Trailer Hitch Extension for Shallow Boat Ramp Launching

 

By: Jim Kovarik, P15 HOPE #2669

© Copyright 2006

 

 

 

 

The pictures below demonstrate my telescoping trailer extension.

 

To manufacture this extension, I used the following materials:

 

I recommend that you purchase a new 5/8 drill bit to drill the holes for the hitch pins. The pictures below will show where I drilled the holes through both the existing trailer tongue and the telescoping extension, which were drilled with the extension inserted as far as it would go into the trailer tongue.

 

Please note: I had to remove the trailer lights wiring from inside the tongue. I re-routed it outside as you can see in the pictures below. I also had to reposition the safety chains.

 

BOAT LAUNCH

Extension telescoped inside the tongue of the trailer.

Note hitch pin through the tongue with pin lock. There is another hitch pin at the aft end of the trailer tongue. The hole in the tongue on the far left will be used for the other hitch pin when the trailer extension is fully extended.

 

The extension is inserted into the trailer tongue as far as it will go. The aft hitch pin is located as shown underneath the [unused] keel roller.

 

Remove the locking hitch pins.

Using the wheel jack, the extension slides smoothly out

the tongue without unhitching from the truck.

 

At full extension, the two hitch pins are re-inserted and locked.

The wheel jack can then be raised.

 

The hitch pins inserted, as shown, in the 18-inch extension/tongue overlap provide great stability during launch and recovery. The hitch pin on the right utilizes the same hole as used for the aft hitch pin while trailering. The hitch pin on the left uses a third hole drilled in the extension only.

Wheel jack is up.

 

Backing down to the ramp (with the stick lowered due to

low clearance caused by overhanging trees and wires).

 

HOPE floats off the trailer. You can see how far  

the truck would be in the water without the extension.

 

With the boat afloat, you can pull forward and unclip the extra long

painter from the truck without getting your feet wet.

 

Note installation of an eyelet in the truck bumper for the clip on the extra long painter.

 

HOPE rigged and ready to head out on Lake Conway,

Orlando, FL. January 3, 2006

 
BOAT RECOVERY

Again using the extra long painter, you can float the boat over the

trailer all the way to the bow bumper.

 

Here’s HOPE all the way forward on the trailer.

 

The extra long painter makes it easy to float HOPE onto the trailer

without getting my feet wet. Nanner-nanner-naaaaaaner!

 

As you can see, when pulling the boat onto the trailer, my feet stay nice

and dry!

 

This cleat on the truck helps to secure the boat on the trailer while you

pull the boat and trailer up the ramp.

 

HOPE rides up the ramp and can be secured for the ride home.

 

Obviously, you must compress the extension, re-secure the hitch pins, and reconnect the trailer lights plug prior to trailering home.

 

If you need any further information, please contact me at:

jimcst@bellsouth.net

 
Make your own shrouds.

For illustrated instructions, go to:

Making Your Own Shrouds
Here's a good idea for those of you who have to step the mast after launching the boat.

Mast Stepping