6 Best RV Turn Signal Extensions for Increased Visibility Nomads Swear By
Improve your rig’s visibility for safer lane changes. We review the 6 best RV turn signal extensions that experienced nomads swear by for road safety.
You’re in the right lane, signal on, checking your mirrors for the fifth time before merging left. But the sedan that was way back is suddenly right beside your trailer, completely hidden in a massive blind spot. This heart-stopping moment is exactly why stock turn signals on a long rig are a dangerous assumption, not a solution.
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Why RV Signal Extensions Are a Non-Negotiable
Visibility isn’t just about what you can see; it’s about what others can see you doing. A standard truck or van signal is designed for a 19-foot vehicle, not a 40-foot motorhome towing a Jeep. When your turning indicator is 50 feet ahead of your rig’s tail end, your intention is dangerously unclear to drivers behind and beside you.
This communication gap is where accidents happen. A driver in the next lane might see space next to your trailer and assume you’re holding your lane, not realizing you intend to merge. They accelerate into the very space you need. Signal extensions bridge this gap, putting a clear, blinking intention right where other drivers are looking.
Think of it as a fundamental safety system, just like your brakes or tires. It’s not an upgrade; it’s a correction for the inherent visibility challenges of driving a vehicle the size of a small building. Ignoring this is betting your safety, and others’, on the hope that everyone on the road is a mind reader.
CIPA Custom Mirrors: A Seamless OEM-Style Fit
Get a secure and vibration-free towing view with this custom-fit mirror pair for Chevrolet/GMC vehicles. The wedge lock design easily slides over your existing mirrors for quick, tool-free installation.
Nothing beats a factory look, and CIPA’s custom towing mirrors get as close as you can. These aren’t universal, one-size-fits-all extensions. They are designed to slide over or completely replace the existing mirror housings on specific truck models, like a Ford F-250 or a Ram 3500.
The result is a rock-solid, vibration-free view. Because they are molded for your specific vehicle, they don’t have the wiggle or buzz that plagues cheaper strap-on mirrors at highway speeds. The integrated turn signals on the mirror’s outer edge are bright and positioned perfectly to be seen by cars in your blind spot.
The tradeoff is price and a lack of versatility. You can’t move these mirrors to your next truck, and they cost significantly more than universal options. But if you have a long-term tow vehicle and prioritize a clean, reliable, and permanent solution, this is the gold standard for extending your view and your signals in one elegant package.
Towmate Wireless Lights: Ultimate Portability
Illuminate your towing with the TowMate TM22G "Lime Light" Wireless Tow Light Bar. Its robust PVC enclosure and protective rubber magnets ensure durability and vehicle safety, offering a reliable signal up to 1,000 feet.
For the nomad who tows different vehicles or uses multiple trailers, a portable wireless system is a game-changer. Towmate specializes in magnetic, rechargeable light bars that you can slap on the back of whatever you’re pulling in seconds. No wires, no fuss.
Imagine you’re towing your car behind your Class A motorhome. You just place the light bar on the trunk, press a button, and its powerful transmitter syncs with a plug in your RV’s 7-pin connector. Now you have bright, responsive brake lights, running lights, and turn signals right at the back of your entire rig. When you unhook, you just grab the bar and toss it in a storage bay.
The main consideration here is battery life and signal integrity. While modern systems like Towmate are incredibly reliable, you still have to remember to charge them. They are an ideal solution for temporary or varied towing setups, but for a permanently towed vehicle, a wired solution offers more set-it-and-forget-it peace of mind.
Partsam Amber LED Strips for Side Visibility
Illuminate your vehicle with this 17-inch amber LED light bar, featuring 40 high-power LEDs for bright turn signals and tail/running lights. The sealed, DOT-compliant design includes a chrome bezel and is universally compatible with trucks and trailers.
Mirrors show your intention to drivers behind you, but what about the ones already alongside you? This is where side-mounted signal repeaters, like Partsam’s amber LED strips, are brilliant. These are adhesive-backed, flexible LED strips that you wire into your turn signal circuit and stick along the side of your RV or trailer.
When you signal a lane change, a long, unmissable amber light flashes down the entire length of your rig. For a driver cruising in your blind spot, this is infinitely more visible than a tiny blinking light on a mirror 30 feet ahead of them. It transforms the entire side of your RV into an active signal.
Installation requires some basic 12-volt wiring knowledge, but it’s a straightforward project for most DIYers. This is one of the single most effective safety upgrades for any long fifth-wheel or travel trailer. It directly addresses the most dangerous blind spot during lane changes, making your intentions crystal clear from every angle.
