Making Towing Safer, Easier, and More Practical for Full-Time Travel
- exploreoz
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Updated: May 5
When you’re travelling full-time, it’s often the smaller upgrades that make the biggest difference day-to-day. In this case, the MSA Power Fold Mirrors have truly transformed our experience.
After a year on the road with our D-Max towing our Goldstream RV caravan, we realised something important: clip-on mirrors weren’t going to cut it long-term. Sure, they worked and kept us legal, but they didn’t suit our travel style.
So, it was time for an upgrade.
Why We Moved Away from Clip-On Mirrors
Clip-on mirrors definitely have their place. For many, they are a great starting point. They are simple, effective, and do exactly what they are designed to do, especially for occasional trips or short-term towing. However, as we ventured further into our full-time journey, we needed something more robust.
The Limitations of Clip-On Mirrors
While clip-on mirrors are convenient, they come with limitations. They can be unstable, prone to vibrations, and often require constant adjustment. Over time, we found ourselves frustrated with their performance. We needed a solution that would provide better visibility and stability.
Why We Chose MSA Towing Mirrors
After researching various options, we settled on MSA. For us, it was all about finding the right balance between daily driving and towing performance. The MSA mirrors offered the features we were looking for, and they seemed to be built for the long haul.
Installing the MSA Mirrors
One of the biggest surprises with this upgrade was how straightforward the installation was. These mirrors are designed to be plug-and-play for the D-MAX.
Key Steps in the Installation Process
Remove the door card carefully.
Unplug and remove the factory mirror.
Mount the new MSA mirror using factory points.
Plug in the wiring harness.
Test all functions before reassembly.
Having two people definitely helps, especially when lining everything up. Taking a few extra minutes to test everything before putting the door back together can save a lot of time later.
How the MSA Mirrors Work
One of the standout features of these mirrors is their adaptability. Depending on what you’re towing and how you’re using the car day-to-day, they can be adjusted accordingly.
Key Mirror Positions
Fully retracted for everyday driving and tight spaces.
Standard position for normal driving when not towing.
Extended position for smaller trailers or hybrid setups.
Full towing position for larger caravans.
These different positions mean you’re not stuck with oversized mirrors all the time. You can adjust them to suit exactly what you’re doing.
Why Towing Mirrors Matter
Towing mirrors aren’t just about convenience; they’re about safety. When you’re covering long distances and towing regularly, visibility becomes crucial.
Key Benefits of Proper Towing Mirrors
Clear visibility down the full length of your caravan.
Better awareness of surrounding traffic.
Safer lane changes and overtaking.
Increased confidence behind the wheel.
It’s an upgrade you don’t fully appreciate until you’ve experienced the difference.
First Impressions
After installing and using the MSA Power Fold Mirrors on the road, they have already made a noticeable difference to how the D-MAX feels when towing.
What We Like
Clean look that suits the vehicle.
Easy adjustability depending on the setup.
No more dealing with clip-on mirrors.
Solid and well-built design.
What to Consider
Larger than factory mirrors.
Designed as a balance between daily driving and towing.
For our setup, they strike a really good balance between practicality and usability.
Part of a Bigger D-MAX Build
This upgrade is just one part of a much bigger build. We’re slowly turning the D-MAX into a touring setup that suits full-time travel.
👉 Read more:
What’s Next?
We’re continuing to build out the D-MAX into a setup that is practical, reliable, and comfortable for long-term travel.
Upcoming Upgrades Will Focus On:
Improving off-grid capability.
Increasing storage and organisation.
Enhancing day-to-day usability.
There’s still plenty more to come.
Follow Our Journey
Watch the D-Max Build Series on YouTube → Build Series Playlist
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