For anyone who’s ever hitched up a trailer, camper, or boat, the universal struggle with rearward visibility is all too familiar. I remember countless trips where my stock truck mirrors offered little more than a frustrating view of my trailer’s side, leaving me guessing about traffic in adjacent lanes. This lack of clear sight lines not only made highway driving stressful but also posed significant safety risks, particularly during lane changes or backing up. Having a reliable solution like the Fit System 81850 Snap and Zap Tow Mirror Pair would have greatly alleviated these concerns from day one, transforming a white-knuckle experience into a far more confident journey.
Key Considerations Before Acquiring Towing Mirrors
When you’re contemplating the purchase of any accessory for your towing setup, especially something as critical as extended mirrors, it’s vital to assess your needs thoroughly. Towing mirrors are not just a convenience; they are a fundamental safety component that dramatically improves your ability to see around the significant blind spots created by a wide trailer. This enhanced visibility is crucial for safe lane changes, merging onto highways, and precise maneuvering in tight spaces or when backing up. Without them, you’re essentially driving blind for large sections of the road.
The ideal customer for tow mirrors, particularly a specialized pair like the Fit System 81850, is someone who frequently tows a wide trailer with a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 and seeks a reliable, easy-to-install, and temporary solution. These mirrors are perfect for those who don’t want to permanently alter their vehicle’s aesthetics with bulky, always-on tow mirrors, or invest in costly factory replacements. On the other hand, someone who rarely tows, or perhaps tows only very narrow loads, might find a simpler, less robust solution sufficient. Similarly, if you own a truck outside the specified model years, these specific mirrors won’t fit, and you’d need to seek a different vehicle-specific option. Before buying, consider the type and frequency of your towing, your budget, ease of installation and removal, and the specific fitment for your vehicle.
Introducing the Fit System 81850 Tow Mirror Pair
The Fit System 81850 Snap and Zap Tow Mirror Pair is a straightforward yet highly effective solution designed to extend the field of vision for owners of 2015-2020 Ford F-150 trucks. Essentially, these are custom-molded, clip-on mirror extensions that promise to provide the crucial extra width needed to safely see around your towed load, without the hassle and expense of a full mirror replacement. Each purchase includes both driver and passenger side mirror extensions, ensuring a complete solution right out of the box. Unlike permanent OEM tow mirrors or universal strap-on options, these are specifically engineered to snap securely over your existing factory mirrors, offering a surprisingly integrated look. While market leaders might offer full replacement tow mirrors with integrated features, the Fit System 81850 stands out for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and vehicle-specific design. It’s truly for the F-150 owner who values ease of use and temporary, yet robust, functionality over a permanent, often expensive, overhaul.
Pros:
* Effortless Installation: Simply clips on in seconds.
* Vehicle-Specific Fit: Designed precisely for 2015-2020 Ford F-150 factory mirrors, ensuring a snug and secure attachment.
* Cost-Effective: A fraction of the price of full replacement tow mirrors.
* Maintains OE Mirror Functionality: Does not obstruct original mirror glass, turn signals, or puddle lamps.
* Mirrors Fold with Extensions On: Convenient for parking or tight spaces without removal.
Cons:
* Vibration: Can experience noticeable vibration, especially on rough roads or with certain truck suspensions.
* Fragile Glass: The mirror glass itself can be quite fragile, requiring careful handling, particularly during storage.
* Passenger Side View: The flat glass on the passenger side may not provide as comprehensive a view as a convex mirror for seeing the full length of a long trailer.
* Storage Solution: The provided storage bag is a single unit, and some users might prefer separate bags or more robust protection for the mirrors.
Deep Dive into Features & Their Advantages
Precision Engineering for Vehicle-Specific Fit (2015-2020 Ford F-150)
One of the standout attributes of the Fit System 81850 Snap and Zap Tow Mirror Pair is its unwavering commitment to a vehicle-specific fit. These aren’t generic, one-size-fits-all attachments; they are meticulously designed to perfectly match the contours of the factory mirrors on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 trucks. This precision is immediately evident upon installation. The extensions don’t wobble or feel loose; instead, they sit snugly against the existing mirror housing, almost appearing as a natural extension of the original equipment. This exact fit is paramount for both performance and aesthetics. In terms of performance, it minimizes wind noise and potential vibration, while also ensuring the mirrors remain securely attached even at highway speeds. From an aesthetic perspective, the color and material finish are a perfect match for the OEM mirrors, making them nearly indistinguishable from factory-installed tow mirrors unless examined closely. This seamless integration not only looks professional but also instills confidence that the mirrors are a stable and reliable addition to your truck.
Effortless Clip-on Installation
The term “Snap and Zap” truly encapsulates the installation process for these mirror extensions. Unlike full replacement tow mirrors that often require wiring, complex panel removal, and significant time investment, installing the Fit System 81850 pair is astonishingly simple and requires no tools whatsoever. You literally unbox them, align them with your truck’s factory mirrors, and snap them into place. This process takes mere seconds for each side, making them incredibly convenient for spontaneous towing trips or for drivers who only need extended mirrors occasionally. The benefit here is immense: no fuss, no specialized knowledge needed, and no permanent modifications to your vehicle. This ease of installation also translates directly into ease of removal, allowing you to quickly detach them when not towing, preserving your truck’s everyday profile and potentially reducing wear and tear.
