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Having Trouble Backing Up W/ Trailer

T

trash

Charter Member
Full Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2002
Messages
77
Location
Canada
Man, did I look like a schmeeb!

Dumped the boat in the water last night no problem (I can see the boat on the trailer in when I look back). When I went to get the Avy to put the boat back on the trailer, it was impossible for me to backup straight. My trailer is small enough that I can't see it in any of the mirrors. By the time I do see it in one of the side mirrors, it's way too far off course and I have to crank the wheel back the other way. Took me about 4 times to get the trailer into the water, and I zig-zagged the whole way down the ramp. I have no problem backing up when I can see the boat, but does anyone have any thoughts for when I can't see the empty trailer? Maybe add some poles to the trailer so I can at least see the poles when backing up?

Any help would be appreciated. the boat ramp I use is pretty awkard (i.e not a lot of area to swing the car around to back up) and with more people going to be launching boats, I don't want to be the guy people point to and a) laugh at or b) yell at.

Thanks

Trash
 
I had a similar problem when getting my dad's boat out of winter storage. I tried to drop it off near the dock of our family cabin. I couldn't maneuver the trailer to save my life! Maybe I was a little rusty, but with my Expedition, I could put a trailer anywhere. I think it is defintely due to a lack of a clear view back there.

Jamie
 
Do you have enough room to open end gate?
If so just open gate and remove 1 panel.
You should be able to see empty trailer through back window.
 
Sounds like a job for the VideoMirror? with ReversAid

donnely1.jpg
 
G-man, master of the avant garde parts!

Actually, I would condier that video mirror (really) but for the fact that Donnely seems to require the use of their own rear view mirror, and I kinda like the auto dimming, compass and temp functions in our oem unit. I asked them to make sure.
 
jackalanche said:
G-man, master of the avant garde parts!

Actually, I would condier that video mirror (really) but for the fact that Donnely seems to require the use of their own rear view mirror, and I kinda like the auto dimming, compass and temp functions in our oem unit. I asked them to make sure.
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Here is a thought, the temp doesn't seem to be very accurate by all accounts and a compass is easy to get and mount, maybe that is a solution.
 
I have a simple solution. The trailer I use to tow my ATV can not be seen when I look back or in my mirrors. I went to a local hardware store and bought a clip with a four (4) foot piece of ? inch round wood attached. I then put a red flag on the top. I clip this to the back corners of the trailer. When I back up I can see the flags, so I know where the rear of the trailer is and where it is going. Total cost less than $20.00
 
Have a friend that had a similar problem. Solution was similar to Mr. Bill, only we went and with some PVC pipe and bolted it to the trailer and painted some caps optic orange. We tried flags too but didn't like them flapping around. With the PVC you won't have to worry about it rotting either.
 
:0: Oh yeah, with everyone here being Chevy fans I wanted to tell ya about his tow vehicle at the time.

78 Chevy Monza with a built 350. (was converted to 350 from the stock 305) You could smash the gas at 70 and break the tires loose. >:D With triple limo tint, a built 350, and a shift kit in the trans. it was the ultimate sleeper.

Was one of the funest, faster cars I have ever driven. Surprized a lot of "sport" cars at the stoplight ;D
 
You would laugh if you seen me trying to back the waverunner trailer last year...I must have looked like the biggest dork...not to mention I was holding everyone up at the ramp......

Finally one of the guys that worked at a local stand offered to back up the trailer for me.....so I said give it a shot before I start getting stoned to death....he backed it up 1-2-3....made it seem so easy...... :-[
 
Ah yes . . . we've all had those embarassing moments backing trailers! For me, it was trying to get a tent camper between trees in a fairly tight camping spot. I guess my job that day was to provide part of the entertainment for all the old folks that sit outside their motor homes in lawn chairs!

Haven't tried towing with the Av yet, but camping season is rapidly approaching!
 
Just Remember The Shorter The Trailer The Harder It Is To Back-Up !

But You Can Just Add An Aluminum 90 And Some PVC To The Frame And See Even The Shortest Trailer.

Also Helps With Putting The Craft On The Trailer.

See Attached Photo :D

Or Call TOE-ME Trailers/Mickey's Marine For A New Custom Built All Aluminum Trailer 409-938-4743, He'll Beat Any Price.


BlackZ71

 

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They sell 4-5' fiberglass flags at Home Depot that you can bolt on to the back of the trailer. Less than $15 for 2 flags. Look in the mail box section and you will find them. I have the same problem with my brothers boat. As long as the boat is on the trailer there is no problems, but once it is on the water and there is no boat on the trailer it is hard to back up. The flags of pvc pipe will fix your problem.
 
The markers on the trailer are a good idea for another reason. I was pulling a little single axle to pick up some four-wheelers and couldn't see it behind me. After an hour and a half on the interstate we pulled in for a pitstop. When I backed up, I had forgotten I even had it on until I heard the CRUNCH. :-[ This hurts when you have your Dad and sister along as witnesses and you have been driving semis the last 20 years without an accident.

I saw this happen to Dad on his 1500 silverado and it pretty well crushed the rear fender to the wheel. The Av has a crease in the cladding in that spot but it doesn't need a body shop or paint. I think I'll try this repair myself!

Another good reason to own the AVALANCHE ;D ;D
 
I had the same problem, my solution: Drop the midgate and tailgate and look under the panels through the bed while you back up. Simple fix, works great.
 
This doesn't work in my situation. My winch is about 3 inches away from the tailgate when it's down. If I back up and the trailer goes just a little astray.....well I don't want to buy a new tailgate ;)

Trash
 
We must be talking about some small trailers here. I own a 6' by 12' enclosed trailer and have no problems backing up with it. I just use my two side mirrors and do like big rigs do...watch the tires. The idea of flags or poles on the back of a jet ski trailer or small one like that is a great idea though. It might take some getting use to but worth a $20 investment in my opionion.

You know what they say about opinions though.
 
wyoav said:
The markers on the trailer are a good idea for another reason. I was pulling a little single axle to pick up some four-wheelers and couldn't see it behind me. After an hour and a half on the interstate we pulled in for a pitstop. When I backed up, I had forgotten I even had it on until I heard the CRUNCH. :-[ This hurts when you have your Dad and sister along as witnesses and you have been driving semis the last 20 years without an accident.
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Im glad I am not the only one to do this. here are a few pics.
 

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ouch
 

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Last one
 

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danlwil said:
too bad that wag doesn't wrap around...


sorry to see the $#^*&*#!&$(* :8:
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I thought about that two, but it would have just been one more part to replace. The trailer is aluminium, flat ATV trailer with rail only in the front. That rail got twisted off and ripped two welds off the trailer.
 
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