Backing Camera System Installed

[2BonC]

As I´m most of the time have to hook up my all on my own I was thinking about the posibility to avoid getting out and in the car several times to check for the correct distance to the hook. When I read the advertisement for a very sheep Backing Camera System ( complete set 80,-€) I decided to install that. See the result

car about 10 ft away from hook


at this position


it looks about that


My conclusion: it helps very much in aligning the hook with the boat. However it is still hard to judge the correct distance.
As you might notice the boat is still in the winter layup and the hitch of the trayler is way to high. May be it will be more easy to judge the distance if the hight is correct. Will try different camera/positions as well, the actual position is dangerous, will disturb the camera in case of misjudgment .

Rainer

[40Toes]

Maybe a small length of ribbon (tell tale) on front of the trailer hitch will help to identify the sweet spot.

[Trouts Dream]

Here is how I back up alone..
Get it close and then walk back and look at how far or left and right I need to go. After I know how far I then keep the door to the Envoy open and pick a spot on the ground relative to my door. I then back up that distance not even thinking about whats behind me.
Works like a charm every time.

I think the backup cameras are great but nothing beats a walk around
Just my C$0.02 worth

[Scott]

That is very cool!

[The Mutt]

it helps very much in aligning the hook with the boat. However it is still hard to judge the correct distance.

Rainer

I have seen one setup where the guy used a drinking straw over a pin in the vehicle tow coupling, (the pin was a self tapping metal screw with the head cut off), while reversing, if the straw moves slightly, he stops, one of the quickest ways I have seen a hookup done, his camera was up high tilted down.

To setup the pin he hooked up the trailer, set up the drinking straw just touching the hitch, marked the pin position, drilled the screw into place, as he said, "straws are cheap and easily replaced if damaged"

Glenn

[Kelly Hanson East]

I do this by myself in 2 minutes without a camera. I use a reference point on the rear window to line it up side-to-side, then bring it back using the wheel as a reference to close the last 6 inch gap. I usually do three iterations before connecting. Remember, once you get the fore-aft right, you can swing the boat sideways to connect!!

[The Mutt]

I find it easy enough to line up the trailer on the towball by eye, before I start I make sure that the trailer is raised high enough to clear the ball but not too high that way if I misjudge the tow coupling hits the solid steel rear step on our Range Rover, not the tailgate of the Range Rover.

I can appreciate that some people have concerns and go looking for aids for hooking up the trailer, go to any caravan park and watch as the Grey Nomads (retired couples) try to connect their caravans up to their tow vehicle, makes sense as to why so many caravan parks in Australia are including a Valet service to get the caravans in and out of park.

Glenn

[Paulieb]

I just put a 3' piece of PVC pipe on my hitch ball and another leaning up against the trailer. Then I just back up a line up the pipes.
Easy, and works every time, snap to judge distance and always a couple inches within reach. Just my 2 cents.

I've seen store bought devices with ping-pong balls and magnets, but this works just as well.
Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Alignment ... B001F4MQYI

I do think those backup cameras are really good to see what's behind your tow vehicle though when backing up, like your kids, bikes, or the family dog.
I almost wacked a jogger the other day backing out the driveway and she did not even slow down or move to avoid my car - did not see her until she passed on the other side.

[Wind Chime]

We have one, it works great. I got it from Santa.

We have ours attached to the licence plate on our 2000 Caravan, so we have more of a down-view than in Rainer's photos, but I do like the "Worm-Cam" view that Rainer has.

Darry

[Gazmn]

I too, use a camera too for boat loading. Especially on the loaded pickup. Also helps w/ general backing up, HUGE blind spot on Pickups.

I think Tahoe Jack turned us on to it first. That man should open up an idea store with D Dunne & J Sparrow and call it Prep Boys rather than Pep Boys

There are other creative types, but these guys are innovators

[GordonGriggs]

If you can't afford the camera system here is another idea.

Right before you unhook your trailer get 2 flat boards. Lay one right behind your back tire on the DRIVERS side leaving enough of the board sticking out so you can see it with your mirror.
Lay another board BESIDE your drivers side back tire. This board should be ALMOST touching the tire. You want a little space so that when you pull away the tire does not move the board.
Now when you need to back up to your trailer just let the boards guide you in.

One last little side note.

Make sure the boards you use do NOT have any nails.

[Trouts Dream]

and the kids don't use them for skate board ramps and then just throw them back where they found them.

[David Mellon]

I love my camera, to get a better feel for distance l lean a broomstick on the hitch. It gives perspective.

[SkiDeep2001]

HUGE blind spot on Pickups.

Try it with an 8 1/2 foot cabover camper on back. Even with extended mirrors it is difficult to see what the heck you are doing but when you pull it off it's ooh,ahh from the peanut gallery. Rob

[bscott]

Harbor Freight, 2 yellow balls on height adjustable stalks with magnetic bases work great at less than $15. Line up the balls and you're good.

bscott