Milenco Grand Aero 3: Product Test

Options for detachable mirrors range from $20 to $200, including slide-on, strap-on, and third-arm supports. Fixed mirror upgrades are $200 to $800, excluding fitting costs. With no time for postage or fitting, a detachable mirror was our aim – and Google was our guide. 

Soon, we found Milenco, a leading brand in towing mirrors in Europe for 20 years. While Euro conditions aren’t the same as here in Oz, chit-chat on social media indicated Milenco was translating well to the local market. And there were no pockets of unhappy Milenco customers. But you need to try it yourself and for us the Milenco Aero 3 Towing Mirror ticked a lot of boxes.  

MATERIALS

The materials used include chrome glass (not aluminium glass) for longevity and functionality. The body is made of high impact plastic with stainless steel screws and brass inserts to resist corrosion. The design is compliant with European Safety Standard E11 so it meets or exceeds the international regulations applicable to EU member states. It’s even designed to minimise injury in the case of pedestrian strike!

FITTING

A key feature is these after-market accessories don’t interfere with the factory-fitted mirrors. Attaching the Milenco Aero 3 is simple. Thumbscrews readily secure to most makes and models of cars, 4WDs, and vans (from 1995). So installation takes around 30 seconds, needs no tools and doesn’t involve messing around with straps or suction caps. Just fit the mirrors to the top or bottom of your rig’s existing mirror. On the road, the tilting axis thumb wheel clamping system proved effective. The setup has better grip and fitment than others we’ve tried. But don’t lose the grip pads (spare parts are available). The clamps contour to the vehicle’s mirror, an improvement on ‘one-size-fits-all’ setups.

AIRFLOW

The use of the word ‘Aero’ in the mirror’s name is not just window-dressing. The design utilises the airflow around the vehicle to stabilise and balance the mirror at speed. We can’t vouch for the factory test speeds of up to 220km/h, but our practical experience shows Milenco Aero 3 Towing mirrors aren’t likely to fold in the airflow of oncoming trucks. It’s never happened to us.

SET UP

Usefully, these mirrors can be set up vertically or horizontally on the ball socket adjuster to maximise field of vision. Adjusted vertically, a driver can see the top and bottom of a towed rig to avoid hazards such as low trees branches, roadside guide posts, or taps and drains at camp sites. A quick twist of the mirror to its horizontal plane makes it possible to see two lanes of traffic.

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE

Since fitting the Milenco Aero 3 Towing mirrors 2.5 years ago, we’ve covered 30-40,000km of towing, including hundreds of kilometres of corrugated terrain in a single day. Happily, in that time they’ve not fallen off – EVER.

Retail Price: $156

The full product test appeared in Caravan World #570. Subscribe today for the latest caravan reviews and news every month!