speediq99
Arizona
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Joined: 01/17/2004
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Hello,
I was wondering if anyone had any experience and tips on launching a boat (19 ft) with a Class C. Our mh is an 05 Gulfstream 32 ft long. It is setup for towing but one of my concerns is the turn halfway down the ramp on a very steep ramp.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Mike
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Roadfrog
Chilliwack, BC Canada
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Joined: 04/27/2001
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Hey Mike,
I'll be tagging along on this one. We just bought an Itasca 29N and wonder the same thing. That said, I pulled my 19.5' with my F350 Crew and a large camper on the back which made my truck length aprox 26'. Adding 3' to the equation should prove interesting. I'm more concerned about the lack of 4wd on a slippery ramp? I think we'll be ok though. I'm definately getting a backup camera!!
Cheers
Chris
1999 Winnebago Itasca Spirit 29N
1988 Campion Allante 195
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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speediq99 wrote:Hello,
I was wondering if anyone had any experience and tips on launching a boat (19 ft) with a Class C. Our mh is an 05 Gulfstream 32 ft long. It is setup for towing but one of my concerns is the turn halfway down the ramp on a very steep ramp.Any advise would be appreciated.Mike
I've seen a couple and each time they went in the water with the back end and soaked everything in the bays....proving once more those bays are not sealed tight.
IMHO I'd only try it if the ramp was concrete with the grooved surface. MH's have zelch traction in mud.
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 Blue Ox
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
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Roadfrog
Chilliwack, BC Canada
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I'm not worried about the back end. My hitch never goes that far near the water - maybe that's just my setup. I find that when the winch is right at the water line, my boat is about perfect for launch and retrieval. I always laugh at how some boats get launched or retrieved so far in the water. I once saw a guys tailpipe completely immersed. Unbelievable lol
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Rick Jay
Greater Springfield area, MA
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Joined: 02/02/2003
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Hi,
I've read of some people that have put hitches on the front of their RV's for launching boats. Not sure if it'll work for you or not, but at least the back wheels (traction) stay out of the water.
Of course, I've never launched a boat in my life...not counting the bathtub...and THAT was a LONG time ago! LOL 
~Rick
* This post was
edited 08/27/08 06:08pm by Rick Jay *
2005 Georgie Boy 3625 DS on a Workhorse W-22 (Class A)
Rick, Gail, 1 girl (12-Angel), 1 girl (7), 2 boys (8 & 5), 1 plump Golden Retriever.
2001 Honda Odyssey with Demco Aluminator tow bar & tow plate, SMI Silent Partner brake controller.
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speediq99
Arizona
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Joined: 01/17/2004
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We have a backup camera so getting to the water should be easier. Getting the bays wet may be a problem for us. Our mh sits quite low.
Mike
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dobbler98
Ohio
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Joined: 05/01/2005
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My boat is a 17' pro bass style, and our C is 24'. It used to be a pain till we figured out this system. What we do is stick the butt end of a fishing pole into a seat on each side of the boat so that enough pole sticks out to see from the RV mirrors. At night we have used white bobbers or glow sticks on the pole ends for easier seeing. If needed I'll stand out and call direction, but using the poles, he can see to back down, and I can be in the boat ready to launch. We always use first gear, and only once have we needed to throw some gravel for traction on a very steep mossy ramp. You can also use oars, water skis, or a fishing net and the rear light stick instead of fishing poles. Hope this helps.
1993 Minnie Winnie
Class C 24'
Chevy 350
Usually pulling one of my toys 
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Gene in NE
Omaha
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Joined: 09/15/2003
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Here is a link to a Class A that did not fair that well. It just happened in LA on August 20, 2008 according to KNBC.COM. Maybe Class C's are immune to this malady.
2002 Trail-Lite Model 211-S w/5.7 Chevy
Gene
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speediq99
Arizona
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Joined: 01/17/2004
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That is a great picture.
The articles says that the brakes failed when the boat came loose. This could happen to anyone. If it was a truck launching a boat rather than a MH, the truck would have been in the water unless you got it in gear quick enough.
I assume that MHs brakes are no more susceptible to fail than truck's when you get the back of the MH in the water. I may be wrong on this one.
Mike
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YC 1
Yuba City Calif.
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Joined: 01/11/2005
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I have backed for many many years but do not make turns on long steep ramps. I just make my mind up that the long back up is great practice. I do keep a 4x4 to chock the tires if I am launching by myself.
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