I have an old piece of PVC pipe that fits over the ball in the bed. Its about 3' tall and I stick it on the ball vertically and use it to line the trailer up. Once the trailer hits the pipe it falls off the ball and I know the neck is over the ball. Works every single time.
Put this in front of the ball when it tilts your there: www.harborfreight.com/long-reach-magnetic-pickup-tool-with-quick-release-93950.html?_br_psugg_q=magnetic+pickup+tool
Disclaimer: If your an overweight person with limited mobility and over the age of 40 dont hang out your truck because its almost guaranteed you will be ran over by your own truck. 😂😂
I didn't know how to hook up ANY of this stuff until this video, just those small U-haul trailers but not this kind and I haven't did that since 1995! LOL! You are an excellent instructor and very thorough. I can tell you love what you do. :) Greatly appreciate you taking the time to do this for us all. :)
My brother asked for help hooking up his trailer yesterday because he is disabled. I found it so interesting, as I had no idea how it all worked. I was so excited, I had to show my wife this video to let her see it. She acknowledged we must really need some activity, after COVID, because she was fascinated, too. 😂 Thanks for a great video, Alex!
Good video! I tow 3 to 4 times a week also, not a hot shot. I use the Shocker on a Diamond C 40' with hydraulic everything. Best investment I've ever made in a trailer!!
We raise the middle headrest all the way up and then line up the gooseneck between the bars that support the headrest and the center of the rear view mirror. Never miss as long as you remember to keep everything in the center of the mirror. Still need to get a feel for how far back to go, but that comes quickly.
Lol. Piglet has to be trolling all of y'all in the comments. 😂. There's no way he was really being serious about hanging out the truck like that. 😂😂🤣😕😕🙄🙄
I like to use a magnetic pickup tool to place it between the cab and just in front of the ball, that way I know about how close the gooseneck is over the ball. I really like hydraulic jacks, takes a lot of the work out of hitching up the trailer. Chain Extensions are sometimes necessary for Dodge RAM, I use some massive D-Rings that are about 5" long, and have a 3/4 shank to extend the tie down location so chains will reach. All couplers are not equal, find one that is easy to understand if it's open or locked, otherwise you run the risk of having the gooseneck come off and it will beat the hell out of your bed, tailgate, and quarter panels even with the chains on.
Lol stand out hanging off the side of your truck while in gear backing to a gooseneck... I can see it now.... People following that advice, falling out there truck and while laying out on their ass (and hopefully not running over themselves with their front wheels) watching their truck smack into whatever is behind it.. wonder if there is a liability issue there... Lol
Hello, Alex, you can put reflective tape, & is good at nite or days. Just a hint and the camera Pick it up very well, it a good guide. Just try to help the new Driver. It has helped me for 41 years, so it not new.
A couple things. Most people aren't as tall as you and can't see the tailgate out the back window. Especially if they have a toolbox or fuel tank, which further restricts the view. The ball plate is unlikely to break loose from the trailer, unless in some major accident. The likeliness of loosing the trailer would be it coming loose off the ball or the trailer being over loaded and breaking the ball off. The best way to back into the trailer would be to use the mirrors and center the truck with the trailer as you back up. My preference is using a trailer and 5th wheel. The 5th wheel is much easier to connect to and is safer than the goose neck connection. A 5th wheel doesn't require safety chains.
Colored painters tape on your tailgate will help you see the center better. You only need a small piece each time so one roll will last you a long time.
Also if u line up to trialer, u can use your mirror and keep your truck tires aligned with sides of trailers as you back, great video tho keep it coming!
use a fridge magnet strip if steel; or painters tape if aluminum. Alternatively; learn you use your mirrors and get your reference points. line up 'skin to skin' with your truck vs your trailer rails.
Magnetic pole (bought or DIY) and a wireless portable backup camera would be handy. PVC pipe is a great idea. Using magnetic pole or PVC pipe... you can cut to the length that high enough to clear your tailgate so serve as double duty... or tape some kind of extendable magnetic pickup tool onto it so it's not so weildy to store when not in use.
