A trailer hitch guide includes a plurality of visual guides that are stored in an out-of-the way location and are deployed automatically as the element being carried on the trailer moves off of that trailer. The visual guides are located to provide an exact positional readout to the vehicle driver, and a template can be mounted within the vehicle to quantify the amount of misalignment between the vehicle and the trailer. Mispositioning of the vehicle in a single plane can be indicated and mispositioning of the vehicle plane with respect to the trailer plane can also be indicated.

A device is provided for alignment of a trailer and a towing vehicle which consists of a visible mast placed on the trailer tongue to allow the towing vehicle driver to view the mast and to easily back into a correct position for coupling with the trailer. The mast has a pivotable arm which can be secured in either an extended contact position or a relaxed, downward position as necessary.

A visual aid to assist a driver in maneuvering a towing vehicle toward a trailer or other vehicle to be towed for precisely aligning the hitch components of the two vehicles. The device mounts only to the towed vehicle and includes an integral bumper member to protect the vehicles should the driver back too far. The device is adaptable to all conventional trailer hitch components and is simple and easy to use. It comprises a universal adaptor, a sighting mast and a strap for attaching the assembly to the towed vehicle. The mast can be mounted in the vertical position for viewing through the back window or at an angle to extend laterally past the side of the tow vehicle to allow the driver to view the mast even if rearward visibility is blocked through the rear window of a tow vehicle. The mast is disturbed from its rest position when the hitch components are aligned. The device is also designed such that it can be mounted to a vehicle to provide an early warning signal to the driver that he is closely approaching an object.