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What are the Best West Coast Mirror Styles for Semi Trucks?

6th Mar 2025
What are the Best West Coast Mirror Styles for Semi Trucks?

West Coast semi truck mirrors became really popular in the 1950s and early 60s. Today, they remain a classic truck mirror design with plenty of modern, tech-heavy upgrades that maximize visibility and overall functionality on the road.

In this post, we'll cover the various aftermarket options available, including design features and mounting considerations.

West Coast mirrors are designed to offer a wider view of traffic and help mitigate (not eliminate) side-view blind spots on a semi: 20 feet in front, 30 feet in the rear, and across the right side.

Modern Wide-View Mirror Features

Some aftermarket West Coast mirror brands feature dual-glass setups with flat glass on top and convex glass on the bottom, while others have a single pane of flat glass.

West Coast mirror assemblies also come with motorized or heated functions.

Some manufacturers integrate electro-chrome glass to help automatically reduce sun glare. 

West Coast mirrors come in a range of styles to suit individual tastes and functional requirements:

Common sizes:

  • 7x16 inches or 6x16 inches

Spanning from heated mirrors to non-heated economy-type mirrors to luxury mirrors with chrome finishes, there are numerous designs to consider.

Typical West Coast Mirror Designs

All West Coast mirrors feature a flat, large rectangular shape that offers a wider view of the road. The glass is cushioned in a vinyl gasket.

Alternative mirror styles—like the aero-style mirror—feature a more aerodynamic design with a streamlined shape and a rotating head for greater visibility.

Square Corner Mirror Style

square-corner-west-coast-mirror.jpg

The square corner is a classic, functional design mirror with crisp 90-degree corners.

This plain-Jane West Coast mirror assembly is a functional and rugged choice for a lot of commercial trucks.

Available in chrome and regular finishes, it's ideal for drivers who prefer a no-frills, functional mirror.

Angle Back - Round Corner Mirror Style

This style of mirror slopes back a bit from the mirror's surface, giving a more aerodynamic look.

In short, the mirror housing angles back from the mirror surface, and the corners of the housing are rounded.

The rounded corners give a more aerodynamic, streamlined appearance, which makes it a popular choice for newer Class 8 trucks.

Angle Back - Square Corner Mirror Style

angle-back-west-coast-mirror.jpg

A blend of the previous two styles, this mirror design features a sloped back for better airflow, yet still has square corners for a sharp, classic appearance.

The housing has sharp, 90-degree corners—a very traditional, utilitarian design—while the back is angled rather than flat.

It's an excellent option for truck owners who want to blend classic and modern aesthetics.

V-Back Mirror Style

v-back-west-coast-mirror.jpg

The V-back mirror is named for the unique “V” shape stamped into the back of the housing. Not only does it look different, it reinforces the structure by reducing shake and vibration on the road.  

Rib Back Mirror Style

flat-rib-west-coast-mirror.jpg

With raised ribs or ridges, the rib-back mirror adds more strength and stiffness to the mirror housing.

This type is ideal for trucks that are subjected to rough conditions, since the reinforcement helps prevent warping or breakage over time.

Pillow Back or Bubble Back Mirror Style

Bubble Back Pillow Back West Coast Mirror Style

The pillow-back mirror provides a slightly curved, puffed-out profile that softens the appearance of the West Coast mirror assembly.

Some truck models, like the Kenworth W900 series, offer chrome-polished or 430-grade stainless steel housings.

It's a stylish alternative to flat-backed mirrors.

Embossed Chevron Mirror Style

embossed-west-coast-mirror.jpg

For owners looking for a distinctive appearance, the chevron-embossed design features V-shaped decorative lines stamped onto the mirror housing.

Mostly cosmetic, the design adds a degree of personalization for any commercial truck.

Pyramid Mirror Style

pyramid-west-coast-mirror.jpg

The pyramid mirror is unique for its protruding, pyramid-like detail at the rear of the mirror case.

This option is ideal for drivers looking for a mirror that makes a visual statement without compromising flat-glass clarity.

Motorized vs. Non-Motorized West Coast Mirrors

Non-motorized mirrors are more cost-efficient and perfect if you prefer to manually adjust your mirror angles.

Motorized mirrors make adjustments far easier. They incorporate additional tech such as an automatic slip clutch (preventing damage if the mirror is turned too far) and a four-way actuator switch (allowing adjustments in four directions).

Heated vs. Non-Heated West Coast Mirrors

Semi Truck West Coast Mirror Frosted by Winter Temperatures

Motorized and heated models are especially useful for drivers who operate in cold weather. They feature temperature-controlled technology to prevent icing.

Heated West Coast-style mirrors incorporate a heater element—a black, 4-amp heated board that sits directly behind the mirror glass.

These 3D-printed heater boards fit both mirror sizes and is what allows the mirror to heat up in sub-zero temperatures.

Heater Element for West Coast Mirror on Kenworth Truck

West Coast heater elements/pads are inexpensive and easy to replace if they burn out.

West Coast Mirror Brackets and Mounts

There are various mounting styles to consider:

  • Rigid: non-adjustable arm brackets that screw into the frame.
  • Universal-fit: brackets, outer yoke, clamps, and hardware screws.
  • Adjustable: adjustable mirror brace and mounting arm that can extend.

If you're swapping out mirror styles, you probably don't need to upgrade to different mounting. It's universal. The exception is when you have a completely different mirror head. 

Stud-Mount to Loop Brackets 

Most West Coast mirror heads use a universal stud mount on the back of the housing that aligns to the clamps on a "loop" style arm bracket. 

Head and Loop Systems 

A head-and-loop mounting system is the mirror head plus a 3/4-inch rectangular loop that surrounds the mirror and bolts into the side of the cab/door. 

Tube-Through Mount 

A round tube passes thorugh or behind the mirror head. This is often used with adjustable slide tube brackets with compression nuts to help slide the mirror out to the position you want. 

Where to Buy West Coast Mirrors

In case you want to replace or upgrade your West Coast mirror assembly, you can find several retailers that carry top-quality mirror products for the driver and passenger sides.

Trux accessories and aftermarket manufacturers have a wide selection of chrome, heated, and non-heated West Coast mirrors to give drivers an easy time when choosing the ideal model to suit their truck.

From economy mirrors to luxurious chrome finishes, we have a West Coast mirror that fits your commercial truck.

You may appreciate hard-core practicality, rugged dependability, or aesthetic flair—whatever your tastes, the right style mirror will make you stand out and raise your truck's style quotient on the highway now.

West Coast Mirror Accessories

Stainless Steel Heated West Coast Mirror

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West Coast Mirror Light Backing

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You can get a bolt-on West Coast mirror light backing for added visibility at a really affordable cost.

Shop for West Coast Mirrors at 4 State Trucks

If you're looking for exceptional West Coast mirrors for your semi truck, our staff can help you find what you're looking for. Call one of our members at: 888-875-7787.

6th Mar 2025

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