New trailer hitch device ... - The Hull Truth

Brucee W · 02-08-2003, 11:37 PM

I caught a "FRESHwater"

fishing show this afternoon and saw this advertised - pretty interesting for those of us who are "back-the-boat-to-the-hitch" challenged.

About $60 but looks like it will save some time AND your bumper!

NOTE: ALLOW A FEW SECONDS FOR THE PICTURES TO "CHANGE" SO YOU CAN SEE HOW IT WORKS.

NO - it's NOT some LOUD noise or scary thing!

www.ezhitch.biz

OR

www.ez-hitch-accessory.com

Regards,
Bruce W

reel hungry · 02-09-2003, 12:27 AM

They have been around for years here on the west coast,a buddy of mine has used one for years,his looks a little more heavy duty,probly a different manufactor.He likes his.JMO

Tim,25'Skipjack FB Diesel
Reel Hungry

J.B. Cornwell · 02-09-2003, 04:48 AM

I use a device that I got on Ebay for about ten bux. It is called, I believe, the Hitch Finder.

There are two telescoping shafts, like car antennae. Each has a ball on top.

One attaches to the hitch ball, the other to the hitch (simple slip on).

Back your truck up until the balls touch. You are perfectly aligned. Slip the finders off, slide the balls down and pop them into the glove box.

Red sky at night. . .
JB

Fishing-Rod · 02-09-2003, 04:53 AM

I asked about this same product on the tidalfish.com message board. The general opinion was that it would work fine on a lighter bass boat, but would PROBABLY not work as well on a heavier salt-water boat. Also, If your boat was parked on concrete it would work fine, but if your boat was on soft gravel that you would probably damage your tongue jack.

Lighter boats 21' and less... no problem
Heavier boats 21' and more... save your money.

Thanks, Fishing-Rod

RussH · 02-09-2003, 07:51 AM

Fishing-Rod,
Thanks for your response because that is what I was wondering. I almost bought one of these but I questioned how well it would work on a bigger boat like my 30' Wellcraft. My boat sits on a gravel pad and the trailer jack has a flat plate on the bottom not a wheel. I envisioned the plate digging into to the gravel when the boat is being guided to the trailer ball, then have the jack break and down goes the trailer.
If anyone has experience with this trailer guide on larger boats I would like to hear from you. The website doesn't give information on what size/weight boats it recommends either.

Russ

TidesHHI · 02-09-2003, 10:47 AM

It'd probably work well with single axle trailers that can turn more easily. On a tandem trailer with a heavy boat, I can just imagine the trailer jack breaking.

Bill Dance is a bass fisherman. I'd possibly be more impressed if George Poveromo were endorsing it.

Chaps · 02-09-2003, 11:10 AM

Speaking of hitch doo-dads, I think I'm going to try this extension device that will make launching & retreiving easier on ramps that would require getting the truck pretty deep . . . Xtendahitch link

28' Maxcat w/twin Honda 225's

RSB · 02-09-2003, 02:58 PM

Has anyone tried this device? You back up in the general direction of the trailer, swivel and extend the ball until reaches the trailer. Set the ball and go forward. Hitch slides back into normal position. Looks like a real time saver?quickstep

Nauti Buoy · 02-09-2003, 05:05 PM

I have found this to be very helpful:
I have two magnets, each of which has a 3', 1/4" dia dowel attached to the end of it. I place one magnet on the ball and the other on the coupling. Now, from the driver's seat, I can see both clearly and simply drive the ball dowel into the coupling dowel. Works slick and costs only a couple bucks.

2001 Seaswirl Striper 1851 DC 115 HP Ficht

Agapemou · 02-09-2003, 11:41 PM

built into my trailer. It is not this product but was custom made. It looksan works the same. I have used it and it works great. No problem getting the trailer far into the water so the boat floats on. I would recommend it.

Booby Trap · 02-10-2003, 11:57 AM

I use an old traffic cone and a piece of pvc so I can see it above the rear of my truck.....I back up until the pvc moves and that keeps me fractions of an inch from the trailer.
I do have a wheel on the trailer but I also used this method to load a 24' Grady with a pad on the trailer.
You can slide a pad if you put it on a piece of aluminum and a good source of that is an old speed limit sign or ???

h2o lover · 02-10-2003, 06:34 PM

The best and cheepest method is to use your wife. You already paid at the alter might as well get your moneys worth.

Booby Trap · 02-11-2003, 06:43 PM

I wouldn't say your wife is the cheapest.......you will be paying for the rest of your life.
Well most of you anyway......It cost me $60K

to get rid of mine BUT I pay no longer

Brucee W · 02-11-2003, 10:30 PM

Thanks for all the interesting "tips", guys!!! Some good ideas there!

I'm always looking for a better/easier way to "attach" the boat to the car!

Back when my new rig was about 2mo. old, I had a small "incident" which allowed my HAND to get caught BETWEEN the 2,000# ROLLING boat/motor/trailer, and my CAR BUMPER!!!

After visiting the local rescue squad on a Sunday afternoon(!!!) and getting over the shock (and LUCK!) of my own STUPIDITY, I am always on the lookout to find a "better way" to compensate for my brain PFFFFFFFFHHHHHHHHHHTS!

Regards,
Bruce W

Eatmorefish · 02-12-2003, 06:45 AM

I just use the wife but if you not have a wife already it may not be worth the cost.
BTW the wife seems to talk back a little more than these things and sometime you had to roll down the window and ask what some of the funky hand sings mean