Towing mirrors - how to tell if a truck has them???

Mojo88 · Aug 30, 2024

I am shopping sporadically for a ~2019 1500. I'm looking for something loaded up with options, but one thing I DON'T WANT are the towing mirrors, those suckers stick out too far, and it appears they don't even have power-fold option. I would be parking the truck underneath my 4-post lift, so this would be the ultimate headache.

How can I tell FOR SURE if a truck has these mirrors or not? Is it just going to be a visual thing, sometimes it's hard to tell from looking at the pics. Or is there a RPO code? Many trucks have "Towing Package"... does that automatically mean the truck has the towing mirrors??

One thing I must have are the standard mirrors, with power folding. Thanks for any tips to ensure I end up with these.

1979 300 · Aug 30, 2024

I ordered a 2019 new, and back then the towing package consisted of the brake controller and the tow mirrors. If it has tow mirrors, you will see the lens on the top outside corner for the lights. The power fold mirrors have a problem with the plastic gears stripping though. I only used mine occasionally, but the passenger side started slipping and popping, and I never trusted them after that.

TRK_GANG74 · Aug 30, 2024

This is my 2019 Laramie Longhorn and it has the regular mirrors. They are power folding.

chopperman1 · Aug 30, 2024

Don't let the mirrors deter you from a great truck. They are VERY easily changed and are short money.

Mojo88 · Aug 31, 2024

chopperman1 said:
Don't let the mirrors deter you from a great truck. They are VERY easily changed and are short money.

Interesting, as I did some research on this very subject prior to posting here. The info I found seemed to indicate it was a monumental and expensive job to switch from tow mirrors to regular power fold mirrors, there was programming involved, and plenty of parts. Looked like well over $2k, even approaching $3k.

Do you have a link showing how "They are VERY easily changed and are short money."?

Thanks

GTyankee · Aug 31, 2024

I don't have Tow Mirrors
BUT
Don't Tow Mirrors have 2 pieces of glass in them ?

Besides the cost of the mirrors themselves
switching from Regular Mirrors with Power Fold to Towing Mirrors, i don't believe takes Programming.

Switching from Tow mirrors to Power folding mirrors, i believe could be expensive,
It would need a Door Master Switch, programming, 2 door Modules

Changing out the OEM mirrors from one type to the other is pretty darn easy, watch youtube videos

ramffml · Aug 31, 2024

Mojo88 said:
I am shopping sporadically for a ~2019 1500. I'm looking for something loaded up with options, but one thing I DON'T WANT are the towing mirrors, those suckers stick out too far, and it appears they don't even have power-fold option. I would be parking the truck underneath my 4-post lift, so this would be the ultimate headache.

How can I tell FOR SURE if a truck has these mirrors or not? Is it just going to be a visual thing, sometimes it's hard to tell from looking at the pics. Or is there a RPO code? Many trucks have "Towing Package"... does that automatically mean the truck has the towing mirrors??

One thing I must have are the standard mirrors, with power folding. Thanks for any tips to ensure I end up with these.

This is the normal mirror, see how the grey light strip runs rights across the bottom. The top might be black, chrome, or body colored but the strip is always the same for a normal mirror.

This is a towing mirror. It has the light in the top corner. Not sure on colors, possibly they're all only black.

Physically (if you're testing the truck), see if they flip or down which is the sure way of testing it. Standard mirrors only move towards the door (folding) but towing mirrors flip up vertically to give you a taller mirror.

I don't think all standard mirrors are power folding, they can be found on low trims like my bighorn but tradesman I'm not sure about.

CanRebel · Aug 31, 2024

Mojo88 said:
I am shopping sporadically for a ~2019 1500. I'm looking for something loaded up with options, but one thing I DON'T WANT are the towing mirrors, those suckers stick out too far, and it appears they don't even have power-fold option. I would be parking the truck underneath my 4-post lift, so this would be the ultimate headache.

How can I tell FOR SURE if a truck has these mirrors or not? Is it just going to be a visual thing, sometimes it's hard to tell from looking at the pics. Or is there a RPO code? Many trucks have "Towing Package"... does that automatically mean the truck has the towing mirrors??

