Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Towing and launching Whaler with motorhome.

Posted by butchdavis on 10/31/14 - 6:54 AM
#5

There are a couple of potential problems with launching a boat using a front mounted hitch on a motorhome.

The front wheels on a motorhome are located very close to the front bumper. This almost insures the front wheels will be in the water at some depth in order to have the trailer far enough into the water for an easy and safe launch. It will almost also insure the individual launching the boat will have to wade in unless they ride the boat during launching and drive it off the trailer. Due to the quality, not too wonderful, of motorhome wheels and expensive wheel covers I would never subject them to dunking in salt water.

OTOH, the rear end of a motorhome usually has a long overhang behind the rear wheels. The overhang is so long that it should never be necessary to get the wheels wet when launching a boat. The backup camera can be very helpful when using a rear mounted hitch for launching.

A lot of motorhome users bring along a vehicle to use while the motorhome is sited at a campground. Usually they are towed but if towing a boat it is complicated to also tow a vehicle. I would bring one along if another driver is available to travel with me and use that vehicle for the boat at the ramp. As a matter of fact I would just tow the boat with the vehicle vs the motorhome. Motorhomes get atrocious mileage and adding a boat behind will just make it worse. Plus, in all honesty, maneuvering around campgrounds, fuel stops, and eateries while towing a boat with a motorhome would be difficult, at best.