Abstract: A trailer hitching system (10) and method is provided for facilitating an operator's maneuvering of a towing vehicle hitch component (16) into alignment with a towed vehicle hitch component (18) to enable mechanical interconnection of the hitch components. The trailer hitching system (10) includes an alignment sensor (24) attached to either the towing vehicle (12) or the towed vehicle (14) for emitting a light beam over a field of view. A reflector (32) attached to the other of the towing vehicle (12) or the towed vehicle (14) is mounted at a predetermined location relative to the alignment sensor (24). The reflector (32) reflects a portion of the light beam emitted from the alignment sensor (24). An alarm (46) in the alignment sensor (24) emits an audible alarm in response to detecting a portion of the reflected light beam.