Backup indicator

[Mike Ratko]

I always spend more time lining up the hitch on the van to the boat than anything else. I can usually do pretty well left to right but the forward/reverse distance is always hit-or-miss. I usually go out by myself so this can really be frustrating.



I came up with a very simple device to tell me when I am far enough back. I use a 4 1/2" mini slide clamp with a plastic straw on the end. I put the clamp just forward of the ball and when it hits the front of the boat hitch, I have the perfect alignment. Attached is a picture.



You can use a magnet instead of a clamp or different type of clamp. A clamp with a deeper throat can be centered on the ball and be used as a left/right indicator as well as a front/back indicator. It took me one attempt and 30 seconds to line up the ball and hitch this morning.



Good luck.



Mike

 

[Larry Harp]

Looks interesting however I can't quite make out how it's made. I park my boat on a driveway that is fairly steep and like you, I can usually get the left/right pretty close and move the trailer the few inches necessary to hitch up but the front/back has to be dead on perfect. I've been thinking about buying an EZ Hitch helper (see link) but wasn't sure if it worked or not. Have any of you tried one of these? I might try Mike's gizmo first.



Harpo
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/cata...arClassCode=4&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse

 

[Mike Ratko]

Harpo,



I had one of those EZ Hitch helpers in my hand at Bass Pro last weekend. It will help more on the left/right thing and less on the front/back. I figured there must be a cheaper and more reliable way.



I have an 882 with a brakes - thus the square hitch. I put the clamp just in front of the ball and when the rod on the clamp moves, it is touching the front of the boat hitch. That is the PERFECT spot. I use a plastic straw (MacDonald's straws fit very well) as an extension so that I can easily see it.



Alternatively, you can use a magnet with a rod sticking out of it or even a large c-clamp like a 6 or 8". I will post a few more pictures from the back of the van (without the boat) so you can see more detail. The exact position of the clamp on the vehicle hitch will depend on your exact configuration - but it will be close.



Mike (pictures will come when my son gets back with the van!)

 

[Mike Ratko]

Here is a rear view of the clamp in position. I hope this helps.

 

[Larry Harp]

OIC I wasn't catching on to what you ment about the 41/2" slide clamp....I get it now. I think I can make something like that work. I'll need to adapt it so the rod or straw will come up pretty tall since I tow with a Jeep GC.



Thanks for the tip.



Harpo

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

I've been looking at this, same basic idea.




http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...0032482&parentId=cat20179&navAction=jump&cmCa

 

[Mike Ratko]

Bruce,



That idea came across my mind as well. For left/right alignment, it will work great but you will have to find the exact position of both "antennae" for the front/back alignment to work. That idea will work just a well with one of them. It is half the price of the EZ Hitch alignment thingy and you get two for the price of one!



Mike

 

[Tom Johnson]

Get the EZ Hitch by far the best 50.00 ever spent.... it's adjustable front to rear for different receivers once you get it set you will never do with out it..





Tom