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Merwin: A Solution to Bumper Bashing
Hitching up my boat trailer yesterday afternoon, and I thought I might help some of you solve a big problem. When backing up to a trailer, you can’t see the relative positions of your vehicle’s hitch ball and the trailer connector. Getting everything aligned is a huge pain in the neck without someone else directing you. By yourself, you’ll be in and out of the truck six times before you get it right. You’ll probably also bash your bumper on the trailer tongue in the process.
I use a simple mirror that sits on the truck’s tailgate that allows me to see the hitch ball, and--when I get close—the trailer connector at the same time. No more in-and-out of the truck, and I get it right first time, every time.
I’ve had mine for a few years, but the closest thing I see on the web these days is called a CIPA Fast Hitch mirror. Do a search to find one for about $40 or less.
It’s a phenomenal time-saver, but not the only way to accomplish the same thing. Any other suggestions?
DISCLAIMER: This idea was sparked by this post and I have not tried it out. It may help... it may not. Either way, it aught to be cheaper than a mirror and less hassle than the in/out of self adjusting.
With a tape measure (preferably brightly colored one, such as a Stanley) measure the distance from the rear bumper to the center of your rear tires. Next, measure from the hitch ball to about four inches past the outside of your rear, drivers side tire.
With both numbers in mind, move the tape measure underneath the trailer receiver and measure out and across so that the tape measure will be sitting in the spot you want to aim for putting your tire right up next to.
Posted by: Jordan Edwards | September 05, 2008 at 07:15 PM
I just lift the front of the trailer and set the connector on my truck's hitch ball. Now I realize this will not work for everyone, but it's the simplest way I know to get the job done.
Posted by: Blue Ox | September 05, 2008 at 10:46 PM
A mirror? Come on now... be proud of that smashed up bumper and license plate, besides it would break around my house in two weeks. I used to be able to park close and pull the boat into position but now I'm finding that impossible. Luckily I have plenty of kids to help. If you pull a camper or boat or any trailer your vehicle will show the wear and tear.
Jordan I've read your post twice and I'm still confused. Screw the tape measure, just attatching one of those tall bicycle flags to the ball and hitch would be easier...
To be honest I just look out my rearview mirrors and center the truck with trailer and back up slowly until it bumps. Sad but true.
Posted by: Dr. Ralph | September 05, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Re: Dr. Ralph
I could see how that might be a bit confusing. Maybe pictures would help a bit?
http://fascion.com/m1.jpg
Measure line A and B on your truck. As described above, line A being from the rear bumper to the rear tires and line B being from the ball to a few inches outside of your rear, drivers side tire.
Moving to your trailer, measuring forward the distance of line A out from directly underneath the receiver. Turn left 90 degrees and measure out line B. Retract the tape and leave it sitting there.
Hang your head out the window of your truck and back that sucker up, putting the left rear tire just shy of crushing the tape measure.
It sounded good on paper, at least. :P
Posted by: Jordan Edwards | September 06, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Jordon you've got even more time on your hands than me. You've definitely got it down to a science though, scratch & dent proof. What are you driving a Mercedes G class?
Posted by: Dr. Ralph | September 07, 2008 at 12:49 PM
a vertical line of tape on my rear window that lines up with a vertical stick on the front of my boat
both the tape and the stick have a horizontal mark
when the "crosses" are aligned the hitch is under the ball!
Posted by: nick | September 10, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Camping World sells two bright green sticks with a strong magnet on one end. One end sits on the ball and the other sits on top of the receiver. Line up the two sticks, back up, and when the receiver slides over the ball the second stick is knocked off. Works every time.
Posted by: Fred Rickson | September 10, 2008 at 04:55 PM