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Old 10-27-2014, 03:00 PM   #1
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Towing mirrors

So ... I'm continuing to have problems backing my huge 22' rig into my miniscule little driveway. One problem I've identified is that I can't see the wheels of the trailer, which makes it a wee bit difficult to keep from hitting the mailbox, telephone pole, and my neighbor who insists on coming out and shouting directions. Just in case you don't remember: my street is narrow, so when I turn to slide the rear of the trailer in, my truck's front wheels hit the curb, and the internal angle of my truck and trailer is pretty close to 100 degrees.

I do have those mirrors that fit over and extend the truck's existing mirrors, but they're pretty much useless. I'm backing down a slope, and I just can't adjust them enough. I was thinking about those old fashioned hook-em-to-the-door mirrors, but I'm hesitant. And I don't see a licenseplate mount camera doing much good, since the back of the trailer is pointing off into left field when I'm turning.

So ... are there any other solutions I should be thinking about? Other than handing my wife the keys and walking away. Or maybe hiring a pilot, like the big ships do when the pull into port.
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Old 10-27-2014, 03:41 PM   #2
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My dad used to use a 'spotters' hitch mounted on the front bumper for our boat. Not certain how much tongue weight these can hold however.
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Old 10-27-2014, 03:56 PM   #3
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Also if you have power mirrors on truck do like truckers do, rotate either side in or out up or down eliminates many blind spots
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Old 10-27-2014, 04:27 PM   #4
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Giving the wheel to your wife is a good idea. You stand outside the drivers side and give her turn instructions in no more than 1/4 turn left or right. It isn't a race so go slow.
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Old 10-27-2014, 05:57 PM   #5
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I feel your pain. For my storage spot at home I have to back in downhill and make a turn to my blind side so visibility is an issue. The turn is right where the decent starts too so I loose a lot of references. I have a full size Dodge, towing mirrors, flipped up and have some pretty decent strap on extensions, but this is my next idea for me on my blind side.

Mid size traffic cones to mark the turn axis and one more for the glide path. I'm gonna try it.
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Old 10-27-2014, 06:53 PM   #6
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Belbein, you appear to have an extreme situation calling for "extreme" measures. I would recommend having a hitch receiver installed on the front of your truck. That would allow you to maneuver your trailer fairly easily "forklift" style. A few hundred bucks to ease a lot of stress.


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Old 10-27-2014, 07:22 PM   #7
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I bought this outfit for my Father a few years ago after he dinged his rig backing into his storage spot.

It has a built in speaker so he can hear the spotter when backing, and he can switch between cameras when towing his RV.


http://www.rearviewsafety.com/produc...5th-wheel.html
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Old 10-27-2014, 07:24 PM   #8
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I have power mirrors, I adjust them them all ways I need to see to avoid two sets of hedges, slate walk, curve, steps and dog.

Question....when using front ball, where do you stop unhitch and rehitch? In front of place u have to park? I am having trouble visualizing how that works.
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Old 10-27-2014, 07:27 PM   #9
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Towing mirrors help.
The rear view camera on the trailer helps.
Having your wife spot you helps.
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Old 10-27-2014, 08:44 PM   #10
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Sbb, when using a front ball, you back up as far as you can normally until feeling nervous. Stop and unhitch. Turn the truck around and hitch to the front. One note is that weight distribution is unnecessary on the front. Continuing to park the trailer from this point is much easier because you are looking forward as you move.


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Old 10-28-2014, 11:59 AM   #11
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I have used one of these front hitches in an equipment yard in college. The first time you get in and see a huge thing parked in front of you, and you put the car in drive, it takes a moment to not freak out "I'm driving into my trailer!!" Then it takes another moment to re-map your steering mechanics. Then the last feeling is "this is SO awesome."
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Old 10-31-2014, 06:29 AM   #12
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Maybe a powercaster or parkit360. It might be worth the investment , if it saves the aluminum.


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Old 11-05-2014, 03:43 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zymurbrian View Post
Sbb, when using a front ball, you back up as far as you can normally until feeling nervous. Stop and unhitch. Turn the truck around and hitch to the front. One note is that weight distribution is unnecessary on the front. Continuing to park the trailer from this point is much easier because you are looking forward as you move.


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Much easier--except I'd have this big damn aluminum thing in my way and I still wouldn't be able to see the driveway.
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Old 11-06-2014, 10:07 AM   #14
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Quote:
Much easier--except I'd have this big damn aluminum thing in my way and I still wouldn't be able to see the driveway.
What you need is a good rear view camera system. Take a look at this one:

Wireless Rear View Camera - Rv Rearview Camera Systems

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Old 11-06-2014, 02:00 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zymurbrian View Post
belbein, you appear to have an extreme situation calling for "extreme" measures. I would recommend having a hitch receiver installed on the front of your truck. That would allow you to maneuver your trailer fairly easily "forklift" style. A few hundred bucks to ease a lot of stress.


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+1 ...
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