I have been trying to think of something to help me align my trailer when hoking up alone. I align it by watching the trailer fenders in the mirror, and I get close most of the time, but usually it takes at least two tries and I want to make it easier. I just saw this product that looks like a really good idea.
Anyone else have another opinion or product?

http://www.garage-toys.com/alquichitgui.html

Thanks,
Chris

 

I've seen some convex mirrors that hook over the tailgate and allow you to see the hitch. Pretty slick.

 

I tried making my own, but I didn't put a whole lot of time into it. I had a thing with a mirror on one end, a great big rubber tipped clamp on the other end, and doubled-up AC 12-2 wire in the middle, for adjustability. It didn't hold up well. The clamp didn't stay in place and the wire wasn't stiff enough so it bounced all over when the truck moved. It got to be a hassle. I just don't have the inventor in me for something that isn't more important, so I haven't messed with it any more.

Chris

 

I go with the old standby,...... practice, practice, practice!!!!! My wife and I spent a year touring the U.S full time with our TT. I was hooking and unhooking several times a week. I learned the solo hook-up technique by taking note of "benchmarks" on the trailer when I was fully hooked. I also developed a sort of "pe-flight" ritual which insured I didn't miss anything before "launching". Like most things, after constant repitition I could hit the mark 9 out of 10 times on the first try. While I was doing that my wife was in the trailer doing her "pre-flight" duties. And backing up with the trailer became second nature. If you give yourself time, you will soon learn to "sense" when you are in the proper hook position.

 

The neatest trick I ever saw for a TT was a simple, two piece folding aluminum framework. The guy had mounted a holder on the trailer. He placed this "L" shaped framework in the holder. The end of the L had a light plumb bob on it. He backed up to it watching in his windshield rear view mirror, aiming a small spot on his tailgate to the plumb bob. When the plumb bob was over his spot, he was ready to drop the trailer on the ball. I watched him hitch twice - - he hit it first shot both times. He was traveling alone.

 

If you don't have a topper, just put a mark in the center of your tailgate.

Also, if you are using the mirrors, remember to sit in the driving position in the seat. Otherwise, you are looking at an angle.
george (who also has trouble)

 

My dad had something similar.

What he used was a 3/4" square tube with a tin can on top.

Worked great until he drove off with it still installed.

 

Camping World sell a convex mirror that slips over the tailgate for about 15-20 bux I've ben using one and it works great when I alone or my wife cell phone always rings as we're trying to hook-up or set-up. so basically I wind up doing it myself more often than not. Got tired of threatening to throw the **** thing out the window especially with some of those obnoxious rings

 

Stick a magnet with a stick sticking up in the bed of your truck and use it as a guide.
This will give you center and let it touch when you are lined up.
CB Antenna works great.
If you go to far it won't break it will just push over.
After hooking stick it inside bed to the bedside and it will ride till needed again.
Same type thing can be rigged with a bumper hitch.
Hope this helps.


: Eddie :

 

Here's what I do when hooking up to the car hauler. Use something to mark the center of the tailgate near the top that you can see it in the window mounted rear view mirror. After the first hookup have someone make a mark on the trailer that will lineup with the center and also the top of the tailgate. Black electrical tape works good for that. From then on you will have a reference point for backing up and knowing when to stop. Just make sure the seating position is about the same.

MikeyB

 

I usually have to hitch up alone. What I did was buy a 5 in convex mirror that clamps to a trucks side mirror. Then clamped it to the top of a 6 ft piece of 1/2 in conduit. Then I use a stretch strap to hold it behind the center of the trailer tounge. After the mirror is adjusted correctly I can watch the ball go right under the coupler. I get out connect up, remove the mirror and go.

Hope this helps some.

 

Chris,
I have something similar to what you are showing in that link. My boat trailer has a REALLY long tongue on it, and makes it very hard to judge distance.

The device I use, is basically two radio antennas with magnets on the bottom. The top has a small red lens with a battery operated flashing light. You put one on the ball, one on the hitch, and back up till you tilt the rear one over.

The lights make it handy at night too I got mine at Harbor Freight less than 10 dollars, but I just looked there and they no longer show them.

Pretty similar to what you show , only much smaller.