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Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner - LED and Yellow Ball
Performance Tool

Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner - LED and Yellow Ball

Part Number: PTW1276
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$21.36
Retail:$33.59
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This alignment kit with yellow foam balls and LED lights makes it easy to hook up your trailer or camper during the day or at night. The magnetic, telescoping rods work with multiple applications. Attaches to your ball mount and trailer coupler. 1-800-940-8924 to order Performance Tool hitch aligners part number PTW1276 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Performance Tool products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner - LED and Yellow Ball. Hitch Aligners reviews from real customers.
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  • Reviews (340)
  • Q & A (0)
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Performance Tool Hitch Aligners - PTW1276

  • Alignment Rods
  • Performance Tool

This alignment kit with yellow foam balls and LED lights makes it easy to hook up your trailer or camper during the day or at night. The magnetic, telescoping rods work with multiple applications. Attaches to your ball mount and trailer coupler.


Features:

  • Alignment kit lets you easily line your vehicle up with your trailer or camper
  • 2-in-1 Design with yellow foam balls and LED lights enables you to hook up your trailer during the day or at night
  • Telescoping rods allow you to customize the height for multiple applications
    • Rods collapse when not in use for easy, compact storage
  • Magnetic bases ensure the rods stay securely attached
  • Bright, flashing LEDs are energy efficient and long lasting
  • Simple, 1-person installation and operation
    • Mount one rod on your ball mount and the other on your trailer coupler
    • Use the balls or lights to gauge your distange and angle as you reverse
  • Durable, rustproof stainless steel construction
  • 3 AG3 button batteries are included with each LED light


Specs:

  • Overall height:
    • Retracted: 7-1/4"
    • Extended: 41"
  • Diameter of base: 13/16"


W1276 Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner - LED and Yellow Ball

Replaces MaxxTow 70043




California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner - LED and Yellow Ball - PTW1276

Average Customer Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars   (340 Customer Reviews)

This alignment kit with yellow foam balls and LED lights makes it easy to hook up your trailer or camper during the day or at night. The magnetic, telescoping rods work with multiple applications. Attaches to your ball mount and trailer coupler.

by:

Very easy to use! One truck has back up camera on it but the other two doesn’t. My flatbed with fuel tank on it is where I use this the most, for either the gooseneck trailer or a bumper pull trailer, it works really great!



by:

Just didn't help .. the magnetic base had a tough time finding a decent flat spot on the trailer tongue, and the yellow alignment balls were barely visible through the back window once the vehicle was loaded. Good concept and inexpensive .. just didn't work for me



by:

this is going to help immensely, no checking 5, to 6 times or having wife try to help

Thomas profile picture

Thomas

11/19/2024

could not be better, no more problems with backing up



by:

The Performance tool and trailer aligner LED lights and yellow balls made it easy for me to backup my SUV to attack it to the trailer hitch. Highly recommend you consider purchasing this if you have a trailer.



by:

Hitching my horse trailer has always been too time consuming for me. This Trailer Aligner is a great invention! I do not dread trailer hitching anymore.

Debbi T. profile picture

Debbi T.

12/2/2023

Greatest invention ever! It sure saves me time and frustration. Hitching my horse trailer has always been a real chore until I found this Trailer Aligner!

MikeL profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

12/3/2023

@DebbiT We're happy to hear it's helpful!


by:

Only got to use this once because it broke from falling off the hitch due to the magnet not being strong enough to hold its own weight.



by:

The ordering process and shipment was excellent. The aligner could use some improvements for goosenecks but certainly makes it easier. You just have to work with it and figure out how to make it work for the goosenecks. Thank you for your fast shipping.



by:

The aligner was delivered very fast. This system/tool at under $20.00 is an excellent choice over a camera system at $150-200. This is especially the case if you, like me, do not pull a trailer much. It takes some skill development to get the alignment right, but not much. I got close enough on my first try. Much better than backing blind!

One of the blinking LED lights did not light. I disassembled it and found the small, delicate wire contact was not aligned proper in the socket. Misaligned aligner? Fixed it and it works fine now. I do not expect to be hooking up at night, but as an early morning aid, the LED option is a good idea.

I was concerned that this aligner would not work for me because I use a 180 degree aluminum hitch ball assembly on my GMC pickup with which I move the trailer around occasionally. I tow on the road with a 3/4T Suburban with an all steel, weight balancing hitch ball assembly. The aligner is magnetic and will not attach to aluminum.

However, the edge of the hitch pocket sticks out beyond the bumper just enough to provide a steel surface directly behind the ball. (See photo).

