Hitching up solo how do you do it?

[zlee]

I expect I'll get there. I'm usually centered just fine, the second try is usually because I haven't got enough trust in where I think the hitch is in relationship to the rear end of the Jetta yet. Once I have that, I think it'll serve me well in general. I think it's always good to know where the edges of your vehicle are!

[Rich of SCal]

Originally Posted by zlee

I expect I'll get there. I'm usually centered just fine, the second try is usually because I haven't got enough trust in where I think the hitch is in relationship to the rear end of the Jetta yet. Once I have that, I think it'll serve me well in general. I think it's always good to know where the edges of your vehicle are!

That's why I like the tennis ball system. You know exactly where you are. I just wait until the one on the ball wiggles and stop instantly. Plus using the rod to measure exactly how high you need to jack up the tongue makes sure I am going to clear it when I back under it. Can't judge that by the height of the front trailer wheel extension since it varies depending on the levelness of the ground. Also, I have my spare jeep tire on the back, so I feel more secure using the indication of the tennis ball. Too bad there isn't a similar system for backing the trailer. But I guess that skill will come with practice. Hopefully I don't learn it the hard way.

[zlee]

TBH, no, you don't know exactly where you are -- you know where the tennis balls are. My dealership's point was that I needed to learn precisely where the edges of my vehicle were at all times. GOAL isn't superseded by this, of course--the good pro truck drivers still get out and look, and they're usually quite good at knowing where their edges are.

It's easier and faster initially to use them, of course, but they don't help you learn your vehicle, which is my goal. Not saying it has to be everyone's!

[ROBERT CROSS]

This helps get it rite the first time with the Hensley....

Bob

[danlehosky]

I just open the the tailgate on the tahoe which kind of gives me a huge rear camera. I have a hensley so I leave the height figured out and I hit it most times on the first try.
Dan

[SlvrParachut]

I have a Chevy Avalanche with the backup camera, I can do this by myself, takes a bit of practice. But a buddy of mine recommends the Quick Bite. He and his wife are fulltimers, but they love this device and it works really well. It is on my shopping list right now. Lippert Components, Inc Shopping Cart

[phbarnhart]

The Suburban came with a backup camera that displays on the nav screen. It means that even a total newbie like me can do it on the first try... and that's with the kids screaming and/or watching tv in the back.

[mhilley]

If you don't have a backup camera you can purchase one. Some are quite inexpensive (I think I paid less than $70) and easy to install, usually they attach to the license plate frame. I painted the ball receiver on the trailer white so it would show up on the camera. Works really well.