Maybe this will assist you to retain your independence when reversing to the van to hitch-up.
When the van is hitched, and the vehicle and van are aligned (eg when you stop somewhere when travelling, make sure the whole rig is in line) then check your external rear-view mirrors so you can see the relationship of the vehicle and front of the van with the towball on the hitch. Get two small pieces of black, or red, tape and place them on each side of the van in a position that you can see in both rear-view mirrors. When you are reversing to hitch-up you can use these as a reference point and will only have to get out to check when the towball is close to the van for the final bit.
Maybe this will help you to check the lights. When van is connected and trailer plug inserted, put the hazard flashers on as this will make both indicators flash, including on the van.
For the brake lights, I use an old umbrella. I place one end of the umbrella against the brake pedal and then press the button on the umbrella to expand it and make it 'wedged' between the driver's seat and the brake pedal - exerting pressure.
Now turn on the parkers, and with the hazard flashers working and the umbrella on the brake pedal walk to the rear of the van. If the parkers, brake lights are all glowing, and the indicator lights are flashing then all is A-OK.
Hope it helps
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Tuesday 20th of August 2013 07:44:48 PM
Dougwe said
03:56 PM Aug 22, 2013
G'day back to ya Rocky, hope all is well in your world.
I do a similar thing, I have a piece of black cloth tape fixed to the rear window of the Prado that through the inside rear view mirror lines up with a piece of black cloth tape on the front of the Avan that is lined up with the centre of the tow hitch.
Because I am solo I have what is called a hitch guide, it is a V shape bracket that attaches to just behind the tow ball, you then look in the rear view mirror, line up the two pieces of black tape and reverse slowly until you feel the connection of the hitch and V guide, remove the V guide and lower hitch down for correct connection, hook up leads etc.
I have a small piece of timber that sits on the floor of the Prado beside me that fits between brake pedal and steering wheel for checking brake lights.
All works for me anyway and very similar to your suggestion.
Cupie said
03:53 AM Aug 26, 2013
Dougwe wrote:
G'day back to ya Rocky, hope all is well in your world.
I do a similar thing, I have a piece of black cloth tape fixed to the rear window of the Prado that through the inside rear view mirror lines up with a piece of black cloth tape on the front of the Avan that is lined up with the centre of the tow hitch.
Because I am solo I have what is called a hitch guide, it is a V shape bracket that attaches to just behind the tow ball, you then look in the rear view mirror, line up the two pieces of black tape and reverse slowly until you feel the connection of the hitch and V guide, remove the V guide and lower hitch down for correct connection, hook up leads etc.
I have a small piece of timber that sits on the floor of the Prado beside me that fits between brake pedal and steering wheel for checking brake lights.
All works for me anyway and very similar to your suggestion.
I use the tape method and home made V stopper as well.
Instead of an umbrella or piece of timber, I use my tiller extension for the kayak electric motor. In fact a length of electrical conduit.
The Cabana Kid said
07:43 AM Nov 24, 2013
Some bloody good idea's there re the brake test. Sure beats foot on brake , releasing then running as fast as possible to the van before they go out! ;)
grahos said
03:23 PM Mar 17, 2014
The cabana kid,I am ROFL,(rolling over floor laughing.)
brian said
07:14 PM Mar 17, 2014
Better still, install a reversing camera and you can back straight up to the hitch.
For the stop lights, I just hang an A4 sheet of white paper over the lights, they can both be seen in the mirrors, and you can see the flashers and tails the same way.
Vic41 said
12:45 PM Mar 18, 2014
I used one of these years ago until someone nicked it, worked for me and only $20 at the time. This was an old post of mine.
"I bought a Jenbac Reversing Guide from Supercheap Auto, they come in a round cardboard storage tube about 40cm long and consist of two telescopic lengths (much the same as a portable radio aerial) with a cup at the bottom end, the cup has a putty like material in it like plasticine. One cup is red, the other blue. They are absolutely great.
You attach one cup to your towball and one to you van tow cup, both by pressing these into the cups on the telescopic guides. You then extend the aerials vertically to the height you want, each also has a little marker at the top of the telescopic aerial so you can see it. You back the vehicle lining up the aerials as you do so, when you see one start of move (lean over) you have reached the point where you can hook up. This is similar to the home made version that Peter talks about in his post.
I purchased mine from an auto store (super cheap I think or a name similar), and they were only about $20. I haven't got a website for the makers, however these are their details if you want to contact them;
Hmmmm......I just did a search I don't think they are available anymore, I did see a post where magnetic bases are use on the telescopic rods instead (like the portable radio pull out antenna's). May be on the link below.
Here are some previous older posts on the subject, always worth doing a search on the forum;
-- Edited by Vic41 on Tuesday 18th of March 2014 12:53:26 PM
ParamountCruiser said
11:03 AM Mar 19, 2014
brian wrote:
Better still, install a reversing camera and you can back straight up to the hitch.
Agree wholeheartedly.
I always said I'd never have one, but since getting a car that has one fitted I will always have one on any future tow vehicles.
Delta18 said
01:07 PM Mar 19, 2014
brian wrote:
Better still, install a reversing camera and you can back straight up to the hitch.
