Motorhome launching/retrieving

Chivita · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 1:59 pm Post subject:

George and Penny,

One last idea from my parents motorhome (and then I'll hush up), they installed one of those electric winches on the rear bumber of their motorhome. Their bumper was well made and bolted to the frame in several places so the bumper can handle the load. If they get into a situation where the ramp is too fishy for them to launch or retrieve with the motorhome, then they back down to where they are comfortable, park the motorhome, attach the winch cable securely to the trailer, put down the front trailer wheel and let the winch do the work. As I recall, they have only done this once (to test it out) but it worked well for them.

Winching the trailer down is more work and a bit more dangerous, but off-road guys and gals winch each other all over the place and so long as you follow a couple safety rules you could do it as well. The only thing I don't like about my parent's motorhome is it's better equiped then my 3/4 ton 4x4. Aw well....

"Chivita" Dave

Sam Walker · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 2:19 pm Post subject:

I do not have a lot of recent experience with boat ramps however, I have tried to back my motorhome with trailers on hills. I have found that when backing my combination with the motorhome pointed uphill, especially a Class C, the weight shift toward the rear and associated experience of little or no weight on the front axle is rather unsettling. Disgust

(read into this, no front brakes)

Additionally, when switching around and having the hitch in the front the weight transfer forward may cause traction problems on your rear wheels when backing up the ramp. Cry

Wanderer · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 4:31 pm Post subject:

Hi all,

Thanks for the great response. I have read them all at least two times. What a resource this site is. You folks make it so.

Thumbs Up

Several of you have mentioned the good advice given here. You are right. The suggestions are very useful. I very much appreciate the time you have taken and the ideas each of you have expressed.

About a year from now, maybe sooner, I’ll be “entitled” to an opinion myself. Meanwhile, I may stumble through a few new questions.

Thanks again.

Otter-BelleHavenMarina · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 5:42 pm Post subject:

George, the name of that welder who put my front receiver on is
R.J. Yates Welding Service
Waldorf, MD
301 843 6019
He did a great job and I think it cost about $350.

Agree 100% about the spirit of this site and am glad that from time to time I have something to offer! (Now if I could just remember to put the plug in before launching....)

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 6:02 pm Post subject:

Hey Tom, what better test of an automatic bilge pump?? Shocked

Charlie

C-Hawk · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 7:34 pm Post subject:

Here's a Motorhome to launch-
http://www.fmca.com/fmc2004/sepmag/coachupdate.asp

Otter-BelleHavenMarina · Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 8:37 am Post subject:

Yikes! I think I'll stick with the C-Dory!

Sam Walker · Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:26 pm Post subject:

Hey Chivita,
I have been mulling over how I will lauch my C-Dory Someday w/ my 33' Class A Motorhome. That winch idea is the ticket! Wink

Thanks for the idea.