Community Forums

billgallivan · 05-24-2018, 10:20 AM

I have opportunity to purchase a couple of seadoo's on a tandem trailer.
I was wondering if anyone ever launched boat with motorhome?

MikeO58 · 05-24-2018, 10:33 AM

It can be done. You will need help as a short trailer plus not being able to see the trailer will get tricky.

twinboat · 05-24-2018, 10:37 AM

I haven't yet, but I just picked up a 20 ft pontoon boat and trailer.

Seen a few folks do it, up by the Salmon River, during bass season.

They make trailer tongue extensions that you clamp on, before backing down, to keep the RV up away from the water.

I would only attempt it with a gentle slopping ramp.

With two jet skies, you could use a long rope and guide them down by hand, using the RV as an anchor point.

fletch460 · 05-24-2018, 10:38 AM

yes, I have. Had class C with hitch mounted on front. Also BIL launched with class A

FIRE UP · 05-24-2018, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billgallivan

I have opportunity to purchase a couple of seadoo's on a tandem trailer.
I was wondering if anyone ever launched boat with motorhome?

I have launched ALL our boats with ALL our motorhomes. It's no big deal at all. There are some considerations.

1. How long and wide is the intended boat ramp and, prep turn areas? That is, what kind of preparation might you need, to line up the coach and the trailer, to be able to comfortably back it down the ramp, without looking like a drunk Boa snake slithering backwards?

2. Take notice of the angle of the boat ramp. The steeper the angle, the sooner the boat/jet skis etc. will float off the trailer, without the more delicate parts (electrical trailer plugs) of the coach, entering the water. The shallower the angle, the farther the coach has to back into the water, to float the crafts. Just something to be aware of.

3. About 99.99% of the coaches out there have backup cameras. If you have a short trailer, this will be a tremendous help in backing your shorter trailers. If you have longer trailers, it's not at all, very difficult.

4. Backing a motorhome down a ramp and potentially into the water is not good. But, skirting, i.e. just fiberglass etc. is no bid deal if it gets wet. Your boat/skis should be floating off the trailer long before that but, trailers, long short, and the height the ski's ride on that trailer, make a difference in just when they actually float off the trailer which, is dependent on how far you have to back down the ramp.

Yes, it's been done zillions of times all over the U.S.
Scott

rgvtexan · 05-24-2018, 02:40 PM

What Scott said, but a hitch on the front makes it a piece of cake.
On our 32' Airex the DW could thread a needle with the trailer. She pulled from and parked the boat in garage. Just stop in a clear spot and swap ends.

With the DP she has me do the backing.

billgallivan · 05-25-2018, 06:37 AM

sounds like it shouldn't be a problem,,,
thanks for all the advice

iamblum · 05-25-2018, 08:23 AM

A sling shot with rocker boosters
On the boat should launch it pretty well[emoji848]

billgallivan · 05-25-2018, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamblum

A sling shot with rocker boosters
On the boat should launch it pretty well[emoji848]

I bet it would![emoji41]

BCam · 05-27-2018, 09:50 AM

It depends quite a bit on what the ramps are like. Here in northern California, many, if not most of our lake levels vary significantly and can have long steep ramps. Personally, I wouldn't try to launch on most of them with my motorhome.

In addition, if you do get too far into the water, a motorhome will be much harder and more expensive to retrieve than a pickup or other vehicle.

I'd think of installing some sort of winch arrangement.

chinobob · 05-28-2018, 10:16 AM

For what it's worth, we have launched forever but rarely retrieved? I have "bribed" others with P/U trucks, with beers, cocktails, food etc... to help me retrieve the boat. I learned this a long time ago from our day trip lake visits where we towed the boat with our P/U truck and other MH owners asked me to help. And I was more than happy to help!

With our previous 32' MH, on an F53 chassis, our 5k lb deck boat was a struggle to retrieve. In our current DP, our 7k lb open bow cruiser isn't much issue, but I still prefer either the retrieval service of the marina or again, employ someone close by. Never had any issue and have made great friends along the way.

Now, we usually go with a group of friends with MH's, trailers and/or 5'ers who are more than eager to help! More people usually equals more fun. No matter what, just remember to be careful and have a great time!