Sometimes I use an automotive expandable magnets that I can stick by the ball and expand the handle that usually has a larger handle that I can see in the rear view mirror. Always wondered when pulling heavy loads i mountains what is safe oil temperatures. I run 2012 f350 diesel
How about mounting a camera in the bed centered under the back window that show real-time motion on your cellphone and a stick or pipe on the ball as a guide to line it up?
Hook a bungee cord across bed at center stake pockets, center truck, back until bungee cord contacts leg of GN, stop, lower trailer onto ball, lock, hook chains, lights etc, raise landing gear, do your walk around, go. EZ PZ!!!!
Thanks for all the info.i always watch your videos.im interested in getting into hotshot soon.iv learned a lot just from you videos about the road and the load.Thanks Alex
Hey man I'm interested in getting in have a 40ft big Tex and and a dodge 3500 dually all paid for but it's a 2006 I don't know if you lease on old trucks.
Wow so many smart ass... out there. You have options to chose, he gives you some samples how is possible to do it & not how you should be doing it. Rethink what ever you guys thinking Before you start to pull air horn 🚚
@MG Stevens I have one built in for my truck and I love it! Have been looking at 5th wheel toy hauler RVs and will definitely have one for the 4 to 6 tires on the ground. There are some pretty cool setups now that can monitor both your truck and trailer if your truck isn't equipped already.
@@eugenepricillamontgomery7149 I would doubt it because he was trying to check his oil one day and couldn't find the dipstick even though he's supposed to check it during his pre-trip every time. I'm sure when he first hits the brakes leaving the truck stops he can tell if his trailer brakes are working or not.
Rear cam??? Alex your truck doesn't come with the 360° cam and line guided options for backing up?? Can you make a video for us out there that just make it happen with cam and mirrors , I always have my rear windows covered . ! Not saying I don't get out to make sure I'm lined up and on top before receiving. F350 2019 XL DRW 75GAL TRANSFER TANK WITH TOOL BOX . 140k miles
When you use the bumper plug on your truck you can't thread the cord like you did. It will be too short in a sharp turn and break the cord or plugs. If you thread the cord from the gooseneck hitch back over the top of your tail gate, the cord length will never change.
Dude usually you give good advice, I have to tell you though I would not suggest someone stand on the side of the truck like that, especially if you can look out the back window. Just food for thought. I mean I know people that open the door and look but I don’t think I have ever seen someone stand outside like that though. Also, I would suggest marking you truck with some tape or a grease pen. You can wash a grease pen off easily and tape might leave a little residue that easily comes off.
other methods, call 911, request a traffic uniformed officer to direct the truck positioning while backing or paint actual lines on the pavement on both sides of the truck wheels, to use as a backing guide in the mirrors. Use a laser level and plumb bob, to insure lines are straight and square. If you own the paving where connecting the trailer, delete this idea. If the area is unpaved or lawn, use marker paint that is typically used for marking underground utilities, again NOT on your own property. Failing these ideas, park the truck, & book 8 hours on a trailer connecting simulator. Confirm food & adult beverages are allowed in the simulator before making a reservation.
I have an old piece of PVC pipe that fits over the ball in the bed. Its about 3' tall and I stick it on the ball vertically and use it to line the trailer up. Once the trailer hits the pipe it falls off the ball and I know the neck is over the ball. Works every single time.
That’s a really good idea 💡👍🏽
Now that is a common sense approach to solving the challenge when you do not have a higher mounted camera.
@Patrick McDonough hope you patented it. 😊 It's a great idea. Do you sale them?
@@HamiltonvilleFarm i doubt he sale them but he might sell them
Put this in front of the ball when it tilts your there:
www.harborfreight.com/long-reach-magnetic-pickup-tool-with-quick-release-93950.html?_br_psugg_q=magnetic+pickup+tool
Disclaimer: If your an overweight person with limited mobility and over the age of 40 dont hang out your truck because its almost guaranteed you will be ran over by your own truck. 😂😂
#5 lol
Alex, you could always just tape the center line, as a marker.
Was just gonna post that , bit of electric tape
@@steventhegreat electric tape is not a good option as it leaves a sticky compound, I would use painter's tape
@@Tyler_5.4 Lacquer thinner or even rubbing alcohol will take care of any residue.
