CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

[CN Spots]

I've read a lot of posts where folks have backed their trailer axels off the ramp and gotten stuck. Bummer. If your trailer design permits, consider welding a 3/8 - 1/2 inch thick steel plate in the shape of a triangle to the frame just in front of the tire to help slide the trailer up the concrete. Make sure the bottom of the wedge isn't lower than the bottom of the rim so it won't plow up the highway when you get a flat. You might get by with lighter gauge steel depending on you rig and maybe some creative reinforcements.<br /><br />Just think of the egos this could save.<br /><br />spots

 

[ziggy]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

that's an idea. maybe not so big though. perhaps just a ramp (incline plane)large enough to have it clear the leaf spring shakle. that's where my trailer got stuck when i got had like that at the river once. man what a drag. good thing i had my 15 year old son with me that day. had to lift the trailer up to clear the shakles then drive fwd. it was not fun. right now i just watch others to see how deep they go. then when it's my turn i wade in if there is still any question as to whether i'll fall off the end of the ramp or not. i aint'doing that agian i hope.

 

[coleman kayak1]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

Here is another idea, get one of those underwater cameras and mount it on the back of the fenders, below, about 1/2 way down the wheel. Wait, maybe yours is better (and a liitle cheaper).

 

[Triton II]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

What a great idea CNS. I often visit unfamiliar ramps and haven't yet suffered the indignity of running off the end, but I'd hate to do so. Especially as I'm often on my own. Now here's a question for you. How easy is it to weld onto galvanised tubing?

 

[CN Spots]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

Triton, not sure. I think that stuff can poisonous. Better check with a pro.<br /><br />spots

 

[TTU_Guy]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

Yes, when you weld galv. metal, noxious gases are given off that can be dangerous plus it is hard to get a pretty weld most of the time. Don't do it unless you know what you are doing IMO.

 

[jtexas]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

here's an idea: tie one end of a rope to the back end of the trailer and the other end to the front. When your wheels fall off the ramp, use the front end of the rope and the boat to lift the back end of the trailer enough to clear the ramp.

 

[brine]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

If you have to weld to galvanize of any sort it is best to prep the area to bare steel with a grinder first. Wear a mask. Even the grind dust will make you nauseous. Welds can be pourous if Mig'd and grow towers of ugly slag .It looks like a bad gas or flux mix.<br /><br /><br />It does sound like a good invention...it would be neat to hear it underwater scraping on the ramp like fingernails on a chalkboard... sort of like the sound my buddy's skeg made last year

 

[CN Spots]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

It'd sound better than your axles grinding off your trailer! Hey, that's a good name for it, the Trailer Skeg. <br /><br />spots

 

[Hunky Dory]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

So, jtexas, do I have the picture?<br /><br />After you get stuck you detach the front end of the rope and attach it to the boat. Then I guess you put the boat in reverse then the truck in forward; hopefully lifting the trailer slightly between them?<br /><br />I'm sure you and many other calm and deliberate folk can handle this skillfully; but I fear a bunch of us from over in Stupid Human Tricks might make this a very vocal, crunchy, splashy and somewhat comedic experience. Possibly ending with that sinking feeling we try so hard to avoid.<br /><br />But since I never seem to remember to construct the axle skeg I'm gonna try to remember to test your suggestion in advance of needing it. What do you think of grappling the back rails with the flukes of two anchors (one on each side of the boat) to avoid tipping (trailer or boat)? I don't have two anchors but I'm guessing the guy waiting to launch will loan me his...

 

[CN Spots]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

I think he means use the boat as a floating lever to lift the rear of the trailer. You could probably tie a rope around the back of the trailer and the lower end unit and "trim" the trailer up provided your trailer is not too heavy and dunks your boat.<br /><br />spots

 

[jtexas]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

yeah, hunky, that's it, I got the idea from watching a guy do it - except he had to take a dive to tie up to the trailer. Guy in the boat tried to kneel in the bow & lift the trailer but couldn't, so he tied it off & applied just a little power in reverse, then the driver was able to move forward...it did seem a bit of a delicate operation.

 

[rwidman]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

Originally posted by brine:<br /> If you have to weld to galvanize of any sort it is best to prep the area to bare steel with a grinder first. Wear a mask. Even the grind dust will make you nauseous.

Better to bolt it than try to weld it. U bolts will work.<br /><br />And as for the underwater camera idea, I guess some people boat in clear water. The water at most of the ramps I use would not allow it.

 

[Emtypckts]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

LMAO It actually happened to me I backed my 24' boat and dual axle trailer off a ramp but luckly someone at the dock had the bright idea of using the anchor to snag the rear cross member of the trailer and with the air in the tires I was able to lift the trailer while someone else drove my truck pulling the trailer back to solid ground <br />4 tires filled with air help the weight

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

I have a buddy with a 24 ft Sportcraft with an aluminum trailer with tandem wheels. There is no worry of backing it off the end of the ramp because the trailer FLOATS. Makes for fun when trying to load in a current though.

 

[Triton II]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

RP, that's hilarious! I can picture the scene... back down ramp with empty trailer and 2 knot current jack-knifes your trailer straight off the ramp! Best fill the frame rails with lead!

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: CUre for "oops I backed off the ramp" syndrome

Yea..We would tie a docking rope to one of the guide post on the trailer then stand on the pier up current and hold trailer in place, Captain would then drive the boat onto the trailer.