Community Forums

ToledoCharli · 08-24-2011, 07:40 AM

Do any of you pull a boat? 30ft ACE with 24ft of boat and trailer is a long load. I see numerous references to not backing up and I have read whereby a front hitch is attached to push boat down the ramp. What do you do, and what obstacles have you experienced. Can a 30 ft coach with a new 6.8 v-10 pull a 2900 lb rig up a steep ramp? Thanks for your comments.

srydve · 08-24-2011, 11:27 AM

If you try a search you should find other threads on this topic. Lots of people tow boats and other trailers without problems, the do not back up comments usually are in reverence to a toad being towed four down. When backing anything with a large motorhome it's advisable to have a second person outside the unit to watch the rear and communicate with the driver. My advise would be to know the launch before you get there so you can gauge for yourself if you have enough room to manouver, the steepness of the ramp, and traction issues. How busy the ramp was would also be a factor for me, the less other launchers the better. Wtih a bit of planning and a good facility you should be fine. Good luck.

rgvtexan · 08-24-2011, 01:44 PM

I pulled a 19' boat behind my 32' MH tag axel, with no problem. It was on the F53 chassis with a 460. Pulled fine up hills. Some ramps are a little steep so the tongue would get high and the stern low, before the MH rear wheels broke over the edge of the ramp. I could back it OK. It had a front hitch also; the DW could put it anywhere, down the ramp and into the garage.

4Knights · 08-24-2011, 04:24 PM

We pulled a 20ft ski boat with our first 28 ft MH but never backed it in, had a hitch on front and would push it down the ramp and then back it out.

Better traction and the fact that The one time, we tried backing with FIL ground guiding, I screwed up the tongue-

new to it, rookie mistake and when I lost site I didn't stop, bent the tongue pretty good and eventually ruined a tire on the trailer from not pulling straight. Used the front hitch from then on.

ronspradley · 08-24-2011, 06:29 PM

I used to back up boat trailer with 21' class c. Much smaller than your setup. I had a front hitch but preferred the rear so I did not have to change at the boat ramp. I could not see the trailer from my mirrors at all so I added extensions make the trailer lights about 6 inches wider and when the trailer was exactly straight I could just see the trailer lights on both sides. Worked for me but I have had quite a bit of experience backing small trailers..............hope this helps..............ronspradley

Full.Monte · 08-25-2011, 06:55 AM

I also use a pair of Harbor Freight hitch alignment ball-on-a-radio-antenna units. They have a magnet on one end. I put them horizontally on each side of the trailer when doing the launch. I can see them in both mirrors when the trailer is straight. I remove them just before putting the boat in the water.

TravelnLight · 08-25-2011, 08:53 AM

Not a good idea because of the slippery algae covered ramp + the overhang on the coach = no traction.

CharlieTwo · 08-25-2011, 04:12 PM

That could not have "slipped" that far. A brake must have failed or failed to be put on. Lood at the angle. It is not that steep.

Submustang · 08-25-2011, 04:17 PM

Did it regularly with a 5500 lb boat. Check the ramp carefully before commiting and go for it.

4Knights · 08-25-2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieTwo

That could not have "slipped" that far. A brake must have failed or failed to be put on. Lood at the angle. It is not that steep.

I'll bet the driver backed down the ramp and got out to check the boat and in she went, floated out a ways.

smack2020 · 08-25-2011, 09:13 PM

I have a 32 foot A V10 and i back a 23 foot boat into lake all the time. Most of the time my tires don't even get wet. Pulls the 4500 lb boat just fine, no power issue. Short steep ramps are tough long gradual ramps are easier.

macnkat · 08-27-2011, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Knights

I'll bet the driver backed down the ramp and got out to check the boat and in she went, floated out a ways.

Yeah, and I'll bet alcohol was involved too.

I've spent plenty of time on boat ramps and that would not happen from algae. Forget to set the brake. Put it in reverse instead of park...any number of things.

koda59 · 08-27-2011, 08:35 PM

The owner was showing a prospetive buyer that they could launch a boat with the rv. When he attempted to exit the ramp the wheels just spun and started sliding backswards. The ramp was wet and slimmy. Even with the brakes applied it still slid into the water. Prospective buyer decided to not buy the rv. Remember to always check that the ramp is not slippery before launching a boat.