Hitching up

I've just purchased my first trailer so obviously I'm no expert, but having the built in back up camera on my Jeep actually makes getting things lined up pretty easy. I'd recommend the camera to anyone.

TucsonJim wrote:
I just read this to my DW, and she said she'd like your DW's phone number so she can call her and rat you out....

Speaking of phones ......... :W

My DW really resisted because she said she felt "dumb" but instead of yelling or using 2-way radios which allow just one person to talk at a time I found that using an old wireless phone with the intercom feature to work wonderfully when backing up into a campsite. I'd have the base station in the truck so I could listen on speakerphone and talk hands free while my DW would have one of the handheld units ... worked GREAT because it's a duplex system, meaning both people can talk and listen at the same time, no waiting for one person to finish before the other talks. These days we don't usually bother as I just ask her to make sure I don't whack into something like a tree, rock, or a kid :E , otherwise I back the trailer in myself. :p

Oh heck no.. no way... I wanna live a little longer.

dwayneb236 wrote:

scbwr wrote:
Cheap help!

Seriously, I've used these for years and I can hitch up fairly easily. I find that they work best if you monitor your backing up using the rear view mirror. I do get out and check my alignment once or twice as I get very close to the correct alignment.

I hate to say it, but using the balls is easier than getting assistance from the DW!:R

My DW is very adept at positioning herself just out of my mirrors. She's got a certain set of skills that prevents me from ever seeing her in them. Might be a bit vampirish.

I just read this to my DW, and she said she'd like your DW's phone number so she can call her and rat you out....

Jebby14 wrote:
mine also likes to hide out of sight. its ok though because she wispers commands with no warning at the last minute that are super easy to hear 30 feet away with a running engine

I have a good friend who literally (and I mean literally!) would pull his hair out trying to explain to his wife repeatedly that if she can't see at least one of the mirrors on the truck when standing back behind the trailer waving instructions then no way, no how can he see her. For some reason, no matter how many times he tried to explain it, that concept just never sunk in and although I can't say for sure whether this had anything to do with it or not they eventually sold the trailer and got out of camping entirely. :R

mine also likes to hide out of sight. its ok though because she wispers commands with no warning at the last minute that are super easy to hear 30 feet away with a running engine

dwayneb236 wrote:
My DW is very adept at positioning herself just out of my mirrors. She's got a certain set of skills that prevents me from ever seeing her in them.

Yours and every other DW! Seems to be a special "skill" that only wives have. :W Occasionally my own will offer to "direct me" as I back up to the trailer but I learned a long time ago it's much better for all if I politely decline and take a moment to first position my Swift Hitch camera so I can determine for myself just how I'm doing. ;)

I hitch up utility trailers several times a week. Just line up to trailer with side mirrors and back-in slowly. Use the rear view to gauge closeness, stop get out and look, generally within 6" straight in, if tongue needs to be raised I do it then reenter truck and mark a spot necessary to the distance needed and back in.
It gets easier the more you do it.

scbwr wrote:
Cheap help!

Seriously, I've used these for years and I can hitch up fairly easily. I find that they work best if you monitor your backing up using the rear view mirror. I do get out and check my alignment once or twice as I get very close to the correct alignment.

I hate to say it, but using the balls is easier than getting assistance from the DW!:R

My DW is very adept at positioning herself just out of my mirrors. She's got a certain set of skills that prevents me from ever seeing her in them. Might be a bit vampirish.

TucsonJim wrote:
An aftermarket back up camera is a great tool for hitching quickly and effortlessly. No outside assistance is required. There are many models on Amazon for $20-$50.

YES. Don't waste your money on anything else.