View of unloaded trailer with pickups

Stinnett21

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
629
Shopping for a new tow vehicle. For the last 15 years I've towed with a 2004 Lexus GX 470. My boat is 21 foot. When backing the trailer to retrieve the boat I can stretch up and turn and look and still see the back 1/4 of the trailer (it has no guide posts although I realize they could be added). I'm considering a pickup. For those who tow with pickups can you see enough of the trailer over a closed tailgate? Here I mean by turning and looking, not with cameras.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,842
I never could.
So open the tailgate, use the camera, or…..

Add a spring mounted bicycle flag to the rear of the trailer.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,648
todays trucks are too high to see any unladen boat trailer over a closed tailgate. you wont see anything short of an enclosed utility trailer looking over the tail gate as you are looking nearly 5 feet up in the air

use the mirrors, you should be able to back up around a block by looking in the mirrors. if you cant see the boat, extend the mirrors. you should be able to see both sides of the trailer by looking in the mirrors

the backup camera works to hook the trailer up as you have a line of sight directly on the ball. all of todays vehicles have backup cameras
 

Stinnett21

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
629
Not a deal breaker, just wondering what to expect if I go that route. I suppose the same could be true for a modern SUV also. Views out the back are getting less and less and relying more on cameras.
 

Mc Tool

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 7, 2024
Messages
806
I cant get my back door open if there is anything on the tow ball ..... real well planned out .....not me
 
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