Especially as a beginner, you can’t think of everything. But what is often forgotten when you pick up your caravan or take it out for the first time are additional mirrors for your towing vehicle. This article will help you keep track of additional mirrors for your caravan.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
For caravans with their towing vehicles, the question is not whether you want additional mirrors, but whether they are mandatory. According to § 56 para. 1 StVZO “… motor vehicles must have mirrors or other devices for indirect vision in accordance with subsections 2 to 3, which are designed and fitted in such a way that the driver of the vehicle can observe all essential traffic processes to the rear, to the side and directly in front of the vehicle – also when towing trailers …”.
This means in plain language: Additional mirrors must be mounted as soon as the caravan is wider than the towing vehicle! The driver must be able to see everything that is happening around his vehicle.
▶▶ Tip: If you hitch up your caravan and you can see the rear corners of the caravan when looking into the original right and left rear-view mirrors of the towing vehicle, you do not need caravan mirrors. If you cannot see the corners, you should get additional mirrors as soon as possible.
If you and your caravan are stopped by the police and they find out that the caravan is wider, you will have to pay a fine of 20 euros in Germany. In other European countries, this will cost you even more: In France, for example, driving without an additional mirror is punishable by 600 euros, in Great Britain by over 1,000 euros – per side!
Dimensions of the additional mirrors for caravans
For the dimensions, simply make sure that the mirrors are at least 4 to 6 centimetres wider than the caravan when measured from the outside. For a clear view to the rear, it must be possible to see over a width of about 2.50 metres on the left-hand side ten metres behind the driver, and even twenty metres with a width of at least 4 metres on the right-hand side. This prescribed field of vision can only be seen with curved mirror lenses – flat lenses cannot offer this viewing width.
▶▶ Tip: Since most additional mirrors are available with shorter and longer arms, the rule of thumb is: the longer arms are only necessary for caravans with a width of more than 240 cm.
Whether you like the caravan mirrors or not – the view to the rear is not only helpful when manoeuvring, but also minimises risks when overtaking other road users or when pulling in or out on the motorway.
Which caravan mirrors are useful?
First of all, the mirror must of course have a large field of vision so that the “blind spot”, i.e. the area at the rear edge of the caravan that cannot be seen, is as small as possible. Of course, you should also make sure that the mirrors can be mounted and dismounted quickly and that the bracket and the articulated arm look sturdy. This will prevent them from vibrating while driving.
At first glance, the additional mirrors with a universal fit seem desirable simply because they are cheaper. However, car manufacturers who work with aerodynamic mirror shapes or integrated turn signals in their designs thwart many an attempt at universal mirrors.
The market offers different types of fastening
- The most favourable are additional mirrors that are equipped with rubber straps. To attach the mirror, it is slipped over the vehicle mirror and fixed into the mirror frame with hooks. Rubber bands on the back of the mirror ensure a firm hold.
- Similar to the rubber band fastening, the mounting is realised by means of a snap-in fastener. Here, toothed plastic straps with rubber buffers are used, which allow the mirror to be latched via a small ratchet.
- In the case of the screw strap fastening, suction cups on a plastic strap provide a firm hold on the mirror housing. Finally, the plastic strap is tightened with set screws to prevent the additional mirror from slipping.
- Clamp mirrors are mounted to the frame of the vehicle mirrors with a multi-sided fastening system using set screws.
- The vehicle-specific additional mirrors are the most expensive in terms of price, but are characterised by a good fit and quick installation.
Which mirror glass is best?
The glass of the additional mirror, which is available in flat, convex or aspherical versions, also plays an important role. The flat mirror lenses have the advantage that they reproduce the image correctly and without distortion. However, in contrast to the forward-curved wide-angle lenses, the field of view is considerably smaller. Since the wide-angle mirrors visually reduce the distances, you should take this into account when driving your vehicle.
Auxiliary mirror manufacturer
You will find a variety of different types in the car and camping accessories section. But which one is the right one for my caravan? This is a question that all beginners face, and we would like to give you an overview here.
