Community Forums

Brian270 · 01-14-2021, 09:31 AM

Hi all, considering a front loader to haul a 12ft aluminum boat.
Anyone have thoughts on best one out there and any experiences good or bad?
TV is a 2015 F350 DRW
Cheers

RoadEyePie · 01-14-2021, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian270

Hi all, considering a front loader to haul a 12ft aluminum boat.
Anyone have thoughts on best one out there and any experiences good or bad?
TV is a 2015 F350 DRW
Cheers

Excuse me Brian, but what is a front loader with respect to an 5th wheel RV?

Cumminsfan · 01-14-2021, 04:35 PM

https://loadit.com/front-boat-loader/

Brian270 · 01-14-2021, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadEyePie

Excuse me Brian, but what is a front loader with respect to an 5th wheel RV?

Hi there, its the automatic load/unload rack that enables you to carry an aluminum boat over the cab and hood while still pulling the rv.
Pic for reference.
Cheers

Brian270 · 01-14-2021, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

https://loadit.com/front-boat-loader/

Are you suggesting this is the best one or just showing RoadEyePie?

Cumminsfan · 01-15-2021, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian270

Are you suggesting this is the best one or just showing RoadEyePie?

Just showing.

MtCamper · 01-16-2021, 08:54 PM

I've used the power drive rear loader racks and they are great. But to be honest it's just about as easy to boost the boat up there depending on the weight of your boat. If you are looking at a V hull boat adn you have a double cab, you may be able to load it over the cab with the bow a couple of inches from the front of the camper. I carried a 16' canoe this way for years. Side bars on the carrier make it a lot easier load the boat.

Brian270 · 01-19-2021, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtCamper

I've used the power drive rear loader racks and they are great. But to be honest it's just about as easy to boost the boat up there depending on the weight of your boat. If you are looking at a V hull boat adn you have a double cab, you may be able to load it over the cab with the bow a couple of inches from the front of the camper. I carried a 16' canoe this way for years. Side bars on the carrier make it a lot easier load the boat.

A few years ago lifting it up was no issue..
My body tells me its time to surrender to time and behave lol.
Yes, crew cab truck and I was just going to throw that question out there in another post.. How long of a boat can be hauled over the cab and hood and not interfere with the 5th wheel cap. I don't have the option to hook up and measure it out at this time (in storage) so will be looking for others experiences. Sure would like to get into a 14' if possible.
Thanks for the input.
Cheers

Jakeo62 · 01-20-2021, 11:09 AM

What about towing tandem? Good friend do's with no problem at all.

Brian270 · 01-20-2021, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakeo62

What about towing tandem? Good friend do's with no problem at all.

Did that previously, too long with new trailer.

Jakeo62 · 01-21-2021, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian270

Did that previously, too long with new trailer.

I'm sorry for not doing my homework. I am now getting myself back into your predicament as I have a 2017 186 Starcraft on tandem and now getting back into camping, wish I hadn't sold my 1973 Meyers car topper.

MtCamper · 01-21-2021, 06:09 AM

The problem with car topping your boat is you have to unload everything from the boat. If you can't get a 12' boat to the top rack then you should probably limit yourself to just a small kicker motor. That's really going to limit the waters you fish. 14' boats fish much better and those with deep hulls are better yet. 20hp outboards needed for these will weigh up to 150#. A front loader will easily handle a 14' boat but they really aren't fun with a 5hp OB.

Where are you at? How far do you plan to tow? What do you mean by double towing will make you too long? Easiest option is to double tow. You won't even know a 14'er was back there. Just drop it when you get to where you are camping and launch after you get camp set up. I'm towing right at 65' so I'm legal as to length but I see a lot of others with bigger campers towing 16-18' boats. Everyone knows they are over length, but as long as they don't impede traffic LEOs seem to ignore them. Lots cheaper to set up a trailer than to set up a good front loader.

Cumminsfan · 01-21-2021, 09:57 AM

His 5er is 38'6" vs your 29'9" 5er. OP tows with a DRW so 22' or so.
56.6 OAL (Minus 4' for 5er over hang) only leaves 8'6" for a double tow.

MtCamper · 01-21-2021, 10:40 PM

Odds are OP will be about 10' longer than I am when hooked up. I know he may be over the length limit in some states. I'm also aware double towing isn't legal in some places. My point is I think it's highly unlikely he will be ticketed or forced to unhook the boat and retrieve it later. Double tow laws are confusing and a lot of LEOs aren't well versed in them. I'd be hesitant to set off on 5000 mile multi state tour (that's why I'm set up at 65' and I don't visit WA or OR) but would have no problem going 60 miles for the weekend. I see it every summer weekend here in NW Montana. There is even a good chance OP would be legal in his home state. A lot of states allow 75' or longer.