Hitching up solo

[Terier]

When hitching up solo it can take a number of adjustments of pulling forward and backing up to get the truck in the right spot. I have a great backup camera so I can get close to the coupler but the depth is misleading. I need to figure out how to mark the hitch and coupler as a guide - does anyone have any ideas?

Today I couldn’t get the slider to return to the down/close position. I started questioning what I was doing and where I was going wrong. Then I remembered reading here to pull forward slightly so that the hitch ball is at the front of the coupler instead of the rear. I gently eased forward & felt the ball connected. After this I had no problem getting the slider down into position for locking.

Thanks to this website I now have a better understanding. In the past I would become confused as the steps for hitching and disconnecting would become muddled when things didn’t go as planned. I'm the type that will start exploring and end up confused.

Take care!

[dretired]

I didnt have a backup camera ..my driveway has a pitch ? slope ?? after almost 1/2 hour of attempting to "hook up" My TT.. i ended up buying a 5th wheel and LOVE IT !! I look over my shoulder... out the trucks back window .. and can see what i am doing !! i usually have a little height adjustment to do with the front electric jacks...but... no big deal !! usually done with everything in 5 mins or less ..and.. i like the way it pulls down the freeway better than the TT.. non of that rear end wagging back and forth ... wish i had more advice for you ,, GOOD LUCK !!!

[Bennington Camper]

I don't have a backup camera (yet), but a pair of tennis balls on telescopic rods, mounted to magnets.

One gets stuck to the top of the ball on the TV, the other to the top of the TT hitch. Look in the rearview mirror and match the position of the balls. When the one on yout TV hitch falls off, you are perfectly positioned.

Has been amazing for myself and DW!

Glenn

[tentcamper1]

this is what I use and the work great.

[MtnGuy]

1 of the telescopic tennis ball alignment rods on my hitch shank, and a mirror on my trailer does the job.



The mirror mount in my trailer tongue also doubles as my flagpole mount.

[BlakeB]

Originally Posted by Terier

When hitching up solo it can take a number of adjustments of pulling forward and backing up to get the truck in the right spot. I have a great backup camera so I can get close to the coupler but the depth is misleading. I need to figure out how to mark the hitch and coupler as a guide - does anyone have any ideas?

Today I couldn’t get the slider to return to the down/close position. I started questioning what I was doing and where I was going wrong. Then I remembered reading here to pull forward slightly so that the hitch ball is at the front of the coupler instead of the rear. I gently eased forward & felt the ball connected. After this I had no problem getting the slider down into position for locking.

Thanks to this website I now have a better understanding. In the past I would become confused as the steps for hitching and disconnecting would become muddled when things didn’t go as planned. I'm the type that will start exploring and end up confused.

Take care!

awesome! I do this everytime for easy hitching up

[FreedomTracker]

I also use the tennis ball method when the DW is not around Purchased at a discount tool supply store.

My New truck also has an audible backup sensor (no camera) that gives a heads up as to how close I am. Keeps you from doing anything stupid...

[showtime0022]

Terier, you can find those telescoping magnets locally @ Harbor Freight tools. There is one in Fontana off Sierra or one next to Montclair plaza.

[sideout1961]

I have those tennis ball thing but can't seen to get the thing to stand straight on the coupler. It wants to keep falling to one side. How do you get a flat magnet to sit on top of a round coupler?

[OldCoot]

I painted the ball section of the hitch white and the top of the coupler white as you can see in the convex mirror. One stab backing up and coupler is over the hitch ball. No pain, no strain. Mirror was permanently mounted off tongue jack.

[dretired]

Originally Posted by dunnnc

I painted the ball section of the hitch white and the top of the coupler white as you can see in the convex mirror. One stab backing up and coupler is over the hitch ball. No pain, no strain. Mirror was permanently mounted off tongue jack.

You should patent and sell that !!

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by dunnnc

I painted the ball section of the hitch white and the top of the coupler white as you can see in the convex mirror. One stab backing up and coupler is over the hitch ball. No pain, no strain. Mirror was permanently mounted off tongue jack.

Looks like you and I had the same idea.

[OldCoot]

Been using one of these since our first trailer in 1975. Something similar to it has been on all 7 tt since and the 5er we have now.

[Terier]

Thaks for the suggestions. Will see which method works for me. I have an after-market back-up camera othewise there would be marker guides display on the rear mirror.

Some of my problem might be corrected if ever I get a well-fitting contact len with the correct RX. The sight in my left eye changed instantly after being rear ended on the freeway. Most likely wasn't a high speed accident but with the impact being directly on the hitch the force was 2.5 times stronger and enough to cause head & neck injury. BTW - I no longer drive around with the hitch attached.

There's is a HF that is close to home so thanks for the tip. I get their coupons too.

[rkswyo]

I love my backup camera. I can usally hit it dead on the first try. It takes a little getting used to the somewhat distorted view, but after a few times I have it down. I would hate to be without it.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Terier

T The sight in my left eye changed instantly after being rear ended on the freeway.

Get that looked after !!!

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by sideout1961

I have those tennis ball thing but can't seen to get the thing to stand straight on the coupler. It wants to keep falling to one side. How do you get a flat magnet to sit on top of a round coupler?

you don't have to put it on top of the round part, just move it back behind the round bulge.
and raise the ball an inch more.

doesn't have to actually be on the round coupler to work.

[Rugged Brown]

I just have to say that I find the title to your thread very funny "Hitching up Solo" . No malintent, just funning.

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by Rugged Brown

I just have to say that I find the title to your thread very funny "Hitching up Solo" . No malintent, just funning.

Terry, were you looking for the on-line dating link?

Dave

[Chewie]

Funny, I have to hook up solo... My DW can't get any directions correct so I find doing it myself it's easier and less stressful than arguing. I've become very good at it.