Launching Bass boat

[darkknight]

I would like some suggestions on this topic if anyone has any experience with this. When launching your boat on a 1500 do you guys use your side mirrors or look behind you. Issue with me is that i have a lift on my truck and when backing up i can't see trailer when loading my boat. I am wondering if tow mirrors would help with this? In the meantime i have been putting my tailgate down and unfolding my tonneau cover to see trailer but this can be a hassle sometimes.

 

[EagleChief]

What about those little blind spot mirrors you stick on to the regular mirror? The little round ones found at auto parts stores, walmart, target? Or, a rear view camera would help.

 

[clh1220]

Use your mirrors, that's a small boat you don't need tow mirrors for that. I don't have tow mirrors and put a big ass pontoon boat in the water with the mirrors. Well for the most part I don't put it in the water the wife does.

 

[InspectGWS]

Does your Laramie have a rear camera - consider installing another rear camera - maybe in the third brake light...to see your boat.

 

[clh1220]

Just takes practice, you don't need too add a camera or tow mirrors.

 

[pjcodner]

You could always get yourself a set of these for the rear corners of the trailer.



Buy Attwood 5 LED Lighted Boat Trailer Whip Guides Backup Assistance in Cheap Price on Alibaba.com

 

[clh1220]

You could always get yourself a set of these for the rear corners of the trailer.



Buy Attwood 5 LED Lighted Boat Trailer Whip Guides Backup Assistance in Cheap Price on Alibaba.com

Those will really help when your backing the empty trailer down the ramp.

 

[DannyMK2]

the whips are probably the best idea. it used to be a pain to back up my jetski trailer. i would use the handlebars as a reference point while looking behind. when the trailer was empty i had to put the tail gate down.

 

[Quigs]

I always use the mirrors when I go fishing with my dad because I'm usually only backing the trailer in when we are done fishing.

 

[Quint]

I've heard people say to use the mirrors, and I do but I mainly stick my head out the window and watch the port side of the boat and trailer. If it gets out of view I just turn the wheel a bit so that I can see it. It really does come down to what you find most comfortable.

Those posts would make it easier to see your rig while backing up but it's more of a nice thing than a needed accessory.

 

[drittal]

I put some old cb antennas on the rear corners of my small ATV trailer so I can see where it is in all my mirrors and when looking out the back window.

 

[DiabeticKripple]

adjust your mirrors, sit straight up and back in the seat with your hand at the bottom of the wheel and watch the back corner of the trailer.

 

[TRCM]

The easiest way, is to grab the steering wheel like you always do, adjust your mirrors like you always do, and then put the truck in reverse.

Now, when backing up, look in the outside mirrors, and remember this....TURN TOWARDS TROUBLE.....in other words, when backing up, if the trailer/boat is getting close to hitting something, turn towards that side.

No special hand positions, no special remembering to turn the opposite way.....while backing up, if the trailer is gonna hit something on the drivers side, turn the truck like you would if you were turning left when driving normal in a forward direction.....if it is gonna hit on the passengers side, turn the truck right like normal when moving forward.


Try it in an open parking lot....is is much easier than the other methods.

I even have a backup camera, and I only use it to hook to the trailer, or when getting close, otherwise, I use the side mirrors.

Towing mirrors would be better, but normal ones will work too.

The real challenge is when the trailer is empty......do the same thing, but you have to pay more attention as it is harder to see.

I use to turn around & put my head up against the headliner to see my empty trailer with my 3500 dually, and that was WITH the tailgate down. It also had towing mirrors, but they didn't help with the pregnant hips on the bed.

 

[darkknight]

Great Advice guys. i'll try again wih the regular mirrors. I have no issues backing up boat just trying to find easier alternatives. The rear camera does not help in fact it actually makes things harder in my opinion. It's more or less when i have to load the boat back on trailer i just hate undoing my tonneau and tailgate down. The less steps i have to do the better.

thanks guys.

 

[clh1220]

Yup it's when the trailer is empty. The camera doesn't help, get some tall guides so you can see the trailer.

 

[Quint]

This may not articulate well with the written word, but I'll do my best.

When I back up my empty trailer to load up my boat, I back up with more of a drunken weave than if my boat were on the trailer and I could see it better. If I back up straight, I can't see the trailer and may not know if it is pitching starboard. Therefore, I intentionally turn the wheel a bit so that the trailer swings into my view and then do a slow controlled turn back to straight so that as the trailer enters the water it is perfectly aligned with the truck again and just as it leaves my view. I don't do a big turn but just enough so that I can see the trailer and keep everything relatively straight but with a "weave" that keeps the trailer in sight.

I've never rolled up the tonneau and dropped the tailgate. What a hassle! I've also never hit anything with the trailer, except for a sunken dock wheel when I got too cute and too close to the dock.

I'll be doing it all solo and it tonight around midnight when I get to the lake!

 

[darkknight]

This may not articulate well with the written word, but I'll do my best.

When I back up my empty trailer to load up my boat, I back up with more of a drunken weave than if my boat were on the trailer and I could see it better. If I back up straight, I can't see the trailer and may not know if it is pitching starboard. Therefore, I intentionally turn the wheel a bit so that the trailer swings into my view and then do a slow controlled turn back to straight so that as the trailer enters the water it is perfectly aligned with the truck again and just as it leaves my view. I don't do a big turn but just enough so that I can see the trailer and keep everything relatively straight but with a "weave" that keeps the trailer in sight.

I've never rolled up the tonneau and dropped the tailgate. What a hassle! I've also never hit anything with the trailer, except for a sunken dock wheel when I got too cute and too close to the dock.

I'll be doing it all solo and it tonight around midnight when I get to the lake!

I'll have to try that. Could be a little harder on busy launches so i'll try on a weekday.

Thanks

 

[pickupman66]

Practice.. Practice Practice.. I use only the outside mirrors on my ram. I have a 20 ft stratos with a tandem trailer. like the previous poster said, turning so you can glimpse the trailer helps alot. I do my best to hug the driver's side when doing anything in reverse with mine. makes it easier to see.

 

[Skrap]

You guys don't know what the hell your talking about! Put your hand here on the steering wheel, look in this mirror, stick whips on the corners of your trailer so you can see it. You guys are not MEN!

Darknight, man-up and get a bigger boat this requiring a bigger trailer you can see from the drivers seat. Problem solved!!!

 

[j cal]

.TURN TOWARDS TROUBLE

I like that. Thanks!