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Topic ClosedSolo hitching

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dogsintow View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post 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.
2011 R-Pod 177 aka The Pawd Pad
2002 Chevy Tahoe
2 happy dogs
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ronahue View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post 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. 
Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179
2022 Nissan Frontier

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techntrek View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post 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.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Dec 2015 at 10:41pm
Cliff & Raelynn
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Direct Link To This Post 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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Direct Link To This Post 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.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Dec 2015 at 1:32pm
Getting in and out works for me.

TT
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dogsintow View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post 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.
2011 R-Pod 177 aka The Pawd Pad
2002 Chevy Tahoe
2 happy dogs
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Keith-N-Dar View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post 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.
Keith-N-Dar
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Direct Link To This Post 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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