A clear view in all positions - the additional caravan mirror

Recently updated on July 21, 2022 at 02:05 am

As a driver, good all-round visibility is particularly important. This is especially true if the vehicle's own rear-view mirror is in function of a large one Caravan / caravan be restricted. For this reason there are also additional mirrors on caravan trailers mandatory become. Because according to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations, the vehicle driver must unobstructed view of all essential traffic processes sideways and backwards and of course in front of him. What sounds complicated means: As the driver, it must be possible to see everything that is happening around the vehicle. This also applies in particular to vehicle combinations. Since the vehicle's own exterior mirrors of the towing vehicle are mostly not far enough to the outside rich, there are special ones Clip-on mirror for campers. If the caravan is narrow enough, the standard vehicle mirrors are of course sufficient. The range of clip-on mirrors is extremely diverse. But all of them have to meet one thing The rearward field of vision should be particularly large.

Additional caravan mirror

To do this should the blind spot, so the not visible areato be particularly small. The mirrors should also be easy to assemble and disassemble on the vehicle. Because if the caravan is on the campsite, the towing vehicle is allowed to use the clip-on mirror do not use in traffic. It is also important to ensure that it is firmly and securely in place. If the mirror vibrates while driving, the contours in the mirror become blurred. Since there are many points that should be considered when purchasing and the mirrors really have to match the caravan, the purchase should be made from a specialist dealer. Because on the Internet you can Quality and material strength bad check.

The vehicle mirrors in cars are not always designed in the same way. The length of the support arm should be such that Flank and rear edge of the caravan have it aimed in the mirror. This is how it is recommended and how the mirror does its job. Depending on the manufacturer and version, the additional mirrors can be sent via Infrared remote can be conveniently adjusted electrically to the needs of the user from the vehicle interior. Such a mirror should definitely have one integrated battery and do not have to be awkwardly connected to the vehicle electronics.

different types of caravan mirrors

Most of the caravan mirrors available on the market have a universal fit. But be careful! The vehicle manufacturers are getting more and more ideas when it comes to the functions of the rear-view mirrors. For example, turn signals or cameras in or on the rearview mirror can make it impossible to mount a universal additional mirror or endanger the vehicle's operating license. There are also different types of caravan mirrors, which will be explained further in the text.

Caravan mirror with strap securing device

Attachment mirrors with elastic straps are the cheapest caravan mirrors. The caravan mirrors are simply put over the exterior mirror and attached to the mirror frame with hooks. The rubber bands are then simply tightened. If the mirror shells are too big, such an attachment may become impossible. If indicators or cameras are integrated in the mirror, it must be checked whether the rubber band interferes with them. In addition, the rubber bands wear out quickly due to the weather.

Caravan mirror with snap lock

Caravan additional mirrors with snap lock are attached according to the principle of a ski binding. In terms of construction, these mirrors are very similar to those with a tensioning strap. However, the lashing is done using toothed plastic straps with rubber buffers and a small ratchet. Here, too, the attachment is simply hooked into the mirror housing. The already known problems with indicators and cameras may also exist here.

Caravan mirror as clip-on mirror

The great advantage of clip-on mirrors is their quick and easy assembly. Two clamping screws are simply attached to the top and bottom of the vehicle's mirror housing. However, if the housing is particularly thick or beveled, the terminals will not be able to grip properly. Another problem is the often narrow gap between the mirror glass and the mirror housing. Because in this way the mirror adjustment of the towing vehicle can be blocked. The above points should before the purchase must be carefully observed. Round mirror shells can also lead to fastening problems, depending on the vehicle.

Caravan mirror with screw tape fastening

Admittedly, the fastening of caravan mirrors with screw tape is a bit exotic and complex. For assembly, the first thing to do is to hook in the plastic tape with suction cups at the appropriate length. It is then tightened with adjusting screws. As a result, the suction cups of the tensioning straps are pressed onto the mirror housing and they can no longer slip. Once the first basic assembly and adjustment have been made, it is a lot faster by hand. In order to avoid scratches and scuffs on the vehicle mirror, the suction cups must be clean and intact.

Caravan mirror as a special mirror

With this method, the vehicle mirrors are measured beforehand by the manufacturers of the additional mirrors. The advantage here is that additional mirrors are offered that are exactly suitable for every vehicle. Means: perfect fit and easy assembly. Usually only one screw has to be tightened and the caravan mirror is mounted. The disadvantage is that the acquisition is relatively expensive compared to the other mirror models and when you change vehicles, the caravan mirrors can no longer be used.

Caravan mirrors for the hood or vehicle door

Alternatively, there are also caravan rear-view mirrors, which are either installed in the area of ​​the bonnet / fenders or between the window frame and the vehicle door. The variant in the area of ​​the fenders is very stable and can be attached securely, at the same time the mirror is far away from the driver and in addition, due to the A-pillar, the view of the mirror on the passenger side can be restricted or even completely covered. Also, especially in the case of new vehicles, assembly cannot be guaranteed due to ever smaller gaps. Another option is to mount it on the vehicle door. It should be noted here that the mirror moves accordingly when the doors are opened and closed and that this type of mirror mounting cannot be used across the board on every vehicle.

Special feature in the glasses

In addition to the attachment of the additional mirror, there are also differences in the glasses. These can differ in shape. So either be flat, convex or aspherical. Flat mirrors Although they have a smaller field of vision, they are characterized by a low-distortion image of the following traffic. Domed Wide angle glasses cover a very large area, distort but also the picture. This makes the distance appear greater. It is important that the blind spot remains as small as possible. Because it is precisely this that is not recognized by the mirrors of the towing vehicle and must be made more visible via the additional mirror. It is also recommended that the entire width of the adjacent lane at the stern can be seen. This field of view is a good 3,5 meters. Just the width of a lane on the highway.

Legal aspects of additional mirrors

The purpose of the clip-on mirror is entirely sufficient for the legislature. Section 56 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations states in detail: Mirrors or other aids must be attached to vehicles so that vehicle drivers can observe and see all essential traffic processes to the rear and to the side, including as a team with trailers. There are always dubious ones on the market Sticky mirror which are glued to the mirror surface of the vehicle. As a result, however, the mirror of the towing vehicle is changed in such a way that in individual cases even the operating license expires. Only extensions that are attached to the outside of the mirror housing are safe to use.

We hope that you have received our information report on the topic / term Caravan mirror (Further designations / keywords are: trailer mirrors, clip-on mirrors, clip-on mirrors, clip-on mirrors, piggyback mirrors, clip-on mirrors, fender mirrors, fender mirrors, snap-lock mirrors, screw-on mirrors, strap securing mirrors, special mirrors, mirror widening, mirror widening, door mirror, door mirror, Universal mirror, caravan mirror, additional mirror) from the Autotuning category.

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