Solo hitching |
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dogsintow
Newbie Joined: 30 Sep 2015 Location: Pacific NW Online Status: Offline Posts: 31 |
Topic: Solo hitching Posted: 28 Dec 2015 at 2:39pm |
I'm looking for recommendations for trailer alignment gear. I am solo with my 177 and Tahoe, often having to hitch it in the dark in the PNW. I tried the magnetic rods with the ball, but once it was so windy that the rod fell over and was no help. I'm thinking of investing in a backup camera but would love to know what you all use or recommend if you've ever tried to hitch up solo. Thanks.
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2011 R-Pod 177 aka The Pawd Pad
2002 Chevy Tahoe 2 happy dogs |
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ronahue
Senior Member Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 316 |
Posted: 28 Dec 2015 at 3:06pm |
My Frontier has a backup camera from the factory and it works great unless the hitch is in the shade and the camera in the sun. It also works great at night.
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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
Posted: 28 Dec 2015 at 9:36pm |
I just do it the hard way, getting out a half-dozen times, adjusting each time. No camera on my truck but I would like to get one eventually.
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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Podster
Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108 |
Posted: 28 Dec 2015 at 10:41pm |
http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-50002-Smart-Camera-System/dp/B00CTLGSZO
Check out the video...looks pretty good!
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
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Guests
Guest Group |
Posted: 29 Dec 2015 at 7:34am |
X 2 on Techntrek's comments. I have thought about a camera but, decided it would be just one more thing to "fool" with. Being in the same situation (hitching solo) I can relate. Some days, I nail it on the first try. Most days, it takes a few tries to get it right. (I've been hitching up trailers for decades)
If a campsite is reasonably level, I often hitch up the day/evening before - while it is still daytime. If the site is not level, I'll, at least, get the truck & camper "lined up", so all I have to do is back up a few inches. When you are hitched, make a mental note of the "picture" you see in your mirrors. When backing up to hitch, you'll want to see the same "picture", in the mirrors. This will get you in the ballpark. |
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Outbound
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Oshawa, Ontario Online Status: Offline Posts: 767 |
Posted: 29 Dec 2015 at 10:35am |
I tried the backup camera thing. Mine had the standard fisheye lens and I found it wasn't very useful. I moved the camera to the back of the trailer instead (actually, it peeks out the rear window) and use it as a rear-view mirror.
I still prefer my EasyHitch for solo hookups. In strong winds, just place them back a bit - not on the ball, but on the flat steel of the trailer tongue and the receiver hitch. Or, as Techntrek and David have suggested, just get out a few times while backing up.
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Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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Tars Tarkas
Senior Member Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1447 |
Posted: 29 Dec 2015 at 1:32pm |
Getting in and out works for me.
TT |
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2010 176
FJ Cruiser |
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dogsintow
Newbie Joined: 30 Sep 2015 Location: Pacific NW Online Status: Offline Posts: 31 |
Posted: 29 Dec 2015 at 5:12pm |
thank you all so much for the ideas and recommendations. the getting-in-out gets frustrating to me. I always have my dogs with me and they ride in crates and I have to have them in the TV before I'm hitched up and they get really confused and stressed out with the repeated in/out etc. Plus in the PNW it rains a lot obviously and I've gotten quite wet just getting aligned. So I'm willing to spend a little on a good system that will help me out. It looks like there are a few good options.
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2011 R-Pod 177 aka The Pawd Pad
2002 Chevy Tahoe 2 happy dogs |
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Keith-N-Dar
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 03 Apr 2011 Location: Mayville, WI Online Status: Offline Posts: 1447 |
Posted: 29 Dec 2015 at 6:52pm |
Put me down for Solo Hitch. Normally I only have to get out once and sometimes move the tongue over a little bit. The magnets don't fit perfectly on the trailer, but can get close enough to hitch.
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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
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john in idaho
Senior Member Joined: 04 Nov 2014 Location: Eagle Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 611 |
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 10:32am |
Put a dot or piece of tape on the exact middle of the trailer front wall so you can see it with your inside mirror.
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