Forum Discussion

path1's avatar
path1
Explorer
Dec 27, 2017

Hitting the trail ball first time

So who has a good system for backing up so hitch and ball lines up first shot.

Solo, no help or back up cameras. Other back up aids OK.

I've got a tiny black mark on mirror. When lined up right, black mark is lined up with and dead center in a tiny stick on reflector
  • Fizz wrote:
    I have one of those magnets on a long telescoping handle for picking screws off the floor. I stick it upright on the ball and back up till I knock it over.


    X2, before camera this system worked well.

    Actually it works better than camera, but the guide pole is fragile. One broke from the magnet, another just telescoped right apart.
  • Before backup cameras I never planned on “first shot”. I just backed toward the trailer trying to center the tow vehicle as best as possible until I thought I was a couple feet away. Got out and looked to see how far back and how much to which side. Backed another foot or so. Looked again. Backed a few inches. Looked again. If I got it in four tries I was happy.
  • Had many types of trailers and sometimes its 2 times and other times its 6. Don't no why.
  • I have a back up camera with guide lines for hitching up....I still have to get out and look to get it just so...sometimes once, sometimes 3-4 times .

    No problem. It's part of the adventure.
  • After about 15 years I discovered a key piece of information. There is no bonus for hitting it in one shot. If it takes a few times no one is keeping score.
  • I have one of those magnets on a long telescoping handle for picking screws off the floor. I stick it upright on the ball and back up till I knock it over.