Launch and Load System

[Kirk]

As with many boaters I learned how to back up a boat trailer in a truck looking over my shoulder out the back window. Well I have found that 25 years of
backing up this way has become second nature and is a habit that is almost impossible to break. I have a terrible time seeing my boat trailer behind my Hummer. The way windows are cut and the high back and tire mount make it difficult to see out the back window. I have tried using side mirrors and it totally screws me up and i am not comfortable backing the trailer up with mirrors.

I saw a new device in the Bass Pro catalog that I think might help me out. It is called the Launch and Load and appears to be just what I need to help align the trailer as I back up.</p>

<a href="http://www.launchnload.com/">Launch and Load
</a>
Has anyone seen or own one of these? If so does it help? </p>

 

[SpurHunter]

Looks great for your issue. I might get one myself.

 

[minner]

Learn to use your mirrors before you get too old. Turning your head around like an owl doesn't work to well when your 65+. My dad cant look past his shoulders, he wouldnt stand a chance of backing without mirrors.

 

[salecreekaviator]

HOw does it raise back up for backing when your boat is on top of it after you trailer it?

 

[Guest]

When i looked at this thing on the url, it looks like something to help you guide your boat on a trailer, something to line up the center of the bow with. It can't help you backing up the trailer unless it is empty, it just shows you where the center of the trailer is. I believe the thing is spring loaded, when you back the boat off the trailer, it will stand up straight. Learn to back the boat in the water by using the mirrows on your truck or car, I am like some of the others, I can't turn around in the seat anymore to do anything, so I use the mirrows.

 

[Kirk]

I can see the motor on the boat when I back it in. It's the empty trailer I can't see. That big 175 sets up high enough I can see it without any trouble.

The real problem starts when I try to back the trailer empty and can't see at all. I figure that Launch and Load will give a place to look to check how it is tracking.

 

[salecreekaviator]

It would work with an empty trailer.

 

[Ram Jack Scott]

CALL TOM AT FISH-N-FUN. HE HAS ONE OF THOSE AND USES IT OFTEN. HE CAN GIVE YOU SOME INFO ON USING IT. emoThumbsup

 

[fischnrod]

This option might work for you,i think you could ad pvc side poles to your trailer. (Like this trailer)
http://www.ezloadercustoms.com/caa.htm

 

[Carl Guffey]

With systems like launch and load there is a problem when you look out the rear window through the center of the vehicle. From this position you can not see what may be walking behind your vehicle like a family pet or a small child. On a tight launch ramp or narrow space you can not see the edges of pavement, vehicles, or walls that may be near you.

Take the time, learn to back trailers with outside mirrors. Place cones or trash cans in your yard or go to a large parking lot (walmart, target) when it is empty and approach (cones or cans)them from several different directions. The only way you get better is practice, don't do it at the ramp.

From the other post about loading and unloading a boat alone. If you can back with mirrors and there is a pier beside the ramp, back tight to the dock or pier and step from the pier into the boat and vice-versa for loading.

 

[cotton]

If you want to learn how to back with mirrors, here is a very simple and helpful hint. As you as backing up using your mirrors place your hand at the bottom your steering wheel. Now, if you want your trailer to go left turn your hand to the left if you want your trailer to go to the right turn your hand to the right. This works completly opposite if you place your hand at the top of the steering wheel.

 

[salecreekaviator]

Great suggestion, cotton but too late for me. I have it ingrained to steer from the top of the wheel and steer the opposite direction I need the trailer to move. Wish I knew your trick earlier.

 

[Fuzzy]

I'm a outsider. I grew up in construction and my Dad would literally whack me in the head if I turned my head around to back up. First started driving a dump truck at 16, had to use mirrors. This is funny for me to read because I am just opposite. When I go to back someone else's vehicle up, I always screw with their mirrors. Last year I got hooked up with a guy with no passenger side mirror, screwed me up something fierce.

 

[Jerry]

If the ramp is too steep to see my trailer (when it's empty), I just drop the tail gate of my truck and I get a full view of my trailer. The advantage over using my side mirrors is that I get a full view of the entire area. I use my side mirrors often (particularly when backing into my garage which is a tight fit), but not in every situation.