MSA 4x4 Towing Mirror: 4x4 product test

After fitting an AMVE aluminium canopy to our long-term test Ford Ranger, we knew the standard mirrors were no longer going to cut it. Sure, the canopy isn’t super wide, but it’s wide enough that the view to the rear was partially blocked when using the OE mirrors.

While there are plenty of towing mirrors on the market, we didn’t really want a set that stuck out like Dumbo’s ears, so we considered ourselves quite fortunate that MSA 4X4 had just developed its new ADR-compliant Towing Mirror range, and was keen for us try them on the Ranger.

The beauty of the MSA 4X4 Towing Mirrors is, when retracted, they look pretty much like OE mirrors, and even in their retracted state they offer a wide viewing angle. For the ideal view around wide trays, canopies and trailers, the mirrors have four positions: retracted with the mirrors in a vertical position; retracted with the mirrors in a horizontal position; extended with the mirrors in a vertical position; and extended with the mirrors in a horizontal position.

4

When driving on the road, we found setting the mirrors in their extended vertical position was ideal for seeing around the canopy. If towing a van or other large trailer, you would then flick the mirrors down into their extended horizontal position.

For tight off-road tracks or for when parking in tight spots, it’s little effort to simply push the mirrors back into their retracted vertical position.

On our trip to Tassie, the MSA 4X4 Towing Mirrors copped a beating, particularly on tight tracks such as the run to Montezuma Falls, as well as through some scrubby country in the Wellington Range.

Despite the knocks, the mirrors stayed in their set position and suffered no more damage than you’d expect of OE mirrors – just some minor bush pinstripes.

4

The mirrors feature a heavy-duty extension slide that’s been thoroughly tested for strength and durability, and the vehicle’s remote mirror adjustment is retained. In fact, on vehicles fitted with heated mirrors and positioning/indicator lights, these features are also retained on the MSA 4X4 Towing Mirrors.

The MSA 4X4 Towing Mirror range is expanding all the time and currently covers vehicles including Ford Ranger and Everest, Holden Colorado, Nissan Patrol (Y62), and Toyota Prado, Hilux and Land Cruiser (70 and 200), and they are available in black or chrome finishes. We obviously opted for black on our black-on-black Ranger.

The benefit of towing mirrors when your vehicle sports a wide tray or canopy – or when towing – is obvious, but the fact you can now have towing mirrors that don’t look like towing mirrors is priceless.

4

RATED
Available from: msa4x4.com.au
RRP: $845
We Say: Tough, versatile towing mirrors that don’t look like towing mirrors.