Launched with truck camper.. WHEW!

tyofwa

Cadet
Joined
May 22, 2002
Messages
11
Well, we took our first trip with the truck camper and boat on. Wow! That Dodge diesel can pull a load. Anyway, we were at a state park on Lake Chelan, WA which has really well maintained ramps, however they are not that wide. My wife gets out to direct ( which she usually never does ), I can only see the tiniest part of the driver's side fender from the extend-o-mirror, and, of course.. there were some locals watching from a picnic table not more than 15 feet away ( box seats, I learned later ). <br /><br />It did not take long to learn that head-out-the-window method was useless; and I needed to "mirror launch" only. Once I lined up, I watched that corner of my fender dip into the water, and then rolled back six more feet. From there, we un-winched, and walked her back without incident. The only reason I got my feet wet was because I remembered that my RV-fridge was left on, and sharp angles could burst the coils. So, from the outside I turned off the propane valve and went on my way. <br /><br />To my wife's credit, she exited the launch smoothly; which was a chore given her limited time on a stick shift. <br /><br />The only problem: The camper tie-downs are not positioned properly, and the camper slid 4" down the truck bed. <br /><br />As I was starting the boat, I asked the fellas if there were any entertaining moments over Labor day weekend. Apparently, that ramp is the source of great fun and many follies. They assured me that if my boat was still floating at that point, then I was probably in the clear. <br /><br />Whew.<br />/Ty
 

Link

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 13, 2003
Messages
4,221
Re: Launched with truck camper.. WHEW!

Wow you got lucky with backing it in. Everytime<br />I read about a first time mirror launch it reminds<br />me that I still need to learn that art! However<br />isnt that some of the warmest water you ever <br />walked in ;) <br /><br />Link
 

NOMAR

Recruit
Joined
Mar 11, 2003
Messages
3
Re: Launched with truck camper.. WHEW!

Mirror launch for me was a pain in the b... :confused: , I usually drop @ narrows marina and there is one post about say 30 to 36 inches tall my truck's mirrors did not have the bubble mirrors and could not see this until this sound of kinda like dragging a pop can in concrete so "self note go to chucks get new stop lights for trailer" :mad: Still drop boat and have a good day playing. Later went a got the truck, winch and lock boat and jump in the bed and have wife get me out of water after explaining the power brake manuever so the is no backslide well she powers and yell it won't go and me "am with stupid a.k.a. me" :cool: says let go of the brake when I clearly hear to the engine rev and truck lurchs foward and I land in the winch backwards. She never notice and I yell is all good stop. Next time I get out myself. :rolleyes:
 

kenjudy1

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 17, 2003
Messages
43
Re: Launched with truck camper.. WHEW!

I installed a hitch reciever on the front of my truck makes a lot of difference.Drive it in front ways. I used to back it in but git two stiff in the neck.
 
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