I know the well seasoned nomads will have their own ideas but this could assist new nomads
Dougwe said
08:11 AM Aug 5, 2016
All makes sense Neil and Raine. I do just that. I also have a reverse camera on back of Collie and end up right on top of tow ball just as in that pic. Makes life easier.
Anything for an easy life I reckon.
Keep safe on the roads.
Cupie said
09:54 AM Aug 5, 2016
A pretty comprehensive check list.
The tongue of the hitch seems to be a bit long. I did read somewhere about the desirability to keep this as short as possible.
Looks like a boat trailer.
Interesting hook up alignment guide. I tried a home made version using a CB whip aerial but gave up as it wobbled about due to slack in the hitch attachment. Could never get it to stay vertical. I now use my knee height to gauge the correct height of the coupling & some dymo tape on the tug back window & the centre of the van to align the coupling. Usually only have to get out to check about 3 times .. if able to approach the van square on.
I would love a set of reversing cameras. Concealing the wiring to the back of the van camera is the issue though.
elliemike said
09:58 AM Aug 5, 2016
Reversing Camera rigged to include tow hitch in the view. My hitch is a TREGG , and have no problem getting this right into the receiver from the Drivers Seat single handed. Sometime a bit of adjustment but never any hassles.
My wife and I have a Signalling (hand signal) system for reversing or hitching as well. We try not to do any shouting.
Bushpie said
10:09 AM Aug 5, 2016
Sheeeeeeeesh......and thats only the check list to hitch er up..........now I understand why checkout time is 10 am :evil grin: .......and those that ask for a late check out are..........
Hey Mike & Ellie love your avie.......it looks very familiar .........Barnett River on GRR
Phil C said
11:12 AM Aug 5, 2016
Gday folks,
This has probably been the bain of many of us for years, I use the "marriage saver hitch guide which is a heavy plate metal guide in a V shape at the tug side of the tow ball. SWMBO stands to one side and waves her arms around in spectacular gestures some of which I understand, but many we havnt pre arranged, I like the one where she throws her arms by her side and walks off with a thunder cloud over her head (only kidding). The mighty Ford backs up to the receiver and if its slightly out the V shape directs it over the ball. All I really have to do is make sure the height is OK.
That device has saved a lot of altercations, and problems. Love the checklist especially after my handbrake episode at Malalla. We now have bright yellow labels over the caravan door and in the ****pit. No more burnt out brakes for this little black duck.
Cheers
elliemike said
12:11 PM Aug 5, 2016
Bushpie wrote:
Sheeeeeeeesh......and thats only the check list to hitch er up..........now I understand why checkout time is 10 am :evil grin: .......and those that ask for a late check out are..........
Hey Mike & Ellie love your avie.......it looks very familiar .........Barnett River on GRR
Cant remember the river crossing but I know it was on the Savannah Way, Roper River Road ! That's my Mitsubishi Challenger I now have a Dmax.
Perhaps I should change the picture !
elliemike said
12:14 PM Aug 5, 2016
Phil C wrote:
Gday folks,
This has probably been the bain of many of us for years, I use the "marriage saver hitch guide which is a heavy plate metal guide in a V shape at the tug side of the tow ball. SWMBO stands to one side and waves her arms around in spectacular gestures some of which I understand, but many we havnt pre arranged, I like the one where she throws her arms by her side and walks off with a thunder cloud over her head (only kidding). The mighty Ford backs up to the receiver and if its slightly out the V shape directs it over the ball. All I really have to do is make sure the height is OK.
That device has saved a lot of altercations, and problems. Love the checklist especially after my handbrake episode at Malalla. We now have bright yellow labels over the caravan door and in the ****pit. No more burnt out brakes for this little black duck.
Cheers
Yup I used one of those when we had a Towball Home made job about ten or more years ago. When we fitted the rear view camera I hardly ever needed to put it on.
Bushpie said
11:04 PM Aug 5, 2016
elliemike wrote:
Bushpie wrote:
Sheeeeeeeesh......and thats only the check list to hitch er up..........now I understand why checkout time is 10 am :evil grin: .......and those that ask for a late check out are..........
Hey Mike & Ellie love your avie.......it looks very familiar .........Barnett River on GRR
Cant remember the river crossing but I know it was on the Savannah Way, Roper River Road ! That's my Mitsubishi Challenger I now have a Dmax.
Perhaps I should change the picture !
No great pic......I stand corrected .........if anyone wants a good pic like that.....try Barnett early in the dry from the east......the photographer gets wet
Nothing to do with girl meets boy
Reading the link on Rockies post below I also notice this article
http://www.withoutahitch.com.au/caravan/guide-to-hitching-your-caravan/
I know the well seasoned nomads will have their own ideas but this could assist new nomads
Anything for an easy life I reckon.
Keep safe on the roads.
A pretty comprehensive check list.
The tongue of the hitch seems to be a bit long. I did read somewhere about the desirability to keep this as short as possible.
Looks like a boat trailer.
Interesting hook up alignment guide. I tried a home made version using a CB whip aerial but gave up as it wobbled about due to slack in the hitch attachment. Could never get it to stay vertical. I now use my knee height to gauge the correct height of the coupling & some dymo tape on the tug back window & the centre of the van to align the coupling. Usually only have to get out to check about 3 times .. if able to approach the van square on.
I would love a set of reversing cameras. Concealing the wiring to the back of the van camera is the issue though.
Reversing Camera rigged to include tow hitch in the view. My hitch is a TREGG , and have no problem getting this right into the receiver from the Drivers Seat single handed. Sometime a bit of adjustment but never any hassles.
My wife and I have a Signalling (hand signal) system for reversing or hitching as well. We try not to do any shouting.
Hey Mike & Ellie love your avie.......it looks very familiar .........Barnett River on GRR
This has probably been the bain of many of us for years, I use the "marriage saver hitch guide which is a heavy plate metal guide in a V shape at the tug side of the tow ball. SWMBO stands to one side and waves her arms around in spectacular gestures some of which I understand, but many we havnt pre arranged, I like the one where she throws her arms by her side and walks off with a thunder cloud over her head (only kidding). The mighty Ford backs up to the receiver and if its slightly out the V shape directs it over the ball. All I really have to do is make sure the height is OK.
That device has saved a lot of altercations, and problems. Love the checklist especially after my handbrake episode at Malalla. We now have bright yellow labels over the caravan door and in the ****pit. No more burnt out brakes for this little black duck.
Cheers
Cant remember the river crossing but I know it was on the Savannah Way, Roper River Road ! That's my Mitsubishi Challenger I now have a Dmax.
Perhaps I should change the picture !
Yup I used one of those when we had a Towball Home made job about ten or more years ago. When we fitted the rear view camera I hardly ever needed to put it on.
No great pic......I stand corrected .........if anyone wants a good pic like that.....try Barnett early in the dry from the east......the photographer gets wet