EMUK from Lahr in Baden, the Dutch manufacturer REPUSEL and MILENCO from England stand out among the brand mirrors. VAN WEZEL GMBH in Kamen manufactures “piggyback mirrors”, clip-on mirrors that are secured with tension straps, as well as wing mirrors.
REICH from Eschenburg uses a clamping mechanism and ratchet quick-release fasteners for their clip-on mirrors. CARAVANSPIEGEL OPGENORTH in Rheinberg also offers “piggyback mirrors”.
Finally, additional mirrors with 4-point attachment come from BRUNSGAARD in Denmark and BRUNNER in Bolzano in South Tyrol manufactures additional mirrors.
Anyone who looks at the reviews of the individual products quickly comes to the conclusion that each mirror has its advantages and disadvantages – regardless of whether they are high- or low-priced mirrors.
Vehicle-specific additional mirrors for caravans
In addition to additional mirrors offered by many car manufacturers on a model-specific basis, the caravan mirrors from accessory specialists such as EMUK or OPPI, which are specially tailored to car models, offer the advantage that they fit bomb-proof and hardly vibrate while driving. More than 190 different vehicle models can be found in the production range. Here you can access the manufacturer-specific page of EMUK, where you can search for your vehicle type. As the brackets of the vehicle-specific mirrors enclose the car rear-view mirror in a star shape, they offer the further optional advantage of being theft-proofed by a security lock.
CARAVANSPIEGEL OPGENORTH also has vehicle-specific caravan mirrors in its range with its “Oppi’s piggyback mirrors”, which are attached to the vehicle mirrors. Click here for the list of manufacturers.
Universal, but with vehicle-specific dimensions, Brunsgaard promises a secure hold with the 4-point caravan mirror. This is stabilised by a 4-point mounting system and is suitable for caravans up to 250 cm wide thanks to two mirror arm variants. This will take you to the measurement page where you can compare the range of mirrors with the dimensions of your vehicle mirror.
The manufacturers of the vehicle-specific additional mirrors offer an advantage in that they sometimes supply spare parts for their products should something get damaged or lost.
The biggest disadvantage of these mirrors is that you have to look for new additional mirrors when you change your towing vehicle.
Universal caravan mirrors
Universal mirrors are available from all suppliers and are available for the various mirror designs of the car manufacturers for attaching or sliding on, screwing on, clipping on or clamping, and with which suction cups, tightening straps, screws, clips or ratchets are supposed to ensure a secure hold while driving.
Even if it is said that the mirrors fit universally, you should keep the mirror of your vehicle in mind during your search. Today, manufacturers’ original mirrors are designed in so many different ways – with round or angular shapes or unusual designs. This also makes it difficult for the manufacturers of the additional mirrors to develop the right shapes for their mounts.
To give you a small overview, we have compiled a list of the most popular universal mirrors (due to the variety of offers, the list does not claim to be complete):
The EMUK universal mirror XL is mounted on the mirror frame without tools using two screws and impresses users with its simple mounting and vibration-free overview.
With the EMUK universal mirror, which is offered for vehicles with adjustable mirror glass, many users criticise the mounting option as well as the vibrations at higher speeds, which loosen the bracket while driving.
[apn typ=”vergleich” asin=”B01H3SMI6K, B002BVYKRK” tag=”cspr-0006-21″ tpl-infobox=”true” tpl-buttontext=”” tpl-buttontpl=”0″ false=””]
[vcex_spacing size=”15px”]
The Repusel mirror series receives almost nothing but high marks from users for its range of models. The Repusel 3001 and Repusel 3002 models, for example, offer optimum hold on large and round vehicle mirrors and promise easy installation in minutes. In addition, they are available in different lengths and are thus also designed for caravans with a width of over 230 cm.
Finally, the Repusel 3007 comes with high-quality stainless steel arms and even has anti-glare tinted lenses.
[apn typ=”vergleich” asin=”B008N74M0G, B008N78YXW, B015FPUZWW” tag=”cspr-0006-21″ tpl-infobox=”true” tpl-stars=”true” tpl-prime=”false” tpl-buttontext=”” tpl-buttontpl=”0″ false=””]
[vcex_spacing size=”15px”]
With the Milenco universal mirrors of the Aeoro series, such as the Milenco Aero Mirror Flat, the Milenco Aero 3, or the Milenco Grand Aero Mirror XXL Convex, the majority of users of the products praise the quick mounting option, the good visibility and the quality and workmanship of the British mirror series. With the XXL, an additional arm length of approx. 41 cm and a large mirror ensure sufficient all-round visibility while riding.
