Installing new tow mirrors on a 2002 e350

[bluedog225]

I've got a dumb question.

I am about to find and buy some tow mirrors for my 1994 smb.

The problem I am trying to solve is that my 21 foot sailboat (5 feet wide) completely disappears behind the van. Not visible in either rear mirror. Makes backing up sorta rough.

I'm assuming this will solve the problem, yes?

Thanks

Tom

[bluedog225]

And while I'm bugging you guys anyway. 1994 may be hard to find. Do the slip on or clip on mirror extenders
get the job done? They seem like a pretty easy solution. Thanks.

[Gnarvan]

Originally Posted by bluedog225

The problem I am trying to solve is that my 21 foot sailboat (5 feet wide) completely disappears behind the van. Not visible in either rear mirror. Makes backing up sorta rough.

I've seen some of my rafting buddies mount dune riding flags out at an angle from their small raft trailers so they can see the thing when they back up. If I was going to do something like that I'd find a bracket and flag setup that allowed me have a removable flag. I'd only run the flag when I needed it for backing.

[jage]

Originally Posted by bluedog225

And while I'm bugging you guys anyway. 1994 may be hard to find. Do the slip on or clip on mirror extenders
get the job done? They seem like a pretty easy solution. Thanks.

My tow mirrors are fancy and extend, but they aren't convex like the old non-tow and I struggle with not being able to see as much of the field.

As for installing I don't think the doors changed except for some internal holes vs. posts, there are some threads on it.

That said, I'd go with a backup camera mounted on the top rail of the back. Mine covers the hitch and the entire tow and I no longer use the center mirror... due to a wiring error it can be on all the time...

[carringb]

Originally Posted by ANZAC

I got some 2005 power mirrors with blind spot mirror, not towing ones, to fit on my 2002 and I have the same issue. (2002 is 3 small holes, only 2 line up with 4 larger mounts on 2005 mirrors)

It looks like there is a big structural bracket where the 2nd top hole would go.

Also the power connector are different. I don't really want to cut the connectors off the old mirrors, I was hoping someone could re-use them.

?????

I used a large uni-bit (conical bit). It took care of that bracket no problem. It pretty much slotted the bracket which it drilled the hole out, so it was a good fit for the new mirror.

[K31 Van]

anyone have pictures of one after its drilled for installation