A hitch mounted lift platform includes platform and lift base back-up sensors for detecting and alerting a vehicle occupant of a rear obstruction being approached to prevent collision and damage to the lift platform, items carried on the lift and the rear obstruction. The lift platform includes quick disconnect devices for connecting and disconnecting the associated wiring for easy attachment and detachment of the lift platform from the vehicle. The back-up sensors communicate with a visual display and/or speakers for visually and audibly alerting the vehicle occupant of any approaching rear obstructions. In operation, the visual display is activated when the vehicle is put in reverse. An audible alerting noise, such as beeping, is initiated by the back-up sensors detecting the vehicle is coming within a predetermined distance of an obstruction.