First Impressions of CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror
The CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror promises to be a simple, no-nonsense solution for those of us who occasionally haul trailers and need that extra visibility. Its universal design suggests it should fit most vehicles, and the promise of reduced vibration is particularly appealing. For under $75, it’s positioned as an affordable alternative to fully integrated towing mirror systems, making it an interesting proposition for weekend warriors and occasional towers.
My truck, a 2018 F-150, has decent stock mirrors, but when towing my 24-foot travel trailer, blind spots become a real concern. I was tired of constantly craning my neck and relying solely on my passenger’s eyesight during lane changes. I needed a cost-effective way to extend my field of view without committing to a permanent mirror replacement.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the design. The CIPA Universal Towing Mirror feels relatively lightweight, constructed primarily of durable black plastic with sturdy fabric straps and robust clamps. The mirror itself is a standard flat glass, measuring 5 inches by 4.5 inches, offering a decent viewing area without being overly bulky. The tightening knob feels solid, suggesting a secure fit.
I considered options from Longview Towing Mirrors and even a full replacement set from Boost Auto Parts, but the CIPA offered the simplest, most easily removable solution for my occasional towing needs. I was hoping for a budget-friendly and effective solution, and my initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see if it lived up to its claims of easy installation and minimal vibration.
Real-World Testing: Putting CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the CIPA Universal Towing Mirror on a weekend camping trip, towing my travel trailer approximately 200 miles on a mix of highway and rural roads. Installation was incredibly straightforward, taking less than five minutes per side. The moveable feet allowed for easy adjustment to the contours of my factory mirrors, and the sturdy clamps provided a secure grip.
The mirror performed admirably in dry conditions, significantly expanding my field of view and making lane changes much safer. However, during a brief rain shower, water beaded on the mirror surface, slightly obscuring the view. Ease of use was excellent; the tightening knobs made adjustments simple, even while on the road.
My initial concern was vibration, but I was pleasantly surprised by how stable the CIPA mirror remained. There was some minor shaking, particularly at higher speeds (above 65 mph), but it was significantly less than I anticipated and didn’t seriously impair visibility.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of intermittent use, the CIPA Universal Towing Mirror continues to perform reliably. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the fabric straps still appear to be in good condition. I did notice some slight fading of the plastic housing after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep the mirror clean. Compared to previous experiences with cheaper, flimsy towing mirrors, the CIPA definitely outperforms in terms of stability and ease of installation.
However, it’s not perfect. The tightening knobs can be a bit stiff to turn, especially in colder weather, and the flat glass mirror doesn’t offer the same wide field of view as a convex mirror. Overall, though, the CIPA has exceeded my expectations as a budget-friendly and effective towing solution.
Breaking Down the Features of CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror
Specifications
The CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror is designed with a universal fit for most vehicles. It features a 5-inch by 4.5-inch flat glass mirror. The mirror extends the driver’s vision by approximately 5 inches.
The mirror is constructed from durable black plastic with fabric straps and sturdy clamps for attachment. The tightening knobs allow for a secure and adjustable fit. No tools are required for installation.
These specifications are important because they highlight the mirror’s ease of use and broad compatibility. The flat glass mirror provides a clear, undistorted reflection, while the sturdy construction ensures stability and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror performs its job effectively by providing an extended field of view, significantly reducing blind spots while towing. Its simple design makes it easy to install and adjust.
The main strength is its simplicity and ease of use. The weakness is the flat glass mirror, which doesn’t offer the same wide field of view as a convex mirror. It meets expectations for occasional towing needs but may not be ideal for frequent or professional use.
Design & Ergonomics
The CIPA features a simple, aerodynamic design. The black plastic construction is lightweight and relatively unobtrusive.
It’s user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The adjustable feet and tightening knobs make it easy to customize the fit to different vehicle mirrors.
Durability & Maintenance
The CIPA Universal Towing Mirror appears to be relatively durable. The fabric straps are resistant to deterioration, and the plastic housing is sturdy enough to withstand normal use.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed. The product is not designed to be easily repaired if damaged, so replacement may be necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as it’s a universal-fit product designed to work with existing factory mirrors.
While not specifically designed for it, some users may choose to add aftermarket convex stick-on mirrors to the CIPA mirror surface for a wider field of view. However, this is not a supported modification.
Pros and Cons of CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror
Pros
- Significantly reduces blind spots while towing.
- Easy to install and remove – no tools required.
- Universal fit design works with most vehicles.
- Affordable price point compared to integrated towing mirrors.
- Sturdy clamps and fabric straps provide a secure fit.
Cons
- Flat glass mirror doesn’t offer the widest field of view.
- Tightening knobs can be stiff to turn, especially in cold weather.
Who Should Buy CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror?
The CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror is perfect for: occasional towers, RV enthusiasts on a budget, and anyone needing temporary extended visibility while hauling trailers, boats, or campers. It’s an ideal solution for those who don’t want to invest in a permanent mirror replacement.
Who should skip this product? Professional truckers, individuals who tow frequently, or those requiring the widest possible field of view. Those users would benefit from integrated, powered towing mirrors with convex glass.
Must-have accessories or modifications? While not essential, consider adding a small convex stick-on mirror to the CIPA mirror surface for enhanced peripheral vision.
Conclusion on CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror
The CIPA USA 11960 Universal Towing Mirror offers a cost-effective and convenient solution for improving visibility while towing. Its ease of installation, universal fit, and reduced vibration make it a worthwhile investment for occasional towers.
The price is certainly justified for the added safety and peace of mind it provides. While it has some limitations, such as the flat glass mirror and stiff tightening knobs, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
I would personally recommend the CIPA Universal Towing Mirror to anyone needing a temporary and affordable towing mirror solution. It’s a simple, effective tool that can make a significant difference in your towing experience. So, if you’re tired of straining your neck and worrying about blind spots, give the CIPA a try – you might be surprised at how much safer and more confident you feel on the road!