AdamS Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 Hey guys, I've got a 16' boat and I find whenever I try to back the truck up with the trailer to take the boat out of the water I have trouble lining it up, mainly because I can't see the trailer. The amount of trouble depends on the launch so I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips/tricks for dealing with this? I'm thinking maybe I can rig something up with some pvc or something so I have some sort of guides, but I'm not entirely sure. Anyone else had/have this problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bacon Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 (edited) You can buy poles that fasten to the side of the trailer. They are designed to guide the boat on to the trailer; but they may also solve your problem of not being able to see the trailer. This is what I am referring to. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Heavy-Duty-Post-Style-Boat-Guide-Ons/product/10208433/?cmCat= Edited November 12, 2014 by JohnBacon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 Put those electric mirrors to work and tip them both so you can see the ground @ about the rear wheel of the truck. More chance you'll see your trailer fenders that way after it heads down the ramp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wagoneer Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 The easiest thing would be to buy some convex mirrors for your side mirrors. Have you tried backing up with your tailgate/trunk open? I'm not sure what kind of vehicle you have, but with our grand vitara I always open the tailgate and have the seats folded down. This pretty much gives me the view of the entire trailer behind the car. We have a reverse camera for that truck that also works perfectly. But I like having the trunk open so I can communicate with my dad who's in the boat. But If you tow with anything other than a SUV/hatchback I guess that's not an option. Guide poles always work as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitoubass2 Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 (edited) maybe im being silly but what is there to line up? i always back the trailer into the water then run the boat up. i keep it in the water when hooking it up. i can easily adjust the boat to be even. then pull out. should be even easier with a 16 foot boat. Edited November 12, 2014 by manitoubass2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freshtrax Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 (edited) I can't see my trailer unless I roll up the bed cover and drop the tailgate. I'm thinking I will put some poles on the fenders next year it's a pain n the ass. I feel your pain. Edited November 12, 2014 by Freshtrax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister G Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 A gentle weave back and forth works for me, seeing the right then the left boat fenders. I also look at the dock as a guide point. I only want to be about 1-2 feet from it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 Portable wireless back up camera, they come pretty cheap now. Other than that Princess Auto has the magnetic sticks with tennis balls. One goes on the truck hitch, the other on the trailer tongue, line them up and engage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 Adjust your mirrors properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 Use your side mirrors If you see the trailer turn wheel in that direction.if you can't see it you're going strait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanD Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 The boat guides would be your best bet; they'll serve two purposes. I made the set that I had on my last boat trailer out of 1 1/2" exhaust pipe; that I had a muffler shop put a 90 degree bend in for mounting sake. I then put a length of that styrofoam pipe wrap on to protect from scratches. Dan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Ironmaker Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 If you can't see the trailer you are going straight. Straight is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitoubass2 Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 (edited) we have some gnarly backlake launches around here. they often require odd turning or big hills or pot holes to avoid. one thing that makes backing up a trailor waaay easier is using your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. this way the trailor will turn which ever way you turn the wheel. i know that doesnt help with visibility. just thought id throw it in here. sounds like guides are the way to go for you Edited November 12, 2014 by manitoubass2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave524 Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 The solution is obvious, you need a bigger boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bare foot wader Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 i had the same issues, lifted truck and unfortunately don't have the trailer mirrors that extend out drop your tailgate/open canopy door when you back down the ramp, ubolt some pvc pipe and reflective tape..helps me a lot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelhunter Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 (edited) I had the same problem as you. I have a backup camera doesn't really help cause you can't move the camera where you need it remotely. Even with someone helping you backup still a pain. I bought the guide poles for my trailer this summer best thing I ever bought no problems backing up at all now you just use the poles as your guide plus it helps keep the boat straight on the trailer. Edited November 12, 2014 by steelhunter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aplumma Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 you can get a bicycle flag and put the bracket on the trailer. Just put the flag in place when you are backing down after you get finish just pull the flag. You will not have to get guide ons if you don't need them and it is a 10 dollar solution. Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
