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Old 08-18-2023, 02:11 PM   #1
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Ugh - Seadoo trailer back up nighmare.

Well this Seadoo trailer is going to drive me nuts. I can back a boat, travel trailer and 5th wheel with precision. I have a few problems. 1. The darn thing is hard to back up straight. It seems it is too sensitive to steering input.

2. I can not see it that well. At least when the Seadoo is not on it. It goes out of site as the trailer is going down the boat ramp and when it comes back in site it is a crooked as a dogs hide leg.

I am actually embarrassed as to how long it takes me to get this thing in the water. And even more embarrassed retrieving it when I can not see the trailer.

I guess I know all the tricks to backing but I can not execute them...ugh I might be on YouTube I am so bad.

Oh - I am using a F-250 to tow this 1,200 lb. beast.
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Old 08-18-2023, 02:28 PM   #2
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When we had Jet Skis, the trailer had an extendable tongue. This made the trailer 5' longer and less sensitive to backing turn input. Then I added flags to the back corners so I could see it over the tailgate.
I'm with you, the short trailers and wood splitters are the worst to back up! DR
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Old 08-18-2023, 02:35 PM   #3
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Heres some info and tips I can offer.

First the shorter the trailer the harder it is to back up. Also the closer the trailer wheels are to the towing vehicle... also makes it harder so your combination is the most difficult.

Second, are you using your mirrors or looking over your shoulder out the back window? You will do better if you turn and look out the back window... not sure the exact reason but trust me its better.

Also, a few ideas that can help. Is your tailgate down when backing up? Put it down if it clears the trailer because the more you can see the better for you.

Last I have seen online that people have put flags / markers at the back of the trailer to help with orientation as you are backing up, this might also help you. Something like this link from Amazon that you can put on the jet ski or trailer so you can always see where the back of the trailer is and where its pointed.

https://www.amazon.com/Jounjip-Magne...s%2C140&sr=8-3
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Old 08-18-2023, 02:36 PM   #4
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Humm - flags that high enough to see, I like that idea. The longer extension - not sure how I would do that.
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Old 08-18-2023, 02:46 PM   #5
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back a small boat into the ocean down a very narrow ramp with barely a foot to spare on either side behind my Superduty with camper and I cannot see it at all till it peeks out into the side mirrors. The trick is to go very slow and correct as soon as it peeks into one of the mirrors. Flags are a good idea and I've though about trying some but I can back it really well as long as I go very slow.
My son's friend who claims to be an Ace driver in his Ford Raptor tried numerous times and finally got mad and gave up. He kept trying to go too fast and wouldn't listen to me. After he gave up I jumped in and crept down the ramp and backed it in first time. The hardest is backing in the empty trailers to retrieve the boats, you just can't see them. Going slow gives you time to think.

Keeping the trailer hidden behind you is kind of what I am describing, as soon as I see a hint of one of the fenders in the mirror I correct to keep it hidden.
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Old 08-18-2023, 02:54 PM   #6
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Short trailers are a pain to back up. You almost need to anticipate what the trailer will do next and counteract it before it starts. My only suggestion is an empty parking lot on a Sunday morning and practice. When you get to where you can back it 90 degrees into a parking space from the lane, without having to pull up and reset, a 15' wide boat ramp will be a breeze.
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Old 08-18-2023, 03:09 PM   #7
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Lots of experience with short trailers for all the tenders I’ve gone through. I’ve found the best way to see the trailer is to install trailer side guides for the vessel to go between. These are typically the white PVC poles about 3/4’ tall that are mounted on the rear sides of the trailer. This will serve 2 purposes: 1) will help guide the vessel on the trailer and 2) will help you see the trailer While backing up.for really difficult ones to see, I typically taken a driver side backup approach and use the driver side mirror to spot the trailer wheel/fender while guiding it down the ramp.
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Old 08-18-2023, 07:52 PM   #8
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I had issues backing my little 6’x10’ utility trailer so I put a front hitch on the truck…problem solved!
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Old 08-18-2023, 07:57 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuffr2 View Post
Humm - flags that high enough to see, I like that idea. The longer extension - not sure how I would do that.
My trailer had an extension built into the tongue.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...ort%20Carriers

heres an add on. DR
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Old 08-19-2023, 07:45 AM   #10
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Second the front hitch suggestion. It doesn't even need to be frame mount, I used a universal bumper mount, driving below 5 mph puts very little load on it.
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Old 08-19-2023, 09:17 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Over here View Post
I had issues backing my little 6’x10’ utility trailer so I put a front hitch on the truck…problem solved!
Yep.
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Old 08-19-2023, 09:17 AM   #12
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Second the front hitch suggestion. It doesn't even need to be frame mount, I used a universal bumper mount, driving below 5 mph puts very little load on it.
Double yep.
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Old 08-19-2023, 09:42 AM   #13
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I agree with the front ball, backing slowly, and flags on the trailer. The only other way I had experience with is a trusted spotter.
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Old 08-19-2023, 09:52 AM   #14
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Hook a lawn cart to you riding mower and practice
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