Mirror and light on nosecap over hitch?

I rely on my mirrors and backup camera to get the proper alignment as I cannot see the hitch in my rear view mirror. The backup camera is in the tailgate of my Ford and I let it down when I get close. After a little practice in the beginning, I always get proper positioning and now it is a habit. I use my tail light pig tail to get the proper trailer height for the fifth wheel so I don't high hitch or for that matter too low as well.

I use the mirror al the time since I cannot see the hitch thru the rear view mirror.

I guess it was not a deal breaker since I figured out the use of it after the purchase. :h

No mirror but we have a light under there. Never used the light for anything useful, maybe turned it on at the campsite for a light in the area. There is no issue of water getting into where mine is mounted, but it is not a key indicator for buying or not buying on our next one.

-Bryan

Truckers hitch themselves up everyday without ever seeing the hitch or having somebody guide them.

It is all about using mirrors & reference points for alignment & height.

TxGearhead wrote:
Got it. Never used it.

Ditto. I just turn my head and look out the back window as I back...

I can't see my hitch at all, so the mirror is handy, but I always get out and check before backing in all the way. Never hitched at night, so never used the light. Wouldn't be a deal breaker if our next 5er didn't have 'em.

I never used the mirror on my 5th until I recently installed a crossover toolbox that completely blocked my view of the hitch. Now I have to use the mirror to hitch up the 5th.

To me the mirror is useless. The light I would use if it was not wired to the big scare lights.

Practice! Practice! Practice!

Of course I have never had a mirror so I really can't evaluate the usefulness. I have however had enough trailers over enough years that I can't see making it a priority when selecting a trailer.

pennysmom09 wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

GramaofAAAA wrote:
Got it....don't use it! With 2 of us hooking up I think it's easier when one is watching.

:h

I guess I am just too independent, I never need DW help to hitch or back up. How do you deal with it when she isn't around?
Not that it doesn't work for you just fine, I just never thought of hooking up a fiver a two person job, must be carry over from TT days.

Independence is definitely an admirable trait, but teamwork makes it go faster and its more fun. We travel together so we work together. When I was incapacitated and DH had to go it alone, he managed just fine, I like being familiar with the attaching and unhooking.

I often "make" (not really) the wife hitch and un-hitch in case there was ever a day that she had to or wanted to do it herself. Knowledge is power.