Towing mirrors?

Bigfoot

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Jun 1, 2024
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Land Cruiser 1958
Has anyone found a side mirror extension that works on the blocky stock mirrors? I've tried a couple of types--straps and screw down--and they do not fit or stay in place. Ideal would be a custom fit snap-on mirror but there is nothing I could find.
 
No responses here after two weeks. I did contact two aftermarket manufacturers who did not think any of their universal mirrors would fit, and the Toyota Brand Engagement Center said they have never offered towing mirrors for Land Cruisers and have no plans for the 2024 model.

I pointed out to Toyota that the Cruiser is clearly set up for towing and there is much towing advice in the Owner's Manual--but nothing on visibility to the rear which is required by most states. No useful response from them; they recommended trading for a Sequoia which has optional towing mirrors. It seems that Toyota engineers were so concerned with the aerodynamics of the Cruiser mirrors that they overlooked towing laws ... or don't care.

As a workaround I'm trying a wireless rear camera on the trailer although that has disadvantages and does not legally replace mirrors.
 
No responses here after two weeks. I did contact two aftermarket manufacturers who did not think any of their universal mirrors would fit, and the Toyota Brand Engagement Center said they have never offered towing mirrors for Land Cruisers and have no plans for the 2024 model.

I pointed out to Toyota that the Cruiser is clearly set up for towing and there is much towing advice in the Owner's Manual--but nothing on visibility to the rear which is required by most states. No useful response from them; they recommended trading for a Sequoia which has optional towing mirrors. It seems that Toyota engineers were so concerned with the aerodynamics of the Cruiser mirrors that they overlooked towing laws ... or don't care.

As a workaround I'm trying a wireless rear camera on the trailer although that has disadvantages and does not legally replace mirrors.
You might be able to retrofit the Sequoia mirrors or bases to the LC. My Taco has Hylux guts in order to get the power folding mechanism.
 
My best advice would be to contact the folks at etrailer. They have been very helpful in the past dealing with these issues. If they recommended something that would work and it doesn’t, I’m sure they would take it back. Maybe some general FJ Cruiser towing mirror's might work? Maybe something like this:
Agreed that etrailer is a good source for towing supplies but they have nothing. CIPA is one of the manufacturers I contacted. The strap type extension mirrors do not fit the large, blocky LC mirrors. Nor do the clamp-on style.
 
You might be able to retrofit the Sequoia mirrors or bases to the LC. My Taco has Hylux guts in order to get the power folding mechanism.
I suppose fitting mirrors from another vehicle might work although that's a can of worms I don't want to deal with. If someone else showed exactly how to do it then I might reconsider.
 
I have towed over 60k miles with a 2007 V8 4runner using cipa door mount that etrailer carries. Had to put foam pipe insulation over straps to quiet, straps loosen when it rains, and temporarily deforms rubber seal on bottom of door window when left on for several weeks. Good for an old vehicle, may be concerned with $60-70k new one. Have also used the cipa 11980 clamp on. My ds mirror pivot is too loose so folds back at about 50mph, and pita to replace or tighten pivot. Also one flew off first try at high speed because not properly tightened. For several years used clamp on for passenger side since i liked better and door mount on driver side.

Towing mirror availability will affect choice between LC, 4Runner or GX. Last generation LC, GX and Tacoma had custom after market mirrors, but no actual experience. Will probably use my existing universal mirrors for whichever toyota midsized suv once I choose what to get once 4runner info is released. Would like tow technology package 4runner platinum is supposed to include. Then hope someone will come out with a good custom towing mirror. Also need to research if new Taco and 4runner mirrors are same, as taco may get custom mirror sooner if at all.
 

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I have towed over 60k miles with a 2007 V8 4runner using cipa door mount that etrailer carries. Had to put foam pipe insulation over straps to quiet, straps loosen when it rains, and temporarily deforms rubber seal on bottom of door window when left on for several weeks. Good for an old vehicle, may be concerned with $60-70k new one. Have also used the cipa 11980 clamp on. My ds mirror pivot is too loose so folds back at about 50mph, and pita to replace or tighten pivot. Also one flew off first try at high speed because not properly tightened. For several years used clamp on for passenger side since i liked better and door mount on driver side.

Towing mirror availability will affect choice between LC, 4Runner or GX. Last generation LC, GX and Tacoma had custom after market mirrors, but no actual experience. Will probably use my existing universal mirrors for whichever toyota midsized suv once I choose what to get once 4runner info is released. Would like tow technology package 4runner platinum is supposed to include. Then hope someone will come out with a good custom towing mirror. Also need to research if new Taco and 4runner mirrors are same, as taco may get custom mirror sooner if at all.
Sounds like you have struggled with this problem too. The kludgy door mount is a hard no from me.

I chose the LC over the other vehicles available for several reasons. I never imagined that Toyota would make the LC with specific towing features as standard and then overlook a basic safety requirement.
 
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So I ran across these a while ago.
Maybe with some modifications, these could be a start of something that might help?
Looking at the photo........ If you wanted permanently extended mirrors.

You could have some extenders made, would have to extend the harness as well.
Crude but you get the idea (you could get them made as sliders but the cost would be a lot more)

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Anyone come across any product that be attached to the LC mirrors for towing. Just had my first real experience with a travel trailer this weekend and, yeah… not great.

Until we decide on what to buy our plan was to use outdoorsy and rent. I’m willing to invest in a remote camera product if it’s easy to set up and remove from the rentals.
 
Anyone come across any product that be attached to the LC mirrors for towing. Just had my first real experience with a travel trailer this weekend and, yeah… not great.

Until we decide on what to buy our plan was to use outdoorsy and rent. I’m willing to invest in a remote camera product if it’s easy to set up and remove from the rentals.
I have not found any extension mirrors that work. I resorted to a wireless rear camera on our trailer which was pre-wired for one. I sit a 5-inch screen on the dash with a beanbag that is powered by the 12-volt plug. Works okay and the screen is easily removed when not towing. This approach probably isn't an option with rental trailers unless they are prewired and you remove your camera when finished renting.
 
I have a travel trailer that is 7.5 feet wide and the mirrors on the Land Cruiser are useable but I added a camera at the rear of my trailer for safety sake. I contacted Clearview and they are working on mirrors for the US but do not have an ETA at this point. They have been supplying miirrors for the Land Cruiser Prado that has the same mirror shape in Australia. I am waiting patiently.
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I have a travel trailer that is 7.5 feet wide and the mirrors on the Land Cruiser are useable but I added a camera at the rear of my trailer for safety sake. I contacted Clearview and they are working on mirrors for the US but do not have an ETA at this point. They have been supplying miirrors for the Land Cruiser Prado that has the same mirror shape in Australia. I am waiting patiently.View attachment 16932
Nice. Well, there is hope I guess. Since we’re not ready to make the leap of faith on a trailer yet I’m holding off on the camera workaround.
 
Etrailer.com is showing these as compatible. I have my doubts but have sent an inquiry anyway…
 

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This pic gives me a little more hope…
K-Source was one of the manufacturers I contacted 4 months ago. The #3990 was noted as having a max strap length of 14 inches whereas the LC250 needs 17 inches. At that time they had no plans for a longer strap.
 
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