Still new to this and for some this topic may not make sense to ask. I have not even been able to take the boat and the camper camping together yet. Most of our launch ramps are pretty steep, but they are also long. I guess how steep is up to each person. But most people will drive down the ramp and then turn around near the bottom to launch. It's a pretty long back up at our lakes, and especially so with the drought.I'd have to say that even for two or three days I'd be tempted to take the camper off the truck to launch and retrieve the boat. We don't like to leave ours in the water overnight. Can keep a better eye on it when it's at the site and the people doing 30+ mph right ousted the 5mph zone don't seem to get it and any tie up job end with the boat being on shore.Back to the ramp...it would also be pretty nerve racking having to turn the whole rig around at the bottom of the ramp with the top heavy camper on. We will see how realistic my setup will be once I get it all going, but it's seems it would be easy enough to throw the saw horses into the boat or wherever and bring them with us. With the new truck I got, the bed is also wider than my other truck, so I am thinking that the leeway that's added there will make it easier to load the camper than before.Like to see if others have any input, share what they do, or would, just like to discuss.

Have never takin camper to launch and we have some pretty bad place's out in the booney's to launch from gravel ramps, Have launched many times with the mh also with no problems even with the drive wheels in the water. Have a 16' Alaskan with a 15 Honda.

after a while you get pretty good at backing straight with a trailer. It's not that hard, even easier with a spotter and two way radios. You could also go with a front reciever hitch for launching. Or take the TC off... they all work.

Learning how to drive is always an option ;)For few seasons I have been driving wide body 34' motorhome and puling 6000 lb cabin cruiser on wide body trailer. Total length about 64'On few occasions I had no other choice than back up for 1/2 mile on gravel road. The only problem I had was DW who suppose to walk and guide me and she start chatting with younger guy turning her back on me. Did not want to run them over. Than what is wrong with having front hitch on the truck and rehook the boat on parking before entering the ramp.

The launching with a motorhome is a good point to think on.For the rest of this discussion, however long it goes, let's take skill out of it and assume I can back a trailer and drive. That's not relevant to this at all.What do you guys prefer to do when you go to the lake? What kind of situations does what you do depend on?

I rarely leave my boat on the lake overnight. I sleep so much better when it is on the trailer.We don't have a TC, so I can't help with that. But I do know that the boating community is usually willing to help each other out. If launch/retrieve is an issue with a camper (and I don't think it is), you could always buddy up to someone in the campground that has a solo truck/SUV, and ask for their help. I know I have launched/retrieved many boats for people with motor homes that did not want to break camp to pull their boat off the lake.

Drop camper to launch boat? | Good Sam Community

30 Replies

Reality_Check
Nomad II
Feb 03, 2016
Reddog1 wrote:
Reality Check wrote:
... Camera's are a bad idea for backing other than checking for kids. Backing accidents happen because folks aren't watching their mirrors. If your watching the camera, you're not watching the sides of the truck. ...
I disagree with this. There are many reasons for backing accidents. The greater your ability see behind you the less likely you are to have an accident. I use my camera and side mirrors. With the TC loaded, the camera replaces my rear view mirror. The camera provides a wide view, whereas the side mirrors only show one side.

Wayne

I think I didn't write clearly.. I agree, used in conjunction with. But in reading peoples descriptions and watching people back in life, I see where it's all they use. Just look at the kook at the supermarket backing up out of his parking spot....looking at the little screen. See it consistently, always dangerous.
dhull
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2016
I too have seen a FEW ramps I wouldn't want a TC truck sideways on since I was aghast on a few of them with just a boat & truck so I can't imagine. Seems like they were 45 degree slopes although probably wasn't. The picture above is a typically sloped launch and I've seen folks back truck with TC & boat down the ramp as if the TC wasn't even there. So I guess it's a comfort level thing.

I too am a big time fisherman, hence the need for the TC. But I have pondered how it will work out at the ramp and at the campsite. I see myself doing the same as WVbassmistress as far as their 2 day rule. I don't like getting separated from my boat and tackle either.

WVbassmistress...
Are you able to unload your camper at the rear of your campsite and still back your trailered boat in front of that and still be within the length confines of your campsite at most places? or do you have to park the boat in the grass?
Ski_Pro_3
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
Using a camera does not mean ignoring the side mirrors. That's just ridiculous. The camera screen IS my rear view mirror. Of course I use all three mirrors including my backup mirror.

Backing up with a huge bind spot directly behind d you, weaving so you can see your trailer, now THAT'S dangerous!

Given the choice of seeing 360 degrees around me by using a camera vs having a blind spot exactly where I'm trying to drive, well I'll take the camera any day.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2016
Reality Check wrote:
... Camera's are a bad idea for backing other than checking for kids. Backing accidents happen because folks aren't watching their mirrors. If your watching the camera, you're not watching the sides of the truck. ...
I disagree with this. There are many reasons for backing accidents. The greater your ability see behind you the less likely you are to have an accident. I use my camera and side mirrors. With the TC loaded, the camera replaces my rear view mirror. The camera provides a wide view, whereas the side mirrors only show one side.

Wayne
Yukoners
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
I back down most times even very steep ramps. Just remember to empty tanks beforehand the grey water can come up the shower drain lol.
stevenal
Nomad II
Feb 03, 2016
I've never unloaded to launch. I use a bungee to hold the back door open and go for it. I would not attempt to turn around on a steep ramp, but perhaps my definition of steep differs from others. To me, steep is where I need to use 4-wheel low to get back up.
WVbassmistress
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
We have done it both ways. If we are there for more than 2 days, I prefer to drop the camper.

When we fish tournaments, we don't have that luxury. The bass boat is never left in the water overnight unless it is in a slip, with power and within sight of our camp site.

My husband is a better "backer" than I am, so I have been promoted to 2nd mate and am allowed to drive the boat.
_DJ_1
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2016
We have a ramp or two that match your description. With my previous camper I always unloaded it. Not because I couldn't back it but it saves your camp spot and the camper is not parked on the ramp where it is not level enough to make the fridge happy. And it was a breeze with electric jacks.

Present camper does not have electric jacks so I don't unload it. And the DC fridge does not care about being level.
mooring_product
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
I only have a 15' boat and aluminum trailer. I use the front mounted hitch.
boogie_4wheel
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
Leave the TC on the truck and drive to the bottom and turn around like a normal person. There is no need to back down from the top or use a front hitch.
It will take more lean that any ramp I've ever been on to flip a truck and TC over.

Stolen from another forum member...

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Drop camper to launch boat?

30 Replies

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