donhov
near Jackson Michigan
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Joined: 01/31/2006
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OK, I'm like a few others of you. Have an extended cab and a fold-up box cover. Can not see the hitch from the cab, no way, no how. Get an extendable mechanichs magnet and extend the handle while sticking the magnet on the hitch plate centered on the hitch opening. If you need 2 as you can't see the king pin also get another one and stick it to the king pin center. Extend the handles of the magnets as they telescope open/closed where you can see them from the cab, line them up and other than checking hitch height works every time. Rember to pick up the magnets as the hitch will slide the one off the 5th wheel plate and you just need to remove them and put them away for the next time. Harbor Freight has them for a few dollars each, under $10 gets you a pair and a spare.
2003 Cedar Creek 30RLBS
2007 Dodge 5.9 Cummins Turbo Diesel 325hp/610Tq
4x4 3.73 axles short bed
Inferno Red W/Gold pinstripping
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raroberts
SoCal
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Joined: 08/06/2006
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I have a crew cab but nothing else to obstruct my view of the hitch. But, I have found, like a previous poster, that using the rear view mirror solves my problems of backing straight on the king pin every time, first time. Since the rear view mirror is pretty high, it might be able to see over your tool box, or cover too. just a thought.
08 F450 4X4 Lariat
07 Stellar 37' 5W Toyhauler
95 XR600R
03 XR400
07 660 Rhino
75 Z1B
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ChiefJohn
Mascoutah, Illinois
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Joined: 11/21/2004
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Practice, practice, practice is the best solution -- go to an isolated large parking lot where no one can hear you and get your procedures in-sync. My wife and I had similar cussing, fussing, and discussin sessions until she finally understood that if we can't see each other -- then it's a 'no go'. I loaded vehicles on military aircraft for many years and the clearances were inches. You've got to communicate with your spotter, either visually or by radio, and again, practice.
John, CMSgt, USAF (Ret)
Marilyn, Co-Pilot/Navigator
Misha & Sophie (Bichon Frise)
2001 Mack CX612 427hp 10-Speed 3.70RA 222WB
2005 Excel Limited 35MKO
Excel Owner's Forum
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ChiefJohn
Mascoutah, Illinois
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Double post -- deleted.
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CardMan
Saugerties, NY
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Joined: 07/14/2007
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tvman44 wrote:Hitching rods are great for travel trailers but with the 5er I just watch the hitch and king pin.
Same here you can see it right out the rear window...
Happy camping!!!
Sean
TV: 2003 D2500HD 4X4 W/ HEMI - Timbrens, Prodigy, Reese 15k w/Slider, Line X
TT: 2004 Cardinal 31LX2BH
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msredneck84
East Central Mississippi
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Joined: 10/09/2006
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Got this high tech solution from Trailer life mag (10 min tech).
You need a 10" - 1"X2" fir strip; 12" - 1/2" dowel rod; magnetic tape strip; orange tape.
Drill hole in center of 1"X2" fir for dowel rod, apply carpenter's glue and stick dowel rod in hole, allow to dry. Attach magnetic tape to other side (bottom) of fir. Paint flourescent orange.
Apply 4" to 6" orange strip of tape to center of king pin.
When you are ready to hitch-up (send wife on errand) place your new aimer on forward portion of hitch plate, be sure it is centered and get in truck and close one eye and aim pointer at orange tape on king pin and you'll hit a home run everytime....guaranteed!
I made mine about 6 yrs ago mostly out of scrap material and use everytime I hitch. Best .49cts. I ever spent.
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symbasden
WI
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Joined: 07/29/2003
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I love my wife to death, but to save on the arguments her job is to keep me from hitting something. The only word she says is STOP!! if I am going to hit something. I will get out of the truck when I am backing in to a site and say I want this part of the camper here. When it gets there she says STOP!
Yes it means that I get in and out of the truck 3-4 times to hitch up, but there are no fights and if anything goes wrong it is my fault 
Jeff
2009 Rockwood Signature Ultra Light 8317SS
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 QC LB Hemi
DW Kelly and DD
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TXcampingfamily
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 07/04/2008
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We use hitching rods, but then we have a GN adaptor. DH couldn't see the ball in the bed with the tool box blocking his view. With a rod on the ball and one on top of the GN he just lines them up. I watch from the side and give hand signals when to stop, etc. We seem to have worked that out, but I think we need to get some walkie talkies for backing into spots. I always try to make sure he can see me in the side mirrors, but that means I sometimes look like I'm dancing from on side of the unit to the other. I'm sure we give the CG a good show! LOL
Gin & Mike
2001 Jayco Qwest 265
2001 Ford F350 crewcab 4x4
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MrD
Washington
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Joined: 03/20/2003
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I may be the only one, but I use my rear view mirror since it is in the center of my truck and I line up the pin and the hitch and just back up. I don't have a tool chest or anything that blocks the way. This also helps me to remember that if I didn't lower my tail gate yet I'll see it right away.
Mike
Mike and Char
2002 Chev 2500HD CC SB 6.0 4.10 4x4
2002 Arctic Fox 245n
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PaulandTammy
Elk Creek, Ky
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Joined: 03/06/2003
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symbasden wrote:I love my wife to death, but to save on the arguments her job is to keep me from hitting something. The only word she says is STOP!! if I am going to hit something. I will get out of the truck when I am backing in to a site and say I want this part of the camper here. When it gets there she says STOP!
Yes it means that I get in and out of the truck 3-4 times to hitch up, but there are no fights and if anything goes wrong it is my fault
Best advise ever for those of us with spouses who are "directionally challenged" when trying to guide.
PaulandTammy
2006 D3500 4x4 Cummins 6 spd DRW
2009 Cardinal 362 BHLE
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