Community Forums

Bcollier9253 · 09-18-2013, 05:05 AM

Does any one launch a boat with their coach. I have a 91 Southwind 33' gasser and a 23' Wellcraft boat. Just seems like trying to make the turn around down on the ramp the coach would want to tip over.

greezykid · 09-18-2013, 05:23 AM

I used to pull a 20 foot bass boat with a 34 foot motorhome to Lake Okeechobee,launching the boat was never a problem.I always turned around on flat ground before backing down ramp.

az bound · 09-18-2013, 05:52 AM

Been doing so for many years. It all depends on the grade of the launch ramp. Some I turn around at the bottom, and others I have to back down.

rssnape · 09-18-2013, 06:29 AM

If you have a backup camera, backing is relatively easy. Just back down. I have backed my 20 ft Malibu into out relatively tight 90 degree driveway. Boat ramps were a snap.

Bcollier9253 · 09-18-2013, 07:20 AM

Being a 4000 lb boat I just didn't no if my 454 would pull it up the ramp,or any steep inclines for that matter

_nelsonc · 09-18-2013, 07:47 AM

I took my Jetskis to Summersville Lake in WV a few weeks ago behind my 2013 Coachmen Mirada 35DL. Was nervous about putting them in the water as there is not a lot of clearance in the rear with my coach, but it was a piece of cake. The trailer is really long and the rear of the coach never came close to the water.

Having a good spotter and rearview camera helps a lot too!!!

rgvtexan · 09-18-2013, 11:34 AM

A hitch on the front, makes it a piece of cake. Swap it over before you start down the ramp. My wife would drive a 32 MH with an 18 fT boat all over the parking lot, ramp and in to the garge.

wildirishman · 09-19-2013, 08:02 AM

Been launching a 23' boat behind my 37'motothome for years. Plan your turns. Like started above I usually turn around at the bottom of the ramp when possible.

eddieelk · 09-19-2013, 08:13 AM

There was a blog where a 40' MH was backing a boat into the water and the drive wheels hit the slime, and the MH ended up with just the front end sticking out of the water. The front hitch seems like as good idea. Be careful. Eddie Elk.

JRMEDPHYS · 09-19-2013, 08:32 AM

There have been some days that if I didn't have 4WD on my Dakota, there would be no way I could pull my 22ft pontoon boat out of the ramp. I've seen lots of people smoke the tires on the slime until they got traction enough to get out of the ramp and they were white with fear when they made it.

Granted there should be enough space between the slime and your drive tires most of the time, but, you have to be careful. If you hit that stuff, it's over.

That would ruin your day.

If you are launching at a dry ramp, not too steep and not too much weight on the trailer, then you should be fine. Otherwise, exercise some extra caution.

Also, don't be afraid to ask for some help. More than once I have been asked to load or launch a stranger's boat at the ramp because they either showed up with the wrong tow vehicle for the conditions or the conditions changed since they launched on a dry ramp in the morning. Slipping them a fin is a nice way to say thanks too. I wouldn't take it, but you never know!

Pay it forward everyone. You never know when that good karma might be needed.

Safe travels all!