use large convex mirror for backing assistance?

texasjohn · Sep 5, 2008

I find that it's increasingly hard to back up properly the first time to hook up my:

flatbed 18' bumper hitch
dump trailer..gooseneck
cattle trailer..gooseneck
5 bale hay hauler..gooseneck
1000 gallon water trailer...pin hitch, front steering, 4 wheels
cotton trailer... pin hitch..front steering, 4 wheels
300 gallon herbicide trailer.. pin hitch, 2 wheel

And, I switch trailers maybe twice a day..

My search for a wireless, portable backup system lead me to believe that the Swift Hitch is maybe what I could use. But spending $300 gets into the pricey region for my Scottish blood. It has a magnetic base for the camera and every trailer I have has a place where it could be safely mounted.

However, anybody tried mounting a large convex circular mirror on the trailer and watching it in the vehicle's rear view mirror as you back up... can you see sufficiently to get the job done, or are things just too small?

I'm wondering if I could mount such a mirror on a strong magnetic base for temporary placement on each trailer then move it from trailer to trailer... if it would be functional, it would not require any fancy electronics and not break.

Surely, such a convex mirror system must not work or they would be in general use...but, does anybody have any actual experience with this approach....yes,, I'm cheap...could go buy one and find out ...but, then, would not have any reason to visit TBN

coobie · Sep 5, 2008

texasjohn said:
I find that it's increasingly hard to back up properly the first time to hook up my:

flatbed 18' bumper hitch
dump trailer..gooseneck
cattle trailer..gooseneck
5 bale hay hauler..gooseneck
1000 gallon water trailer...pin hitch, front steering, 4 wheels
cotton trailer... pin hitch..front steering, 4 wheels
300 gallon herbicide trailer.. pin hitch, 2 wheel

And, I switch trailers maybe twice a day..

My search for a wireless, portable backup system lead me to believe that the Swift Hitch is maybe what I could use. But spending $300 gets into the pricey region for my Scottish blood. It has a magnetic base for the camera and every trailer I have has a place where it could be safely mounted.

However, anybody tried mounting a large convex circular mirror on the trailer and watching it in the vehicle's rear view mirror as you back up... can you see sufficiently to get the job done, or are things just too small?

I'm wondering if I could mount such a mirror on a strong magnetic base for temporary placement on each trailer then move it from trailer to trailer... if it would be functional, it would not require any fancy electronics and not break.

Surely, such a convex mirror system must not work or they would be in general use...but, does anybody have any actual experience with this approach....yes,, I'm cheap...could go buy one and find out ...but, then, would not have any reason to visit TBN

I just bought a swift hitch last month for $289 shipped,best darn money I ever spent.No fights with the wife now hooking up the trailers,LOL.I am very impressed with the quality also.Buy one you won,t be sorry.coobie

MarkLeininger · Sep 6, 2008

I've used convex mirrors to back trailers up against fences when I used to drive a truck, but they don't work at night, or if they're in the shade and you're in the sun, or if they're covered with dust, or if it's raining, or in the morning when they have dew on them. But the other 2 days of the year they work great.

I'm in the queue to buy the camera, may have to wait for Santa.

Builder · Sep 6, 2008

Have you checked out the WalMart back up camera? It ain't perfect, but for $99 it works 1/2 decent.

I really wish there were more alternatives. There's the walmart camera for $99, then there's a jump up to about $500 for the better units.

Reg · Sep 6, 2008

I still think the toilet plunger is the simplest,easiest, cheapest device for gooseneck trailers.
Just put it over the truck's ball, sight it in the rear view mirror and stop when the handle falls over.
Paint it BRIGHT if you need to.

Builder · Sep 6, 2008

I think I just found what I'm looking for. Price is reasonable. I'm gonna try it.

https://www.ruralking.com/Store/detail.aspx?ID=42256

texasjohn · Sep 6, 2008

Good input, every one.

Thanks.

Think I'll purchase a plunger and look for walmart model on sale.

MarkLeininger · Sep 7, 2008

Reg said:
I still think the toilet plunger is the simplest,easiest, cheapest device for gooseneck trailers.
Just put it over the truck's ball, sight it in the rear view mirror and stop when the handle falls over.

I tried this but it kept falling over when I backed over my wife.