Backing a Boat Trailer
Making It Safely Down the Launch Ramp on the First Try
Backing a boat trailer down a steep launch ramp can be a painless experience with a little preparation and adequate practice.
Successfully launching your boat depends on being able to back it down a launch ramp. Ramps are a huge frustration to those who have difficultly backing up a trailer. It is even more true for the next guy in line. Smooth operation of a launch ramp depends on the ability of users and adequate preparation before nearing the ramp. Rushing at the launch intensifies as the number of boats in line increases. Users get in a hurry. The drain plugs are not put in, the boat rolls off the trailer or a hitch comes loose causing the whole works to go down the ramp and into the drink.
The most important thing to remember is that the trailer will move in the opposite direction of the tow vehicle. Many experienced trailer boaters place their hands on the bottom of the steering wheel while backing a trailer. In this position, the trailer will move in the same as your hand. Moving your hand right moves to the trailer right and vice versa. Find a vacant parking lot and practice backing your boat trailer in multiple directions. Use empty milk cartons or parking lot stripes to follow with the trailer.
Starting a Turn - Reference directions from the position of the driver facing forward. To start a boat trailer into a turn to your right, turn the steering wheel hard to the left. Procedures are just reversed for a turn in the opposite direction. As the trailer is well into the turn, pick a target for the visible trailer in your left side mirror. Back slowly and make slight adjustments to maintain the trailers's progress in the turn.
Straightening the Turn - Once the turn is established, move the steering wheel from left to right to even out the turn. With practice you will develop a feel for the inputs you make in the steering wheel to the movement of the trailer. To straighten out the turn, turn the wheel more to the right and to tighten the turn, turn the wheel more to the left.
Correcting Turn Direction - After you have turned the boat trailer onto the launch ramp and straightened out the initial turn, only slight adjustments are needed to keep the trailer backing straight down the ramp. Just turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction the boat trailer is moving in to straighten it out.
Helpful Hints
- Making too sharp a turn will jackknife the trailer and can cause damage to the trailer tongue or tow vehicle.
- Match the size of the tow vehicle to the boat and trailer being towed. A heavy boat can physically drag an undersized tow rig down a launch ramp.
- If you can't see beyond the sides of the boat trailer, install mirror extensions.
- Single-axle trailers will turn easier than double axle ones.
- Go slow. Backing down the ramp successfully on the first try takes less time than multiple and increasingly frustrating attempts.
- Pull forward and start over, rather than attempt to salvage a bad turn of the trailer.
Remember to safely prepare and be sure your boat is ready for launching.
