jack brackets block view

[HiCap]

I have a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton 4x4 with a 2010 Hawk. On the drivers side the jack brackets block part of my side mirror view. I removed the bracket to improve my visibility for safety. I noticed that my camper was positioned close to drivers side. I have put jacks back on camper and in process of moving camper over as far a possible to passenger side of truck. This should improve my drivers side mirror vision. And since the most weight of camper is on drivers side, will improve weight distribution. (a small amount I know) I don't want to change my stock mirrors and hope this will improve my drivers side vision so I can keep jack bracket on truck.

Has anyone else had this problem and what did you do to solve it?

 

[pods8]

The larger tow mirrors offered in the 3/4T+ chassis by most manufacturers improve visibility ALOT. Often you can swap them on or buy something aftermarket. Something to look into.

 

[rotti]

I have pretty much the same set up as you only with the camper mirror option which I think is pretty much a must. It has the integrated wide angle mirror and I find no need to extend the head out at all, even with the jacks on.

I think your only solution is to upgrade your mirrors or get one of the temporary add on systems:
http://www.autoanything.com/mirrors/61A2980A0A0.aspx
Factory towing mirror:
http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Towing-Mirrors/K-Source/KS62093-94G.html?feed=npn&gclid=CJ6RuvS3k7cCFfFcMgodpSYA8g

 

[pods8]

Also don't forget junkyards/ebay for sourcing used towing mirrors.

 

[HiCap]

Thanks for the suggestions. I moved the camper from drivers side to passenger side. Moved it at most 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches, but it gives me good visibility on drivers side mirror. On my next trip I will know for sure if this solved my problem. The mirrors do look like you would have better visibility on 3/4 ton.

 

[Bdold]

I recently purchased a mirror on partsgeek.com. brand new for 75.ish?. Seemed reasonable to me. Some junk dealers charge more for used parts.
BD

 

[DavidO]

I have a 2002 2500K the body is the same as the 1/2 ton model. I replaced both of my mirrors. Got mine at Amazon about $85 each they just plug right in and have power for direction and are heated. Simple to change out 3, 10mm(maybe 11mm) nuts a deep socket works best. To get to the nuts remove the trim on the inside of the door, just the small triangular one on the other side of mirror. Start at the top and pull out there are two clips undo the top one first. Under that will be a piece of foam with the nuts and plug underneath. It take about 15 minutes to change out both. The mirrors I got are called Kool-Vue GM74EL Exterior Mirror.

 

[rotti]

Welcome DavidO.

Nice find/price on those mirrors. I would do that swap in a heart beat if I had the standard mirrors.
Nice truck and I see what looks like a new FWC in the background?

 

[HiCap]

I have a 2002 2500K the body is the same as the 1/2 ton model. I replaced both of my mirrors. Got mine at Amazon about $85 each they just plug right in and have power for direction and are heated. Simple to change out 3, 10mm(maybe 11mm) nuts a deep socket works best. To get to the nuts remove the trim on the inside of the door, just the small triangular one on the other side of mirror. Start at the top and pull out there are two clips undo the top one first. Under that will be a piece of foam with the nuts and plug underneath. It take about 15 minutes to change out both. The mirrors I got are called Kool-Vue GM74EL Exterior Mirror.
View attachment 16459


Since moving my camper to passenger side of bed as far as possible, my drivers side mirror view is improved. After next trip if I am not happy with mirrors will look into replacing them. Like the looks of your Kool-Vue mirror, has good price/reviews online.

 

[ntsqd]

Don't know about other brands, but the brackets on our Phoenix are a 'T' shaped section and are placed so that one of the "branches" sticks out from the camper to the left or right while the other branch and the leg wrap around a corner of the camper. I have given some thought to removing them and replacing them such that the "branch in the wind" is oriented fore or aft. Mostly to eliminate the turbulence that those 'flaps' generate (I doubt that I'd notice a difference in mileage, but I'd feel better about it), but also to remove the small visual obstruction that they present.

 

[pods8]

Don't know about other brands, but the brackets on our Phoenix are a 'T' shaped section and are placed so that one of the "branches" sticks out from the camper to the left or right while the other branch and the leg wrap around a corner of the camper. I have given some thought to removing them and replacing them such that the "branch in the wind" is oriented fore or aft. Mostly to eliminate the turbulence that those 'flaps' generate (I doubt that I'd notice a difference in mileage, but I'd feel better about it), but also to remove the small visual obstruction that they present.


Factor in jack attachment in your thought process. You'll likely need some stand off brackets custom bent like an "L" to keep the jacks clear of the fenders still, or maybe not. Just make sure you factor that in before changing things.

 

[ntsqd]

I've already had to make a set of spacer plates for the front jacks. Bolting on some of the heavy angle steel (1.25 x 1.25 x ~.25) laying in the remnant steel pile wouldn't be that big of a project. I had first thought to bend the plates, but my second mental iteration came up with using the heavy angle as that works at all 4 corners rather than just two of them.