Being a single mum means you have to wear the car expert hat sometimes. You might think you don't need certain car accessories (like a towing mirror, for instance), so we put together this article to bring light to that.
A big reason for owning a Land Cruiser in Australia is that you intend to tow something. It can be a work trailer, a fishing boat, or a caravan. The power and reliability of your Land Cruiser make it suitable for towing. However, are you using the right towing mirrors? Shall you change the factory side mirrors with an aftermarket towing mirror unit?
You need to think of these factors carefully before taking your car on an outdoor trip.
Australian law about towing mirrors
According to the Australian Design Rules (ADR) and state road authorities, if the caravan or trailer is wider than your vehicle, you have to fit towing mirrors giving you a clear view of both sides of the trailer to the rear corners.
You should be able to view 20 metres behind you. The view should cover 4 metres out from each side of the car. In most cases, factory mirrors fall short. That is why several Land Cruiser users buy aftermarket towing mirrors. You may face penalties for using non-compliant models. So, check the suitability of a model before buying.
And here’s where the family angle sneaks in—rules are rules, but the bigger story? Peace of mind. When kids are asking, “Are we there yet?” from the back seat, you don’t want your head full of blind-spot worries.
Are the standard car mirrors good for outdoor towing?
The 200 and 300 Series Land Cruisers are equipped with power-adjustable and large side mirrors with features like camera systems and blind spot detection. However, these advanced Land Cruiser towing mirrors might not suffice when it comes to wide trailer towing, like 22-foot vans or off-road campers.
Yes, they look fancy. Yes, they’re clever. But once you hook up something wider than your fridge at home, those mirrors shrink fast. Like trying to watch your child’s soccer game through a crack in the fence—you see bits, not the whole picture.
Reasons why aftermarket towing mirrors are better?
The aftermarket towing mirrors offer extended reach, offering a broader field of view. The models can pivot or slide outwards while towing and retract when not in use. It is useful in various scenarios, including congested city roads.
These mirrors offer better visibility with dual mirror sections. There is a large flat mirror for regular rear view, and you also get a convex mirror to improve lane monitoring and reduce blind spots. The aftermarket towing mirrors ensure legal compliance, along with offering custom fits for Land Cruisers for the 70, 200, and 300 series.
But here’s the hidden bonus: confidence. Because towing isn’t just mechanics—it’s nerves. You relax when you see more. And when you relax, the drive stops feeling like a battle and starts feeling manageable.
Types of aftermarket towing mirrors for Land Cruisers
Here are the common options for aftermarket towing mirrors:
- Permanent replacement mirrors are popular with tourers and regular towers. These mirrors are sleek and integrated and instantly ready. However, these mirrors need time to install and are expensive as well.
- Custom mount extendable mirrors are particularly made for the 70/79 series, improving everyday driving and towing. These mirrors are heavy but off-road friendly and more rugged.
- Clip-on mirror models are removable and affordable. You can attach these to the existing mirrors. These mirrors are easy to fit but have limited visibility and are not ADR compliant. They are a good choice for infrequent towers.
Permanent looks good, sure. Extendables are tough. Clip-ons? Cheap lifesavers. Don’t discount them—sometimes “good enough” is exactly what you need for that one-time trip to IKEA or a quick move across town.
Everyday Family Uses for Towing Mirrors
Not every tow is a big adventure. Sometimes it’s just everyday life. The extra soccer gear. The move into a new rental. A second-hand couch you couldn’t say no to. Mirrors aren’t glamorous here, but they’re the quiet helper. Less “oh no” when you change lanes.
Building Confidence as a First-Time Tower
First-time towers know this feeling—the sweaty palms, the over-checking, the doubt. Add kids in the back asking for snacks? Double stress. Aftermarket mirrors don’t make you a pro overnight, but they lower the noise in your head. They make the trailer feel less like a mystery tail and more like part of your car.
Budget-Friendly Solutions
Big spend isn’t always possible. And honestly? It’s not always needed.
- Clip-ons → for the “I just need it once” moments.
- Hire → because not everything needs to be bought.
- Second-hand → plenty of families upgrade, leaving bargains behind.
Cheap can still be safe. Safe is the point.
Safety on Family Trips
Road trip. Car stacked with snacks, kids bickering about who gets the window seat. Trailer hitched. The highway ahead. The right mirrors mean one less worry. You see more, you stress less.
Teaching Kids by Example
Strange thing happens when you tow confidently—your kids watch. They see you problem-solve. They see you manage. They file it away. Independence isn’t always taught with lectures; sometimes it’s taught with towing mirrors.
Summing it up
Measure the trailer carefully. In case the trailer is wider than the car, there is a definite need for an aftermarket towing mirror. It is not only important for legal compliance, but also for the driver’s comfort and safety. Check out websites like Brixton4x4.com.au to find some suitable Land Cruiser towing mirror models.
And remember: this isn’t just “car talk.” It’s about life being smoother. Less stress on the road. More freedom to move things, to travel, to go without calling for backup. The right mirror is a small tool—but for families, it’s a quiet kind of power.
