Best Towing Mirrors for the 79 Series LandCruiser: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Quick Answer: The best towing mirrors for the Toyota 79 Series LandCruiser are the MSA 4x4 range: available in Manual Fold, Electric with Indicator, and Power Fold variants. All three bolt directly to factory door holes with no drilling, are ADR compliant, and carry a 5-year warranty. Which variant suits you depends on how often you tow, what you tow, and how much convenience you want at the mirrors.
If you tow a caravan, camper trailer, boat, or horse float behind your 79 Series, towing mirrors are not optional equipment. They are a legal requirement the moment your trailer is wider than your vehicle's standard mirrors. And for most setups, that means every single tow.
The factory mirrors on the 79 Series are perfectly adequate for everyday driving but were not designed for towing a 2.5-metre-wide van down a two-lane highway. Getting the right towing mirror setup is one of the simplest safety upgrades you can make to a towing rig, and it takes about an hour to fit.
This guide covers the Australian legal requirements, what to look for in a towing mirror, and a full breakdown of the MSA 4x4 range for the 79 Series so you can pick the right variant for your setup.
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Are Towing Mirrors a Legal Requirement in Australia?
Yes, in almost every towing situation with a 79 Series.
Under Australian Design Rule ADR 14/02 (Rear Vision Mirrors), a driver must be able to see at least 20 metres past the widest point of the towed vehicle from the driver's seat. The standard 79 Series mirrors provide adequate rearward vision for the vehicle itself, but the moment you hitch a caravan or trailer that extends beyond the width of those mirrors, you lose the legally required field of vision behind and to the sides of your setup.
The practical test is straightforward: stand 20 metres behind the rear corner of your fully hitched trailer and check whether you can see your own face in the tow vehicle's external mirror. If you can't, towing mirrors are legally required.
Almost all caravans and many camper trailers are 2.5 metres wide. The standard 79 Series is narrower than that. This means for the vast majority of 79 Series owners who tow a van, the factory mirrors do not meet the legal requirement.
Key Legal Points for 79 Series Towing Mirror Compliance
- Towing mirrors must provide a clear view at least 20 metres past the widest point of the towed vehicle under ADR 14/02
- Towing mirrors may extend up to 150mm beyond the widest point of the trailer when deployed
- Mirrors that can collapse to within 150mm of the vehicle's overall width may extend up to 230mm beyond overall vehicle width when deployed
- In South Australia, driving with towing mirrors deployed while not towing is illegal and carries fines of around $400
- Other states have similar provisions: fold or remove towing mirrors when not hitched to a trailer
- Non-compliance can result in on-the-spot fines and, more importantly, significantly compromised safety at highway speed
The folding mechanism on purpose-built replacement towing mirrors handles the compliance issue automatically: you fold the mirror head in when not towing, and the mirror returns to a normal profile. This is why dedicated replacement towing mirrors are a more practical long-term solution than clip-on extensions for regular towers.
Replacement Towing Mirrors vs Clip-On Extensions: Which Is Right for the 79 Series?
| Feature | Replacement Towing Mirrors | Clip-On Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Fitment | Replaces factory mirror entirely | Clips over or attaches to factory mirror |
| Setup for towing | Fold mirror head out (seconds) | Clip on before each tow |
| Stability at speed | Excellent, rigid mounting to door | Variable, can vibrate at highway speed |
| Profile when not towing | Fold in, near-factory profile | Must be removed and stored |
| Feature options | Electric, indicators, power fold | Mirror glass only, no electronics |
| ADR compliance | Yes (quality brands) | Yes (quality brands) |
| Best for | Regular towing, serious setups | Occasional towing, budget builds |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
For 79 Series owners who tow regularly, a dedicated replacement towing mirror is the right choice. The convenience of folding out rather than clipping on before every tow adds up significantly over time, and the stability and vibration performance of a properly mounted replacement mirror at highway speeds is substantially better than a clip-on alternative.