For the stop lights, I just hang an A4 sheet of white paper over the lights, they can both be seen in the mirrors, and you can see the flashers and tails the same way.
I wait til a car is reasonably short distance behind me then give the brake pedal a 'dab', if that car quickly drops back then I know the lights are working!
brian said
05:28 PM Mar 19, 2014
Delta18 wrote:
brian wrote:
Better still, install a reversing camera and you can back straight up to the hitch.
For the stop lights, I just hang an A4 sheet of white paper over the lights, they can both be seen in the mirrors, and you can see the flashers and tails the same way.
I wait til a car is reasonably short distance behind me then give the brake pedal a 'dab', if that car quickly drops back then I know the lights are working!
And if they're not?
Delta18 said
06:04 PM Mar 19, 2014
brian wrote:
Delta18 wrote:
brian wrote:
Better still, install a reversing camera and you can back straight up to the hitch.
For the stop lights, I just hang an A4 sheet of white paper over the lights, they can both be seen in the mirrors, and you can see the flashers and tails the same way.
I wait til a car is reasonably short distance behind me then give the brake pedal a 'dab', if that car quickly drops back then I know the lights are working!
Gday...
Maybe this will assist you to retain your independence when reversing to the van to hitch-up.
When the van is hitched, and the vehicle and van are aligned (eg when you stop somewhere when travelling, make sure the whole rig is in line) then check your external rear-view mirrors so you can see the relationship of the vehicle and front of the van with the towball on the hitch. Get two small pieces of black, or red, tape and place them on each side of the van in a position that you can see in both rear-view mirrors. When you are reversing to hitch-up you can use these as a reference point and will only have to get out to check when the towball is close to the van for the final bit.
Maybe this will help you to check the lights. When van is connected and trailer plug inserted, put the hazard flashers on as this will make both indicators flash, including on the van.
For the brake lights, I use an old umbrella. I place one end of the umbrella against the brake pedal and then press the button on the umbrella to expand it and make it 'wedged' between the driver's seat and the brake pedal - exerting pressure.
Now turn on the parkers, and with the hazard flashers working and the umbrella on the brake pedal walk to the rear of the van. If the parkers, brake lights are all glowing, and the indicator lights are flashing then all is A-OK.
Hope it helps
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Tuesday 20th of August 2013 07:44:48 PM
I do a similar thing, I have a piece of black cloth tape fixed to the rear window of the Prado that through the inside rear view mirror lines up with a piece of black cloth tape on the front of the Avan that is lined up with the centre of the tow hitch.
Because I am solo I have what is called a hitch guide, it is a V shape bracket that attaches to just behind the tow ball, you then look in the rear view mirror, line up the two pieces of black tape and reverse slowly until you feel the connection of the hitch and V guide, remove the V guide and lower hitch down for correct connection, hook up leads etc.
I have a small piece of timber that sits on the floor of the Prado beside me that fits between brake pedal and steering wheel for checking brake lights.
All works for me anyway and very similar to your suggestion.
I use the tape method and home made V stopper as well.
Instead of an umbrella or piece of timber, I use my tiller extension for the kayak electric motor. In fact a length of electrical conduit.
Better still, install a reversing camera and you can back straight up to the hitch.
For the stop lights, I just hang an A4 sheet of white paper over the lights, they can both be seen in the mirrors, and you can see the flashers and tails the same way.
I used one of these years ago until someone nicked it, worked for me and only $20 at the time. This was an old post of mine.
"I bought a Jenbac Reversing Guide from Supercheap Auto, they come in a round cardboard storage tube about 40cm long and consist of two telescopic lengths (much the same as a portable radio aerial) with a cup at the bottom end, the cup has a putty like material in it like plasticine. One cup is red, the other blue. They are absolutely great.
You attach one cup to your towball and one to you van tow cup, both by pressing these into the cups on the telescopic guides. You then extend the aerials vertically to the height you want, each also has a little marker at the top of the telescopic aerial so you can see it. You back the vehicle lining up the aerials as you do so, when you see one start of move (lean over) you have reached the point where you can hook up. This is similar to the home made version that Peter talks about in his post.
I purchased mine from an auto store (super cheap I think or a name similar), and they were only about $20. I haven't got a website for the makers, however these are their details if you want to contact them;
Jenbac Reversing Guides
184 Railway Pde, Bayswater, WA 6053
Tel: 08 9473 0260
Email: georgeh4@tpg.com.au"
Hmmmm......I just did a search I don't think they are available anymore, I did see a post where magnetic bases are use on the telescopic rods instead (like the portable radio pull out antenna's). May be on the link below.
Here are some previous older posts on the subject, always worth doing a search on the forum;
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t38515888/any-tips-for-reversing-car-to-hook-up-caravan-solo/
-- Edited by Vic41 on Tuesday 18th of March 2014 12:53:26 PM
Agree wholeheartedly.
I always said I'd never have one, but since getting a car that has one fitted I will always have one on any future tow vehicles.
I wait til a car is reasonably short distance behind me then give the brake pedal a 'dab', if that car quickly drops back then I know the lights are working!
And if they're not?
Then I will know that without a doubt very soon!
