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noreen&sal · 03-31-2011, 02:12 PM

Solo. Like someone said, better for the domestic harmony. When DW is happy, everybody is happy. Sal.

benjisgal · 03-31-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefneon

Howdy!

I posted here since you hitch up your Airstream solo all the time anyway. I have enough problems hitching the AS up with the help of my LW. What tricks do you use to help you hitch up by yourself.

"Happy Trails"
chiefneon

There is a yellow rod that some people use to hitch up their trailers. These rods are found in camping and trailer stores. I don't know the official name for it. For me, my TV comes with a backup camera. I can hitch it up in a jiffy with it.

68 TWind · 03-31-2011, 02:45 PM

The "tennis balls on an antenna" hitch up tool works great. Reese makes them but Harbor Freight has a generic version. Now that I have hitched my trailer many times, I don't use them much. I put a very small piece of orange duct tape on the inside of the tailgate on my truck to mark the exact center line above the ball. That gets me very close and usually just a quick tweak and I am lined up.

Foiled Again · 03-31-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driftless

I hitch up by myself a lot. Mostly I line the TV up with the trailer using the driver's side mirror. I know how much of the side I should see when it is following me down the road. When I think I'm within a foot, I hop out and check the remaining distance and allignment. If it is only a short distance, I leave the driver's door open and pick a reference point on the ground to measure the distance I have to back up. I can usually get there with only one or two visits to the back of the TV.

Yep, that's the way I do it too. Most times, two or three trips to check and I'm perfect. I do have a Hensley Hitch helper - that will actually move the trailer left or right by over 4 inches to make side to side adjustments, but most times I can drop the hitch on the ball without adjusting. I usually over back be an inch - then adjust and am an inch too far out for the meeting of the components.!

Of course the tighter the timeframe... the more attempts it takes.

Paula

man7sell · 03-31-2011, 03:42 PM

On the new TV they mounted a camera offset by 9" from centerline (my last one was in the tailgate handle dead center) It's a pain, I'm better quessing without it. So this weekend it comes off and will be mounted closer to center

Maybe I should use the balls, camera, magnifying glass, some tape too

tpi · 03-31-2011, 03:42 PM

I put a piece of duct tape on the inside of tailgate (near the top) of truck, which I line up with center seam of the trailer's front window when I'm backing. It gets me close. Then when I'm within a couple feet I get out and look, and make any minor corrections at that point. I may not nail it every time immediately but usually can get it in a couple of minutes.

mutcth · 03-31-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

I just open the rear door, fold down the seat back and I can see the hitch and the ball.

I'm so pleased to read that someone does this too. Of course, if the minivan is filled with stuff, it doesn't work so well.

Really hard to beat a rearview camera with a big dashboard screen with a line right down the middle showing that you're lined up on the tongue...

Tom

MoBambi · 03-31-2011, 04:28 PM

I also use the tape method (I use elect tape on the tale gate) and with my tv's backup warning (radar) system finding the distance ..so most times that gets me where I need to be the 1st time. As many have said I do not use the DW for hookup.. their are plenty of opportunities issues such as ..when we as a team.. back in to a site ...late at night.. in the rain etc.. to last a life time

**blmitch5** · 03-31-2011, 04:49 PM

Back up camera for me. I love it.

gsmithii · 03-31-2011, 05:50 PM

Sheesh! We've barely learned to hitch with teamwork. Do we have to do it solo?

FLMarine · 05-13-2011, 05:37 PM

It usually takes me 3-4 times average

FLMarine · 05-13-2011, 05:44 PM

It usually takes me 3-4 times getting out to look where the hitch ball is to back up and hitch my truck with no camera, no tricks, and solo. On a good day I will back my truck up 2 times to hitch it up.

It just takes practice to know how to back it up close. Granted I've been backing up trailers since I was 13 and I'm 32 now so I've had experience. I have towed boats as well hitching them up an average of 2 times a week for almost ten years.

When I take a look where the hitch ball is I make a mental note how far it is and when I back up I keep the door open and just estimate how far I've gone. Practice makes perfect. Just a great excuse to hitch up the trailer more.

colsons · 05-17-2011, 08:59 PM

Use wheel chocks on the trailer and put a couple behind your tow rigs rear wheels before disconnecting. You can put a couple of markers under your door to align with the trailer. Line up with the side markers and back up to the chocks... and you are there. Also you can get a back up cam for the R. lic. plate bracket for 100 bucks and point it at your hitch. Works great.

klattu · 05-17-2011, 09:05 PM

I drag my shoe in the dirt to make a mark just outside my door, to judge distance moved...lots of in and out.

I like the idea of a back up camera.

Phrunes · 05-17-2011, 09:11 PM

Ive got an EZ Hitch Align...plate mounts below ball and has two holes in it. You grab the metal "V" drop it into the fixed mount, back into the trailer tongue and presto! You're all lined up. Lower the trailer hook everything up, grap the "V" and chuck it into the back of the truck. I use it for everything I tow and dont have to ask for help hooking her up.
http://marketplace.diynetwork.com/Cl...8040126&Extra=

AIR-Quarius · 05-17-2011, 09:51 PM

I am going to try the webcam/laptop combo...I did see Sean Michells' video about a hand held black and white monitor, with a webcam.

ROBERT CROSS · 05-17-2011, 10:07 PM

Reese Two Balls and Sticks Hitch Aligner Review Video | etrailer.com this

OB Bambi · 05-18-2011, 06:39 PM

I have a good idea where Bambi's hitch is...then Max (the tow vehicle) has back-up sensors that beep and I am used to when Max stops beeping and goes to solid buzz, I'm within 11", then I ease it in...hey...that sounds...well...you know...like a hook up.

Randy Bowman

overlander63 · 05-18-2011, 07:16 PM

I usually just "know",it's kind of an acquired talent. I've found it takes more time and raises the blood pressure if I have help.

JFScheck · 05-18-2011, 07:36 PM

I have a ProPride Hitch and a camera on the back of my F-350, takes me minutes, very, very, very easy.....

Yea - I use the extra set of eye's for backing up - but to hitch, I'm solo, less stress, and like I said, with the built-in camera of the F-350 and ProPride, piece of cake.