DIY Hitch alignment Gadget

[Paul&Dee]

Here's a great idea for using your tailgate liftglass as a hitch alignment mirror. If you prop the glass open about 11 inches, it makes a great magnifying mirror looking down at the hitch, We used piece of wood dowel with cup hooks at each end. Here are some pictures looking
out the rear fiew mirror, the back window, and one of the dowel in place.

This should work for any SUV that has an opening window in the tail gate.

http://www.airforums.com/attachments...iewmirror2.jpg
http://www.airforums.com/attachments/gallery/files/6/1/3/9/trailer_hitchup_stick_in_place2.jpg
http://www.airforums.com/attachments...ck_window2.jpg

[Kevin245]

Isn't it amazing how one can defeat current technology (cameras and funny looking rods with balls mounted on them) with a stick and a couple of cup hooks?

Good post

[SilverRanger]

Very clever idea. Now, how do I break the news to my wife that she has been replaced by cup hooks and a stick?

[Beginner]

I wouldn't if I were you

[AirsDream]

This is such a swell idea I almost want to run out and buy a new tow vehicle with rear lift glass ... almost. But it really is a terrific idea.

And instead of telling the wife that, I think you should tell her that you saved so much money on this system over the full color micro zoom, pan and tilt digital wireless intergalactic camera system you had been planning to buy (so that she wasn't in danger of being crushed between the trailer and tow vehicle!), that now you can afford to buy that new ______ (insert name of object of lust here ... camera, trolling motor, riflescope, widescreen tv, motorcycle, etc.!)

Let me know how that works out for you!

+RHH+

[Minnie's Mate]

I use those funny green sticks with the magnets on the base and red tips, I think they are called hitch-eaz or something like that. I got so tired of my wife telling me, "no the other left." and "left, left, left, left, now, right, right, now, straight back, keep coming," and 2 inches away she would say, "no, no, pull forward and straighten up and come straight back." She still helps, makes her feel useful, but I don't listen as much!

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by SilverRanger

Very clever idea. Now, how do I break the news to my wife that she has been replaced by cup hooks and a stick?

I won't tell my girl friend either. Her hand gestures are far too entertaining.

[ESCAPE POD]

I like the idea of using the rear fold-up glass to act as a mirror, but when I tested out the idea on my shell window, the reflection was pretty faint. Anyone know of a good source for reflective mylar rolls or sheets to really give a good boost to this approach?

[airdreamers]

Wife to husband "turn your wheel right"!!!!!! Wife to husband "three more feet"!!!!!

We still love them and-but use the new lift window way!! Great idea can't wait try the system. Yesterday was "wife to husband"???"!

Bill

[Road Ruler]

I am impressed. Our previous TV was a Nissan Van with a spring loaded, flip up back window. Your idea would have worked great with this vehicle.

[63air]

I found a really neat folding mirror at Camping World that fits on my truck's tailgate and works like this . It cost about $35, but no longer having my wife back there giving directions- priceless.