We picked up a new (to us) trailer the other day and my wife wowed the people we were buying the trailer from by singlehandedly backing our truck up and dropping the gooseneck trailer on to the ball on her first attempt.
Our method is to use an “alignment tool” which allows one person to safety and accurately back up and connect to a gooseneck trailer. Our “alignment tool” is made from an extendable pick up magnet with a bit of survey ribbon on it for visibility (see photo 1). The pick up magnet should preferably be a larger or a strong magnet and not have a knuckle joint.
The extended pick up magnet is placed on a pre-marked spot on our gooseneck hitch plate. We have our gooseneck hitch plate marked for both our horse (H) and cow (C) trailers, as each gooseneck trailer has a slightly different hitch position (see photos 2 and 3).
Photo 4 shows the “alignment tool” from the back of the truck aligned with the hitch ball and the “rear view mirror” of the truck. We also fold down the rear seat of the truck and open the rear window for maximum visibility.
Photo 5 shows the view through the rear view mirror, which we use to guide us into the correct position when backing up by aligning / aiming the tool towards the gooseneck hitch.
Photos 6 and 7 are also views though the rear view mirror as the truck is backed up to the point where the “alignment tool” makes contact with the gooseneck hitch. At this point, the truck emergency brake is set, the truck is put into park and the driver can go out and inspect her (or his) hitch / gooseneck alignment.
Photo 8 shows the final position of the truck / gooseneck trailer before lowering the trailer and engaging the hitch. The photo is kind of dark in the hitch ball area, but the ball is directly below the gooseneck hitch and the “alignment tool” has just made contact with the gooseneck hitch retention set screws.
Photo 9 shows the gooseneck hitch dropped onto the ball and also shows the final position of the “alignment tool” with respect to the gooseneck hitch retention set screws.
A key to doing this is to back up squarely in front of the gooseneck trailer and to primarily use your rear view mirror to line up the “alignment tool” with the gooseneck hitch. Backing up to the gooseneck hitch at an angle to the trailer makes it more difficult.
We hope that this helps you to “safely” and “accurately” connect your gooseneck trailer.
Posted 2014-11-12 10:33 PM (#161539 - in reply to #161534) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Trailer Hookup Alignment
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Picking up some wheel bearing hubs the other day at an auto parts store, I noticed a display for a back up camera and wireless screen. At less than $70 and easily installed, (temp or permanent), this seemed like an ideal solution for alleviating hitch up difficulties.
Posted 2014-11-13 9:47 AM (#161545 - in reply to #161534) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Trailer Hookup Alignment
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
I simply use a bungee cord stretched from one side of the pickup to the other, immediately over the ball. I then have a bright colored plastic clothespin snapped on the cord right where the gooseneck coupler is at. Looking in your rear view mirror, you simply line up the clothespin with the coupler and when you see it move just a little; you know your right over the ball. Simple; but works like a charm.
Posted 2014-11-15 6:41 PM (#161585 - in reply to #161545) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Trailer Hookup Alignment
Veteran
Posts: 134
That sounds like a great idea. I have a flatbed on my truck. With a ruler I painted a red stripe from my ball to the bottom of my bed. Works like a charm. I also realize there are a lot of people that would not want to do this, but I have had quite a few people comment about what a great idea that was. My husband thought I was crazy when I first did it, but now he also thinks it was a great idea.
Posted 2014-11-16 1:17 PM (#161593 - in reply to #161534) Subject: RE: Gooseneck Trailer Hookup Alignment
Member
Posts: 11
Location: Tucson, AZ
Cheap and inexpensive, a flanged plunger!I have a crew cab truck, seeing the ball was a problem. Using a plunger, I can line up the handle, and never miss. My husband thought I was nuts when he saw me place the plunger on the ball, but watched as I backed up and hooked up on the first try with our new gooseneck.
Gooseneck Trailer Hookup Alignment
