First Impressions of CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh
The CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh promises to provide an extended field of view for safer towing. This is achieved through a slide-on design that adds an adjustable mirror to your existing Ford F-150 driver’s side mirror. The CIPA brand is known for its aftermarket automotive accessories, so I was eager to see how this mirror would perform in real-world towing situations.
My need for a towing mirror arose from regular weekend trips hauling a small camper with my 2016 Ford F-150. The standard mirrors simply weren’t wide enough to provide a clear view past the camper, creating dangerous blind spots. I needed an affordable and easy-to-install solution, and the CIPA USA 11551 seemed like it might fit the bill.
Upon unboxing, the mirror felt surprisingly lightweight, constructed primarily of durable black plastic. The wedge lock security system looked straightforward, and the adjustable outboard mirror offered a decent amount of surface area. Initial build quality seemed acceptable for the price point, though I did notice some slight flex in the plastic housing.
I considered a few alternatives, including more expensive permanent replacement towing mirrors and universal strap-on options. I chose the CIPA mirror primarily for its custom fit for the F-150, promising a more secure and less obtrusive installation than the universal options. The full replacement mirrors were out of my budget. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; I hoped it would deliver on its promise of improved visibility without compromising the factory look of my truck too much.
Real-World Testing: Putting CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial test of the CIPA USA 11551 occurred during a weekend camping trip, towing my 18-foot travel trailer. The drive involved a mix of highway speeds and winding mountain roads. Installation was relatively easy, sliding the mirror onto my factory mirror and tightening the wedge lock.
The immediate improvement in visibility was noticeable and welcome. The added width eliminated the blind spots that previously plagued me when changing lanes or merging onto the highway. The adjustable outboard mirror allowed me to fine-tune the viewing angle to cover exactly what I needed to see alongside my trailer. However, at higher speeds (above 65 mph), I noticed some vibration in the added mirror, which made it slightly difficult to get a perfectly clear picture.
There were no major issues during the first use, though I did have to re-tighten the wedge lock once after about an hour of driving. The additional mirror also created a slight whistling noise at highway speeds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and numerous towing trips, the CIPA USA 11551 has proven to be a useful, though not perfect, addition to my F-150. The mirror has held up well to regular use, with no significant signs of wear and tear besides some minor scratches on the plastic housing. The wedge lock continues to hold the mirror securely in place, though I make it a habit to check it before each trip.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth removes any dirt or grime. Compared to my previous towing experience without auxiliary mirrors, the CIPA mirror provides a much safer and less stressful driving experience. While the vibration at higher speeds remains a minor annoyance, the overall improvement in visibility outweighs this drawback. It certainly doesn’t outperform a full replacement mirror system, but it’s a cost-effective solution for occasional towing.
Breaking Down the Features of CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh
Specifications
The CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh is designed specifically for the driver’s side of select 2015 to Current Ford F-150 models. It features a slide-on installation with a wedge lock security system. The mirror is constructed from durable black plastic and includes an adjustable outboard mirror for extended visibility.
Key Specifications:
- Compatibility: Select 2015 to Current Ford F-150 SSV, Limited, King Ranch, Lariat, Platinum, XL and XLT models (fit may vary based on specific features).
- Installation: Slide-on with wedge lock.
- Mirror Type: Adjustable outboard mirror.
- Material: Black plastic.
- Side: Left Hand (Driver’s Side).
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the mirror’s fit, stability, and overall effectiveness. The custom fit for specific F-150 models ensures a secure and vibration-free installation (though I did experience some vibration). The adjustable outboard mirror provides the extended field of view needed for safe towing, and the durable plastic construction is designed to withstand the rigors of the road.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the CIPA USA 11551 is to extend the driver’s field of view while towing, and it performs this task reasonably well. It significantly reduces blind spots, making lane changes and merges much safer and easier. The adjustable outboard mirror allows for customization of the viewing angle.
However, the mirror is not without its limitations. The aforementioned vibration at higher speeds can be distracting, and the plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy compared to factory mirrors. Also, the mirror will NOT fit over extendable mirrors. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly towing mirror but falls short of the performance offered by more expensive, integrated systems.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional. The CIPA USA 11551 blends reasonably well with the factory mirror, though it’s clearly an add-on. The wedge lock system is easy to use, and the adjustable outboard mirror is simple to position.
However, the plastic construction doesn’t feel as robust as the factory mirror, and the added weight (though minimal) does affect the overall feel. There’s no real learning curve; it’s a simple slide-on installation.
Durability & Maintenance
The CIPA USA 11551 has shown reasonable durability over several months of use. The plastic is holding up well, and the wedge lock system remains secure. However, I anticipate that the plastic could become brittle over time, especially with exposure to harsh sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick cleaning with a damp cloth is all that’s needed. Repairing the mirror would likely involve replacing the entire unit, as individual parts are not readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CIPA USA 11551 comes as a standalone unit with no additional accessories. There are no real customization options available.
It is designed to work with the factory mirror as-is. Compatibility with aftermarket mirror caps or other cosmetic accessories is unknown and would likely depend on their design and fit.
Pros and Cons of CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh
Pros
- Significantly improves visibility while towing, reducing blind spots.
- Easy to install and remove with the wedge lock system.
- Affordable alternative to full replacement towing mirrors.
- Custom fit for select 2015 to Current Ford F-150 models.
- Adjustable outboard mirror allows for customized viewing angle.
Cons
- Vibration at higher speeds can be distracting.
- Plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy.
- May not fit all F-150 models due to variations in mirror design.
- Added whistling noise at highway speeds.
Who Should Buy CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh?
The CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh is perfect for F-150 owners who occasionally tow trailers or other loads and need improved visibility without breaking the bank. It’s a good option for weekend campers, small boat owners, or anyone who hauls equipment on a regular basis. It’s particularly useful for those who want an easy-to-install and remove solution.
This product is NOT suitable for those who tow heavy loads frequently or require maximum visibility. Professional haulers or those who prioritize premium build quality and features should consider investing in a full replacement towing mirror system. Anyone who already has extendable factory mirrors should skip this product, as it is not compatible.
A must-have “accessory” is simply awareness: be aware of its limitations and potential blind spots, even with the added mirror.
Conclusion on CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh
The CIPA USA 11551 Towing Mirror For Ford F 150 15 Current Lh provides a cost-effective and convenient solution for improving towing visibility on select Ford F-150 models. While it has its drawbacks, such as vibration and plastic construction, it delivers on its primary promise of reducing blind spots and enhancing safety. The value proposition is good, considering the price point and ease of installation.
I would personally recommend this product to F-150 owners who need a budget-friendly towing mirror for occasional use. Just be aware of its limitations and check compatibility with your specific F-150 model before purchasing. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to improve your towing experience, the CIPA USA 11551 is worth considering.
Get yours today and tow with confidence!