MU-X build: MSA 4x4 mirrors added

Let me start by saying that of all the kit we’ve fitted to the MU-X to date, these towing mirrors are the best money spent. Every time I get in the Isuzu, I’m impressed by the improved visibility and usefulness of this product.

MSA 4X4 Accessories has been producing its adjustable towing mirrors for a few years now, and has different models to suit most popular makes and models of 4x4 vehicles. The mirrors for the MU-X – although similar to the ones for the D-MAX ute – were only finalised shortly before we sent our MU-X to the shop to have the rear fit-out done.

From the moment I picked up the MU-X after the installation, I was immediately taken by the improved rear vision offered by them – not only because of the bigger and more usable size of the mirrors, but also the improved quality of the image reflected in the mirror glass.

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The single glass element in the MSA mirrors is slightly curved to offer an enhanced image of what’s behind you, but not curved enough to distort or change the image you see. Leaving town on the highway and the rearward vision offered by the mirrors over the standard ones was, and remains, exceptional ... and that’s without extending them for towing.

The face of the mirror is rectangular, and in the normal position it offers an upright or portrait view. Cleverly, the mirror can be rotated 90-degrees to give a horizontal or landscape view, which broadens the image of what’s behind you.

Even more clever is that when you rotate the mirror 90-degrees, the action of the electric mirror’s adjustment switch remains the same. That is, you push it up to move the glass up, down to go down, and so on. Full adjustment of the mirror glass is retained as per normal.

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Need a wider view to see beyond your caravan or horse float? The MSA 4x4 mirrors extend out to be more like a traditional towing mirror, which sits farther out from your car door to give a better angle of view to the rear. Rotating the mirror head and extending in and out, or folding the mirrors in, is all done manually – only the glass adjustment remains electric.

Our MU-X LS-M is a base-model car, so the mirrors are relatively simple. They’re plain black, have no power folding, no indicator lens on the mirror and no other fancy cameras for 360° viewing. They do have heated glass and blind-spot indicators, and these are retained on the new MSA mirrors.

If you own a higher-spec vehicle with more features and cameras, these features can also be retained. Check the MSA website to see if the features are retained on your model of vehicle. The mirrors can also be painted to match the colour of the vehicle, or are available in a chrome finish, with or without indicators.

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While we haven’t done any towing with the MU-X, we certainly appreciate the improved rear view offered every day, be it driving in town or out on the highway. We had a set added to the Ford Ranger we built a few years ago, which was fitted with a large aluminium service body on the back. The MSA mirrors were super good for seeing well-beyond that wide, slab-sided canopy.

Even though we haven’t towed, we have extended the mirrors out to their farthest reach and ran over a bumpy track to test for vibration. We’re happy to report there was none.

The MSA mirrors are simple to fit and bolt directly to where the car’s standard mirrors were originally fitted. All the wiring is there to plug them straight in using the correct wiring plugs for your model of car.

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If you will be driving with the mirrors permanently in the extended position, MSA has infill panels available that fit on to the extended arms, to give a more finished and integrated appearance.

MSA’s towing mirrors continue to be a product that improves the Isuzu, and they’re something we appreciate every time we drive it.

Available from: www.msa4x4.com.au
RRP: $887