What to Look for in a 79 Series Towing Mirror
Before comparing specific products, here are the characteristics that separate a quality towing mirror from a mediocre one on the 79 Series platform:
- Bolt-on factory fitment: The 79 Series has specific mounting points on the door. Quality mirrors bolt directly to these factory holes without requiring drilling or modification. This gives a solid, rattle-free mount that the mirror head can pivot from without flex.
- Mirror size: Bigger is generally better for towing vision. A large single mirror lens provides a clear, undistorted view of the trailer and the road behind. Some designs use dual mirror setups with a main and a convex spotter, but a single large lens is simpler and less visually cluttered.
- Vibration resistance: At highway speed on sealed roads, and especially on corrugated outback tracks, a poorly designed towing mirror will vibrate enough to render the view useless. Heavy-duty pivot mechanisms and die-cast aluminium components are the markers of a mirror that holds steady under real Australian conditions.
- ADR compliance: The mirror must comply with ADR 14/02 to be legally used as a towing mirror on Australian roads. Confirm this before purchasing.
- Adjustability: You need to be able to fine-tune the mirror position from the driver's seat, particularly when the mirror is in the extended towing position. Electric adjustment is significantly more convenient than manual, especially for a driver who adjusts mirror position between highway and city driving.
- Fold mechanism: The mirror should fold in cleanly to a compact profile when not towing, and extend to the towing position without tools or fuss. Power fold variants do this with a button press.
- Build quality for Australian conditions: Dust, heat, corrugations, and UV exposure are the enemy of cheap plastic components. Die-cast aluminium and quality injection moulded housings last significantly longer than budget alternatives.
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MSA 4x4 Towing Mirrors for the 79 Series: Full Range Breakdown
MSA 4x4 are widely regarded as producing the best-fitting towing mirror for the 79 Series LandCruiser. Their patented design features a large single mirror lens on a heavy-duty extension pivot, four adjustable positions covering both towing and everyday driving configurations, and a mounting system that bolts directly to the factory door holes without any drilling or modification.
The MSA range for the 79 Series is available in three variants. Here is what each one offers and who it suits.
MSA 4x4 Manual Fold Towing Mirrors
The Manual Fold is the entry point into the MSA range for the 79 Series. It provides the same bolt-on fitment, the same large single mirror lens, and the same four-position adjustability as the rest of the range, with manual adjustment of the mirror glass position and a manual fold mechanism to bring the mirror head in when not towing.
The mirror housing is manufactured from injection-moulded and die-cast aluminium components, making it tough enough for corrugated outback roads and the UV and heat of northern Australia. It is ADR compliant and backed by MSA's 5-year warranty.
Best for: Owners on a tighter budget, those who tow occasionally and do not need the convenience of electric adjustment, and setups where simplicity is valued over features.
MSA 4x4 Electric with Indicator Towing Mirrors
The Electric with Indicator variant adds two meaningful upgrades over the Manual Fold: electric adjustment of the mirror glass from the driver's seat, and integrated LED indicator repeaters in the mirror housing.
Electric mirror adjustment is a significant convenience improvement on a vehicle used for long-distance towing. Being able to fine-tune mirror position from inside the cabin without pulling over, particularly when swapping between drivers of different heights, makes a real difference on a trip. The electric actuator in this variant is designed to automatically adapt when the mirror is rotated to the horizontal position for everyday driving, allowing standard up/down/left/right adjustments from the vehicle's factory mirror controller.
The integrated LED indicator repeaters improve visibility of your lane change signals to vehicles sitting in the blind spot zone beside your trailer. On a wide towing setup, the repeaters in the mirrors are positioned further outboard than the standard indicators on the vehicle, making them more visible to drivers alongside.
Best for: Regular towers who want electric adjustment convenience, anyone frequently towing at highway speeds with a wide trailer, and 79 Series owners who swap drivers or adjust mirror positions regularly.
