eurohazard
09-17-2006, 07:54 PM
OK, I have an Armada LE. The factory mirrors are power folding, heated, memory, equipped with puddle lights and turn signals, and also feature the auto dim.
But I have a 8' wide travel trailer, and those awesomely luxurious mirrors are not adequate for towing.
I researched the proper OEM accessory mirrors. Nissan part # 999T7-AQ001 gives the chrome, power adjustable upper mirror with memory, heated, and manually extendable.
There was no way I was going to let my extremely UNtrustworthy dealership install these, so I did it myself. It was easy, and very straightforward. The only kink for me was having to buy a 25T Torx driver (~$4.00 from Sears). See my pictures for a few tips to help those looking to do the same.
Impressions after the install:
- The tow mirrors are noisier (wind noise at high speeds). I figured they would be, so it's no surprise.
- I already miss the auto dim! The mirrors have a large surface area, and all lights from behind make their full presence known inside the driver's seat. I will likely tint my front windows to help with the annoying night time glares (but I know there are legal issues with this solution).
- I wish the tow mirrors could be folded back like the originals. Even if it had to be done manually, I wouldn't care.
***EDIT: I am a moron! These big tow mirrors do in fact fold in towards the body manually. They were just so tight when new I didn't want to keep pulling on them in fear of breaking them. But one day I hit a pole ever so gently, and they tucked inward without breaking! lol***
But I have a 8' wide travel trailer, and those awesomely luxurious mirrors are not adequate for towing.
I researched the proper OEM accessory mirrors. Nissan part # 999T7-AQ001 gives the chrome, power adjustable upper mirror with memory, heated, and manually extendable.
There was no way I was going to let my extremely UNtrustworthy dealership install these, so I did it myself. It was easy, and very straightforward. The only kink for me was having to buy a 25T Torx driver (~$4.00 from Sears). See my pictures for a few tips to help those looking to do the same.
Impressions after the install:
- The tow mirrors are noisier (wind noise at high speeds). I figured they would be, so it's no surprise.
- I already miss the auto dim! The mirrors have a large surface area, and all lights from behind make their full presence known inside the driver's seat. I will likely tint my front windows to help with the annoying night time glares (but I know there are legal issues with this solution).
- I wish the tow mirrors could be folded back like the originals. Even if it had to be done manually, I wouldn't care.
***EDIT: I am a moron! These big tow mirrors do in fact fold in towards the body manually. They were just so tight when new I didn't want to keep pulling on them in fear of breaking them. But one day I hit a pole ever so gently, and they tucked inward without breaking! lol***