Jeep Jl Doors Off Mirrors

JL Wrangler owners have several mirror options for driving with the doors removed. Finding the right **Jeep JL doors off mirrors** setup is key to staying legal and safe on the road.

Taking the doors off your Jeep JL is one of the best parts of owning a Wrangler. But you still need mirrors in most states. Let’s look at the best ways to keep your side view when the doors are off.

Driving without doors changes how you see traffic behind you. You need mirrors that stay put at highway speeds. They also need to be easy to install and remove when you want.

There are three main types of mirrors for doorless driving. Each has pros and cons. We will cover them all so you can pick the best one for your JL.

Factory Door Hinge Mirrors

These use the same hinge pins that hold your door. You remove the door and bolt the mirror bracket right onto the hinge.

Uses the factory mirror head
Very sturdy at speed
No vibration issues
Requires tools to install
Can be expensive

The factory hinge mirrors are the most stable option. They look like they belong on the Jeep. But they take time to swap on and off.

A-Pillar Mount Mirrors

These attach to the windshield hinge or the A-pillar body. They sit higher than the door line. This gives you a clear view over the door opening.

Easy to install
Can stay on with doors on or off
Some models fold in
May block some windshield view
Not legal in all states

A-pillar mirrors are popular because they are always there. You don’t have to move them when you put the doors back on. Just make sure they meet your local laws.

Door Frame Mount Mirrors

These clamp onto the door latch striker or the door hinge area. They are designed to be removed quickly.

Tool-free installation
Lightweight
Inexpensive
Can vibrate at speed
May scratch paint if not padded

Door frame mirrors are the cheapest option. They work fine for slow driving. But they can shake a lot on the highway.

Legal Requirements For Doorless Mirrors

Most states require at least one rearview mirror. Many require two side mirrors. Some states have specific rules about mirror placement.

Check your local laws before driving without doors. A ticket for no mirrors is easy to avoid. Just make sure your setup is legal.

State By State Differences

Some states are strict about mirror requirements. Others are more relaxed. Here is a quick overview.

California requires two side mirrors if the rear window is blocked
Texas requires at least one rearview mirror
Florida requires two mirrors, one on each side
New York requires a mirror on the driver side
Most states require a mirror that shows 200 feet behind

If you drive across state lines, get a setup that works everywhere. The safest bet is to have both side mirrors functional.

Best Jeep Jl Doors Off Mirrors Options

Now let’s look at specific products. These are the top choices for JL owners. Each one has different strengths.

Rugged Ridge Hinge Mount Mirrors

These are a direct replacement for the factory mirror. They bolt onto the door hinge. The mirror head is the same size as stock.

Solid aluminum construction
No vibration at 70 mph
Uses factory mirror glass
Can be adjusted for doorless position
Price: around $150

These are great if you want a factory look. They are not the easiest to swap, but they are very durable.

Lange Originals A-Pillar Mirrors

Lange makes a popular A-pillar mount. They attach to the windshield hinge. They are made in the USA.

Stainless steel brackets
Convex mirror for wide view
Folds flat when not needed
Works with soft tops and hard tops
Price: around $200

These are my personal favorite. They stay on all the time. The view is excellent and they dont vibrate much.

Kikboks Door Frame Mirrors

Kikboks makes a budget friendly option. They clamp onto the door latch area. They are very light.

Tool-free install in seconds
Adjustable arm length
Comes with storage bag
Some vibration at highway speed
Price: around $60

These are perfect for occasional doorless driving. They are cheap and easy to store. Just tighten them well to reduce shaking.

How To Install Jeep Jl Doors Off Mirrors

Installation depends on the type of mirror you choose. Here are step-by-step guides for each style.

Installing Hinge Mount Mirrors

Remove the door by disconnecting the wiring harness
Lift the door off the hinges
Remove the hinge pin from the top hinge
Slide the mirror bracket onto the hinge
Reinsert the hinge pin
Tighten all bolts to spec
Adjust the mirror position

This takes about 15 minutes per side. You will need a socket set and a torque wrench. Do not overtighten the hinge pin.

Installing A-Pillar Mount Mirrors

Clean the A-pillar area where the bracket mounts
Position the bracket on the windshield hinge
Mark the hole locations with a pencil
Drill pilot holes if required (some are clamp-on)
Attach the bracket with supplied hardware
Mount the mirror arm to the bracket
Adjust the mirror angle

Some A-pillar mirrors are clamp-on and need no drilling. Others require drilling into the body. Check the instructions before starting.

Installing Door Frame Mirrors

Open the door and locate the latch striker
Place the mirror clamp over the striker
Tighten the thumb screw until snug
Adjust the mirror arm to the desired position
Tighten the arm pivot bolt
Close the door and check clearance

These are the easiest to install. You can do it in under 2 minutes. Just make sure the clamp does not scratch the paint.

Adjusting Your Mirrors For Doorless Driving

Doorless driving changes your blind spots. You need to adjust your mirrors differently than with doors on.

Your mirrors will sit further out from the body. This gives you a wider view. But it also means you see more of your own Jeep.

