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Old 08-19-2023, 10:05 AM   #15
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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.
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Old 08-19-2023, 03:41 PM   #16
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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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Old 08-19-2023, 03:59 PM   #17
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Buy another jet ski and get a tandem trailer, much wider.
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Old 08-19-2023, 04:03 PM   #18
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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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Old 08-19-2023, 05:58 PM   #19
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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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Old 08-19-2023, 06:09 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobby F View Post
Now I can back up without embarrassment. Which is really all I ever wanted.
Amen
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Old 08-19-2023, 09:41 PM   #21
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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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Old 08-21-2023, 04:36 PM   #22
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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.
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Old 08-21-2023, 05:28 PM   #23
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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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Old 08-21-2023, 11:25 PM   #24
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If the trailer is steel, magnetic-mount trailer back-up aids like these will work.
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Old 08-22-2023, 12:09 AM   #25
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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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Old 08-22-2023, 10:22 AM   #26
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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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Old 08-23-2023, 08:37 AM   #27
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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.
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Old 08-23-2023, 03:00 PM   #28
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I have a utility trailer with the same problem.
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