A guide for aligning a tow vehicle with a trailer utilizes a flexible position member having a first end, a second end, and an alignment mark near the second end, a body adapted to slidably engage the position member such that the first end extends horizontally from the body and the second end extends vertically from the body, a mount for attaching the body of the guide to the trailer whereby when the tow vehicle approaches the trailer, the tow vehicle pushes the position member through the body such that the height of the alignment mark is indicative of the distance between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Optionally, the guide includes a visual sight for laterally aligning the tow vehicle with the trailer. In a particular embodiment the position member is a flexible steel tape. A method for using the guide is also disclosed.