Adding Power Tow Mirrors to a 2017 Ram 1500

Fanta, from New York, asks members of a popular truck forum for help upgrading his 2017 Ram 1500. “Hey everyone, I wanted to upgrade to power tow mirrors but was told that trucks w sales code LER cannot switch to them. Anyone have an input on this?”

The answers started pouring in right away. Moulton tells him, “They had to add the LER sales code to my truck to get them to work, I think someone is spewing bs, LEC, LEB and LER got added to my truck for the mirrors to work right.”

Fanta is excited about the news that the transformation is possible. “You changed to power tow mirrors on your 1500? What year? And they were oem ones?”

The change requires a software upgrade

It is important to remember that Ram dealers are now charging to reprogram or flash new codes on vehicles, unless they are deemed necessary for safety. Moulton explains how he managed to switch out the mirrors. “So I did all the work myself, super easy, pull the triangle panel, and the door panel, unplug old mirror, remove 3 nuts, install new mirror, tighten 3 nuts, plug in, replace panels, get programmed. Depends on Dealer for cost, one in Idaho was $55 for as many codes as I wanted, the one here in San Antonio was $136 for as many codes as I wanted programmed. Usually they charge you an hour of labor, but it only takes them 15 minutes.”

Fanta is concerned that the aftermarket mirror could be a fire risk, but Moulton assures him that they are built for the truck. “No, the mirrors are designed for the truck, just an option I added later vs coming from the factory.”

MOPAR options

A check of the MOPAR site just now, finds these are advertised as fitting all current models of Ram 1500s. The description reads in part: 7"x11" Black Trailer Towing Mirrors offer multiple perspective rear views and are manufactured with an aerodynamic design that helps improve fuel efficiency. Trailer Tow Mirrors are designed with dual functionality and help improve visibility when towing wide or long trailers. Features include power control, defrost and puddle lamps. 7"x11" Black Trailer Tow Mirrors (power/heated/turn signal and side marker lights). Power Control and defrost functions remain active.

There are power folding tow mirrors available as well, but unless you start out with power folding mirrors, they are much more difficult to add. It requires adding an extra module. It can be done, but it is more complicated and also more expensive.

People who do a lot of towing love having the towing mirrors. I see people mention often on the forums that they wish they had gotten the option originally, but MOPAR seems to make it an easy and popular addition.