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Old 05-18-2023, 06:30 PM   #1
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Trailer: 1985 Scamp 16 ft / ft 04 Subaru Forester XS (extra slow)
Posts: 308
Looking for a hitch alignment accessory

Currently I'm preparing to hitch and tow my new/used Scamp 16 for the first time. I've been away from towing for several years since I sold my first Scamp.

With that rig, I had a very helpful accessory that made the delicate work of hitch alignment almost easy. It also protected my car's bumper from impacts with the hitch receiver. I don't remember the name, which is part of my problem. So I'll describe it: two steel plates, each about 4x5 inches, welded into a right angle along one side. This formed a V-shaped steel pocket that mounted vertically on the car's hitch while hitching up. It was red, IIRC.

What I'm looking for is similar to this, found on eBay. This one is designed to fit only one brand of hitch, so it's probably not useful to me. My older version had two round steel pins that fit most common hitches. Has anybody used this? Do you know who makes them now?
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Old 05-18-2023, 06:32 PM   #2
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Trailer: 1985 Scamp 16 ft / ft 04 Subaru Forester XS (extra slow)
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Photo

Like this-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/20286145961...Bk9SR5CKiJaGYg
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Old 05-19-2023, 06:34 AM   #3
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Name: Jonathan
Trailer: ex-Casita, now Alto R series
Massachusetts
Posts: 259
I've found the 'yellow ball on magnet-base antenna' type of alignment guides to be suited for me. Any trailer, any ball, any tow vehicle.
The "V" guides would work, until one is offside enough to miss, or too high at the tongue. The keep-going-until-it-hits method can make for an expensive body shop bill when the funnel is missed.
If one can line up well enough to not miss the V guide, is the guide truly necessary?
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Old 05-20-2023, 03:39 AM   #4
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Name: Carl
Trailer: 2015 Escape 5.0TA
Florida
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I would think there is a difference between “necessary” and “prefer” to have. I have lots of coffee cups, but I never use them because I prefer my Yeti mug as it keeps the coffee for a much longer time than the ceramic mugs. Is it necessary, absolutely not, but it gives me a certain peace of mind that my coffee will not be disgustingly cold when I swallow the last mouthful. Personally, I do not question the wants or needs of others as what satisfies me may be trivial in importance to others.
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Old 05-20-2023, 08:49 PM   #5
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Trailer: 1985 Scamp 16 ft / ft 04 Subaru Forester XS (extra slow)
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I need all the help I can get...

When I started towing in 2010 or so, I used the ball-on-a-magnetic-stalk gadget and my mirrors, but it wasn't easy. Adding the steel V-bracket made it all a lot easier. My new tow car will have a rear camera with guide lines that respond to the steering angle, so I'm sure I can get alignment right within an inch or two. When to stop backing up, that's the question. Two inches too far and I've probably punched the trailer's ball receiver through the car's bumper cover. A good V-bracket prevents that completely, covering the bumper like armor plate. Also, my driveway setup isn't ideal. It's slightly sloping, with a gravel surface, and the trailer has the now-standard flat plate jack - so it's not easy to nudge the trailer hitch this way or that to make a good connection.

My previous V-plate seemed like something every trailer owner would benefit from. It's unfortunate if such a simple, dependable, durable product falls off the market while it's still useful.
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Old 05-21-2023, 06:25 AM   #6
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Name: Greg
Trailer: 2008 Casita 17' SD
Bremerton, WA
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I dunno, but being 70 years old, we actually had to practice and learn how to drive, how to tow, how to hook a trailer up. It seems that now everybody want's an autonomous vehicle that drives itself, parks itself, etc. What ever happened to actually learning how to drive? OK, so I'm "old school," but we actually had to perform all those functions to earn the privilege of being allowed to drive a vehicle.
Just sayin'.
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Old 05-21-2023, 01:40 PM   #7
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Trailer: 1985 Scamp 16 ft / ft 04 Subaru Forester XS (extra slow)
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Don't play the age card on me, Greg...