I recommend the aligner to the frugal, occasionally tower. More frequent towing? I would go to a quality wireless camera set up.



by:

This product work great,makes hooking up the 5th wheel a breeze

Denzil profile picture

Denzil

12/5/2023

Works like a champ



by:

Makes things a little easier

Michael profile picture

Michael

8/4/2024

Great



by:

Works great! I have several trailers, but I bought this specifically for my twin axle flat bed trailer. For decades I tended to just eyeball the load based on how the truck was sitting. When I saw this advertised, I decided it would be nice to see the actual tung weight.... Simple and it works great!



by:

SIMPLE, STRAIGHTFORWARD, WORKS GOOD. NEVER USED THE LIGHTS



by:

I used yellow balls to assist with backing to the trailer. Was very helpful. If you have a hard time backing to the trailer, I would recommend this product.



by:

Always a good choice to buy from etrail er.



by:

It really helps backing up to a 5th wheel kingpin. It allows me to easily line up the receiver with the kingpin.
Glad I bought it!



by:

Really helps to line up the hitch ball.



by:

Works Ok but its hard to keep the yellow balls with the kit!! They fall off and roll around in your truck!!



by:

Helpful for trailering. Quick delivery.



by:

Functions well, but it would be even better if the camera on my tailgate was stronger.

David profile picture

David

9/6/2023

Excellently! Now, however, I have a new tailgate camera and it is so clear that I have less need for the tailgate aligner.

MikeL profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Mike L.

10/27/2023

@David We're glad to hear you're happy with your purchase, even though you don't need it as much now!


by:

They work as advertised and if I had an older vehicle with no rear camera they might be helpful. The cameras on my 2022 Silverado are fantastic. I recently borrowed a 2023 Silverado and they have further improved the trailer ball close up camera. No need for the aligner tool on newer vehicles.



by:

Helpful tool



by:

Item was as described. Fast shipping



by:

Works great. Saves alot of time getting hooked up.



by:

I purchased this product for use with our small camper trailer that I will not be taking out on the road for another two months. I've previously used a wood dowel pushed into a drilled hole in a piece of wood placed on the ground next to the trailer hitch and then opened the liftgate on my Jeep and backed up until I hit the dowel. This usually got me within a couple of inches left or right of where I needed to be and I could push the trailer tongue over the hitch ball. I think this inexpensive product should improve on the accuracy I got with the dowel. The magnets are very strong and hold firmly on the vehicle hitch and trailer tongue. The flashing LEDs are an added benefit for backing up in the dark. Be careful not to unscrew the base of an LED too far when turning it off as the 3 button batteries and a small spring will fall out. The threaded base in each of the yellow balls doesn't look very robust so don't over tighten it. However, if the threads broke off you could still use these balls or any similar light weight balls with a small hole in them. This is an inexpensive product that's definitely worth trying.

Bob M. profile picture

Bob M.

4/6/2018

Simple to use product that works for me. I open the back of my Jeep, put the magnetic alignment rods on the vehicle



by:

Well let’s start off with this worked great. The led lights were a nice add-on and I even used them once for one night hookup. That being said, I’d forgotten I had them. Because using them for awhile, I got the feel of hooking up my trailer and now it’s very routine. I know where my alignment points are and it because I used the hitch alignment balls to develop the skills to do it without help. OK once in awhile everyone has a bad day, tge stars don’t align and Gods screwing with you and you can’t get that trailer lined up to save your life ( and usually it’s raining or snowing or it’s like 180 degrees outside). But mostly it’s a great investment. Oh piece of advice; with the trailer hooked up decide where the markers are easily seen and line up from the drivers seat. Not straight on. Slightly angled toward driver.

Vee profile picture

Vee

1/7/2021

To be honest don’t use it all that often. Like I said in original review. It’s a great learning tool. And I still start using it when I have to hook up a new trailer. Basically it gives you muscle memory. And you learn where your pivot points are. I’ve even used it on my plow. To line up my hitch points. This is a very good item to keep around. And if you are having a crap day and can’t line it up. Break out the lineup balls. Or lights at night I keep it in my Jeep so I always know where it is. Plus that’s my plow vehicle snd the plow lineup in the cold is a bear. Remember to line this up to drivers position not dead center. Once I was hooked up I marked the position for the next time I need it. So my review is this is a great tool, and you should keep it handy. And this reminded me to check the batteries in the lights just in case


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See what our Experts say about this Performance Tool Hitch Aligners