MSA 4x4 Power Fold Towing Mirrors
The Power Fold is the top-specification variant in the MSA range for the 79 Series. It adds electrically powered folding and unfolding of the entire mirror head, operated by a single button press, to the electric adjustment and LED indicators already included in the Electric variant.
The Power Fold mechanism means the mirror transitions from the towing position to the folded non-towing position and back without the driver leaving the seat or touching the mirror housing. For owners who regularly transition between towing and not towing, or who park in tight situations, this is a genuine quality-of-life improvement over manual fold.
The Power Fold also folds inward or outward automatically when bumped in a car park or when contact is made with vegetation on narrow tracks. On a wide mirror in tight off-road situations, this passive protection matters.
Best for: Serious touring setups where the vehicle is regularly used for both towing and non-towing driving, 79 Series owners who prioritise maximum convenience, and anyone building a premium rig where every component should be the best available option.
MSA 4x4 Towing Mirrors: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Manual Fold | Electric + Indicator | Power Fold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirror glass adjustment | Manual | Electric (from cabin) | Electric (from cabin) |
| Fold mechanism | Manual | Manual | Electric (one button) |
| LED indicator repeater | No | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-adapt actuator | No | Yes | Yes |
| Passive fold (bump protection) | Yes | Yes | Yes (auto-recovery) |
| Factory hole bolt-on fitment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Die-cast aluminium construction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADR compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Best for | Occasional towing, budget builds | Regular highway towing | Full touring rigs, premium builds |
Which MSA Towing Mirror Is Right for Your 79 Series?
Work through these four questions to find the right variant for your setup.
How often do you tow?
If you tow a few times a year for holidays, the Manual Fold provides everything you legally need at the lowest cost. If you tow monthly or more, the Electric variant's convenience is worth the step up. If your 79 Series is regularly going on and off a tow ball, the Power Fold is the right investment.
What are you towing?
A large caravan or wide camper trailer at highway speed is the most demanding towing scenario for visibility and mirror stability. For these setups, the Electric or Power Fold variants are the better choice: electric adjustment lets you fine-tune the mirror angle at speed without stopping, and the integrated indicator repeaters are particularly valuable when overtaking or changing lanes with a wide trailer behind you.
How is your 79 Series built?
A work ute used primarily for farm or tradie use with occasional trailer towing is a different case to a purpose-built touring rig. For the former, the Manual Fold is a practical and durable choice. For a touring build where everything is spec'd to the task, the Power Fold completes the mirror setup properly.
What year is your 79 Series?
MSA produces specific variants for the pre-September 2023 and post-September 2023 79 Series to account for differences in the door mirror mounting. Confirm your build year when selecting, and contact us if you are unsure which variant suits your vehicle.
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Fitting MSA Towing Mirrors to the 79 Series: What to Expect
One of the most common complaints with aftermarket towing mirrors on the 79 Series is fitment: clip-on designs that rattle, non-OEM mounting that requires drilling, or wiring that is an afterthought. The MSA range avoids all of these issues.
The MSA mirrors bolt directly to the factory door mirror mounting holes on the 79 Series. No drilling. No adaptor brackets. The base sits flush against the door in the same position as the factory mirror, which means no awkward gaps or misalignment with the door line.
For the Electric and Power Fold variants, the wiring harness is purpose-built for the 79 Series with a quality switch kit included. The installation integrates with the factory mirror controller where applicable, so mirror adjustment uses the same switch you have always used. The indicator repeater wiring connects to the existing indicator circuit without tapping into unrelated wiring runs.
A competent DIY installer with basic electrical knowledge can complete the fitment in 60 to 90 minutes per side for the electric variants. Manual Fold fitment is faster. If you would rather have the installation done by a workshop, any 4WD accessory fitter familiar with the 79 Series will complete it without issue.
Towing Mirror Position: Getting the Aim Right
Fitting quality towing mirrors is only half the job. Correctly aiming them before you tow is the other half.