One thing I must have are the standard mirrors, with power folding. Thanks for any tips to ensure I end up with these.

Easiest way is to ask who you are going buy truck from.

Other way is if you have VIN. Look up the truck on BuildSheet site.

Here is what my truck says.
BLACK TRAILER TOW POWER MIRRORS
Even though it says power, they are manual folding.

Here is what truck with power folding.
POWER-FOLDING MIRRORS

As it was mentioned above. Changing None Folding Tow mirrors to just normal none Folding is very easy and relatively cheap.

As you want normal power folding. It's going depend what is on the truck.

During covid they where short on chips. So I couldn't get Tow Power Folding. But other years they do have them.

If truck has tow power folding, it should be pretty easy direct swap.

If truck has tow but not power-folding, then you will have buy extra module(s). When you find out the details, just reach out to site vendor here Benny. He could give you quote. You could even ask him so you know how much before hand.

Also if you are going buy a dealer, you could get them to change them before you purchase the truck.

crash68 · Aug 31, 2024

Mojo88 said:
How can I tell FOR SURE if a truck has these mirrors or not?

Run the vehicle VIN on this webpage, it will give you the factory build sheet (how it left the factory): https://fcagroup.my.site.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing
(use all capital letters)

Papa Red · Aug 31, 2024

I have a 2020 2500 and it has the tow mirrors that have power fold (and heat) so it is an item that's is or was available. The tow mirrors are pretty nice too!

Red

chopperman1 · Aug 31, 2024

Mojo88 said:
Interesting, as I did some research on this very subject prior to posting here. The info I found seemed to indicate it was a monumental and expensive job to switch from tow mirrors to regular power fold mirrors, there was programming involved, and plenty of parts. Looked like well over $2k, even approaching $3k.

Do you have a link showing how "They are VERY easily changed and are short money."?

Thanks

It is 1 screw and about 8 clips to remove the door panel. 3 nuts hold on the mirror.

TrailRidge makes awesome mirrors. Order the ones that match your features and they are plug and play.

Mojo88 · Aug 31, 2024

ramffml said:
This is the normal mirror, see how the grey light strip runs rights across the bottom. The top might be black, chrome, or body colored but the strip is always the same for a normal mirror.

View attachment 549837

This is a towing mirror. It has the light in the top corner. Not sure on colors, possibly they're all only black.

View attachment 549838

Physically (if you're testing the truck), see if they flip or down which is the sure way of testing it. Standard mirrors only move towards the door (folding) but towing mirrors flip up vertically to give you a taller mirror.

I don't think all standard mirrors are power folding, they can be found on low trims like my bighorn but tradesman I'm not sure about.

Tada! Winner! Thanks very much for the pics.......

Mojo88 · Aug 31, 2024

crash68 said:
Run the vehicle VIN on this webpage, it will give you the factory build sheet (how it left the factory): https://fcagroup.my.site.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing
(use all capital letters)

Just used this. Very nice!!!! Got a 10-page list of equipment. Thanks!

GTyankee · Aug 31, 2024

One thing to think about ...

Power Folding Normal mirrors do not stick out very far at all.
Tow Mirrors arms stick out a long way, whether folded or not

Classic Ram, ( 4th Gen )
is 79.4" , 6' 6" wide w/o any mirrors
86.6" wide with Power Folding Mirrors Folded

103.5" = 8' 6" Mirrors Extended
chart does not show whether or not that the 103.5 is with regular or Tow Mirrors

another source for dimensions :

I think there are dimensions for both 4th & 5th Gen rams

https://www.caranddriver.com/ram/1500/specs/2019/ram_1500_ram-1500-classic_2019/410282

Bigskyroadglide · Aug 31, 2024

On my 24 classic, I made the mistake of ordering it with tow mirrors. Thought I wanted them

Well at 3k miles. I've already changed the tow mirrors to power fold mirrors. I was lucky, I had previously changed my laramie mirrors out to color matched and I had a set of chrome power fold mirrors with heat and memory. So my total expense was door switch, used on ebay, door modules, new, and a bypass cable.

Mojo88 · Sep 1, 2024

GTyankee said:
One thing to think about ...

