Mirror Extenders On 2005 GMC Envoy SLT
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Printed Date: 12 May 2024 at 9:54pm
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Topic: Mirror Extenders On 2005 GMC Envoy SLT
Posted By: IrishDream
Subject: Mirror Extenders On 2005 GMC Envoy SLT
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 3:46pm
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Good afternoon everyone! New Rpod ownership day fast approaching. 2 weeks from today we’ll be at RVNation just outside Cincinnati getting ourselves acclimated. Then it’s off to Indiana for our first ever weekend camping trip with our new Rpod!!!! Two issues I still need help with. I will deal with them separately. Thanks in advance for your help. Looking to purchase mirror extenders for our 2005 GMC Envoy SLT. Initial research suggested possibly a CIPA Custom Towing Mirror Slip-on for both driver and passenger sides. Then I came across the etrailer.com website, and they suggested a set of K-Source clip ones that supposedly install easily by clipping to the lip around the edge of the mirror housings and are very secure. Part #KS3891-2. Not sure whether etrailer.com carries the CIPA Custom Towing Mirror Slip-on-mirrors. As a relative newbie to the trailer towing world, I thought I could just go out and purchase a standard slip-on, just like a TV remote. Since then I’ve learned that mirror extenders are somewhat specific to the towing vehicle, and that not all of them fit securely onto your mirrors. So, looking for some suggestions. Thanks again, Jack 2019 1/2 10th Anniversary Rpod 179 2005 GMC Emvoy SLT
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Replies:
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 4:28pm
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The r-Pod, unless you're getting a 195, is narrow enough that you probably don't need mirror extenders. Our Dakota is not as wide as a standard truck and I can see fine with our stock mirrors. Before buying our Pod, I bought a couple of slide on mirrors in anticipation of needing them. It turned out they were unnecessary and are now collecting dust in the garage. Years ago, I had a Dodge 1500 that I used to tow a cargo trailer that was wide enough to need mirror extenders. I bought a set of slide on that fit over the stock mirrors and they worked just fine. Slip on mirrors are specific to each vehicle, but there are a number of sellers and you shouldn't have any problem finding a pair that fit fine, if it turns out you need or want them. Good luck on picking up you new Pod. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: crw8sr
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 4:54pm
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Congratulations on your Pod. I have a set of extenders, used them once or twice and found I can see fine without them. ------------- Chuck & Lyn Izzy, Morkie. RIP Zoe Joy & Gracie, Yorkie 2018 R Pod 190 2019 Traverse In moments of adversity;when life's a total wreck, I think of those worse off than me and really feel like heck. |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 5:51pm
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We don't need extenders with our F-150, but it is probably a bit wider than an Envoy (but I don't know for sure). As others have said, you may want to try it without them, as one of the advantages of an R-pod is that they are narrower than your garden variety travel trailer. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2019 at 6:23pm
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+1, I don't need extenders on my Highlander either. Try it without them first and see if you have any issues. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 11:07am
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Although I can see pretty much adequately with our Frontier and 179, I opted to go for towing mirrors from 1A Auto. https://www.1aauto.com/search?q=towing+mirror+pair - https://www.1aauto.com/search?q=towing+mirror+pair The ones I got for our Nissan Frontier are manual extend, but electrically controlled, heated mirrors. They also have the convex mirror section that assists with a wider field of view. When extended, they provide an even better view of what is behind us while I am towing. They also make my little Frontier look like a grown-up truck.  They aren't cheap, but I figure they are worth the cost for the better view they provide, not just while towing, but for everyday driving. They are not hard to install either in the Frontier. I would think they are not difficult to install in other vehicles either.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 2:36pm
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I don't want to be a party pooper, but ... #1 Are you sure you need one?? The r-pod is pretty narrow. #2 Will/Does the mirror extend so far out, and be so low, that pedestrians, and especially bicyclists, are in danger as you go past them?? |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2019 at 9:44pm
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I use mirror extenders and I'd recommend that you do too. Why you may ask when it seems you can see okay around your camper with your rear view mirrors? One work SAFETY, enough said....
------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 2:15am
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Perceptions of what's safe and unsafe vary a lot. When that happens I'm interested in what the regs say. https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-mirrors/ - https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-mirrors/
Here's a link to a digest of mirror regs by state and province. Most of them are pretty fuzzy. The most common is a requirement to see a minimum of 200ft to the rear. Iowa requires you to retract extension mirrors when not towing. I happen to be in HI ATM (not with my pod) and apparently there are no mirror requirements at all here. Hang loose! ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 7:50am
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I don't think enuf emphasis has been put on other's safety, especially bicyclists. Standard side view mirrors are a hazard, about 1/20 bicycle injuries are due to them. See Table 2 https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/21/4/221 - https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/21/4/221 Sticking on an additional extension can't make it better. |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 8:20am
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One of the advantages to the r-Pod is that it isn't real wide so you don't necessarily need any more than stock mirrors to adequately see behind you. Happy is right about mirrors hurting a lot of bicyclists, but when towing the r-Pod, there is another hazard that sticks out about as far as the standard mirrors, maybe a little farther in some instances: the fenders. If I were a bicyclist, I'd much rather get whacked by a folding stock mirror than one of those fenders that could cut your leg off. We all have to be very careful when passing bicyclists and give them plenty of room. It's hard to accurately judge how much road space you're taking up with the Pod and it's best to err on the side of caution. They have as much right to be on the road as we. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 8:37am
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If I were a bicyclist, the thought of being hit by either a mirror or a fender would not be my idea of a good time. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 10:47am
These laws are now being challenged or amended (on several fronts) because of the availablity of rear facing cameras (and so-called 'digital' mirrors) that are supposed to improve fuel mileage and safety (according to, who else, the manufacturres of the digital mirrors). In the trucking world, there are efforts to completely remove the outside physical mirrors and replace them all with cameras and in-cab monitors on new trucks. I'm against all that myself, but the designers, bean-counters, and engineers forgot to ask ME! But I can see and hear it now: [Whirring old-school siren, rotating red beacon on patrol car] Officer Fife: Sir, the reason I stopped you is because you have to have mirrors on this here pickup to tow that there camper! Millenial: But I have DIGITAL mirrors! See! (points to monitor on dashboard) Officer Fife: I dont know about that, but you GOTTA HAVE MIRRORS! It says so right here in the Mayberry South Carolina rule book! Millenial pulls out two little suction cup mirrors and sticks them on the doors: Am I good now? Officer Fife: Yes, son, you have a nice day, ya'll come back now, ya hear!
