Can’t see 5th wheel hitch in rear view mirror

[JohnWedell]

Have the truck in my sig. just bought a North Point. Unable to see the hitch in the bed to hook up. Anyone else have this problem and if so have you found a solution.

[RoadrunnerII]

Lots of solutions. Mount a camera on rear of cab or front of bed. Some rear windows have the glass maker monogram. Line up the king pin with it using your rear view mirror. Use the GOAL Method..... Get Out And Look... Use a spotter.. If you have power seats raise the seat. Buy the magnetic poles with the ball on them. Line them up

Just my 1 /2 cent.
On my rig I have an automatic slider hitch and the adapter from pucks in box to isr rails. I can see the saddle on the hitch in my rear view. Piece of cake lining up once I have my morning coffee

YMMV
RoadrunnerII

[AKRUEBBE]

Unfortunately my new RAM didn't come with the cargo camera which is great for hitching. I purchased a wireless camera that has a very powerful magnet on the base. It works in conjunction with an app on my cell phone. Very handy. And it stays put..........I forgot to take it off after hitching up and drove about 300 miles before I discovered I forgot to take it off...........it was still there!! Bought it from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-RVS-...amera+wireless

[RedHorse1]

When we had the bumper-pull I bought a hitch-aid (telescoping antenna with magnetic base and foam ball on top) from Harbor F. Pretty much useless as they didn’t stand straight. Tossed them in the corner of the garage. When we got the 5th I discovered, like you, that I couldn’t see the hitch. I got one of the hitch-aid things out and stick it just in front of the cut-out on the plate. When backing I can line up the antenna with the pin as I back. When the pin box hits the antenna it just pushes it out of the way. After a few uses I’ve gotten pretty good at nailing it. Camera would probably let me hitch like a real pro but this does a good enough job for me.

[Bobx2]

Just use a spotter and practice until you figure out how to position yourself without help. No need to see the hitch.

[Bookemdanno]

John have you tried removing the headrest in the center of the back seat? Might give you a little more clearance to see into the bed.

[AKRUEBBE]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

John have you tried removing the headrest in the center of the back seat? Might give you a little more clearance to see into the bed.

Now that was too damn easy for anyone to think of!!

[citgodan]

Yep, 2x Once I removed the center, rear seat head rest I was good to go.

[RoadrunnerII]

Removef mine first day on way home with trailer
RoadrunnerII

[2naEagle]

Hard to see without a camera.
I like AKRUEBBE's idea and very versatile.

[norty1]

My 2011 fifth wheel has a mirror mounted over the hitch pin on the front of the camper. I never use it but it shows the hitch.

I can scoot up in my seat and see mine over the edge of the tool box without using it.

[JohnWedell]

Problem solved, I went to Cabela’s and bought the Garmin BC 30 wireless back up camera that automatically goes into my Garmin 760 LMT GPS works great. Thank you everybody for the great advice.

[crumgater]

We had the BAKFLIP - rolled it up, and on the top side of the final flap, laid out a piece of white tape that aligned with the hitch. That and a similar piece of tape on the 5'er hitch... line up the two pieces of tape and CLUNK, right on in!

[jasum]

I wonder what the big riggers do that can't see the hitch when they are hooking up????

[3'senough]

A wide angle lens is also very effective until you get the hang of it.

[artoo93]

Originally Posted by jasum

I wonder what the big riggers do that can't see the hitch when they are hooking up????

You find your reference point on the side of the trailer to keep your truck in line and back under. Also try to line up as straight as possible before backing under trailer. That is what I still do as I can't see my plate at all with my toolbox and headache rack. The biggest differences for a big rig are: 1. The entire front of the trailer is a metal plate. 2. The fifth wheel plate is wider. Leaves a way bigger margin of error.

[oh355mbqs]

What about just turning your head and looking at it? When we got our first 5th wheel last year I was using my wife or kids as a spotter, then one day I just turned my head to the back seat, I could see the hitch no problem. Granted, I'm taller than avg at 6'4", that may be the reason I can see it. Probably also helps that it is a long bed truck.

[vcbice]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

When we had the bumper-pull I bought a hitch-aid (telescoping antenna with magnetic base and foam ball on top) from Harbor F. Pretty much useless as they didn’t stand straight. Tossed them in the corner of the garage. When we got the 5th I discovered, like you, that I couldn’t see the hitch. I got one of the hitch-aid things out and stick it just in front of the cut-out on the plate. When backing I can line up the antenna with the pin as I back. When the pin box hits the antenna it just pushes it out of the way. After a few uses I’ve gotten pretty good at nailing it. Camera would probably let me hitch like a real pro but this does a good enough job for me.

^^^^This

Or, I pick out two center points, like rear seat headrest and the center of tailgate, and line that up with the pin. Have to get out a time or two to check it as I back up.

And, no, even with the headrest removed I cannot see the hitch from the drivers seat.

[haweinberger]

I have a 2017 gmc denali, with the puck system and a curt 25q.
No problem with sighting. Just turn my head and there it is. And the curt is nice and low below the side rails on the truck. My first 5er and love this set up.
the towing is the best I have ever had.

2017 gmc denali, cc, lb, Duramax, drw
2017 37 rsts pinnacle.

[PlayersZ28]

I can't see mine out the back window, my tonno is folded at the front of the box and blocks the view. I thought about getting a camera to use but for 3 yrs I've just been getting close then jumping out to check and then adjust my position.