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08-19-2023, 10:05 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 4,034
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I've had front hitches on 2 trucks but when you're at the launch ramp it's a big hassle to stop and unhook and swap around. Then swap around again or else back up all the way to the parking area? Not to mention a vehicle like an unloaded pickup will have very little traction trying to back uphill on a wet boat ramp. Much easier to learn to back it in.
I used my front hitches when we were at the lake where I would put the boat in at our camp site and leave the trailer in the water with the truck camper door facing away from the water. This way we could come and go using the trailer for our "driveway" and never have to move anything.
__________________
Brian, 2011 Winnebago Via Class A on Sprinter Chassis
2000 Jeep TJ toad
Tucson, AZ
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08-19-2023, 03:41 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 821
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I think I have done it at least 50 times. I never remember having any issues until I started using my 1/2 ton to do it. My S10 was really easy. Like everyone said, it is hard because you can't see it.
I would consider my dad an expert, have seen back a boat up with less than 6 inches per side. First time every time. On our last trip I had him back up the seadoo trailer empty. First time I ever saw him get messed up. I was making fun of him and just "I can't it in the mirrors".
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08-19-2023, 03:59 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 344
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Buy another jet ski and get a tandem trailer, much wider.
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08-19-2023, 04:03 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: MN
Posts: 2,957
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I tow a small utility trailer - 8' long, 6' wide - behind my 28' Class C. Can't see it at all until it's turned drastically. Looks like a Three Stooges movie when I try to back it up accurately.
So I got a 12' long piece of PVC pipe, and attached a bright orange tennis ball at each end, and zip-tied it to the back top of the trailer. They stick out just enough so that I can barely see them in my mirrors.
As soon as one disappears, I know I'm no longer going straight. Now I can back up without embarrassment. Which is really all I ever wanted.
Not sure how you'd attach the same thing to a jet-ski trailer, but the idea works. Maybe two short pieces of PVC that you stick into fittings on the sides when you're backing up?
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1993 Rockwood 28' Class C - Ford E-350 7.5L
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08-19-2023, 05:58 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 825
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These are the type of guide posts I was referring to above. I have put these on every short boat trailer I’ve owned. They work great and will help you back it down the ramp. Not my picture but for illustration.
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08-19-2023, 06:09 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 821
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobby F
Now I can back up without embarrassment. Which is really all I ever wanted.
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Amen
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08-19-2023, 09:41 PM
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#21
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Palm Coast Florida
Posts: 12,995
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I was able, by luck I think back the Seadoo on the trailer that I could see up the driveway on my 2nd try and very close to were it could easily be put in the garage. Whew, again 2nd try.
It just seems to over react to steering input then not react at all to the correction. Maybe the F-250 is part to blame because it is a clumsy vehicle in tight spaces.
Lucky I can push it up the slight grade and into the garage.
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08-21-2023, 04:36 PM
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#22
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Senior Member
Outdoors RV Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 234
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Get 2 Bike flags. Also those short tongue trailers humble anyone when backing up. Ever watch a tandem Dump Truck stop and extend the tongue on the rear trailer to back up.
__________________
"One life, don't blow it" Kona Brewing "If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles" Gary Larson
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08-21-2023, 05:28 PM
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#23
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Palm Coast Florida
Posts: 12,995
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Thanks - I need that encouragement. I do not use it enough and that causes the rusty backing problem.
I play to add some kind of markers that I can see easier.
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08-21-2023, 11:25 PM
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#24
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 928
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If the trailer is steel, magnetic-mount trailer back-up aids like these will work.
__________________
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
19' ETI Escape trailer
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08-22-2023, 12:09 AM
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#25
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 485
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Flags already mentioned. Bike flag, PVC, etc.
Hard to resist, but many will over-correct when the trailer starts turning. Zig-zag, zig-zag.
When turning up from the ramp, go far enough that the trailer is straight.
Hands on bottom of wheel (rear of trailer will go the direction you hand does), go slow, correct as soon as you notice the trailer moving in the wrong direction, but don't move steering wheel more than a 1/4 turn to avoid the zig-zags.
May be easier after consuming a few adult beverages.... or not.
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08-22-2023, 10:22 AM
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#26
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Palm Coast Florida
Posts: 12,995
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The trailer is aluminum. Zig zag is right. I know to go slow but this trailer is crazy sensitive to steering input then not when I try to correct it. Ugh...
I am really lucky the ramp and my driveway are not really busy so I do have the time to go slow.
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08-23-2023, 08:37 AM
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#27
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 370
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I have found with my small trailers that once the turn in is initiated I have to unwind the wheel a bit for the trailer to maintain the radius. If I hold the steering wheel without turning the trailer keeps turning in tighter and eventually will jack knife. My other strategy is to get things close then pull forward to straighten up. I prefer the tailgate down, can back the boat very accurately that way.
__________________
Evergreen Ascend 19 ERD
04 silverado 1500
hobie tandem island, electric recumbent trikes
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08-23-2023, 03:00 PM
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#28
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,442
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I have a utility trailer with the same problem.
Jay D.
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