------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 10:54am
Has anyone noticed how when the rear camera lens gets rain on it or gets dirty, it doesn't work so well? It's hard enough to see out of a rain spotted window and mirror, but with a camera it's even worse. As you drive along in your SUV, ever notice how dirty the back window gets? That's why they put a wiper on it. The camera lens gets the turbulence spray just as does the rear window. No one asked this Luddite either  ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 4:19pm
Just one thing, the fictional Mayberry is in North Carolina. Andy Griffith was from Mount Airy, NC. Gotta stand up for my state y'know. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 5:18pm
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Hey Hey You all Mayberry is in North Carolina! Just right up the road from me! By the way if your worried about hitting a bicyclist with your rear view mirror extenders then maybe you shouldn't be pulling a Pod or anything else. Just saying. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2019 at 5:24pm
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Ooops! Well its one of those anyway....  ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 12:18pm
+1 You should always be aware of the size of your vehicle and accessories. If you feel that you are safer using the extenders than you should use them. Dave, Purchased my Pod used in Rural Hall, NC and spent my first two nights in Mt. Airy (Mayberry) before returning home to PA. Enjoyed the area and people. ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 3:08pm
Well, ... I guess that depends maybe on how concerned you are about other people's welfare. Even standard side view mirrors injure other people, I have already shown that in the BMJ article. Let's look at 'why' we use automobile mirrors. Rear view inside mirrors are useless when towing a trailer, even an r-pod. Side view mirrors, properly adjusted, are designed to minimize 'blind spots' to the side and rear, note - NOT 'eliminate', and they are not designed to see behind the trailer, that's impossible. For what I mean, see the 'Figure' in the reference below about 'Adjust Your Mirrors Properly': https://lifehacker.com/adjust-your-car-mirrors-properly-to-avoid-accidents-5865502 - https://lifehacker.com/adjust-your-car-mirrors-properly-to-avoid-accidents-5865502 So, because there is a known risk to others even with standard side view mirrors, in my opinion EVERYONE should be worried about hitting a bicyclist, with or without towing a trailer. Using extenders only increases that risk to others. Using mirror extenders is obviously a personal decision for each of us, but I feel that it is important that we include injury to other people when making our cost-benefit evaluation. |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 3:43pm
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Everyone should worry about hitting anyone or anything while operating any kind of a vehicle, from a tractor-trailer, to a tricycle. It's one of the responsibilities of driving that you don't hurt others while doing it. Whether it's a bicyclist, a pedestrian, a wild animal, we should all be on the alert every moment we are behind the wheel. Some times collisions are unavoidable such as a deer suddenly jumping in front of you or a bicyclist suddenly cutting out in front of you from your blind side on the wrong side of the road with no warning. I defended a truck driver for the latter in a wrongful death case. Stuff happens but too often is due to excessive speed and/or inattention. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 4:17pm
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One must exercise caution when driving. If one is coming up behind a bicyclist and there is oncoming traffic, one should slow down and wait until it is safe to pass the bicyclist. Just because a bicycle is small does not mean that it has less right to be on the road or to not be allowed space on the road just because the automobile/SUV/truck driver is in a hurry. Towing mirrors allow me better visibility and so I will use them. I will also observe bicycles and safely pass them so that my mirrors do not become a cause of injury. http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/safely-passing-bicyclists.aspx - http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/safely-passing-bicyclists.aspx Also, in NC, laws changed in 2016: https://www.bikelaw.com/2016/08/nc-bike-crash-lawyer-on-new-laws/ - https://www.bikelaw.com/2016/08/nc-bike-crash-lawyer-on-new-laws/ There are some pretty steep penalties for drivers who hit a bicyclist.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2019 at 11:06am
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We bought a set of extenders for our Highlander and used them once. They were jittery enough to be annoying and our 179 is narrow enough that I can see behind it using the regular side mirrors and leaning a little bit. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2019 at 12:22pm
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The nice thing about the mirrors I bought for our Frontier is that they are as stable as the stock mirrors were. Since they are not just hanging on to the mirrors, they don't vibrate.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: IL-Podders
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2019 at 5:41pm
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I towed our 179 with a 2002 Envoy and found that we did not need mirror extenders. I thought that we would need them until we towed our pod home. The view was unobstructed, so we didn't buy them. Best wishes. ------------- Marv-N-Kathy 2015 179 RPod 2016 Chevy Tahoe |
Posted By: Woodmiester
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2019 at 7:41am
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I like the extended mirrors in the fact that I can see the traffic coming up behind me in my lane. Without them, you can only see the traffic in the lane to your left and right. Not huge deal, but I like to see what is going on around me. ------------- Swampfox |