Molded to Complement Factory Mirrors
Beyond just fitting the shape, the Fit System 81850 mirrors are expertly molded to sit flush with your existing factory mirrors. This isn’t just about appearance; it’s a critical design element that contributes to their stability and functionality. The precise molding ensures there are no large gaps or awkward protrusions, which could otherwise create excessive wind resistance or noise. More importantly, this snug fit ensures that the extension acts as an integrated unit with your original mirror, providing a stable platform for the extended glass. This thoughtful design means that the mirrors don’t just “attach”; they become a cohesive part of your vehicle’s side mirrors, offering a more stable view and a much cleaner look than many universal strap-on alternatives.
Non-Interfering Extension and Flat Glass Design
A key design principle of the Fit System 81850 is its ability to extend your field of view without impeding the functionality of your existing factory mirror. This means that the extension does not block or interfere with the original mirror glass, nor does it obscure crucial features like integrated turn signals, side-mounted LED spotlights, or puddle lamps. This is a significant benefit because it means you retain all the utility of your original mirrors while gaining the additional visibility. The extended mirrors provide a flat glass surface, which offers a true, undistorted representation of objects. While some users might prefer a slightly convex mirror on the passenger side for a wider field of view, the flat glass design on both sides ensures accuracy and consistent perspective. For the driver’s side, this flat extension is particularly effective, allowing for an unobstructed view down the side of the trailer and visibility of tires, which is invaluable for safety checks and maneuvering.
Convenient Foldable Functionality with Extensions Attached
One of the subtle yet highly practical features of these tow mirrors is their ability to allow your truck’s factory mirrors to fold in, even with the extensions attached. This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s a huge convenience for anyone who navigates tight parking spots, narrow driveways, or automatic car washes. With many other temporary towing mirror solutions, you’re forced to remove the extensions every time you need to fold in your mirrors, which can be a significant hassle. The Fit System 81850 eliminates this step, saving you time and effort and making the mirrors feel even more like a seamless, integrated part of your truck. This feature underscores the thoughtful design that prioritizes user convenience and practicality.
Enhanced Visibility for Safer Towing
Ultimately, the core purpose of these mirror extensions is to dramatically improve your rear and side visibility while towing, and in this regard, they largely succeed. The added width provided by the extensions allows you to see down the full length of your trailer, monitor traffic in adjacent lanes that would otherwise be in a blind spot, and even keep an eye on your trailer’s tires. This expanded field of vision significantly reduces the stress associated with towing on highways, during lane changes, or when maneuvering in campgrounds and parking lots. While the flat glass on the passenger side might require a bit of getting used to for some, the overall improvement in safety and confidence is undeniable. For many, the ability to clearly see vehicles tailgating or in the next lane transforms the towing experience from anxiety-inducing to much more relaxed and controlled.
Durability and Build Quality (with a note on fragility)
Constructed from robust materials, the main body of the Fit System 81850 Snap and Zap Tow Mirror Pair feels well-made and durable. The secure clip-on mechanism holds firmly, and users report confidence that these extensions will not come loose or fall off during driving. The color and texture matching the F-150’s factory mirrors speak to a high level of manufacturing quality. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge a consistent point raised in user experiences: the mirror glass itself can be quite fragile. Several users have reported instances of the glass cracking or breaking with relatively minor impacts or during storage if not properly protected. This indicates that while the overall construction is solid, the glass components require careful handling. This is a minor disadvantage in an otherwise well-constructed product, and awareness of this fragility can help users prevent damage by storing them with added padding or in a more protected manner.
Exceptional Value Proposition
Compared to the cost of purchasing and installing full factory replacement tow mirrors, the Fit System 81850 offers an outstanding value. For a fraction of the price, you gain nearly all the essential visibility benefits without the permanent alteration or the labor-intensive installation. This makes them an incredibly attractive option for anyone who tows occasionally or seasonally, or for those simply looking for an affordable yet effective upgrade to their towing setup. The balance between cost, ease of use, and practical functionality positions these mirrors as a smart investment for F-150 owners.
Testimonials from Verified Users
Having sifted through numerous online reviews, it’s clear that the general sentiment towards the Fit System 81850 Snap and Zap Tow Mirror Pair is overwhelmingly positive. Users consistently praise their perfect fit on 2015-2020 Ford F-150s, highlighting how seamlessly they integrate with the factory mirrors and often appear OEM. Many marvel at the effortless clip-on installation, noting that it takes mere seconds. The improved visibility, especially on the driver’s side, is a recurring theme, with many reporting a significant reduction in towing stress. While some mention minor vibration, particularly on rougher roads or with certain truck setups, most find it manageable and not an impediment to visibility. The ability to fold the truck mirrors with the extensions still attached is also a frequently appreciated convenience.
Concluding Thoughts and Recommendation
The inherent challenge of towing wide loads, primarily the severely restricted rearward visibility, remains a significant safety concern for many truck owners. This issue, if left unaddressed, can lead to dangerous blind spots, increased stress during highway driving, and a heightened risk of accidents during lane changes or reversing. The Fit System 81850 Snap and Zap Tow Mirror Pair offers an excellent and practical solution to this persistent problem. Its vehicle-specific fit for 2015-2020 Ford F-150s ensures a secure and aesthetically pleasing integration, while the tool-free, snap-on installation means you can get them ready for your journey in moments. Furthermore, their design, which allows the factory mirrors to fold in without removing the extensions, adds a layer of convenience that sets them apart. For an affordable, effective, and user-friendly enhancement to your towing experience, these tow mirrors are an outstanding choice. To check them out and make your next towing trip safer and more relaxed, click here.