors
Replacement towing mirrors for caravans are undoubtedly a superior choice. Clip-ons have a tendency to wobble and might dislodge if not properly secured. They are also more susceptible to theft. Using clip-ons may require you to alternate focus between the standard mirror and the towing mirror, potentially causing a slight delay compared to a single-mirror glance.
While replacement towing mirrors for caravans don’t present these issues, they do come at a higher cost ranging between $700 and $1100. On the other hand, clip-on caravan towing mirrors are priced around $130.
Suggestions
Based on personal experience, it is advisable not to compromise on quality when it comes to clip-ons. Investing in budget clip-ons may not be worthwhile, especially when you can get a reliable set of Milencos for a slightly higher price. For replacement mirrors, consider reputable brands like Clearview such as the Original Towing Mirrors or the Next Generation Towing Mirrors. While there may be other quality options available, these two are highly recommended.
Verify that the set you are considering provides adequate width for your van. Authorities conduct checks, measuring your van’s width and the space between the innermost mirror points, which should equal or exceed the van’s width.
If opting for clip-ons, store them inside your van when not in use to prevent forgetfulness. Lastly, despite car manufacturer advertisements displaying trailers being towed without mirrors, this practice is incorrect, unsafe, and should not be endorsed. Their argument of “private property” usage does not justify this behavior.
We all have the responsibility to adhere to the law and prioritize safety!
Where to Acquire Additional Information
To delve deeper into using towing mirrors and other safety-enhancing accessories for towing purposes, tune in to Channel 10 on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. for the second episode of Are You RV Safe?. Additionally, ensure you download the RVSafe Handbook to optimize safety measures for yourself and your loved ones.
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