[apn typ=”vergleich” asin=”B06XWKBJ2P, B07GGRL14X, B06VX5FP4H” tag=”cspr-0006-21″ tpl-infobox=”true” tpl-stars=”true” tpl-buttontext=”” tpl-buttontpl=”0″ false=””]
[vcex_spacing size=”15px”]
Strong rubber bands give the Hagus Huckepack 3 from Van Wezel the necessary support at a reasonable price. Some users complain about the susceptibility to vibration or the short service life of the mirrors.
With the Hagus Huckepack 4, on the other hand, an additional holder that is attached to the door with a suction cup ensures a reliable hold.
[apn typ=”vergleich” asin=”B00H8HTHHK, B00H8HTJBO” tag=”cspr-0006-21″ tpl-infobox=”true” tpl-stars=”true” tpl-buttontext=”” tpl-buttontpl=”0″ false=””]
[vcex_spacing size=”15px”]
With a patented quick-release system, Reich’s Standard model has met with some displeasure among users, as some see the handling as tinkering and the overall quality is criticised.
With the Handy Mirror XL clip-on mirror, however, the manufacturer convinces users with its quick installation, especially on vehicles with large wing mirrors.
The Speed Fix Mirror clip-on mirror is praised for its good fit on various vehicles, but the possibility of fastening it to the mirror housing with screws is criticised.
[apn typ=”vergleich” asin=”B00116VBOG, B0013SYG5S, B00J0M4DLQ” tag=”cspr-0006-21″ tpl-infobox=”true” tpl-stars=”true” tpl-buttontext=”” tpl-buttontpl=”0″ false=””]
[vcex_spacing size=”15px”]
Brunner has set its sights on larger rear-view mirrors such as those of SUVs or panel vans with the Gamma Ang caravan mirror, whose rubber tensioning straps promise quick installation.
The Rider Pro encloses the mirror housing in the shape of a claw. However, users complain that this product is susceptible to vibrations at higher speeds.
[apn typ=”vergleich” asin=”B00J0M4FSC, B00DLJLF6K” tag=”cspr-0006-21″ tpl-infobox=”true” tpl-stars=”true” tpl-buttontext=”” tpl-buttontpl=”0″ false=””]
Conclusion: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”
So anyone who has to decide on an additional mirror for their caravan is spoilt for choice. The models tailored to the original exterior mirrors of the car manufacturers have good durability, relatively quick installation options and satisfactory qualities. The biggest drawback of these mirrors, however, is that you have to buy new mirrors every time you change your car.
But even the universal mirrors offered by the manufacturers are not “all sunshine”. There are extreme differences in the materials used by the manufacturers, which make the quality features visible and influence durability and handling. Likewise, the mounting options in which the manufacturers specialise elicit very different reactions: what for one means “mounting in minutes” can become a “tricky affair” for another.
Before you commit yourself to one type of mirror, you should simply try out a few and then decide on one that suits your needs.
[su_box title=”This might also interest you”]
- Driving licence for caravans and caravans with trailers
- Camping with a caravan – what you need to know as a beginner
- Guide: How to find the right towing vehicle for your caravan
- Towing capacity on slopes – Percentage calculation made easy?
- 100-per cent approval for your caravan – What you need to know!
- Parking a caravan in public spaces: What are the rules?
- Correctly determining the circumference – important for buying an awning!
- Fastening the breakaway rope for the caravan correctly – Where do you need a “Holland eye”?
- TÜV for caravans: What you should know about the main inspection
- Buying a used caravan – preliminary considerations, inspection, handover
- Caravans: Permissible total weight higher than towing capacity
- Bicycle carrier for caravans: drawbar or rear?
- Checklist: Winterising your caravan and motorhome (with video!)
[/su_box]
Photos: © Hubert Hunscheidt
