First Impressions of CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror
The CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror promises to be a simple, effective, and economical solution for expanding your field of vision while towing. It’s designed to attach to existing truck and van mirrors, offering a reported 7-inch extension without obstructing the factory mirror’s view. The universal fit and tool-free installation claim make it appealing, particularly for temporary or light towing needs.
I’ve always been wary of towing anything significant due to the limited visibility with standard mirrors. I needed an affordable, temporary solution to safely tow a small utility trailer for weekend landscaping projects. I wanted something that didn’t require permanent modifications to my truck, and the CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror seemed to fit the bill.
Upon receiving the mirror, I was immediately struck by its seemingly straightforward design. The rubber straps felt robust enough, and the adjustable arms appeared capable of providing a snug fit. The build quality seemed adequate for its intended purpose, though the plastic housing felt a bit lightweight.
Compared to some universal suction-cup mirrors or more permanent bolt-on solutions, the CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror stood out due to its balance of affordability and ease of installation. I chose this over suction cup options because I distrust suction cups holding anything of value, and against full replacements due to cost. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see if it could deliver on its promises of extended visibility and vibration-free performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror while towing a small utility trailer loaded with mulch for a weekend landscaping project. The mirror was installed on my truck’s driver’s side mirror in under a minute. The initial drive was on paved roads with moderate traffic.
Visibility was immediately improved; I could see much further down the side of the trailer, which significantly reduced blind spots. However, the mirror vibrated noticeably, especially at highway speeds, making it difficult to get a crystal-clear view. Despite the vibration, it was still an improvement over the factory mirror alone.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the CIPA USA mirror has held up adequately, though the vibrations remain a persistent issue. There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear on the mirror itself or the rubber straps. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to previous experiences towing without any additional mirrors, the CIPA USA 11950 offers a marked improvement in overall safety and awareness. However, the vibration issues are a constant reminder of its limitations. It outperforms towing without it, but falls short of the stability I would expect from a more robust, permanent towing mirror solution.
Breaking Down the Features of CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror
Specifications
The CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror is designed as a universal fit clip-on mirror for trucks and vans. It uses rubber straps to secure to existing mirrors. It provides an extension of up to 7 inches from the factory mirror.
The mirror face measures 5 by 7.5 inches, and it’s designed to fit factory mirrors up to 10 inches in size. No tools are required for installation, making it convenient for temporary use.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the CIPA USA 11950 is to extend the driver’s field of vision while towing. It performs this task adequately, providing a wider view that minimizes blind spots. However, the mirror’s vibration at higher speeds detracts from its overall effectiveness.
The main strength is its ease of installation and universal fit, while its weakness is the vibration issue that limits visibility at higher speeds. It meets basic expectations for temporary towing needs, but it doesn’t exceed them due to its stability issues.
Design & Ergonomics
The CIPA USA 11950 features a straightforward, utilitarian design. The build quality is decent, though the plastic housing feels somewhat lightweight. The rubber straps are robust and provide a secure fit, but the adjustable arms could benefit from a more refined locking mechanism to minimize vibration.
It’s relatively user-friendly, with no significant learning curve involved in installation or adjustment. The clamp-on design makes it easy to attach and remove as needed.
Durability & Maintenance
The mirror appears to be reasonably durable for its price point. Regular cleaning with a mild soap and water solution should keep it in good condition for an extended period. The rubber straps may eventually degrade with prolonged exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures, but replacements should be readily available.
Maintaining the CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror is simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth will keep the mirror surface clear and free of debris. Inspecting the rubber straps periodically for any signs of wear or cracking is also recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for this model. It is designed as a standalone, universal-fit solution.
Pros and Cons of CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror
Pros
- Easy and quick tool-free installation using rubber straps.
- Provides a noticeable increase in visibility and reduces blind spots.
- Universal fit design works with a wide range of truck and van mirrors.
- Affordable price point compared to full replacement towing mirrors.
- Extends your towing vision up to 7″.
Cons
- Vibrates noticeably at highway speeds, reducing image clarity.
- Plastic housing feels somewhat lightweight and potentially less durable.
- Not recommended as a full-time heavy-duty towing solution by the CIPA USA.
Who Should Buy CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror?
The CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror is perfect for individuals who need a temporary and affordable solution for light to moderate towing. It’s ideal for occasional use when towing small trailers, boats, or campers. Weekend warriors who want to safely tow landscaping materials or recreational equipment will find this product suitable.
Those who require a more stable and permanent towing mirror solution for frequent heavy-duty towing should skip this product. Professional drivers or those who tow large trailers or RVs regularly should invest in a more robust, dedicated towing mirror system. A must-have modification would be vibration dampening material placed in-between the mirror and the housing to try and mitigate some of the vibration issues.
Conclusion on CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror
The CIPA USA 11950 Clip On Towing Mirror offers a decent value proposition for those seeking an inexpensive and easy-to-install towing mirror solution. While it effectively expands visibility and reduces blind spots, the vibration issues at higher speeds are a significant drawback. The price is justified for its convenience and temporary use capabilities.
I would recommend it to individuals with light towing needs who understand its limitations. For occasional towing tasks, it’s a worthwhile investment for improved safety. Consider investing in more robust option if you will be towing more frequently.