Permanent vs. temporary

Some of the custom towing mirrors are temporary. In other words, they can be put on and taken off without any tools in a matter of minutes. Other mirrors, however, are designed to be permanent replacements for your existing side mirrors.

Are you going to be towing a trailer because you’re moving or hauling short-term? In that case, temporary custom towing mirrors will suit your needs. But if you’re hooking up a travel trailer to tour the country, you’ll probably want something a little more permanent.

Universal fit vs. factory fit

Universal-fit mirrors are designed with adjustable straps and clips to fit a wide assortment of existing side mirrors on most models of cars, trucks, or SUVs. When you see them, it is obvious they are temporary and not part of the original design of the vehicle. They are the cheaper option when it comes to towing mirrors. Unfortunately, due to how they connect to your existing mirrors, universal-fit custom mirrors may be subject to vibrations that can hinder visibility.

Factory-fit mirrors are still temporary, but they are designed to look like a part of the vehicle’s original design. These mirrors will only attach to a small number of similar vehicles depending on the make, model, and year. The fit will be snug and less subject to vibration, giving you a much better view. These mirrors are pricier than the universal fit options, and you’ll have to do a little bit of extra research to ensure that the ones you want will fit your vehicle.