I was thinking the same exact obvious question to myself.... like huh??? lol
I was gonna suggest that lol 😆
I didn't know how to hook up ANY of this stuff until this video, just those small U-haul trailers but not this kind and I haven't did that since 1995! LOL! You are an excellent instructor and very thorough. I can tell you love what you do. :) Greatly appreciate you taking the time to do this for us all. :)
I don't even have a truck, still I watch all his videos, just because its so much fun and informative at the same time.
We don't have a truck either, and loved this!
My brother asked for help hooking up his trailer yesterday because he is disabled. I found it so interesting, as I had no idea how it all worked. I was so excited, I had to show my wife this video to let her see it. She acknowledged we must really need some activity, after COVID, because she was fascinated, too. 😂 Thanks for a great video, Alex!
Good video! I tow 3 to 4 times a week also, not a hot shot. I use the Shocker on a Diamond C 40' with hydraulic everything. Best investment I've ever made in a trailer!!
We raise the middle headrest all the way up and then line up the gooseneck between the bars that support the headrest and the center of the rear view mirror. Never miss as long as you remember to keep everything in the center of the mirror. Still need to get a feel for how far back to go, but that comes quickly.
Just wondering how many driver's are going to be falling out of their truck when hooking up..lol
There's a third way you can use your mirrors like they're meant for and judge your side to side distance when hooking up
Or your back up camera...
Time to check if your trailer is high enough is before you get over the tailgate
Lol. Piglet has to be trolling all of y'all in the comments. 😂. There's no way he was really being serious about hanging out the truck like that. 😂😂🤣😕😕🙄🙄
Most important part!!!! DO NOT FORGET TO LOWER YOUR TAILGATE BEFORE BACKING UP. I have seen people forget and rip their tailgate off.
Ok tried your method of standing on the step to back up and now I’m underneath my truck what part did I get wrong....
Old timer hot shot 😂😂😂
MG Stevens 🤣
at least you were bright enough to keep you phone accessible
@Old timer hot shot you are too hard on Alex.
BILL UPSTATE NY well I already had it in my hand making a video at the same time....
I like to use a magnetic pickup tool to place it between the cab and just in front of the ball, that way I know about how close the gooseneck is over the ball. I really like hydraulic jacks, takes a lot of the work out of hitching up the trailer. Chain Extensions are sometimes necessary for Dodge RAM, I use some massive D-Rings that are about 5" long, and have a 3/4 shank to extend the tie down location so chains will reach. All couplers are not equal, find one that is easy to understand if it's open or locked, otherwise you run the risk of having the gooseneck come off and it will beat the hell out of your bed, tailgate, and quarter panels even with the chains on.
Lol stand out hanging off the side of your truck while in gear backing to a gooseneck... I can see it now.... People following that advice, falling out there truck and while laying out on their ass (and hopefully not running over themselves with their front wheels) watching their truck smack into whatever is behind it.. wonder if there is a liability issue there... Lol
this is a common practice, in russia
@@billupstateny9151 lol
Dangerous
@ wow, have you applied for a position in the HR Department?
Hello, Alex, you can put reflective tape, & is good at nite or days. Just a hint and the camera Pick it up very well, it a good guide. Just try to help the new Driver. It has helped me for 41 years, so it not new.
Very good job on explaining how to hook up the gooseneck
I think Alex in just in the mode of cranking out videos no matter what the content. LMAO
A couple things. Most people aren't as tall as you and can't see the tailgate out the back window. Especially if they have a toolbox or fuel tank, which further restricts the view. The ball plate is unlikely to break loose from the trailer, unless in some major accident. The likeliness of loosing the trailer would be it coming loose off the ball or the trailer being over loaded and breaking the ball off. The best way to back into the trailer would be to use the mirrors and center the truck with the trailer as you back up.
My preference is using a trailer and 5th wheel. The 5th wheel is much easier to connect to and is safer than the goose neck connection. A 5th wheel doesn't require safety chains.
The compact size 5th wheel for F350 is easy to crack.
Is it good practice to crisscross the chains?
