Lets see your Truck Bed Launch systems!

Mr Bojangles · 10-09-2009, 10:37 PM

I searched forever when I made mine and there wasn't much out there, so I made my own from bits and pieces of others. So I figured why not start a thread to show others and get some new ideas.

I don't have a trailer, and I don't need one. I also tow a boat, so I can have both at the same time, I just have to drop the boat trailer. But mine consists of a rail system that mounts in the truck bed into two threaded sections with eye bolts and the winch is removable so I can fit the ski all the way in the bed. I use a ratchet strap to keep the tension on the winch so it doesn't pop out. Then its just a 8 foot wheel section that just sits on the tailgate. I will let the pics do the talking.........

Video...................
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6AQdWzzoKU

lake-skater15 · 10-09-2009, 10:47 PM

That's pretty cool. I just slide mine in and out of the truck off of the bare bed liner.

nightrider05 · 10-09-2009, 10:55 PM

Looks like it works pretty good. We just lift our Superjets into the back of the truck..

XDiePureX · 10-10-2009, 02:33 AM

you can still a tow a boat with the ski in the back of the truck?

johnny5 · 10-10-2009, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XDiePureX

you can still a tow a boat with the ski in the back of the truck?

I think it would depend on the length of your trailer tounge...with the tailgate down and all.....

Mr Bojangles · 10-10-2009, 06:49 AM

Thanks! Yeah I can tow my boat trailer with the ski in the bed. But I have a long trailer so it's not close to the tailgate, I just did it a few weeks ago

mjlvd3 · 10-11-2009, 10:15 PM

I was thinking about doing something like this with my truck. I like the hand crank idea. I was searching for some cheap electronic winch, but haven't had any luck so far. I'm mostly worried about the steeper boat launches, cause my F150 is 2wd and don't want to chance sliding further into the water. How long is your rail system with the wheels? Thats a great idea. I was just going to foam and carpet some steel tube rails.. Glad you started this thread!

Offroadie · 10-11-2009, 10:31 PM

I have had thoughts of this for years. Didn't have a ski until recently and I am currently lifting it in and out of the truck bed manually. Yours looks almost exactly like I pictured mine would look in my head. If I decide to actually build one I will let you know. Current method is effective and the right price at the moment.

Mr Bojangles · 10-11-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjlvd3

I was thinking about doing something like this with my truck. I like the hand crank idea. I was searching for some cheap electronic winch, but haven't had any luck so far. I'm mostly worried about the steeper boat launches, cause my F150 is 2wd and don't want to chance sliding further into the water. How long is your rail system with the wheels? Thats a great idea. I was just going to foam and carpet some steel tube rails.. Glad you started this thread!

Its 8 feet long. I was afraid too, and I haven't tried a steep ramp yet. I have just done the ramp sown and from the side of a river bank. I have a 2wd truck and I have no problems, you just don't want to drive your truck that far into the water. I just get the wheels wet. I am more afraid of the ski sliding off than anything else.

Oh harbor freight has cheap winches, I think they are $70 if that cheap.

Mr Bojangles · 10-11-2009, 10:41 PM

here is one I got most of my ideas from off google. they used a electric winch......