Proper Mirror Positioning

Set the mirror so you see the side of your Jeep slightly
Tilt the mirror outward to cover the blind spot
Adjust the angle so you see the lane next to you
Check that you can see the rear tire in the mirror
Test the view by having someone walk behind the Jeep

Take a short drive and adjust as needed. Stop in a safe place to fine-tune the angle. Do not try to adjust while driving.

Vibration And Stability Issues

Vibration is the biggest complaint with doorless mirrors. The door frame is not as solid as the door itself. This can cause shaking at speed.

Here are ways to reduce vibration.

Use hinge mount mirrors for the most stability
Tighten all bolts and clamps firmly
Add rubber washers between metal parts
Use thread locker on bolts
Choose mirrors with thick arms
Avoid cheap plastic mirrors

If your mirrors still vibrate, check for loose connections. Sometimes a simple tightening fixes the problem. If not, consider upgrading to a sturdier mount.

Storage And Portability

You will likely take your mirrors on and off. Good storage makes this easier. Here are storage tips.

Keep mirrors in a padded bag to avoid scratches
Store them in the cargo area or under the seat
Label left and right mirrors to avoid confusion
Use a microfiber cloth between stacked mirrors
Keep hardware in a small zipper bag

Some mirrors come with a storage bag. If not, buy a generic padded bag. This protects the mirror glass from cracking.

Compatibility With Soft Tops And Hard Tops

Not all mirrors work with all tops. A-pillar mirrors usually work with both. Hinge mount mirrors can interfere with soft top windows.

Check the mirror clearance with your top before buying. Some mirrors need to be removed to put the soft top down. Others fold out of the way.

Soft Top Considerations

A-pillar mirrors clear soft top windows
Hinge mirrors may hit the soft top frame
Door frame mirrors work fine with soft tops
Foldable mirrors are best for soft tops

If you run a soft top, choose mirrors that fold. This lets you lower the top without removing the mirrors. It saves time and hassle.

Hard Top Considerations

All mirror types work with hard tops
Hinge mirrors are easy to access with hard top
A-pillar mirrors do not interfere with hard top
Door frame mirrors are simple with hard top

Hard tops give you more flexibility. You can use any mirror style. Just make sure the mirror arm does not hit the top when opening the door.

Cost Comparison Of Different Options

Prices vary widely for doorless mirrors. Here is a rough breakdown.

Door frame mirrors: $30 to $80
Hinge mount mirrors: $100 to $250
A-pillar mount mirrors: $150 to $300
Factory Mopar mirrors: $200 to $400

You get what you pay for. Cheap mirrors work but may not last. Expensive mirrors are more durable and stable. Choose based on how often you drive doorless.

If you only take doors off a few times a year, cheap mirrors are fine. If you drive doorless every weekend, invest in quality ones.

DIY Mirror Solutions

Some JL owners make their own mirrors. This is not recommended for safety. But it is possible if you are handy.

Common DIY methods include.

Using a motorcycle mirror on a bracket
Bolting a small convex mirror to the hinge
Attaching a mirror to the windshield frame
Using a clamp-on mirror from a tractor supply

DIY mirrors can be dangerous. They may fall off at speed. They also may not meet legal requirements. Stick with purpose-built mirrors if possible.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Many JL owners make these mistakes with doorless mirrors. Avoid them for a better experience.

Not tightening clamps enough
Using mirrors that are too small
Ignoring local laws
Not checking mirror adjustment before driving
Forgetting to remove mirrors before car wash
Buying mirrors that do not fit JL models

Take your time during installation. Double-check everything before hitting the road. A loose mirror can be a serious distraction.

Maintenance And Care

Doorless mirrors take some abuse. They are exposed to wind, rain, and sun. Here is how to keep them working.

Clean mirror glass with glass cleaner
Lubricate pivot points with silicone spray
Check bolts for tightness every month
Store mirrors indoors when not in use
Replace scratched or cracked glass

Good maintenance extends the life of your mirrors. It also keeps them working properly. A little care goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my Jeep JL without any mirrors?

In most states, no. You need at least one rearview mirror. Some states require two side mirrors. Check your local laws to be safe.

What is the best mirror for highway driving?

Hinge mount mirrors are the best for highway use. They are very stable and do not vibrate. A-pillar mirrors are also good if they are well made.

Do door frame mirrors work on the JL?

Yes, they work. But they may vibrate at highway speed. They are best for slow driving and short trips.

How do I remove doorless mirrors quickly?

Door frame mirrors are the fastest to remove. They use thumb screws. Hinge mount mirrors require tools. A-pillar mirrors can stay on all the time.

Are there mirrors that work with both doors on and off?

Yes, A-pillar mirrors work with doors on or off. They stay mounted to the windshield hinge. You do not need to remove them when putting doors back on.

Final Thoughts On Jeep Jl Doors Off Mirrors

Choosing the right mirrors for doorless driving is important. It affects your safety and your legal compliance. Take time to pick the right style for your needs.

Hinge mount mirrors offer the best stability. A-pillar mirrors offer convenience. Door frame mirrors offer low cost. Each has a place in the Jeep community.

Install your mirrors correctly and adjust them properly. Check them before every drive. This ensures you see traffic around you at all times.

Driving with the doors off is one of the best experiences in a Wrangler. With the right mirrors, you can do it safely and legally. Enjoy the open air and the great view.