Being seventy myself, I'm not immune to criticize others for sloppy technique and over-reliance on automated aids. So I forgive you for that. Maybe your rear bumper is pristine evidence of your hitching mastery, or maybe it's to bashed for you to bother. But I've towed Scamps before, and I've found that this is the last place I want to show off my skill - hitching a trailer in a strange place, on uneven ground, or in the dark, or when you're tired or stressed. Those V-plates, as I'll call them, will protect your bumper and your piece of mind in those "just one more inch" situations. Over and over again, because in a typical camp trip I'll be hitching and unhitching on a daily basis. Does anyone enjoy this chore? Wouldn't most folks want to make it easier?
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Old 05-21-2023, 01:53 PM   #8
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the problem I had with the magnetic sticks is if the ground isn't flat level even, then the sticks are at different angles which makes them nearly useless. For now, what I've been doing is to line up and center the truck as I approach the trailer using both mirrors, stop about 6 from the trailerr, hop out and eyeball the alignment, adjust the steering angle to compensate for any apparent misalgnment, backup another 3-4 feet, hop out again, eyeball things, and for the final backup, I back up with the driver door open and eyeball the running board against marks on the pavement to get the distance close, probably one more hopout when I'm inches away, then boom, I'm usually spot on, drop the trailer onto the hitch ball. I usually have to pull forward an inch after dropping the trailer so I can secure my 'saddle' style hitch.
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Old 05-24-2023, 11:00 AM   #9
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Name: John
Trailer: 1977 Scamp 13
California
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the one on ebay recommended is made for a specific hitch (One-Mount?)
there's one on amazon that is universal. i can't comment on either because i use my tv's back up camera along with the good ole yellow balls. it still takes getting out and checking a few times if i don't have an assistant. i'm on a narrow street and have to back in at an angle if someone is parked on the other side which is most often the case.
https://www.amazon.com/HiTow-Trailer...s%2C144&sr=8-5
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Old 05-24-2023, 11:17 AM   #10
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Trailer: Scamp 16 ft Side Dinette
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I have one For sale.
It has a part that goes between the ball and drawbar, and the V shaped guide fits into it, is removable.
Does your tow have a backup camera? If it gives you a view of the ball, you can forget these gadgets.
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Old 05-24-2023, 11:21 AM   #11
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Trailer: Scamp 13 ft
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Getting lined up

Lots of different solutions to fit different situations & personal approaches.

This is what works for me.

One needs only 2 pieces of bright tape about 4" long and an assistant.

I hitched up the Scamp & got lined up straight. Then sitting in the drivers seat had the able assistant place tape on either side of the camper so that they bracketed the TV (Jeep) back window as seen in the rear view mirror. Now I just get lined up & back in until the tape on the Scamp & window edges merge.

Gets me close enough.

FWIW,

Dennis.
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Old 05-24-2023, 12:27 PM   #12
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Name: Frank
Trailer: Scamp
MI
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Open the tailgate

I have towed a flat bed utility trailer on occasion for several years. It is very hard to see in the mirrors when I back up.

I found that opening up the tail gate of my vehicle and looking over my shoulder was tremendously helpful.

But that V mount gadget does look helpful.
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Old 05-24-2023, 03:16 PM   #13
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Trailer: Casita Liberty Deluxe
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I have an older rear view camera on a 05 suburban it is centered at the top of the license plate looks over the top of the ball I can line up to it but can't tell depth, I use a telescoping stick on a magnet stuck to the flat on top of the ball. I measure ground to top of ball with a yard stick, raise coupler about an inch above that, back until the coupler touches the stick and visibly moves it. Get out and lower the tongue, low tech and functional.
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Old 05-24-2023, 04:31 PM   #14
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Name: David
Trailer: Scamp
California
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Found on etsy

Have a look on Etsy.com search for TJ trailer guide. I’m pretty sure that’s the one you are looking for, $49.95. Happy trails!
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Old 05-29-2023, 08:35 PM   #15
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Name: Nick
Trailer: Lil bigfoot
British Columbia
Posts: 53
I love reading this forum. Seems everyone has something about their trailering experience that they want to make better. Tons of interesting opinions and innovative solutions for specific problems.
I also love that there is always one or two among us whose skills were perfected decades ago, almost to the point of not needing this forum. They are legends of the campground.
For hooking up, I prefer a down pointed backup camera and the aid of my girlfriend. She uses quick erratic hand gestures, switching between both mirrors and the backup camera. It usually only takes one or two tries and 2 minutes of arguing.
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Old 06-12-2023, 10:02 PM   #16
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Trailer: 1985 Scamp 16 ft / ft 04 Subaru Forester XS (extra slow)
Posts: 308
It gets even better...

Pose a stray question on this forum, and you might have someone send you the exact item you're looking for, and for free! That's what forum member CPW did last month for me. Thanks are due, CPW, and maybe overdue!
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Old 06-13-2023, 07:05 AM   #17
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Name: Carl
Trailer: 2015 Escape 5.0TA
Florida
Posts: 1,749
Nick,

Read your comment about erratic hand gestures. My wife does the same thing when I am backing into a campsite. Her instructions are: don’t try to direct me; just watch and make sure I don’t hit anything.

You might want to try this. Get a 10-foot section of PVC, and a straight connector. Perhaps cut two 4-foot sections of making an easily handled/stored length. Cement the connector on one section. That way you can easily connect and disconnect the two sections for use and storage. When hooking up, lay the PVC on a direct line from the coupler to the hitch. Then you can use the camera to make minor adjustments as the tow vehicle gets closer to where you want to be. That means you can concentrate on just the camera and forget the mirrors. The PVC is relatively inexpensive, but you can try this method before purchasing PVC by laying a rope out in the same way at anything else similar. Hopefully, you eliminate arguments and potential bad feelings.

Regards,

Carl
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