Hitching and pulling the rig

[labmom]

I had a conversation the other day with Dave about pulling the rig and he told me that before I could pull it, I must learn how to hitch and unhitch first. I am 5 feet tall and our pickup is a GMC diesel. I can not see over the front end and have to rely on mirrors to do all the backing and driving. I really did not realize how much I couldn't see until we talked about it. I really need a pillow!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just brought this up for any of you gals that are not particularly tall. My greatest fear is pulling the fifth wheel and now I know why.
Just a thought.
Betsy

[eeoski]

Betsy,

Okay, I might have a bit of a fix for you that will eliminate the need for pillows (or phone books)! We haven't done it to our "Bella" yet, but it is something my Dad did to his rig and it really works well...

Have Dave hitch the rig to the truck. Then, using florescent tape (Dad used orange) you want to put a strip that shows the outside edge of each side of the truck. This way, you can use the side view mirrors to line the truck up to the rig and when you back up the pin will be perfectly aligned with the hitch in the truck! (Mind you, this works only with the truck doing a direct back up, not one from an angle!) As you back up slowly, final alignment directions will be DAVE's responsiblity (that way its HIS fault if you don't align up right the first time LOL)! Big thing is just take your time...you CAN do it! (I'll try to get photos to share with you if this doesn't make sense.) OBTW - can you raise and lower your driver's seat height...if so, that might be helpful.

Robin

[labmom]

Hi Robin-I have tried raising and lowering the seat and it doesn't make a bit of difference. Unfortunately, not being able to see the sides, also makes parking extremely difficult.
Dave marked the back of the truck with orange paint, but not the sides. I will have him read your answer and see what he thinks.
I will work it out. It just amused me and I wondered if anyone else didn't drive or hitch due to the same problem.
Thanks for the advice. I will try anything.
Betsy