Anyone looking to upgrade their pickup truck often seeks a blend of utility and aesthetics, with tow mirrors providing a prime example of just such a dual-purpose enhancement. Indeed, to our eye, the Chevy Silverado 1500 looks far better when equipped with a set of upgraded tow mirrors. These specialized mirrors are similar to those found on the Silverado HD, and would work with the pre- and post-refresh fourth-generation LD model.
Obviously, one of the key benefits of tow mirrors is enhanced visibility. Tow mirrors extend farther from the truck’s body, offering the driver a wider field of view. This expanded perspective allows drivers to see around larger loads, reducing blind spots and making maneuvers like lane changes and turns significantly safer. To that end, many tow mirrors, including those available for the Chevy Silverado 1500, feature a dual-glass design. The upper section provides a traditional rear view, while the lower convex section offers a broader perspective, critical for monitoring blind spots and nearby vehicles.
These mirrors can also come with integrated features, such as turn signals, lights, and heating elements. These additions improve communication with other drivers, maintain visibility during adverse weather conditions, and add a modern, high-tech feel. For Silverado 1500 owners who frequently tow trailers or other large loads, these benefits make tow mirrors an essential upgrade.
Functionality aside, tow mirrors add a significant visual impact to the truck in question. For example, the chunky, three-tier design of the mirrors on the Silverado HD give the rig a rugged, more-capable appearance, with the vertical orientation contrasting with standard horizontal mirrors, making the vehicle look even taller as a result. To note, the tow mirrors featured on the pre-refresh Silverado seen in these images are also available on the refreshed Silverado 1500 (2022.5+ model year).
Standard mirrors on left, tow mirrors on right
Tow mirrors for the Chevy Silverado 1500 vary in cost depending on trim level and optional packages selected. While some trims offer the mirrors for a few hundred dollars, while others bundle them within packages costing several thousand dollars, as GM Authority covered previously.
While we think it’s a worthwhile upgrade, especially for those owners that frequently use their rig to tow, we want to know – do you think that the Chevy Silverado 1500 looks better with tow mirrors? Voice your opinion by voting in the poll below!
Comments
Functionally, my brain tells me they’re better for safety and whatnot, but, like the Dodge version, I just cannot unsee the “hands up, don’t shoot” scenario with how they look.
The Silverado 1500 doesn’t look half bad with the tow mirrors
I could live with the “elephant ears” mirrors on a 3/4 ton truck, but they just plane look ridiculous and out of place on a half ton. GM has tried to cram too much crap into those mirrors. I’ve pulled just about every kind of trailer in the last 50 years, the standard mirrors are sufficient for most trailers that can safely be towed with a half ton. If you need those mirrors to tow your trailer, you probably need 3/4 or one ton truck.
Huh? This statement tells me you don’t tow much, not to mention the whole comment about looks… The whole point of tow mirrors is so you can see down the sides of the trailer. Most trailers are at the maximum 8’6″ wide (so 102″), a Silverado for example with the standard mirrors out is 96″. Standard mirrors don’t let you see the sides which is no bueno when towing say a 20′ pipe trailer, it is even worse with taller and larger loads like boats and box trailers and trying to place it where you can’t see. It is the width that denotes towing mirrors being more effective, not the weight. For example, trying to get the said pipe trailer in a just over 9ft spot without tow mirrors and protrusions sticking out to avoid is harder alone not being able to see down the sides, but using a truck with tow mirrors is much easier to see and place.
I hate these mirrors. I have a 2024 Silverado 2500HD and I tow a lot but in town and at intersections the mirrors block my view of other vehicles. And they stick out so far I was clipped by another 2500 with the same mirrors in the next lane.
I wonder how they affect cabin wind and noise with the windows down?
slightly more noise
My concern would be the large blind spot caused by the larger mirrors for pedestrian traffic, bicycles and small vehicles in busy traffic. But, I will never need a 3/4 ton or pull a large trailer. Tomg
I have been ordering the Chevrolet inventory for our dealership for over 30 years and I can tell you that the VAST majority of customer buying the half ton truck simply do not like the looks of them besides the additional cost! I have ordered a few with them and they end up sitting, and sitting, and sitting…. until “that guy” comes along that likes them. As you may well know it costs a good chunk of change for a $69,000 truck to sit on the lot for 180 days plus on your floor plan on top of the effect on your turn and earn.
NO, they really don’t. Of course, Nothing on these trucks looks good. So different mirrors isn’t going to change the overall esthetic, or lack thereof.