Excellent demo, thanx so much!
Crazy to see, went to watch this video and I look in the background and I know exactly where he is. This is literally 20 minutes from me 😂
Does the Ford has to come pre prepped with tow package or no big difference?
Enterprise will allow you to mount a plate with the b all in their 2500s? Where do you get the plates from
Colored painters tape on your tailgate will help you see the center better. You only need a small piece each time so one roll will last you a long time.
Also if u line up to trialer, u can use your mirror and keep your truck tires aligned with sides of trailers as you back, great video tho keep it coming!
use a fridge magnet strip if steel; or painters tape if aluminum. Alternatively; learn you use your mirrors and get your reference points. line up 'skin to skin' with your truck vs your trailer rails.
“Stand outside of the truck with your foot on the brake” 🤣
Thanks again Alex, learning so much from your videos, keep it coming
Magnetic pole (bought or DIY) and a wireless portable backup camera would be handy. PVC pipe is a great idea. Using magnetic pole or PVC pipe... you can cut to the length that high enough to clear your tailgate so serve as double duty... or tape some kind of extendable magnetic pickup tool onto it so it's not so weildy to store when not in use.
Perfect video for newbs. Thank you very much
Lot of info awesome thanks 3 years later.😆
You’re supposed to cross the chains. Hook the left on the right and the right on the left side.
Sometimes I use an automotive expandable magnets that I can stick by the ball and expand the handle that usually has a larger handle that I can see in the rear view mirror. Always wondered when pulling heavy loads i mountains what is safe oil temperatures. I run 2012 f350 diesel
Thanks for the video! I see you are in Mishawaka, IN here! Hello from a local
This was a good training video. Thank you.
This was recorded in Mishawaka. Never thought I’d see my hometown on a TH-camrs channel lol
Great video on hooking up trailer....always wondered...
Very detailed and informative.... I love your channel!
Nice explanation man
Thanks, starting new job. So helpful
Are all your trucks gooseneck? And how does it compare to 5th wheel?
How about mounting a camera in the bed centered under the back window that show real-time motion on your cellphone and a stick or pipe on the ball as a guide to line it up?
Thanks for taking the time to explain everything! Good informative video. Peace.
Thank the Lord I have a backup camera and a top cargo camera lol Guess the past years Ford does it by itself lol
Great job man now if you could give pointers on driving with that thing
Do they make a small camera you could mount temporarily (magnet) to the rear roof and then have it send a wireless signal to your smartphone?
Are You on Jones road.
Lmao dnt be at a truck stop with big rig truckers standing outside the vehicle trying to backup 😂😂😂😂
Hook a bungee cord across bed at center stake pockets, center truck, back until bungee cord contacts leg of GN, stop, lower trailer onto ball, lock, hook chains, lights etc, raise landing gear, do your walk around, go. EZ PZ!!!!
Thanks for the very good explanation
Thanks for all the info.i always watch your videos.im interested in getting into hotshot soon.iv learned a lot just from you videos about the road and the load.Thanks Alex
Hey man what’s a good trailer to start with ? everything I’m finding have a high GVWR
Do I get points for knowing you were in Mishawaka, IN for this video?
Do you guys think the 68rfe trans still good to do the job vs aisin
No it won’t
Do you have to have the plates bolted to the frame?
Thoughts on a remote tire pressure/temperature monitoring system?
This was helpful! Thanks
can you Make a VIDEO on how to Inspect your truck and trailer before you get on the road and while you on the road empty as well as loaded
What is the speed limit for a non CDL hot shot do you follow the speed limit of the trucks or the autos
Do you have any Semis running.....
No
Very well explained and shown! 👍
I line up the middle headrest in the back seat to the gooseneck hit and hit it perfect every time
Hey man I'm interested in getting in have a 40ft big Tex and and a dodge 3500 dually all paid for but it's a 2006 I don't know if you lease on old trucks.
You should install a rear camera for connecting the hitch.
Thank you TP.,
Great TH-cam videos.
Couldn’t you use some painters tape to mark the centerline of your tailgate on an Enterprise rental?
How are you using a rental to hotshot ?