didoban Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 practice backing up in a parking lot using the side mirrors. Practice makes (almost) perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccmtcanada Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 My trailer is fine...can see it when I back up no problem. When I fish with Fishnsled, I've had to learn to use the mirrors when driving his truck. I'm not perfect but getting better with practice. I told him to buy those poles....he said I had to learn using mirrors and I'm glad he did! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamS Posted November 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 Hey guys Thanks for all the replies! You can buy poles that fasten to the side of the trailer. They are designed to guide the boat on to the trailer; but they may also solve your problem of not being able to see the trailer. This is what I am referring to. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Heavy-Duty-Post-Style-Boat-Guide-Ons/product/10208433/?cmCat= Thanks John. That's basically what I was thinking of. Looks like it wouldn't be too hard to replicate but I might go check out those out at bass pro The easiest thing would be to buy some convex mirrors for your side mirrors. Have you tried backing up with your tailgate/trunk open? I'm not sure what kind of vehicle you have, but with our grand vitara I always open the tailgate and have the seats folded down. This pretty much gives me the view of the entire trailer behind the car. We have a reverse camera for that truck that also works perfectly. But I like having the trunk open so I can communicate with my dad who's in the boat. But If you tow with anything other than a SUV/hatchback I guess that's not an option. Guide poles always work as well. I have a truck with a tonneau cover. as I was writing this I was thinking I could flip it up and put the tailgate down so I might try that next time too. A gentle weave back and forth works for me, seeing the right then the left boat fenders. I also look at the dock as a guide point. I only want to be about 1-2 feet from it. That's what I started doing myself and found it does help. Manitoubass2 - I'll keep that in mind next time I'm out. The solution is obvious, you need a bigger boat LOL Hmmm....You could be on to something.. you can get a bicycle flag and put the bracket on the trailer. Just put the flag in place when you are backing down after you get finish just pull the flag. You will not have to get guide ons if you don't need them and it is a 10 dollar solution. Art That's also a really good Idea Art! Thanks again for all the tips! I think between all the comments on here I'll definitely have an easier time by next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headhunter Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 Hire FishnSled to teach you how to back up! Seriously, if you have ever seen him back his boat up his driveway, you would be amazed! I bet there is no more than a foot of space on either side of the boat... and it's up hill and in the colder months icey. Yah, dudes my hero when it comes to backing up a trailer and no he can't see his boat in the rear view! HH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishnsled Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 My trailer is fine...can see it when I back up no problem. When I fish with Fishnsled, I've had to learn to use the mirrors when driving his truck. I'm not perfect but getting better with practice. I told him to buy those poles....he said I had to learn using mirrors and I'm glad he did! It was the best advice I was given when learning and just passing it along. And you are getting better, pretty good at it now. Hire FishnSled to teach you how to back up! Seriously, if you have ever seen him back his boat up his driveway, you would be amazed! I bet there is no more than a foot of space on either side of the boat... and it's up hill and in the colder months icey. Yah, dudes my hero when it comes to backing up a trailer and no he can't see his boat in the rear view! HH LOL! Thanks Joe. I should show you the maneuver I use to get the boat around the garage and past the tree up on the lawn and not hit the fence on one side or the deck on the other, for winter storage. No smoke, all mirrors. You never know who's trailer (or what kind of a trailer -boat, sled, camper) you maybe backing up or parking down the road. I firmly believe one should know how to use your mirrors. Not every vehicle/trailer will have poles or a backup camera and it's the best way to learn imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 He's gotta be able to do something right Joe... ever see the brand of beer he drinks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishnsled Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 He's gotta be able to do something right Joe... ever see the brand of beer he drinks... Smart LOL!! It keeps the headaches/migraines away for when Lloyd O'clock comes around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headhunter Posted November 13, 2014 Report Share Posted November 13, 2014 lol HH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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