I am looking to replace both of the side-view mirrors on my 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 which is equipped with the power, heated, flip-up towing mirrors. About 6 months ago I was attempting to pull over for an oncoming emergency vehicle when my passenger side mirror clipped a telephone poll. I was going about 25 mph when it happened, and, as a result, not much was left of the mirror. A few days after that, I clipped my driver's side mirror while pulling my truck out of the garage and cracked both the glass and the plastic housing.

Whenever possible, I usually purchase Mopar replacement parts as having a form and fit identical to the original part is more important to me than anything that I might save by purchasing an aftermarket part. The only time I will choose to purchase an aftermarket part over a Mopar part is when the aftermarket part exceeds the quality, durability, or performance of the equivalent Mopar part, or when some modification has been made such that only an aftermarket part will provide the correct form, fit, and function for the given application.

That being said, I never even considered purchasing aftermarket replacement mirrors for my truck until the dealership told me that Dodge (Mopar) has never manufactured any of their own mirrors and that they have always been outsourced and manufactured by a company called K-Source. After doing some research, I learned that K-Source does in fact manufacture the majority of all OE and aftermarket automotive mirrors. However, does anyone know for certain that Dodge trucks are, in fact, equipped with K-Source mirrors from the factory? If they are NOT, would purchasing the Mopar replacements offer any benefit at all over the equivalent K-Source model? Or is there absolutely no reason not to go with a good quality aftermarket? Are there any other brands to consider?

I look forward to hearing your feedback. Thanks in advance!!

 

Interesting about K-Source. Many people have problems with after-market mirrors shaking and vibrating. I bought some OEM towing mirrors a few years ago for just over $200. They've been great.

 

MikeH,

Are the towing mirrors that you are referring to the ones that are on your truck in some of the pictures in your photo album? Are they manual or power/heated?

 

Yep, all but the pic with the flame grill. Power and heated.

 

Mike,

Those are the exact same mirrors that my truck has and which I am looking to purchase as replacements. Were they $200 each or $200 for the pair? I know you said that they are Mopar, but is there anything on them which would lead you to believe that Mopar outsourced them and that they were manufactured by another company? Also, did you purchase them from a dealership or from somewhere online?

 

I didn't look at them close enough to identify a supplier. I suspect there is no clear, definite manufacturer reference.

They were $211 for the pair. I can't remember if I bought them through eBay or from a forum member. I think it was eBay.

 

Thanks Mike!

 

Help! I am Hunter338, i found a good article on replacing the glass on my heated, flip up, tow mirrors....purchased the mirrors and now I can't find the article. I have a 2007 2500 Ram

 

I had a friend who purchased after market mirrors for his Ram and the actual glass they use sucks. If you look into the mirror it kind of warbles not a good glass. I also purchased after market mirror and the glass sucks, I re sold the mirror. Get OEM or look on flea bay for used oem or C-List for used ones.

Trying to replace just the glass is hard you have to pull the mirror and plate its mounted to from the mirror housing. Its mounted on the plate with I think 3 pins that will pop into the motor housing that will adjust for vision.

Also you will have to rewire the heater pads that come with the mirror if attached to the mirror.
If you just got the glass then you might be able to pick off the old class and rtv on the new one. I tried this once before and did not work to well the heater pad did not work as good as the original.

So on the mirrors get original OEM so you won't be disappointed.

good luck