Is it legal to drive with the rear view window and back side windows blocked with a sun screen? I see everyone doing.
What are the black things on the roof at the back for?
Great video. !! Thanks for sharing
Enterprise still rents Dually trucks ?
How bout putting down some colored painters tape for centering????
Mark tailgate with:
- China pen (grease pen, you can wash off)
- Tape
- Magnet (for non-aluminum trucks)
- Etc
He can use the grease that's always on his hands
Great demo video Alex, thank you 👍🏽
Thanks is was very informative!!
You can get a wireless reverse camera kit that comes with the screen and put the camera in the bed of the truck makes it a lot easier
ur video is very helpful and ur videos are da best
Alex,
Could you not mark with the Center with tape?
Wow so many smart ass... out there. You have options to chose, he gives you some samples how is possible to do it & not how you should be doing it. Rethink what ever you guys thinking
Before you start to pull air horn 🚚
Thanks for sharing good demonstration
How about a backup camera? Can you install one on your rental truck? Or at least keep it handy to put out there when you're hooking up the trailer?
As long as it's wireless. Just use some goo gone to remove the adhesive when you take it off.
Fantastic Trailler ...!!...Gracias por Compartir... Saludosss
Thanks for sharing this info 🤙🏽
Alex, have you considered using a TPMS for your trailer tires?
@MG Stevens I have one built in for my truck and I love it! Have been looking at 5th wheel toy hauler RVs and will definitely have one for the 4 to 6 tires on the ground. There are some pretty cool setups now that can monitor both your truck and trailer if your truck isn't equipped already.
Do you ever do a trailer brake test with the in cab brake control by maximizing your brake power
Eugene Pricilla Montgomery he did it in his last video. Had his gain set to 4.0, squeezed the brake controller, and hit the throttle.
baseballwarrior17 I was wondering if he did it as a test every time he hooks up or during his daily
pretrip
@@eugenepricillamontgomery7149 I would doubt it because he was trying to check his oil one day and couldn't find the dipstick even though he's supposed to check it during his pre-trip every time.
I'm sure when he first hits the brakes leaving the truck stops he can tell if his trailer brakes are working or not.
Before I had a camera in the bed I just lined up the center headrest in the back to the hitch.
Rear cam??? Alex your truck doesn't come with the 360° cam and line guided options for backing up?? Can you make a video for us out there that just make it happen with cam and mirrors , I always have my rear windows covered . ! Not saying I don't get out to make sure I'm lined up and on top before receiving.
F350 2019 XL DRW 75GAL TRANSFER TANK WITH TOOL BOX . 140k miles
I use bright colored painters tape doesn't mess up the paint on truck like duck tape
I’m in the UK, we barely have any hot-shot style trailers so I’m not likely to ever need to know this. This is so interesting to me though
When you use the bumper plug on your truck you can't thread the cord like you did. It will be too short in a sharp turn and break the cord or plugs. If you thread the cord from the gooseneck hitch back over the top of your tail gate, the cord length will never change.
Why do you pull the big tex stickers off your trailer?
Thank you for this video
Dude usually you give good advice, I have to tell you though I would not suggest someone stand on the side of the truck like that, especially if you can look out the back window. Just food for thought. I mean I know people that open the door and look but I don’t think I have ever seen someone stand outside like that though. Also, I would suggest marking you truck with some tape or a grease pen. You can wash a grease pen off easily and tape might leave a little residue that easily comes off.
Alex, You always can put color tape to mark your tailgate... So you can take it off when you return ur truck to rental
love your videos bud! may I ask what camera you use for them?
Thanks for the information...
other methods, call 911, request a traffic uniformed officer to direct the truck positioning while backing or paint actual lines on the pavement on both sides of the truck wheels, to use as a backing guide in the mirrors. Use a laser level and plumb bob, to insure lines are straight and square. If you own the paving where connecting the trailer, delete this idea. If the area is unpaved or lawn, use marker paint that is typically used for marking underground utilities, again NOT on your own property. Failing these ideas, park the truck, & book 8 hours on a trailer connecting simulator. Confirm food & adult beverages are allowed in the simulator before making a reservation.
Great video ❤