Anybody use a front hitch?

[cpaharley2008]

Gudmut hit the nail on the head, pushing in from the front means your steering is about 15 feet closer than when backing in, thus reaction to turns is better and quicker and more accurate.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Gudmut hit the nail on the head, pushing in from the front means your steering is about 15 feet closer than when backing in, thus reaction to turns is better and quicker and more accurate.

Which would be helpful, if you could see what's behind and close to the rear of the trailer.

[sunrisetrucker]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Which would be helpful, if you could see what's behind and close to the rear of the trailer.

I'm with Glen, not being able to use the mirrors is enough to stop me from even trying.

[cpaharley2008]

So you guys would rather drive backwards rather than forward?

[drpaddle]

We tried a front hitch, and it did help us "turn more sharply" when we could figure out when and how much to turn. With our difficult parking spot, that was the hard part -- and no one in the family is willing to guide me in.

Since I can't see the curbside dangers -- and they are plentiful -- we figured out a way to let me steer using a "glide path" for the driver-side trailer tires. It works, to a point -- there is still the need to get out and look many times. Some sort of camera setup is in order, but I haven't found one that looks both viable and affordable. Saving up my pennies, and getting out and looking a lot.

And, yeah, if anyone asks us about the dots, we call it an art installation.

[cpaharley2008]

I spray painted some lines into my space but after a couple of years I no longer need then.

[float5]

Originally Posted by gudmut

Glenn - I can understand your skepticism. I would never use this technique at a campground. But for docking our trailer at home, it's a real advantage. In our alley I have a fence, a telephone pole, and other obstacles that makes maneuvering a trailer "tricky." When I hook up with a front mount, I'm able to make a more immediate right turn into our carport. I think it's because the steering wheels are closer to the fulcrum that make pushing the trailer easier. As far as seeing what's going on, as soon as I make the initial sharp turn, the side of the trailer is visible and I am able to slowly but more accurately locate it into its spot.

It would be good to show photos of what you are doing. I take it that you can make a sharper turn.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

So you guys would rather drive backwards rather than forward?

Absolutely. Especially if it's the difference between being able to see where I'm going or staring at a white expanse that is the front of the trailer.
If you look at the picture I posted, you cannot see the back and sides of the trailer, because you are too close to the front.
If you back up, using the mirrors, you can see down both sides of the trailer.

[blhvet]

It took me awhile, but I usually camp alone so have to back up by myself, and it isn't so bad. I get out and run back a lot.

Not trying to kaibosh the front hitch idea, but it also takes skill. My brother uses our tractor to put their trailer away, but it seems completely backwards to me and I can't do it! I only have about 3" on either side when I back the Aliner in to the garage for the winter, but I still find it easier than going in forward.

Thoer, we're cheap up here! I just drilled a 1/2" hole in the bucket to attach a ball. Useful for attaching a rope to pull out fenceposts, too!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

So you guys would rather drive backwards rather than forward?

When reversing a trailer, yes.

[rbryan4]

There are a number of advantages to a front hitch. I see one advantage at least two or three times a week at the airport. There's a reason why the Tugs at the airport have the driver facing their tow.

Having said that, you learn the skill of backing in a trailer just like alot of other skills - with practice. For me, the front hitch would be of little if any benefit.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by blhvet

we're cheap up here! I just drilled a 1/2" hole in the bucket to attach a ball. Useful for attaching a rope to pull out fenceposts, too!

Have you ever tried to buy a hole on Amazon?

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by sunrisetrucker

I think this is the one.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...-17b-8185.html

This sin't the one I was thinking about, but thanks for bringing it to the conversation. Still can't find the other. Maybe I dreamed it.

[mcdonner]

Hiassen is one of our favorites.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by thoer

Does this count? Bucket Hitch I'm thinking of getting one for my Kubota.

We made some of these for the loaders on park tractors as well as welding 5/16 and 3/8 chain hooks on top of the bucket . The bucket stinger advantage is that one can jack trailers and other hitch equipped rolling stock into some pretty tight storage spaces. You can pull the pin and replace the ball with a clevis stinger too if you have to move something with a flat tongue.
We used to use front hitches to launch boats on slimy ramps that were usually not so slick 15 feet up from the water especially on rear wheel drive vehicles back in the day. I thank my Dad every time I have to back up a trailer. He practiced me with my boat and trailer that I bought when I was 15. And there was no wining only the attitude "yes you can"! Had some ice today but not bad, mostly gone now.
Dave

[thoer]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

... Had some ice today but not bad, mostly gone now.
Dave

Wish I could say that ... ice everywhere up here.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by mcdonner

Hiassen is one of our favorites.

Finished my book today and have two more by other authors that my daughter and son gave me at Christmas. Reading a real book is such a pleasure. Thank all of your teachers who taught you how to read.
Dave

[blhvet]

I have "Nature Girl" - don't think I've read it yet.

[RVman80]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I spray painted some lines into my space but after a couple of years I no longer need then.

Hey it's a very good idea, I'll probably go this rout because even with the front hitch I have to see better how to steer it!

[cpaharley2008]

Yep, once you find your sweet spot, mark it with some white or black spray paint lines to guide you....