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Old 08-22-2013, 06:28 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pwb01 View Post
I can't see the 5th wheel at all having a back seat in the truck but I do something similar. I back up linging up my rear middle headrest on the pin box and fine tune with the camera.

Good idea Herk
Just lift the pin higher. That is what I do.
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Old 08-22-2013, 06:38 PM   #22
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Originally Posted by herk7769 View Post
Just lift the pin higher. That is what I do.
It is also a 4 door crew cab.

My technique actually works better with crew cab due to the longer sight picture.
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Old 08-22-2013, 07:24 PM   #23
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I have a cover over the pin box with a light just above the pin that I can see from inside my f150 screw. I line it up with a tab on top of back seat.
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Old 08-22-2013, 07:25 PM   #24
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The best thing my 5th wheel has is a light exactly center and exactly about 1/3 the way down my back window when I'm on pin. I put a piece of masking tape permanently on my back truck window, when I just about to be hitched, when the trailer light and masking tape line up exactly, click.. I'm in the hitch, give it a try. I must say that in the relatively short time I've been on this forum, I've learned more about trailers, wheels, brakes, backing, and anything related.. it's an amazing source of info. Thanks to all. !!!

ps, I have a crewcab Ford, so took the backseat head rest out, just clicks out .. lots of view now.
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Old 08-22-2013, 08:06 PM   #25
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the wife hold it instead of giving finger directions.

thought i was the only one who got those .......
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Old 08-22-2013, 11:40 PM   #26
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the wife hold it instead of giving finger directions.

thought i was the only one who got those .......
My wife gives me finger directions all the time!!!
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Old 08-22-2013, 11:42 PM   #27
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Couldn't see mine either especially with half of a tonneau cover so I made this.
And here I thought that was just to admire yourself in!!
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Old 08-23-2013, 07:32 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Windywest View Post
ps, I have a crewcab Ford, so took the backseat head rest out, just clicks out .. lots of view now.
Tried that, still can't see the 5th wheel. The rear seat alone is too high.

thanks
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Old 08-23-2013, 07:40 AM   #29
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I think you need to buy one of those cheap video cams everyone has been installing.
Mount it with suction cups as many have done.
Sounds pretty simple to me.


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Old 08-23-2013, 07:47 AM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo View Post
I think you need to buy one of those cheap video cams everyone has been installing.
Mount it with suction cups as many have done.
Sounds pretty simple to me.


Turbs
See the first post here. I have a magnetic mount camera and it works great for the last couple of feet. I have a white stripe on the pin box and 5th wheel that I line up on the monitor.

I also have a stripe on the top of the pin box and camper body so I can see if the pin box is straight before I disconnect. Pivoting at the camper instead of at the pin, there's no room for error.
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Old 08-23-2013, 08:37 AM   #31
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just back up til you hear glass break. seriously... just get out and look is what i do. i have found that to be a foolproof method not to mention affordable (read cheap).
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Old 08-23-2013, 09:12 AM   #32
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Tried that, still can't see the 5th wheel. The rear seat alone is too high.

thanks
OH, I think you are mis-understanding the tape on window trick.

We can't see the hitch either; just the pin.

If you align the center of your rear view mirror, the tape, and the pin in a line; the pin is exactly centered on the pickup as you back up.

Like a rifle sight, the longer the sight picture, the more accurate the line up.

I, or a helper, get out and lower the pin to its pre-contact position and then get in and back the last few inches right into the hitch.

That loud CLACK as the Pullrite pin retainer slams around to capture the pin is a lovely sound.
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Old 08-23-2013, 09:15 AM   #33
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Any OTR professionals have ideas? They can't see the pin and back into a different trailer almost every time.
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Old 08-23-2013, 10:21 AM   #34
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I have the same problem I just line up the dually fenders up with the side walls of the 5er just make sure the pin box is at the right height
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Old 08-23-2013, 10:48 AM   #35
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Do like Turbs said, get a baby monitor and mount the camera on the centerline of the pin box aimed straight forward at the hitch and put the monitor in the truck where you can see it.
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Old 08-23-2013, 11:05 AM   #36
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If you have multiple smart phones or an iPad you might want to look at my post #117 here (or more importantly the post I quote there).
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post425885

I think it's a better solution than the baby monitor for this short-range application (but that's just my opinion of course).
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Old 08-23-2013, 11:11 AM   #37
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Permanently mounting a rectangular mirror on the pinbox is the cheapest way to go.
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Old 08-23-2013, 11:23 AM   #38
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former otr ..... i used to line up the side of my trailer with side of thee truck and back up. of course, the trailer was as wide as the truck was so pretty much a no brainer. plus the landing gear is a LOT more sturdy and will take quite a bit of side to side movement.
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