Need help with self hitch & ball aligning.

For times that I travel alone I need an accessory that will
help with aligning the ball and hitch efficiently without damaging the rear bumper. A product call 'Hitch n Mirror' looks like a promising product. There is another product called an 'EZ-Guide Hitch Tool' that helps guide the hitch to the ball and offers some protection for the bumper. If you have had experience using one of these products or some other product that you thought worked well, or have any other suggestions, please reply? Any input would be appreciated.

[commodor47]

I have one of these - used it on a few occasions with good results.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95684

Dick

Second the harbor freight suggestion. These are easy to use. I just line the balls up via the rear view mirror. The mirror tool you mentioned just adds another dimension of possible confusion. The balls are inexpensive and very light weight.

Camping World sells a similar but more expensive product, which I use. Wish I had known about the Harbor Freight version. Anyhow, they do work and I would recommend them.

Thank you all for your replies.

[B_and_D]

We have the Harbor Freight model, DH & I tried it last week (I bought it for myself) and he said it was easy to use. However, he is a lot taller than I am. I think that I may need one that extends higher up in order to see it over the tailgate.

Another suggestion, although not cheap, is a backup camera. I've looked at several models that mount on the license plate frame, using the license plate bolts for mounting and a small wireless LCD. I've seen several models for about $100. A friend mounted one on his motor home to keep an eye on his towed vehicle. I personally use the alignment balls from Harbor Freight and they work great for me.

Got those yellow balls from Harbor Freight for half the cost of the same thing at Wally World. Works very well.

The nice thing about hitching up with a truck is that I can see the TM well enough that as long as I am backing up to in a straight line I can come within 2 inches of accuracy side to side and when my back up alarm turns red I know I am still 4 inches in front of it.

Then I get out and look.

When I hitch up by myself it takes 2 or 3 tries. If my neighbor helps me it takes 3. If my wife helps me it takes 4 or 5 tries.

Originally Posted by PopBeavers

The nice thing about hitching up with a truck is that I can see the TM well enough that as long as I am backing up to in a straight line I can come within 2 inches of accuracy side to side and when my back up alarm turns red I know I am still 4 inches in front of it.

Then I get out and look.

When I hitch up by myself it takes 2 or 3 tries. If my neighbor helps me it takes 3. If my wife helps me it takes 4 or 5 tries.

I hope your sake she does not read your post.