lenmann
Pleasanton, NorCal
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Joined: 02/27/2005
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I tow, launch, and retrieve a 21' Malibu wakeboard boat with a 40' Beaver DP. Did the same with a 36' Dolphin before this MH, and a 29' Tioga before that. Never had a problem with any of them. If I don't know the ramp I walk it while the kids are readying the boat. The only thing I worry about with the DP is having enough room to turn around at the top of the ramp prior to backing down. Been OK so far though.
LenMann
2008 Beaver Contessa 40 Pacifica, Cat C9
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Jwither
Indianapolis, IN
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Joined: 09/19/2007
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I've seen plenty of car accidents, but it does not keep me from driving.
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Rokk
Lake Powell, Utah
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Joined: 04/18/2008
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I work the launch ramps here at lake powell, Launching and retrieving boats for guests. i see many Motorhomes launching boats of all sizes on a daily basis.
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FIRE UP
Ramona, CA. USA
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Joined: 03/08/2004
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Hi gang,
First of all, I've launched boats all my life with Class Cs and As. Launching a boat is no big deal. 99% of all boat ramps are very close in angle. The boat, almost 100% of the time will float off the trailer wayyyyyyyy before the back of the coach comes anywhere near the water. It's very entertaining sometimes at launch ramps just to watch boaters and their wives, girlfriends, what ever, work together or....separately in launching or retrieving the water craft.
As a matter of fact, we just made an after noon of it lately on a test ride of a recently purchased Honda Goldwing down to a local beach in our area. We were entertained hilariously for quite some time just watching people and their boats.
Anyway, yes it would be more cumbersome to back a boat/trailer down to the waters edge but, there's people out there that can't back their motor home on flat land anyway. You just have to take a little time to pre-align everything before you back up. Some ramps have more room and some are cramped. There's a new lake in North St George UT called "Sand Hollow" and the ramps the largest boat ramp I've ever seen. There's enough room to drive down the ramp on one side, turn parallel with the water and drive up the other side all with a 40 footer and a 25' boat and trailer.
So, as for using a Class A to launch a boat, don't be intimidated. If you think you need a little practice, drag it to a local high school parking lot, stadium or whatever's near you to do some practice backing and maneuvering. You can get some little cones (soccer type) at a toy store. Good luck and happy boating and RVing.
Scott
Scott and Karla
14 Months 'till RETIRED!!
1999 Bounder 34V w/slide
V-10,toad-'04 Yellow Jeep Rubicon SDFD KI60ND
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Gary Franks
Pacific Northwest
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Joined: 02/24/2008
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I have found the comments in this thread encouraging.
I had been planning to buy a boat for awhile, but I was concerned that I didn’t have anything to pull it with other than my motorhome. So, I bought a Jeep AND a boat a few months ago.
Now I have the challenge that whenever I go someplace I have to make two trips: once to tow the boat and another to tow the Jeep (I am a one driver family).
I have found a few places where I could maneuver the motorhome on the launching ramp, but I haven’t tried it yet. Having read these comments, I am now emboldened to give it a try and venture off without the Jeep.
I’ve thought that if I found myself in a tight spot, I might be able to find someone nearby to launch my boat for me.
'05 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel 39Z | Datastorm F2 Satellite Internet | Toad1: '03 Lincoln Town Car | Toad2: '08 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited 4WD
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bucky
Eastern Shore of MD
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Joined: 05/07/2003
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The only thing that would concern me is the ground clearance of the coach. Ever seen a low boy trailer hung up on a highway crossover? Other than that, I would do it, and am considering changing to a MH just so that we can take the boat with us on the first trip.
99 F250 PSD CC LB 3.73 4X4 7360 lbs, and it can sink in the mud FAST, 2004 Coachmen Catalina TT 297RKS 8200 lbs on the road.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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Jwither wrote:I've seen plenty of car accidents, but it does not keep me from driving.
driving is more or less necessary. launching a boat with a large RV isn't.
bumpy 
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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Gary Franks wrote:I have found the comments in this thread encouraging.
I had been planning to buy a boat for awhile, but I was concerned that I didn’t have anything to pull it with other than my motorhome. So, I bought a Jeep AND a boat a few months ago.
Now I have the challenge that whenever I go someplace I have to make two trips: once to tow the boat and another to tow the Jeep (I am a one driver family).
I have found a few places where I could maneuver the motorhome on the launching ramp, but I haven’t tried it yet. Having read these comments, I am now emboldened to give it a try and venture off without the Jeep.
I’ve thought that if I found myself in a tight spot, I might be able to find someone nearby to launch my boat for me.
all you need to do is get one of those trailers with the jeep on the bottom and the boat overhead.
bumpy
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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Joined: 06/30/2004
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Backing up a trailer with a MH is surprisingly easy because of the long overhang of the MH. Usually a short trailer behind a long tow is hard to keep from jack-knifing but the leverage of the long overhang plus a rear camera solves the problem. As for turning around or setting the parking brake and chocking the wheels that's where the fun begins. It's always fun watching people at a boat ramp reguardless of what they are using to launch/retrieve their boats.
04 Monaco Dynasty 42' quad slide
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Platypus
SE Michigan
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Joined: 07/24/2008
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There is a very easy way to launch a boat from a MH or any large vehicle. Go to a compentent hich joint and have them put a trailor hitch on the FRONT of the rig. You don,t need lights or safety chains, you have a great view of the trailor. It is easy to steer and control. Downside, you have to unhook and rehook for road V/S ramp. Same system works great for parking any other type of trailor.
As the man said - Happy trails.
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