Tongue Height for quicker hook-ups

DukeHewett

I posted this years ago, but hopefully it will be handy for some "newbies".   When getting ready to hook up the trailer to the tow vehicle, it helps to have the trailer tongue set at approximately the correct height plus a little for the tow vehicles ball to fit under it.  We used to 'kinda guess', but ended going back and forth until we got the correct height.   A tape measure would do the trick, but they aren't always handy.  BUT, your electrical connection cord is always there.   So once you get the correct height, use your electrical connection cord as a tape measure and put a piece of tape at the location on the cord of the correct height.  Walla, next time no more guessing, just jack up the tongue until it gets to the correct height using your electrical cord as a tape measure.  This method has saved us lots of time and hope it helps you as well.

Binghi

I crank the trailer tongue up to where I think it’s about right, back my tow vehicle up close to the tongue, then eyeball it from there, making sure to give the bottom of the tongue a decent gap above the top of the hitch ball. Goes pretty quick and eliminates the possibility of an unfortunate tongue-hitch encounter.

Dutch061

I have a backup camera that you can zoom, makes it a 1 and done most of the time.

Brad

Slackers

@DukeHewett I like your simple solution.  Instead of dropping the electrical connection side on the ground to do something similar with one of the chains.  Maybe a dab of paint on one of the links.

Denny16

Or tie a cable tie on the chain, grand idea.
 Cheers 

GatorEgg

I set the jack at the correct height to fit just above the ball.  Then I painted a horizontal stripe on the lower jack post next to trailer tongue.  It’s lasted three years.

Slackers

All good ideas!

tabiphile

We give the jack a few turns up and then back up to it. You should have some idea how many turns you gave it to level when you set up. Do that many or more. We then take a quick peek at it to see if we are lined up and turn the jack as much as necessary to clear the ball. Then we back under it and Bob's your uncle".