With the trailer hitched and the vehicle loaded to your normal touring weight, adjust the mirrors so that:
- The full length of the trailer is visible in the lower half of the mirror when in the towing position
- A strip of road running alongside the trailer is visible in the outer portion of the mirror
- The rear of the trailer with any lights or licence plate is visible when you glance in the mirror
- When standing 20 metres behind the outer rear corner of the trailer, you can see your face in the mirror from the driver's seated position
On the MSA Electric and Power Fold variants, fine-tune the mirror position from the driver's seat with the trailer hitched and at ride height. Adjust once with the trailer on, and the electric actuator remembers the position for subsequent tows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I legally need towing mirrors on my 79 Series in Australia?
Yes, if your trailer is wider than your vehicle's standard mirrors provide coverage for. Under ADR 14/02, you must be able to see at least 20 metres past the widest point of the towed vehicle. Most caravans and many camper trailers are 2.5 metres wide, which exceeds the standard 79 Series mirror coverage. Towing mirrors are legally required in this situation.
What is the best towing mirror for the 79 Series LandCruiser?
The MSA 4x4 towing mirror range is widely regarded as the best-fitting option for the 79 Series. Their bolt-on factory fitment, heavy-duty die-cast aluminium construction, four-position adjustability, and 5-year warranty set them apart. The right variant within the range depends on whether you need manual, electric adjustment with indicators, or full power fold functionality.
What is the difference between the MSA Manual Fold, Electric Indicator, and Power Fold?
The Manual Fold provides the core mirror function with manual glass adjustment and a manual fold mechanism. The Electric with Indicator adds electric mirror glass adjustment from inside the cabin and integrated LED indicator repeaters. The Power Fold adds electrically powered folding and unfolding of the entire mirror head with a single button press, in addition to all features of the Electric variant.
Do MSA towing mirrors require drilling to fit on a 79 Series?
No. MSA towing mirrors bolt directly to the factory mirror mounting holes on the 79 Series door. No drilling or modification to the door is required. This is one of the key advantages of the MSA design over some competitor options that require drilling out the lower mounting points on the 79 Series door.
Can I drive with towing mirrors when not towing?
In most states, yes, but in South Australia it is illegal to drive with towing mirrors deployed while not towing. In all states, towing mirrors in the extended position make the vehicle wider than necessary for normal driving, which can be both unsafe and non-compliant. The fold mechanism on the MSA mirrors means you can bring them to a compact, near-factory profile when not towing without removing them from the vehicle.
Are MSA towing mirrors ADR compliant?
Yes. All MSA 4x4 towing mirrors are ADR compliant and specifically designed to meet the Australian legal requirement of providing a view at least 20 metres past the widest point of the towed vehicle.
How long do MSA towing mirrors take to fit on a 79 Series?
The Manual Fold variant can typically be fitted in 30 to 45 minutes per side with basic hand tools. Electric and Power Fold variants take 60 to 90 minutes per side to complete the wiring correctly. All variants come with the necessary hardware and a switch kit for the electric versions.
Which MSA towing mirror suits my year 79 Series?
MSA produces specific variants for 79 Series models built before September 2023 and from September 2023 onwards, to account for differences in door mirror mounting between build years. Check your build date on the compliance plate and confirm the correct part number when ordering. Contact us if you need help selecting the right variant for your vehicle.
The Right Mirror for Every 79 Series Towing Setup
Whether you're heading off on a lap of Australia with a full-size caravan, doing regular weekend trips with a camper trailer, or just running a boat to the ramp on weekends, a correctly fitted set of towing mirrors on your 79 Series is both a legal requirement and a genuine safety upgrade.
The MSA 4x4 range covers every use case: the Manual Fold for those who want a solid, simple solution, the Electric with Indicator for regular highway towers who want convenience and better lane-change visibility, and the Power Fold for touring rigs where every component is built to the task.
We stock the full MSA 4x4 towing mirror range for the 79 Series LandCruiser with Australia-wide delivery.
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