ISO Automated/Electric Trailer Hitch Coupler

[M209T]

Still relatively new to our travel trailer and would like to resolve our biggest issue.
It takes us a while to connect our truck hitch to the trailer.
Sure we need more practice but until I retire unlikely to get a whole lot more.
Inevitably this process turns into an angry shouting match.
What is available to greatly simplify this process?
Ideally I would like to be able to hook the truck up to the
Trailer myself in just a few minutes minus my husbands yelling.
Thinking some type of remote controlled gadget that will bring the
Trailer to the hitch would be ideal. Any suggestions?

[wrenchbender]

I use an I Ball wireless backup camera.I also use it to back into sites

[All_I_could_aff]

I have an old car door mirror (just the lense) that I spring clamp onto my top hinged rear glass window on the explorer. Then I take the piece of string with a hook on each end and run it from the latch on glass, down to the safety chain loop on hitch. The glass struts keep the string tight and mirror at the perfect angle that when I look in my rear view mirror, I see the ball and about 2 feet of ground beyond the ball. My friend who uses rear view camera says my view is BETTER! It takes me less than one minute to set up, and hook up in one shot every time.

[Ivylog]

I open the door and get out and look... usually takes two times but then I've been doing it for decades long before cameras. OK, I do have a dented license plate.

[rbpru]

My TV has a back up camera and alignment lines. I usually hook it up myself, that way the only one irritated with me is me.

[nineoaks2004]

bob_nestor wrote:
Keep it simple with something like this.

This is what I use too and have used them for ages. I have a back up camera but the bright light outside makes it un-usable.
Harbor Freight sells these and they are cheap and very easy to use..

[msgtord]

Get a back up camera. 6 years with one and no problems. It's good to have for other maneuvers as well.

[wannavolunteerF]

I use the "back up balls" that bob_nestor linked. Bought them at WalMart. My SIL's new F150 has the backup and alignment camera on it and it sure made lining up under a trailer super easy... Two options from $10 to $40K.. lots of others in between.

[Gdetrailer]

Practice.. Not a fan of electronic gadgets which when you really need them to work often times don't work.

How about this non gadget idea..

When you are hooked up, place a couple of pieces of reflective tape on the front of the trailer. You want the tape placed so looking in the mirrors the tape will just be seen on BOTH sides only when you are dead on straight inline with the hitch.

Keeping in mind that this will only work 100% when you are straight with the trailer and vehicle, but it may be close enough for you to line up with a few practice attempts even when not straight.

Myself, over time I simply learned to judge how much of the trailer shows on both sides of my vehicle. I try to make both sides equal. Works pretty darn well for me about 95% of the time and 5% of the time the hitch is only off 1" or a bit less on the first attempt.

[trail-explorer]

Backup Camera

[downtheroad]

This:.....works great and no yelling.....>>>LINK<<<

[Roadpilot]

I use the backup camera with great success. Paint a white X over the coupler.

[bob_nestor]

Keep it simple with something like this.

[hohenwald48]

Properly positioned back up camera works for me. I use the factory camera on my Armada and can position the ball directly under the coupler every time. I did paint the coupler white to make it easier to see in the camera.