Posted 2007-05-23 5:04 PM (#61189) Subject: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 560 Location: Mena, AR
I have a tool box in the truck bed so it is always trial & error to get my GN hooked up. I was at Pep Boys and saw a flat, plastic fish eye to put on the rear window and it works great!! I can see into the bed of my truck (crew cab). When the tip of the GN hitch disappears below the tool box I'm right over the ball. One pass hitching for $10. Thought I share my great find. (It was with the other mirrors) If you don't have a tool box you'll be able to see the ball & pin.
Posted 2007-05-23 9:20 PM (#61196 - in reply to #61189) Subject: RE: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Veteran
Posts: 129 Location: Northwest Ohio
Great idea. My hubby made a block from a 2x4 and stuck in a thin metal rod vertically. The block sits in front of the ball and the rod sticks up into the air. Our truck is crew cab too. He can't see the ball either. He backs up as if the vertical rod is the ball. He does need me to tell him when to stop though.
Posted 2007-05-23 10:30 PM (#61201 - in reply to #61196) Subject: RE: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Expert
Posts: 1871 Location: NY
I made the same idea but I used a magnet to put the rod in it work like magic I put the magnet in front of the hitch and when the gn touches the rod it is over the ball
Posted 2007-05-24 6:23 AM (#61211 - in reply to #61189) Subject: RE: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 474 Location: White Mills, Ky.
Wow! Great ideas! I am short and cannot see over the back seats of our crew cab. It takes me forever to get that thing lined up. Hubby, on the other hand, can do it in one pass. Makes me CRAZY!!
Posted 2007-05-24 7:05 AM (#61214 - in reply to #61189) Subject: RE: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Member
Posts: 16
Location: virginia
I use a long handle toilet plunger that I cut out a small section of the rubber plunger to go around the front of the ball. I put red tape on the goose neck and around the top of the handle and watch in my rear view mirrow until they meet up.
Works every time and it is a great conversation starter. I have had many folks ask me just what the heck am I doing with that plunger. HA!
Posted 2007-05-24 7:25 AM (#61217 - in reply to #61189) Subject: RE: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Expert
Posts: 2689
Having a center line can be a BIG help.
Even a bit of tape on the tail gate to help with the initial aiming.
I really DO like the plunger idea, as a novelty/conversation piece if nothing else.
Crossed bungie cords have also been mentioned here before.
Posted 2007-05-24 11:35 AM (#61234 - in reply to #61189) Subject: RE: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
I have a bungee cord with a piece of tape in the middle to line up on. When the gooseneck "neck" touches the bungee I'm over the ball. Works great. I can't see the ball either from the driver's seat.
Posted 2007-05-24 12:26 PM (#61237 - in reply to #61189) Subject: RE: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Member
Posts: 45 Location: Florida
Great ideas. I have put one of the super long bungies from side to side over the ball and tied a rag where the ball is. The truck has a bed liner in it so I find the line that runs perpendicular with the ball and use that as my center. Works like a charm for me.
Posted 2007-05-29 5:27 PM (#61410 - in reply to #61189) Subject: RE: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Regular
Posts: 64 Location: St. Paul, MN
I've got a magic stick. It's got a magnet that is strong enough to hold up the stick in the bed of the truck. I put if right in front of the ball and when it tips over I'm dead on. All I have to do is use the rear view mirror as I back up to keep the stick exactly in the middle of the goose. Every time I look over my shoulder I'm right or left of the ball. Works great and not expensive.
Posted 2007-05-29 8:44 PM (#61426 - in reply to #61189) Subject: RE: helpful hint for hitching a GN
Regular
Posts: 70 Location: Northern, CA
I have a back-up camera (only operates when backing) in the bed of the truck and the corresponding TV screen mounted on the dash. Not only do I square up perfectly, but I can see when I am directly over the ball. Makes it a one step process. There is a second back-up camera on the license plate holder of the trailer. I can switch to that camera when backing in an unfamiliar place. Makes me look like a pro backing into tight spots.
helpful hint for hitching a GN