Fit System Snap-On Mirrors: Easy & Versatile
Enhance your towing visibility with the Fit System 80920 Snap and Zap Towing Mirror Pair. Designed for 2015 and up GM SUVs, these mirrors easily attach for a secure, extended view.
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and non-permanent solution, snap-on mirror extensions are the entry point. Brands like Fit System make custom-molded plastic shells that snap securely over your truck’s existing mirrors, extending your view and often including a small stick-on convex mirror for blind spots.
Their biggest advantage is the ease of use. You can install or remove them in about 30 seconds with no tools. This is perfect for the person who uses their truck as a daily driver most of the time and only needs towing mirrors for weekend trips. They are vehicle-specific, so the fit is much better than the old-school strap-on kind.
However, they are a compromise. While the fit is good, it’s not as rigid as a full replacement mirror like CIPA’s, and you might experience some minor vibration. Most importantly, these are purely mirror extensions; they do not typically have integrated turn signals. They improve what you can see, but they don’t add to what other drivers see, so they should be paired with another lighting solution for maximum safety.
Blazer Magnetic Kit for Towing Applications
This DOT-compliant LED towing light kit provides essential stop, tail, and turn signals for trailers. Its heavy-duty 22 lb magnetic base ensures secure attachment, while the durable, weather-resistant design and plug-and-play 4-way flat connector offer reliable, easy installation.
Sometimes, simple and reliable is best. A magnetic, wired towing light kit from a brand like Blazer is the workhorse of the towing world. This isn’t a fancy wireless system; it’s just two magnetic lights with long cables that you run from the back of your towed vehicle to your RV’s trailer plug.
The beauty is in its simplicity. There are no batteries to charge, no wireless signals to drop. As long as it’s plugged in, it works. Every time. This makes it a fantastic choice for a dedicated "toad" (towed vehicle) or a utility trailer that gets frequent use. You can route the wires neatly for a semi-permanent installation or just lay them out for a temporary tow.
The downside is obvious: the wires. You have to manage them, securing them so they don’t snag or drag. For someone who is hooking and unhooking constantly, a wireless system might be faster. But for reliability and cost-effectiveness, a wired magnetic kit is an unbeatable, time-tested solution.
Wesbar Wireless System: Premium Signal Clarity
Easily connect your trailer lights with this 25-foot, 5-way trailer wire harness. Its durable, weather-resistant design splices directly to each taillight, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for jumper wires. Color-coded wires ensure a straightforward hookup.
When signal reliability is paramount, you step up to a system like Wesbar. While functionally similar to other wireless kits, Wesbar puts its focus on engineering a more robust and interference-resistant transmitter and receiver. This is for the full-timer navigating dense urban areas or remote landscapes where signal integrity can’t be a question mark.
Think of it as the difference between consumer-grade and professional-grade electronics. The components are higher quality, the housings are more durable, and the system is designed to perform flawlessly even around other radio frequencies. This translates to zero lag and zero dropped signals between your RV and your towed vehicle’s lights, providing instant communication to other drivers.
This premium performance comes at a premium price. A Wesbar system can cost significantly more than other wireless options. It’s overkill for the casual weekend camper, but for the serious RVer who lives on the road and demands absolute dependability from their safety equipment, the investment provides invaluable peace of mind.
Key Factors in RV Signal Extension Selection
Choosing the right system isn’t about finding the "best" one, but the best one for you. Your decision should be guided by a few practical questions. There is no one-size-fits-all answer here.
First, consider your rig and towing setup. Are you driving a motorhome towing a car, or a truck pulling a fifth wheel? A truck benefits immensely from mirror extensions, while a motorhome setup absolutely requires a secondary light kit on the towed vehicle. The length of your rig dictates the need for side-marker signals.
Next, think about permanence and convenience.
- Permanent: If you tow the same trailer or vehicle with the same truck all the time, a wired-in solution like CIPA mirrors or hard-wired side LEDs is a reliable, one-and-done project.
- Temporary/Versatile: If you switch tow vehicles, rent trailers, or need a quick setup, a portable wireless or magnetic kit offers maximum flexibility.
- Budget: A simple snap-on mirror or a basic wired light kit can be had for under $100. A premium wireless system or full-replacement towing mirrors can run several hundred dollars.
Finally, always check your local and state regulations regarding towing lights and mirror extension requirements. Your goal is to be undeniably, unambiguously visible on the road. Choose the combination of tools that best achieves that for your specific setup.
Ultimately, extending your signals is an act of responsibility. It’s a clear statement to every other driver that you see them, you respect the space you both share, and you are doing everything in your power to navigate it safely together.
