First Impressions of CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty
The CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty promises a simple, no-tool solution to a common problem for truck owners: limited visibility when towing. Backing up a trailer without seeing everything around it is a recipe for disaster, and these mirrors claim to extend the driver’s field of view without permanent modifications. The CIPA brand has been around for a while, so my expectation is a decent product, but the “sleeve fitted” design leaves room for concern about fit and vibration.
For years, I’ve struggled with the blind spots created by my travel trailer when hitched to my ’04 Ford F-250 Super Duty. I needed a solution that wouldn’t involve replacing my factory mirrors, which I actually like, but would give me a wider view for safer towing. I needed something easy to install and remove since I don’t tow every day.
Upon receiving the CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty, I was immediately struck by the molded ABS plastic construction. The plastic feels sturdy enough, and the mirror glass appears to be of reasonable quality. Compared to cheaper universal towing mirrors I’ve seen, these seem to be a step up in terms of material and design, although I was hoping for a more substantial feel.
I considered more expensive, fully replacing towing mirrors from brands like Boost Auto Parts, but the price was a significant factor, and I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of wiring and installation. I also looked at some strap-on universal towing mirrors, but they looked flimsy and prone to vibration. These CIPA mirrors seemed to offer a good balance of affordability and ease of use.
My initial impression is cautiously optimistic; the design seems clever, and the materials appear adequate. I am curious to see how well they fit and whether they live up to the claim of “no annoying vibration.”
Real-World Testing: Putting CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty was during a weekend camping trip with my travel trailer. I installed the mirrors at my house, which took less than five minutes per side, and then hit the road. The drive included a mix of highway and winding country roads.
Initially, the mirrors were a huge improvement in visibility compared to my stock mirrors alone. I could see clearly down the sides of my trailer and monitor traffic in adjacent lanes more easily. However, I quickly noticed some vibration in the mirror glass, especially at highway speeds, which made it a little difficult to get a perfectly clear image.
The installation was straightforward, as advertised, and the mirrors felt secure on my factory mirrors. There were no unexpected issues during my initial use, but the vibration was a bit of a letdown.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty for several months, towing my travel trailer on multiple trips, I have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. The mirrors have held up well to regular use, and there are no signs of cracking or fading in the plastic. The mirror glass has remained scratch-free.
The vibration issue, however, has persisted. While not unbearable, it’s definitely noticeable, especially on rough roads or at higher speeds. I’ve tried tightening the installation knobs, but it only helps marginally. Cleaning is easy, requiring just a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth.
Compared to my previous experiences with strap-on mirrors, these CIPA mirrors are significantly more stable and offer a much better field of view. They are much more convenient to install and remove than fully replacing towing mirrors, and they are more affordable. They outperform cheaper alternatives, but they don’t quite reach the stability and clarity of more expensive, dedicated towing mirror systems.
Breaking Down the Features of CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty
Specifications
The CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty is designed as an add-on mirror that fits over existing factory side mirrors. It is specifically designed for 1997-2008 Ford F250/F350 Super Duty trucks and 2000-2008 Ford Excursions with standard mirrors. The kit includes a driver-side mirror, a passenger-side mirror, two installation knobs, two universal installation wedges, and two felt strips.
The mirrors are constructed from durable ABS plastic, known for its strength and rigidity, and feature scratch-resistant glass. The installation wedges are made from polypropylene plastic. The design promises a custom fit that eliminates vibration and obstructs the existing mirror as little as possible.
The specifications matter because the custom fit ensures proper alignment and minimizes vibration, while the materials used determine the mirrors’ durability and resistance to the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty performs its primary job of extending towing vision reasonably well. The added visibility significantly reduces blind spots, making it easier and safer to change lanes, merge, and back up a trailer. The adjustable outboard mirror allows for fine-tuning the field of view.
The main weakness is the vibration, which can make it difficult to see fine details in the mirror image. Another minor issue is that the mirrors do add some bulk to the factory mirrors, which can be a problem in tight spaces.
Overall, the CIPA mirrors meet expectations for an affordable, easy-to-install towing mirror solution. They offer a significant improvement in visibility compared to stock mirrors alone, but they are not perfect.
Design & Ergonomics
The CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty features a sleek, custom design that complements the existing mirror. The black ABS plastic blends in well with the factory mirrors on my Ford Super Duty. The mirrors are relatively lightweight, which helps to minimize vibration.
The installation process is very user-friendly, requiring no tools. The sleeve-fitted design slides snugly over the existing mirror, and the installation knobs secure it in place. There is a slight learning curve to finding the optimal position for the installation wedges, but it’s a simple process overall.
Durability & Maintenance
The CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty appears to be reasonably durable. The ABS plastic construction is resistant to impacts and weathering. The scratch-resistant glass should hold up well over time.
Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe the mirrors clean with a damp cloth as needed. There are no user-serviceable parts, but the mirrors should last for several years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty doesn’t offer many customization options. The mirrors are designed to fit specific truck models and mirror styles, so there is no adjustability in terms of fit.
No accessories come with the product beyond what is needed for installation, like felt strips to protect the factory mirror. The CIPA mirrors are not compatible with aftermarket mirror accessories like integrated turn signals or spotlights.
Pros and Cons of CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty
Pros
- Easy installation: No tools required, making it quick and hassle-free.
- Custom fit: Designed specifically for 1997-2008 Ford Super Duty and 2000-2008 Ford Excursion models.
- Improved visibility: Significantly reduces blind spots when towing.
- Affordable price: Offers a good value for the money compared to more expensive options.
- Durable construction: Made from ABS plastic and scratch-resistant glass.
Cons
- Vibration: Noticeable vibration in the mirror glass at highway speeds.
- Added bulk: Increases the overall size of the side mirrors.
Who Should Buy CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty?
The CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty is perfect for Ford Super Duty and Excursion owners who occasionally tow trailers and need improved visibility without a permanent or expensive solution. It’s a good choice for RVers, boat owners, and anyone who frequently hauls loads that obstruct their rear view. Casual campers will also benefit from added visibility.
Those who prioritize crystal-clear, vibration-free vision at all speeds should skip this product and invest in a higher-end towing mirror system. Also, if you’re frequently driving on very rough roads, the vibration may become too bothersome.
Must-have accessories or modifications for these mirrors aren’t really applicable, but ensuring the factory mirrors are clean before installing will provide a better fit.
Conclusion on CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty
The CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty offers a practical and affordable solution for improving towing visibility on Ford Super Duty trucks and Excursions. While the vibration issue is a drawback, the easy installation, custom fit, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for occasional towers. The price is certainly justified given the increased safety and convenience they provide.
I would personally recommend these mirrors to anyone looking for a temporary towing mirror solution that doesn’t break the bank. They’re not perfect, but they get the job done. If you’re looking to improve your towing experience, give the CIPA USA 11900 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford Super Duty a try!