Apparatus and methods for hitching and unhitching of trailers or other towed devices are disclosed. The hitch assemblies may include alignment features to correct for errors in alignment of the hitch and trailer tongue during the hitching process. The hitch assemblies may compensate for vertical as well as horizontal misalignment. In addition, the hitch assemblies may include automated capture and release of the tongue on the hitch. The hitch assemblies may also disengage integral braking systems that are present on the trailer during the hitching process and re-engage the brakes after unhitching. All of these operations may be accomplished without requiring the driver of the towing vehicle to leave the driving position.

A vehicle imaging system includes an imaging sensor, an imaging sensor bracket and an image processor. A vehicle mounting portion of the bracket is configured to mount at a mounting element for a license plate of the vehicle, and a sensor mounting portion of the bracket is angled with respect to the vehicle mounting portion such that the sensor mounting portion extends generally rearwardly when the bracket is fastened at the license plate mounting element. The imaging sensor generates a signal indicative of an image representative of a scene occurring within the field of view. The image processor receives the signal and processes the signal and generates an output signal representative of the imaged scene. The system may include a display, which may display at least one iconistic representation of at least one detected relevant object in response to an output signal generated by the image processor.

A mirror assembly is provided for use in "hitching" trailers to towing vehicles. The mirror assembly can be used for conventional ball and socket couplings, fifth wheel couplings and variations thereof. The mirror assembly is magnetically attached to the trailer tongue so it can be easily removed after coupling. The mirror assembly includes a telescoping stanchion mirror post and a swivel joint which can be vertically rotated. A ball joint connected to the back of the mirror allows the mirror to be turned in any of a variety of positions for precise alignment during the hitching process.

A vehicle imaging system includes an imaging sensor having a field of view exterior of a vehicle, an image processor and a display. The imaging sensor generates a signal indicative of an image representative of a scene occurring within the field of view. The image processor receives the signal from the imaging sensor and processes the signal to detect at least one relevant object within the image. The display is operable to display at least one iconistic representation of the at least one detected relevant object in response to an output signal generated by the image processor. The display is positionable within the vehicle and is viewable by a driver or passenger or occupant of the vehicle. The imaging sensor may be mounted to a mounting bracket mounted at a license plate area of the vehicle.