Power Folding Normal mirrors do not stick out very far at all.
Tow Mirrors arms stick out a long way, whether folded or not

Classic Ram, ( 4th Gen )
is 79.4" , 6' 6" wide w/o any mirrors
86.6" wide with Power Folding Mirrors Folded

103.5" = 8' 6" Mirrors Extended
chart does not show whether or not that the 103.5 is with regular or Tow Mirrors

another source for dimensions :

I think there are dimensions for both 4th & 5th Gen rams

https://www.caranddriver.com/ram/1500/specs/2019/ram_1500_ram-1500-classic_2019/410282

Thanks, I have definitely been thinking about it, haha. And I definitely don't want tow mirrors!

Bigskyroadglide said:
On my 24 classic, I made the mistake of ordering it with tow mirrors. Thought I wanted them

Well at 3k miles. I've already changed the tow mirrors to power fold mirrors. I was lucky, I had previously changed my laramie mirrors out to color matched and I had a set of chrome power fold mirrors with heat and memory. So my total expense was door switch, used on ebay, door modules, new, and a bypass cable.

Good comments, thanks. This would have been me, had I bought one with tow mirrors.

LugsLeadOut84 · Sep 1, 2024

Looks like you got your answer, but as others have offered...look up the window sticker by VIN. I had tow mirrors on the truck I just traded in and hated them. They stuck out like dumbo ears and it made using an ATM, drive-up, parking in a garage and navigating some NYC side streets where people are double-parked or getting a delivery not impossible but a PITA. I occasionally towed a 26 ft boat and snow mobiles and didn't really need them - they came on the truck that was in dealer inventory.
They were remotely adjustable and heated but not power-folding.
And yes, besides using the pictures provided in ramffml's link, the tow mirrors had 2 separate mirror segments.

Here is what the window sticker said:

IdahoDen · Sep 2, 2024

Mojo88 said:
I am shopping sporadically for a ~2019 1500. I'm looking for something loaded up with options, but one thing I DON'T WANT are the towing mirrors, those suckers stick out too far, and it appears they don't even have power-fold option. I would be parking the truck underneath my 4-post lift, so this would be the ultimate headache.

How can I tell FOR SURE if a truck has these mirrors or not? Is it just going to be a visual thing, sometimes it's hard to tell from looking at the pics. Or is there a RPO code? Many trucks have "Towing Package"... does that automatically mean the truck has the towing mirrors??

One thing I must have are the standard mirrors, with power folding. Thanks for any tips to ensure I end up with these.

My truck has the towing package and the side mirrors are in the regular position, but rotate vertically for towing.

megabass2 · Sep 2, 2024

Mojo88 said:
I am shopping sporadically for a ~2019 1500. I'm looking for something loaded up with options, but one thing I DON'T WANT are the towing mirrors, those suckers stick out too far, and it appears they don't even have power-fold option. I would be parking the truck underneath my 4-post lift, so this would be the ultimate headache.

How can I tell FOR SURE if a truck has these mirrors or not? Is it just going to be a visual thing, sometimes it's hard to tell from looking at the pics. Or is there a RPO code? Many trucks have "Towing Package"... does that automatically mean the truck has the towing mirrors??

One thing I must have are the standard mirrors, with power folding. Thanks for any tips to ensure I end up with these.

I don't think there is much difference in width between a folded in tow mirror(non towing position) and a truck without tow mirrors. You can't get power folding tow mirrors from the factory on a 1500. I have power fold on mine but they don't flip up for towing. I had to buy after market slide on or clip on extension mirrors for towing. Power folding after market mirrors are reasonably priced if you end up buying a truck with non power towing mirrors.

Tulecreeper · Sep 2, 2024

IdahoDen said:
My truck has the towing package and the side mirrors are in the regular position, but rotate vertically for towing.

What kind of 'towing package' did you get on a 2500 with the 6.4 in 2022? There was no such thing offered then I bought my 2500 in 2023. They all came with the Class V receiver, heavy duty springs, etc., because they all started with the same base tow and cargo capacity, then the options you chose just deducted from that.

Towing mirrors - how to tell if a truck has them???

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