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breeves2245's avatar
breeves2245
Explorer
Jan 24, 2018

Launching a boat with only side mirrors for field of view

I have no problem backing up a boat trailer with the best of them. But I have a truck camper on order and began to think about how that would work without my usual field of vision right over the tailgate.

I initially ordered the camper without a window at the cab since my truck does not have a slide window. But now am rethinking that. Camper has a rear door window so if adding a cab window gets me lined up so I can see through to the boat that would be great. I'll talk to Pete at Capri Campers about that as I still have time to change.

If I cannot see through with an added cab window, can anyone with experience backing up with only side mirrors rely their experience? Seems if I am at a small ramp and not much room for error, side mirrors only get you so far.
Truck Campers

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  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    Jan 24, 2018
    A cheap idea if the boat is too narrow is to add a couple of bicycle flags to the trailer or boat that can be seen in the mirrors. Remove them when you’re off the ramp.
  • guidry's avatar
    guidry
    Explorer II
    Jan 24, 2018
    Try these below. I installed a backup camera on my 5th wheel and TC for about $70.

    ODGear Backup Camera and Monitor Kit For Car ,4.3'' LCD Car Rear View Monitor Night Vision Reverse Backup Camera Waterproof https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6UIS25/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ORreAbCXADT5Q
    REARMASTER 12V Cigarette Lighter Power Supply Kit for Car rear view camera and Monitor with RCA connection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2T53ZR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1SreAbDSDBD4W
    ATian Waterproof 18 LED Car Rear View Night Vision Reverse Video Backup Parking Camera Black Color https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015J0CGIY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BTreAb7ZJD0MG
    RCA Plug DC 2.1 5.5 MM Power Video AV Extension Cable for CCTV Security Car Tuck Bus Trailer Reverse Parking Reverse Camera 15 Meters 50ft by HitCar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DVZYCZA?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
  • breeves2245's avatar
    breeves2245
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2018
    Great suggestions on the backup camera. Did not think to consider that as a solution.
  • rickeoni's avatar
    rickeoni
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2018
    Backed up my cargo trailer for years with only the mirrors. I got quite proficient after a few %/=÷ moments, might be a little different with the pressure of a boat ramp. We have a wireless backup camera on our fiver, takes all the guess work out of reversing, should work great for boat launching.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2018
    When I back up my boat, I pretty much exclusively use the side mirrors, and have no problem with that. But my boat is 23' and 8.5' wide. A small, narrow boat might be more of an issue. Could always install a rearview camera on the camper if you need it. But my guess is that with practice, you will be fine.

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