Hooking up Trailer

[JeffandTamara]

Thanks for all who posted...As I had thought, there were several interesting and clever ideas, gagets and strategies... I was a little surprised at all the responses, although this is something that a lot of people have to do on a real regular basis... My back isn't as good as it used to be,,, so all the pulling and tugging on a heavy trailer could result in more than just frustration.....

I have an old side mirror off old Pickup that I am toying with to prop up on the tailgate somehow... I think with some of the ideas mentioned here I should be able to get real close, then use the mirror for fine tuning....Thats my plan...we'll see about the execution.... If I can get something that works, I'll make it a point to report back...

 

[tawilson]

When I unhook the trailer, I jack it up just enough so it scrubs the ball when I drive ahead. Then when backing up to it, if I do get the alignment right on the first shot, I can feel the ball go under the hitch and know where to stop. As far as alignment, as many said, a straight shot at the trailer helps.

 

[greenedeere]

The farmers and My landscape family around here use the pull pin swivel type hitch. Back up close and as centered as possible, pull pin, pull out hitch, movement is limited up,down,left and right,(the reason you want to be close to begin with)hook up to ball lock hitch, re-a-line receiver, replace pin.Can be found at most places that sell hitches and receivers for medium to heavy duty towing. Just a suggestion.

 

[Redbug]

Wushaw and the others...I wanted you to know...I just ordered one of those "FastHitch Mirrors" off that website. I have 6 trailers of different sorts and I'm tired of backing and getting out...backing and getting out...

I had been using the sticks with magnets, but they don't work so well, especially on an incline. Time to give the mirror a try. And besides, I could use the mirror while camping to shave with, or shine sun cats in the neighbors windows down the hill.

 

[wushaw]

Wushaw and the others...I wanted you to know...I just ordered one of those "FastHitch Mirrors" off that website. I have 6 trailers of different sorts and I'm tired of backing and getting out...backing and getting out...

I had been using the sticks with magnets, but they don't work so well, especially on an incline. Time to give the mirror a try. And besides, I could use the mirror while camping to shave with, or shine sun cats in the neighbors windows down the hill.

I have had mine for six years, I have used it on pickups, Jeep grand cherokee
and my Pete all with good success.
I think you will be rather pleased

 

[westbrooklawn]

Take an 18" piece of 4x4... nail a 24" piece of 2x4 on the end at a right angle. This give you an "L" shaped "jig" for lack of a better word. When you park the trailer, and before you disconnect, slide the 4x4 under the back of your driver side tire (like a chock), with the 2x4 facing the front of the truck, and right alongside your tire. You can disconnect and pull away, but leave the jig in place. When you want to hook up, back your truck up using your side mirror, so that your tire slides in parallel to the 2x4, and when you hit the 4x4 your ball will be right under the hitch.

 

[firemanpat2910]

As said before practice. My 3 axle trailer will not move at all, So you have to hit it just right. When it is in its "home" spot, I spin my tires just a little to make an impression in the dirt. next time just back up till you feel the truck fall in the ruts and you are real close. What type of hitch do you have. I have a new Bulldog clamshell type hitch that I am going to put on the 20' trailer this winter, I hate the lever, latch style that is on it now.

 

[BTDT]

As said before practice. My 3 axle trailer will not move at all, So you have to hit it just right. When it is in its "home" spot, I spin my tires just a little to make an impression in the dirt. next time just back up till you feel the truck fall in the ruts and you are real close. What type of hitch do you have. I have a new Bulldog clamshell type hitch that I am going to put on the 20' trailer this winter, I hate the lever, latch style that is on it now.

Is this what they also call a pental (sp) hitch? Those work real well.

 

[firemanpat2910]

No Im talking about a clam shell that fits over a 2 5/16 ball. I have heard good and bad things about pintal hitches, and my work trailer is a 2-5/16 so it is easier to stay the same.