Towing a Pontoon

[depmgt]

I have a 2015 30DS and we just bought a pontoon boat. I have heard FR3 owners say that they tow and launch their pontoon boats with their FR3. Since I am new to this can anyone who does this please provide any tips, tricks, advice, etc... Thanks

[kenandterry]

Haven’t actually done it, but my tip would be…….

If the FR3/back tires get wet, pull it back out and review the whole idea.

[BehindBars]

So much depends on the boat particulars and the launch ramp. Shallow slope ramps require you to back in farther, possibly putting the rear of the motorhome in the water. Steep ramps probably wouldn’t get the back wheels wet. Trailer design also dictates how far you need to back in. Visibility can also be a problem. Can you see much of the boat behind; do you need to rely on a camera and are you good with that? Is there sufficient room in the ramp area to turn a large turn radius vehicle and get it and the boat positioned correctly?

I haven‘t driven an FR3 but I’ve launched a boat several times behind a 31’ class C. There are a lot of variables that play into it, I think too many to give an absolute answer.

I would certainly practice launching that ‘toon boat with a truck before attempting it with the motorhome.

[Aussieguy]

some of the ramps parking a long RV along with a trailer may be a problem

[Formula1fan]

I foresee a crowd with cameras. Lol

[llibdliw]

Watch some YouTube boat launch videos first, you may want to reconsider this endeavor...

[yetavon]

Met a guy camping that used a class A MH to use his boat. He added a front hitch receiver and pushed the boat in, and rear wheels stayed dry.

[jdebevec]

All good points, everyone. If it's a nice gently sloping ramp, might be no problem. However many times the ramp is slippery wet with slime. Or the ramp is much steeper than you thought.
If you're towing the boat with the motorhome, you probably don't have another vehicle to launch. Try calling a marina at your destination... many marinas will launch the boat for you if you rent a slip. Or try asking someone at the ramp to launch it for you... many old-timers would be happy to do it for a 6 pack. Lot cheaper than hiring a tow truck to pull your motorhome out of the lake.

[Chuck_S]

Boat launch.

-- Chuck

[BehindBars]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

-- Chuck

One can find videos of boat ramp mistakes all day, but that does not mean launching with a motorhome can’t be and isn’t being done safely and successfully.

[jdebevec]

You are correct, it can be done safely.

I own and operate a marina, and several years ago I stopped allowing anyone to launch their own boat at my facility because I no longer had time to pull peoples cars out of the lake. 51% of us can do it safely, but the other 49% make our lives miserable.
If you are 100% sure you're not going to have a problem, go for it.

[ppine]

jdebevec,
Just curious. Where are you located?

[Chuck_S]

Of course it can be done safely but the failures are spectacular! Acceptance of risk is an individual decision. Would not be surprised if that motorhome was a total loss.

Lots of internet videos shows just how common this is. Can't happen to you.

-- Chuck

[D W]

I've seen massive problems with MH's attempting to launching boats on boat ramps, especially if the ramp is steep. Poor traction.

[moose074]

I wasn’t going to comment as I don’t have much boating experience. My first of maybe 3 launches was a total disaster boat in water trl came out easy, once I tried to retrieve the boat different story me and my two wheel drive S-10 needed to be pulled of ramp no traction. My other two times never a problem. Each ramp will present its own unique situation

[BehindBars]

Originally Posted by moose074

I wasn’t going to comment as I don’t have much boating experience. My first of maybe 3 launches was a total disaster boat in water trl came out easy, once I tried to retrieve the boat different story me and my two wheel drive S-10 needed to be pulled of ramp no traction. My other two times never a problem. Each ramp will present its own unique situation

Despite their popularity for boat towing, a one or two rear wheel drive pickup or SUV can be a disaster on a slick launch ramp. I have witnessed a number of submerged vehicles at ramps, and that has been the type every time. However, the long rear overhang on a motorhome can be an advantage in keeping the rear wheels off the slippery part of the ramp, or at least out of the water. Agreed, each ramp’s particulars will dictate the likelyhood of success or failure.

[tingefamily]

I launch a 18 foot boat with my 27 foot class C. Traction and steepness of the ramp are key. Slippery or gravel is a non starter and a steeper ramp is better. Do not put the rear of the MH in the water. To avoid this, I made a 4 foot extension for shallow angled ramps. It's a bit of a pain to carry around, but I generally know which ramps I need it for. Make sure your parking brake works properly and holds the unit at whatever angle. A bigger issue when using the MH with the boat is where to park the boat overnight. Without a marina or slip, a safe beach not exposed to wind or waves is essential. Safety and security of both the boat and its contents are a real concern. Scoping this out is a important prior to arrival.

[FishRich]

I have a Class C motorhome and I do launch a 17ft Bass Tracker with it. It can be done But the first thing I did was I took a test run with my motorhome by itself to see if I could make the "swing" by the ramp to be able to line it up. You do not want the boat on it the first time in case it won't work or the ramp is too small. Also sometimes a car and trailer is parked in the very first spot and sometimes that can seem a little tricky but I am still able to do it.
I do prefer it if there is no traffic behind me and sometimes that is unavoidable.
Some people are just very impatient and although I never had a problem I have had people jump line and get in front of me and I have also had people tell me how amazed they were at how easy I did it. Each time out it seems like it is a different experience.
Take your time and be safe and there should be no problem.