Dougwe wrote:

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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.

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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.

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/  

brian wrote:

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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.

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 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!