In an ideal situation, you would have someone with you to help out in getting your hitch lined up correctly. Unfortunately, this is doesn't always happen. When you need to hitch up a trailer or camper to your vehicle, it can be a real chore if you are doing it by yourself. Hitching a trailer on your own can sometimes mean getting in and out of your vehicle repeatedly to make sure you are lining up the coupler and ball mount correctly. It's always a good idea to have a little extra assistance in this area, even if you think you won't need it. There are ways to easily get the job done if you are by yourself.

First of all, if you find it difficult to attach your hitch, you may want to consider the HitchGrip coupling tool. It works on all Class III, IV and V weight distribution hitches, and makes it much easier to lift. The HitchGrip tool evenly distributes the load, so the weight is less difficult to carry and puts less strain on your back. You won't end up with a greasy mess when you are finished either, because it keeps your hands off the hitch. Since the tool has no moving parts, there's no need to worry about it malfunctioning at a critical moment.

Now, when you are ready to get the hitch lined up, the Solo Hitch Alignment System from Tow Ready is a simple way to do the job. This system consists of two telescoping rods that have magnetic bases. The rods are extended so they can be seen through the back window, up to 42" in height. One is placed on the ball mount, the other on the coupler. They each have a brightly colored sphere at the top. When the spheres line up, you'll know that the ball mount and coupler are in position. This is a very handy hitching accessory that uses no electricity, and is perfect for those new to towing.

If you are looking for a more sophisticated system, the Hopkins Smart Hitch Camera uses easy to understand graphics to help you align your hitch. The camera mounts behind your license plate, while the monitor can go anywhere on or around your dash. It indicates red, yellow and green zones on the monitor screen to let you know how close the coupler and ball mount are to being in position. When you aren't towing anything, the camera doubles as a backup camera, detecting objects that you may not be able to see while backing up. You can easily switch the camera from Everyday Mode to Hitch Mode depending on your current needs.

By Julie T