McKesh questions

[brainpause]

I was wanting to buy a pair of McKesh's, and was about to pull the trigger on new ones, when I stumbled on a pair of used ones for sale. They arrived yesterday. These are great mirrors, I can already tell, although I haven't towed with them yet. I did put them on and went for a short drive. These mirrors are well-made, strong, and appear to have years left in them.

The mirrors, particularly the convex, are quite tight. I took one of them off, sprayed some silicon lube, and worked it a little, but it is still tight. I assumed it might have "frozen" from lack of use. Are they usually this tight, or was it lack of use? I don't want to loosen them too much.

They make a hum starting at 30mph, but the former owner said to use some sheepskin on the straps, per Hensley/McKesh. Any other ideas?

Last, where did you find the most helpful placement of the mirrors? I positioned them so that the rectangular mirror is just outside of my regular truck mirror. Then, the convex mirror blocks some of the regular mirror, but I get that portion back anyway with the regular mirror. Basically, the top mirror mount was as far forward on the window as possible. However, I'm not sure that is ideal. Just wondered what your experiences are.

Larry

[ScoobyDoo]

Don't know anything about the mirrors but years ago flatbed haulers learned that a twist in the big straps will stop them from viberating.

[AustinBoston]

They make a hum starting at 30mph, but the former owner said to use some sheepskin on the straps, per Hensley/McKesh. Any other ideas?

The typical mechanism for eliminating hum or vibration in a strap is to put a single twist into it.  Looking at the McKesh site, I don't know if that is possible without putting vehicle finish at risk. but is something to consider.

Last, where did you find the most helpful placement of the mirrors? I positioned them so that the rectangular mirror is just outside of my regular truck mirror. Then, the convex mirror blocks some of the regular mirror, but I get that portion back anyway with the regular mirror. Basically, the top mirror mount was as far forward on the window as possible. However, I'm not sure that is ideal. Just wondered what your experiences are.

I have not used McKesh mirrors, so I have no experience with them, but I know a mistake some people make is mounting them too high.  If the mirror is much higher than the tow vehicle's regular mirrors, you run the risk of not seeing pedestrians or vehicles behind the mirror.  There are probably warnings in the instructions to this effect.

Austin

[SpeakEasy]

I have the McKesh mirrors, and yes, they are tight. I think you want them tight or they will go out of adjustment as you drive. They are subject to some severe wind while driving at highway speeds. There are adjusting screws on mine that control how tight the mirrors are. (There are three screws for each mirror.) I generally tighten them before a trip.

I haven't experienced a hum, but I really crank down those straps. The mechanical advantage of the adjustor knobs is significant.

I do get concerned about damage to my vehicle's paint from the straps being so tight. I am aware that tiny grains of sand or even dust trapped between the strap and the vehicle could be abrasive. So, in my typically obsessive fashion, I always rinse off my doors liberally with clean water before I install my mirrors. Then I crank the heck out of the straps to keep the mirrors firm.

-Speak

[Wayfarer]

Brainpause...
 
  I still think the sheepskin seatbelt shoulder pads are your best bet.  They fit securely with the velcro fastening, will not mar your finish, and can be machine washed after each trip and come out looking new.
 
  Just my thots...
 
  Happy Trails!

[tlhdoc]

Larry I have used my set of Mirrors on 4 different TVs.  If you give the strap a twist it will stop "singing".  I have also heard about using a sheepskin seatbelt cover, but haven't invested in one.  Strapping them down tight is the key to not having much vibration.  You want to make sure that the leg that goes down to the door is on a firm area of the door, and that the mirror does not rock, that it is firmly held against the door.  I like the mirrors as far forward on the door as possible.  I have mine adjusted so that I can see behind the PU as much as possible.  The convex mirrors, which are an accessory, add a great amount of sight.  

[brainpause]

I used them today when we towed something home. I used a tip from another board (sunnybrooktalk.com), which said to put a zip tie around the strap. It worked. I couldn't put a twist in the upper one, which was the one humming.

I love my McKesh mirrors!

Larry

[chip]

Glad you got the mirrors figgered out.

And congrats on the new "something!"  Looks like a nice one.

[tlhdoc]

I hope you enjoy your new Ant, Congratulations!  Where did you put the zip strip?

[brainpause]

On the upper strap,but away from body paint.

Larry