  • How To Use the Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner with an Aluminium Ball Mount
    The Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner part # PTW1276 would not attach directly to the hitch ball on the Rapid Hitch Adjustable, Aluminum Ball Mount Kit part # AM3405 because the top is made of nylon which is not magnetic. However, the Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner is not deigned to attach directly to the top of the hitch ball but rather just behind it. The Rapid Hitch Adjustable, Aluminum Ball Mount Kit is made of aluminum which is also not magnetic but you could...
    view full answer...
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  • Why Not Set Trailer Aligner # PTW1276 Balls So that They Touch When Aligned
    The problem with having the balls touch when they are lined up perfectly is that you'd have to mount the two pieces of the part # PTW1276 so close to the ball on the ball mount and the front edge of the coupler that it might interfere before the balls were able to touch. What would most likely happen is the that coupler would hit the base of the ball mounted on the truck and push it back before the balls would touch. That's why they are best to be used as a way to get the left and right...
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  • Cost-Effective Trailer Alignment Recommendation
    I completely understand where you're coming from, and for your situation I recommend the Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner # PTW1276. These extendable rods have magnetic bases and you can either put the foam balls or the LED lights on the rods to make hitching up your trailer easier in the daylight or at night. For a simple camera upgrade in the future I recommend checking out the Rampage Wireless Backup Camera # RA7710 which is a rechargeable option with a magnetic base, and...
    view full answer...
  • Will Vehicle And Trailer Aligner Work For A 5th Wheel?
    Yes, the Vehicle and Trailer Aligner - LED and Yellow Ball # PTW1276 will work for a 5th wheel application. You can put the magnet on your pin box and the top of your 5th wheel hitch to help you align in the same way you would for a hitch ball and coupler.
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  • Replacement Motor for a CareFree Onetouch Awning
    No, I am sorry we do not sell replacement parts for a Carefree Colorado Onetouch awning. The only solution I have is the Solera 12V Electric RV Awning Conversion Kit item # LC434723. This will upgrade your Carefree awnings arms and motor and work with your roller tube.
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  • How Many Poles Come with the Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner
    The Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner part # PTW1276 comes with two telescoping magnet poles with foam balls. The foam balls can also be swapped out for the light heads.
    view full answer...
  • Determining Spare Tire Clearance for Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner on Jeep Wrangler
    To see if the telescoping rods for the Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner # PTW1276 will clear the spare tire and brake light on your 2016 Jeep Wrangler, you will just need to take a couple measurements on your vehicle. The telescoping rods are designed to magnetically attach to both the ball mount on your vehicle and the coupler on your trailer. In order to determine if the rod will sit far enough out from the rear of your Jeep to clear the spare tire, you will just need to...
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  • Recommended Visual Indication for Boat Trailer when Empty
    The Vehicle and Trailer Aligner - LED and Yellow Ball # PTW1276 will help to align your hitch ball and coupler or give you a visual of the outside edges of your empty boat trailer. You can use the yellow ball or the red LED light for the visual indicator you desire. The dual telescoping rods connect using magnets and extend up to 41 inches tall. They retract to 7-1/4 inches for easy storage when not in use. Another option is to use the CE Smith Post-Style Guide-Ons with LED Lights for...
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  • Availability of Gooseneck Loading Assist Flag
    We don't have any flags to assist in hooking up a gooseneck trailer, but we do the vehicle and trailer aligner # PTW1276 which helps in coupling to a bumper pull trailer and could possibly be used for a gooseneck trailer. We do have camera setups as well which would allow you to see when the coupler is directly over the hitch ball. If you're interested in this option then I recommend using a Rear View Safety wireless camera. We have part # RVS-83112 which comes with a monitor that you...
    view full answer...
  • What is the Best Hitch Aligner System for a Salt Water Environment
    The ball and stick set # PTW1276 has a chrome finish but that would not last all that long in a salt water environment. None of the other options would fare much better in that environment. So you have a couple of options. First, the ball and sticks like this are not all that expensive so you could get one to see how long it lasts to determine if staying with it is a worthy investment. Or second you could go with a backup camera/hitch aligner # HM50002 and not worry about salt water air...
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  • Can The Performance Tool Aligner PTW1276 Be Used When Connecting To A Gooseneck Trailer
    As long as you have a magnetic surface for the Performance Tool Vehicle and Trailer Aligner # PTW1276 to attach to, there will be absolutely no issue using it with a fifth wheel that has a gooseneck hitch. I'm actually surprised I have never been asked this before as it is a much less expensive option than a camera, like the Rear View Safety WiFi Hitch Backup Camera # RVS-83112-WiFi. Don't get me wrong though, the camera way is a very nice way to go as it will connect to a smartphone....
    view full answer...
  • Sway Control Recommendation for Vehicle with 1-1/4 inch Hitch
    We have friction sway control units that will work great to prevent the type of sway you are describing. For that the Curt part # 17200 would be a really great option. You'd use the bracket part # RP26005 installed on your hitch ball and then you'd be set. Friction sway control was designed to fight the exact type of sway you mentioned that is caused by wind from passing semis or just high winds in general. Proper trailer loading makes the biggest difference in preventing sway as well....
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Do you have a question about this Hitch Aligner?


Info for this part was:

Employee Jacob T
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Employee Dustin K
Video by:
Dustin K
Employee Cole B
Installed by:
Cole B
Employee Hayden R
Installed by:
Hayden R
Employee Mary K
Updated by:
Mary K
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Erin H
Updated by:
Erin H
Employee Jacob W
Written by:
Jacob W

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