Back a Boat Trailer Like a Pro | BoatUS

BoatUS Magazine managing editor Rich Armstrong shows you how to back a boat trailer like a pro, whether heading to the launch ramp or into your driveway. You'll learn the basics of backing a boat trailer, including understanding how your boat trailer moves when you turn your steering wheel, how to adjust your side mirrors, and tips for practicing in a large open parking lot before trying to back your boat trailer at a busy launch ramp.

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[johnlcallaway]

Good tips. I earned by grade school diploma on how to back up the hard way, after driving our 4Runner cross country while pulling a UHaul trailer and ended up taking a wrong turn down a dead-end road that didn't have any room to turn around. At night.

You get really good really fast when you have to back up around two curves for about a mile. It took about a half mile for me to finally start to steer without thinking. I think I never had to pull ahead the last quarter mile.

Experience and necessities are both great teachers!

[mixerokeefe]

When backing a trailer, the further you have to back the more difficult it becomes. Back slowly, in idle if you have a diesel engine. When the trailer starts to jack STOP! counter steer wheel, slowly pull forward just enough, inches to one or 2 feet in most cases, stop, counter steer wheel and again start backing slowly correcting steering slowly and minimally. if need be, stop adjust wheel and resume backing. NEVER PULL ANY FARTHER FORWARD THEN ABSOLUTLY NECESSARY! Again, the further you have to back the more chance of getting out of wack. Always use side mirrors and focus on where trailer tires are going. if you use a spotter, gag them, have them hold a sign that says stop if you are about to hit something, otherwise they are mute. a spotter trying to give directions is frustrating and worthless. if they think they can do better let them try! Finally, 35yrs driving and backing tractor trailers and launching my boat has taught me a plethora of tricks and techniques.

[sketchysskshop]

as an 18 wheeler driver I noticed you did not mention the 2 most important things that were not mentioned are always look in both mirrors no more than a second at a time. if you are looking at a mirror too long, the boat can go to the oposite side way to fast and you get a jack knife before you realize it. next is to start thinking about the back up as you pull into the dock area. get the rig in position before you even start to back. this way you will be ready to back easily right away

[jamessuter]

Did anyone else notice at 2:01 while he's backing down the ramp the rear tiedown straps are still attached.

[a]

I hate snaking the trailer down the ramp- it’s so embarrassing! I tend to oversteer. I will try grasping the wheel palm-down next launch. Thanks for the tip!

[kaydensinger]

At the end when we was putting the boat in the water the back straps were still on

[amandashwartz]

i’m taking out my boat for the first time by myself tomorrow, I’m most nervous about putting my truck too far into the water. Pulling the trailer out of the water after i get the boat into water is what i’m most nervous about. When i do this, is it best to put it in 4W or 4W low? and do i just ease my way out of the water?

[angelaneal]

I'm sure you guys will laugh at this, but I need help AFTER the boat launch process. My issue comes in trying to park in a crowded parking lot at the boat. If it's not a straight forward pull ahead spot, I'm screwed. We just bought a bigger boat and I really need help with this. any advice? I don't want to be the girl at the boat ramp that has to ask for help because I've got our truck and trailer in a situation I can't get out of. thanks!

[gromblebee]

Cool thanks man imma give it a try I’ll let u know how it goes

[CitrusCoBeatnik]

RE: "Like a Pro" - I'll settle for "amateur that doesn't piss off everybody at the boat ramp" 😎

[billyxiong]

My first time i launch my boat it took me 2hrs to put it into the lake

[beckytaylor]

I'm buying a boat in a couple weeks. As a female, I'm incredibly nervous! I'm a "fishing chick", so I'm trying to learn how to back a boat into the water by myself. I'm going to be so judged and embarrassed. I've never backed anything up other than just my SUV. How can I do this without looking stupid? Other people have been doing it for years. I'll practice all day in a parking lot to try mastering it, but I think being put on the spot there at the water/dock/unloading by myself (and my 13 year old) will be a lot of pressure. Not to mention loading it back up on the trailer. How far does the boat/trailer go into the water? I know I'll need to tie it to the dock first so it doesn't go drifting off, obviously, but that's it. 🙈

[Harlanmote]

Or you can let down the tailgate and turn your head and look out the back window.

[bigturf]

Who is here from the family guy episode?

[Zanzabar]

The video should be "how to back up the trailer without the boat on it, when you can't even see it."

[michaelphinney]

Good video for back a trailer. For launching a boat…FAIL!. Straps were still on, boat drain plug was missing etc

[raymondelsayed]

This videos for rich people trying to learn how to back up, and for poor people looking at things they'll never have.