Best Towing Mirrors for the 79 Series LandCruiser: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
The factory 79 Series mirrors do not provide adequate rearward vision past anything wider than the vehicle itself. The moment a caravan, stock trailer or any standard-width trailer goes on the ball, the factory mirrors are typically non-compliant under Australian road rules. Aftermarket towing mirrors fix this with proper extended field of view.
1. MSA 4x4 Manual Fold Towing Mirrors
The 70 Series Store best-seller. Direct-replacement mirrors that retain the factory mounting points, manual fold for off-road clearance, generous extended field of view. Fits 70 Series 1984 through to September 2023 (pre-facelift). Approximately $650 fitted. Quality build, proven in Australian conditions.
2. Clearview Next Gen Electric Towing Mirrors
Premium electric-fold mirrors with integrated LED indicators and heater elements. More expensive at ~$1,100 fitted but factory-style functionality with proper towing extension. Best for buyers who use the truck heavily for daily commuting and towing without wanting to manually fold mirrors at every stop.
3. Milenco Aero 3 Clip-On Mirrors
Universal clip-on mirrors that attach to factory mirrors when towing. Budget option at ~$300. Adequate rearward vision but require removal and reinstallation each trip, and visibility quality is below the dedicated replacement mirrors.
4. Year and Variant Fitment
Direct-replacement mirrors (MSA, Clearview) are configured for specific year ranges. Pre-2024 facelift 70 Series uses one mount pattern; the 2024 facelift uses a different mount pattern. Confirm fitment before ordering. The 70 Series Store product pages list the year ranges for each variant.
5. Legal Requirements
Australian road rules require that towing mirrors provide clear rearward vision past the widest point of any trailer being towed. Factory 70 Series mirrors generally do not meet this when towing standard-width trailers. Fitting adequate towing mirrors is both a legal requirement and a genuine safety improvement for any regular towing use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which towing mirrors fit the 79 Series?
MSA 4x4 Manual Fold (best seller, ~$650), Clearview Next Gen Electric (~$1,100), Milenco Aero 3 clip-ons (~$300). Confirm fitment by model year before ordering - pre and post-2024 facelift mount patterns differ.
Are factory 70 Series mirrors legal for towing?
Generally not when towing standard-width trailers. Australian road rules require rearward vision past the widest trailer point - factory mirrors do not provide this on most caravans and stock trailers.
Should I get manual fold or electric fold towing mirrors?
Manual fold is cheaper and adequate for most owners. Electric fold is worth the extra cost if you use the vehicle for daily commuting and want factory-style convenience without manually folding at each stop.
