This gadget is on sale at the Harbor Freight stores for $9.99 thru Aug 25. I got one for those times the spouse isn't around to help. It appears to be reasonably well made. The rods extend to 43". http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/disp...temnumber=95684

I just use a couple telescoping magnets similar to these. I picked up two 6-pound rated ones at an auto parts store for about 8 bucks. They're useful around the home and shop as well.

Pat

...thats KQQL Pat, but at 21" extended height, I couldn't see it anyway!!

That's not the one I have. Mine's longer.

Pat

All right, all right, enough of the mine is longer than yours!

I actually purchase a backup camera from Costco for $60. I a little more expensive but well worth it. It was quite simple to install, just hook up the camera to your backup lights and the monitor is wirelss. I had it installed in about 15 mins. Then, I just pointed the camera down towards the ball and can line up perfectly every time. It also has night vision! It might have been a one time purchase for Costco because I haven't seem them there since and the ones they have now are $90.

Rej

I've been lusting after that camera too! It keeps calling to me as I, for some reason, walk by it every time I'm in the store.

Is there some kind of coupon for the $9.99 price?_______ the link is showing $14.99
Joe

The sale is at the brick stores, not the online store.

thanks patrick........ I have a store about 4 miles from me and will go there today. this will come in handy
Joe

I`m going to get one of these--thanks.

While my spouse is always around to help, we've stayed blissful for 34 years because I get out and look, get out and look, get out and look.
It's just easier that way.

Out of Everyone that's ever helped me my wife is the only one that knew how to guide me back into the right position....... all the others i "get out and look-get out and look" LOL
Joe

I have used a couple of these, for several years, that I made from old fishing poles mounted in wooden blocks with dollar store magnets epoxied into the bottoms. Re-used something that would have been tossed and they only cost $1.00 for the magnets.

Call me cheap, but for 90 bucks I'll get out of the car three or four times to line up.

I usually set the hitch level with the ball center and back up until it bumps, then lift the hitch to just touch the top of the ball and back up a little more until I feel it drop.
Now I have to admit sometimes it is two trys and sometimes it is a lot of trys.
Nothing is perfect.

Hooking up my trailer is one of the ways I get my exercise. I'm with everyone else (I get out and look, get out and look, get out and look.) Someone forgot the pull forward, turn the wheel, put in reverse...

I bought the Harbor Freight one last fall. It was very flimsy and broke the 2nd time I used it. I'll make my own 2x4 blocks+dowels+magnets+tennis balls next time. May not store as easily but will stay together.

I got my harbor freight item today for $9.99....last one on the rack. simple enough! it's an old fashion extendable car antenna with a large magnet on the bottom and a styrofoam ball on top....if i break it the lower section is sturdy enough that i could just cut it and epoxy an old fishin pole or something in the hole.Slowly I'm spendin the kids inheritance
Joe

That's not good! I went and looked at mine again, and perhaps they've changed the quality, as I would rate it "very good". The rod is thicker than my old 57 Chevy radio antenna, and I extended them to full length and back 20 times each, simulating a couple years of use, with no ill effect. The magnet is large and well attached. The ball is not syrofoam, more like foam rubber.

All in all, looks like a quality product, well worth $9.99. YMMV!

P.S.-I don't have any old fishing rods, and my '57 Chevy is long gone, so sometimes you gots to go with the non-homemade versions!

When I am at home set my trailer jack on a snowmobile dolly and roll the trailer over the hitch and crank in down. A board works with the dolly while we are camping.

had to laugh...... I have a bunch of old fishing rods right now and my 57 chevy convertible (primer black) is long gone..... i gotta say the ball on top of mine is more like rubber also and it seems pretty well built to me too.....$10 you can't go wrong
Joe

cant go wrong with this new one HF has on sale. It lines it all up for you even if you REALLLY suck at it.



http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdi...do?itemid=98175

Now that last one is the kind I want. No cost shown. wonder how much it is?

Just remember, you need to have a wheel on the jack, otherwise you'll either bend the jack or screw up the foot/asphalt/concrete.

Thanks Donna. I would not have thought about that but I do usually have a wheel on the front of the trailer anyhow.