Unloading off trailer, why do I have to back so far in?

[walter]

I've been noticing this trend for a while now and just can't figure it out. When I unload the toon off the trailer we have to back pretty fat into the water until it floats enough to be able to slide off the bunks. Usually have to get the back tires of the truck into the water and the trailer is well deeper than when I load. Anything less and it just wont budge on moving off.

I remember someone mentioning (I think it was on this forum) to apply something to the bunks and their tool would slide right off. Was it Pam cooking spray or something like that??

Any other suggestions? Oh and before the comments start coming.....yes the winch and back straps are unhooked. I've seen people back in, hit the brakes and slide right out (usually without the motor started, just waiting for the day one doesn't start).

Pulling onto the trailer isn't too bad, I wet the bunks and it slides right up.

[dbltrblpapa]

One thing I have found to be helpful is trimming the motor up. Tends to lift the tubes as it pulls off the bunks. I have had a few occassions on shallow ramps where the boat wouldn't budge with the motor trimmed down but slid right off after I trimmed up.

[timmac]

I suppose you could apply some water soluble oil to the racks on the trailer next time you take it off at the lake, not sure if it would help much, pontoons do need to be in more water to lift off trailer compared to v bottom boats, I just rev my motor up to high speed in reverse and it pulls it off without going to deep in water.

[slingshot]

For most that launch, it's usually because your boat is much heavier at the beginning of the day. No doubt you probably filled your fuel tank (unless you like paying marina prices) and you have full coolers and plenty of food on board. By the end of your day the fuel is almost gone and coolers are emptied. Thus, you have to go in further to get your heavy boat to float and not so far once it lightens up for recovery by the end of the day. Just a thought.

[lakerunner]

It could be your water isn't wet enough.


If it is that big an issue get some of those slick strips you mount on trailer.

[dockholiday]

Shot in the dark. How does your boat sit on the trailer. Anyway you might be able to slid it back a little. This would also reduce the tongue weight which may actually lower the back a little. Had a runabout an it had so much tongue weight it really sat the car on the ground, slid it back a little an really helped.
doc

[FloterBoter]

if it's a big deal, get a trailer tongue extension, the kind you extend when you get to the ramp.

[wed]

I back in until my truck tires are in the water to launch. Hadn't really thought about it, just figured that was what was needed at my regular boat launch. I find that trimming up tends to lift the back of the boat and it comes right off as already noted. I have launched on steeper ramps and the back end floated very easily before the truck tires were in the water. I guess is all depends on the ramp.

[peapenl]

I use slide guides. Go to slideguides.com I think I have about 20 on my tritoon trailer and they work for me.

[WaltF]

I guess is all depends on the ramp.

What he said...
Steep ramp angle = you not very far in the water.
Shallow ramp angle = you becoming a submarine.

[chill'nthemost]

This is my first post, so excuse me if I'm pitching something that's been covered before. I put new bunks on my trailer last year and put these plastic covers on instead of carpet.
http://www.easternmarine.com/Self-Cente ... e-86296-0/

They warn not to undo the winch until you're ready to launch, our 25ft. slides right off. I'm almost sure the barge would slide (maybe not off the trailer) if I planted the brakes hard while backing into the water. No wood rot from wet carpet either.

I really like your forum and the fact there seems to be a lot of "right" thinking members.

Brian

[WaltF]

I really like your forum and the fact there seems to be a lot of "right" thinking members.

Hey those plastic thingies look like a good idea!

[mike]

I think its just the nature of the beast... when the carpet dries under the toons it doesnt slide good which is actually something I like knowing its got to work extra hard to get off the trailer if something happens. When you are loading up, and the water is there it acts as lub and lets you power up into the trailer without it being so far in the water. As some have suggested, you can get hitch extensions... I dont worry about getting my tires wet, its why I bought a truck!

[jimrs]

Boat ramp are a problem around the world. Lately they have been building them too shallow and you have to back way too far down the ramp. In the old days they made them much deeper and they were easy to load and unload unless your boat floated up over the trailer. Your best bet is build your own ramp and get it just right for your boat.

[huskertoon]

We have to back in until the Suburban tires are just at the water line. I have to power up pretty good to get off the trailer. The carpet on my bunks is pretty flat from years of use, I spose new astro turf on the bunks would have a little less resistance. If Illinois is anything like Nebraska right now, water levels are up, ramps typically have a steeper grade the deeper they get. If the water is up, the ramps just aren't steep enough to get the boat off the trailer.