Launching my own boat when we RV, on any ramp.

[cybuch]

I want to launch my boat myself when we travel with the RV (40 foot class A), so I modified my trailer to carry my 1000 lb trailer mover. The "shelf" for the trailer mover slides in and out depending if I am bringing it or not (local lakes days we don't need it). The tongue weight is balanced by the tandem axels sliding 2 feet depending on the mover loaded or not. I reinforced the trailer and changed out the entire suspension and axels for bigger. We have already tested the mover on slick AZ ramps, we are taking our first trip out to Parker AZ next week, will update how things go with towing.

 

[fatboyroy]

Great job on the install! Does that hold a boat in a steep incline ramp? I see some trucks getting dragged down ramps in youtube, 1000 lbs is too light to hold a boat I would think, I see it moving large RVs but its flat surface. Anyways good luck with the trip, i would test it in a slight incline first if I were you.

 

[cybuch]

Yup, already tested it out, without towing it on the trailer. Holds boat on a slippery ramp no problem. I also use a beach launcher so the trailer mover is well out of the water.

 

[fatboyroy]

Oh and how do you bring it up or down from behind the boat?

 

[cybuch]

I raise the front of the trailer and use ramps on the front two tires and use a jeep jack on the single rear tire. I first raise the single tire and slide that portion of the shelf in, then lower it to the ground. Then I roll the front two tires off with two ramps and slide that portion of the shelf in, then lower the front of the trailer.

 

[rad1026]

So you are moving the axles depending on whether you bring the mover? How are you doing that?

 

[cybuch]

So you are moving the axles depending on whether you bring the mover? How are you doing that?

I build a separate frame for the axels and they slide along a channel on the bottom of the trailer. I used two 3inch hydraulic rams (one and each side) to slide them back and forth. Then lock them in place with bolts.

 

[fatboyroy]

Not a big deal, he just McGyver'd the trailer ... meanwhile im worried ill mess up my VHF radio install ?

 

[anmut]

Not a big deal, he just McGyver'd the trailer ... meanwhile im worried ill mess up my VHF radio install ?

LOL that's how I feel. Tell you what, an adjustable trailer like that is pretty damn cool. I feel like, with the way my wife loads the boat on some trips, all trailers should have that feature!

To the OP: my stupid question of the day is - why can't you just launch/recover with the motorhome. Too big?

 

[rad1026]

yeah, he definitely has some skill set and tools the average DIY dude doesn't have.

 

[cybuch]

LOL that's how I feel. Tell you what, an adjustable trailer like that is pretty damn cool. I feel like, with the way my wife loads the boat on some trips, all trailers should have that feature!

To the OP: my stupid question of the day is - why can't you just launch/recover with the motorhome. Too big?

.
Haha!! Right!
We have a 40 foot class A and we cant get on a lot of ramps we go to. I know its was overkill, but we will never have to depend on anyone to help launch our boat. Been there and it was not fun

 

[Chatt_Jetsetter]

I want to launch my boat myself when we travel with the RV (40 foot class A), so I modified my trailer to carry my 1000 lb trailer mover. The "shelf" for the trailer mover slides in and out depending if I am bringing it or not (local lakes days we don't need it). The tongue weight is balanced by the tandem axels sliding 2 feet depending on the mover loaded or not. I reinforced the trailer and changed out the entire suspension and axels for bigger. We have already tested the mover on slick AZ ramps, we are taking our first trip out to Parker AZ next week, will update how things go with towing.

This is nuts...I love it!

 

[RobbieO]

Great job on the install! Does that hold a boat in a steep incline ramp? I see some trucks getting dragged down ramps in youtube, 1000 lbs is too light to hold a boat I would think, I see it moving large RVs but its flat surface. Anyways good luck with the trip, i would test it in a slight incline first if I were you.

Here in CA we have some very steep ramps because the water is so low. I had my SUV slip a few feet on the ramp because there was some loose grave. Scared the F out of me. I carry a bus wheel chock and a mechanical foot brake that I deploy before I get out. Crazy stuff.

 

[cybuch]

So, full disclosure..... My wife and I were out on the colorado river with another boat full of friends. They brought the truck to launch and retrieve the boats. We had a great day out on the water and because our boat was smaller we started back to the ramp before them, about 20 miles, figuring they would catch up. When we finally got back to the ramp, it was late sunset and we were very low on fuel. We had to keep the boat running to keep up with the flow of the river, while we tried to anchor off to the side, but that didn't work at all (wife and I had a huge fight, trying to get the anchor placed while the other kept the boat in place. Never had a fight like that one). Our friends on the other boat, who had the truck were delayed due to engine trouble. They finally showed up and we got off the river. Thats when we decided we need to find a way to get our own boat off the water no matter where we are. Did a ton a research and spoke with the engineers at DJ Products and this is what they said would do the trick.

I did test it on a slippery ramp here in AZ, worked awesome. I am nervous about the steeper ramps, but no try, no get.

I added a controller to the trailer mover so I can apply my electric brakes on the trailer if needed. The mover also has an emergency stop that locks the tires. The mover is rated to move 60,000 lbs trailer and lift 6,000 lbs tongue.

And as for the tools and skills, I am not so sure on the skills as it took me a few different design tries to get the 36inch sliding shelf to hold 1000lbs without binding and bending. I also blew the budget on this project by about 4 times. At one point I thought....what the hell did I get myself into?!

I will let you all know how it goes on Thursday...fingers crossed.