Curious…… What is the best tow vehicle set-up for a slippery boat ramp?

[C-Ya]

This discussion comes up occasionally where I live…….. I think it’s because there are so many vehicles that end up in water at the boat ramps in Florida. A LOT

Obviously a four wheel drive is part of the equation.

Is a 4x4 Dually better than a 4x4 with oversized tires?

Maybe someone can comment on my next statement? Would letting the air pressure out of the tires, to say 15 psi, would be advised? This works well in sand. It gives the tire a bigger footprint in the sand, but not sure if that same theory applies to a slippery boat ramp.

I rarely need the ramp myself, but for many of my friends, this is their only option. Unlike Parker or Havasu, we have tide swings. Nobody likes using a Florida boat ramp at low tide.

Here is another way of asking my question. If you moved to Florida, had the funds to buy whatever tow vehicle you thought would work best at the boat ramp, what would it be? Why?

 

[MK1MOD0]

My guess is a 4x4 dually, with all terrains. Maximize the traction ! But as ya know, some of those ramps are slippery as hell! No surprising some trucks slide in down there.

 

[zhandfull]

I’m not sure if a slippery ramp is just a Florida issue. AZ may have a few too.

I’m curious as well, have a 2003 Suburban 1500 two wheel drive I plan to launch the pontoon in Havasu. Haven’t used it yet but have been wondering how it will do.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I'd think a single rear wheel would increase your down force. Duals are good for floatation, like mentioned on sand, but the ramps are solid. Probably also depends on the size of boat and tongue weight. I'd also think a "stock" type motor with a smooth throttle response...my buddies hopped up Cummins was fun as hell to watch at Pleasant

 

[4Waters]

If you air down too much you end up with a cup in the tire and you won't be maximizing traction on pavement, 25-30psi is probably the lowest I would go. The other thing that helps is to not have the transmission in drive or low, put it in 2nd and ease on the throttle, just enough to get it moving and hold it there

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I remember years ago I was pulling my old jet boat out of the water at Windsor, the vacuum line to actuate the four wheel drive wasn't working. I had a really tough time pulling the boat out, my blazer was sliding all over the place. To me it's all about having four wheel drive.

 

[oldboatsrule]

most people don't "use the stall" in the converter when launching and retrieving. While holding the brake with one foot, push the throttle to say 12-1500 rpm (or more for heavy boats). Then slightly release the brake to get you moving. This will eliminate the "roll back" and the ensuing panic throttle stomp that begins the wheel spinning shit show.

If you are incapable of driving with both feet.(god bless you) set the e-brake on a little bit.

Both of these will force an open diff to transfer power away from a spinning wheel as a side bonus.

 

[FreeBird236]

I'm only pulling out about 5,000 pounds, but the electronic limited slip on my 2 wheel drive Tundra works great.

A friends 4 wheel Chevy does well also, but must be in 4 wheel drive to get out.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I'd think a single rear wheel would increase your down force. Duals are good for floatation, like mentioned on sand, but the ramps are solid. Probably also depends on the size of boat and tongue weight. I'd also think a "stock" type motor with a smooth throttle response...my buddies hopped up Cummins was fun as hell to watch at Pleasant

I have a SRW because it plants better in the snow, and in slick conditions...

The sacrifice is when I'm loaded top heavy (think two sleds on my deck), and its remotely windy its more noticeable than with duals...but the second I'm in the snow or on a slick ramp..having the single wheel is a night and day difference. Airbags help with the stability feeling issue though.. I briefly owned a dually once....wasn't for me, unless I had to have one for something I'll stick with SRW...my capacities are not much different than a DRW model..

 

[Get415]

So would that also apply to soft dirt and mud for duals? Would that work to your benefit or the opposite?

 

[Shlbyntro]

well obviously....

but seriously, A dually is going to hurt you in terms of getting up a ramp unless you have a pallet of gold bars or concrete in the bed. It's all about tractive force, basically you want as much weight on as small of a footprint as you can. Of course there is a threshold of where the math starts working backwards but that's closer to the cookie cutter tires than it is standard tire size.

tires with softer rubber compounds are going to do better, so those michellin high mileage tires need to go. A good basic AT tire is probably going to serve you best. A rwd SUV is going to do better than a truck as there is more weight over the rear axle for traction.

or basically any 4wd with limited slip that has the towing capacity for your needs is going to do you.

 

[NicPaus]

Crew cab long bed 4wd with AT tires. That works best in Glamis also.

We have the worst ramp in Parker. Majority of the time with my boat I use 4wd Low.

 

[H20 Toie]

It would be tough to beat a 4x4 Sportchassis
Period
Other than the cost it’s pretty much better in every other category

 

[Dr Rob]

So would that also apply to soft dirt and mud for duals? Would that work to your benefit or the opposite?

Dual rear wheels do not like sand or snow.

 

[H20 Toie]

Dual rear wheels do not like sand or snow.

Never seen sand or snow on a launch ramp that I would want to use

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Something with 4WD, a long chassis, and a ton of weight over the front axle. That Sport Chassis with AT tires would be my bet.

 

[Icky]

It would be tough to beat a 4x4 Sportchassis
Period
Other than the cost it’s pretty much better in every other category

View attachment 1320356

Saw one get stuck at Havasu marina, only one tire was spinning. A few of us had to get on it to weigh it down as he didn't want me to put a push rope on it.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Helicopter. Just drop the boat in the water.

 

[Dr Rob]

Something with 4WD, a long chassis, and a ton of weight over the front axle. That Sport Chassis with AT tires would be my bet.

Long wheel base with four wheel drive is the key. Keep the front wheels on the dry concrete.

 

[JDKRXW]

4WD obviously... non-dually. Preferably with ground grip tires.
If you know you're headed to a slick ramp - with any type of pickup - stop at Home Despot on the way to the ramp and buy 20 or so bags of playground sand. Stack them up at the rear end of the box.
Cheap Insurance (coming from a guy that can see ice for 6 months a year).

 

[Gramps]

I think a big issue is an empty bed on a pickup is not a good thing......a few hundred pound in the bed should help the traction issue

 

[500bbc]

I think an RV would be the best bet, check the youtube videos...

 

[Cdog]

For your world cat a 1/2 ton Chevy gas engine 4x4 with a posi rear end.

Did you catch any of that tornado in Ft. Lauderdale?

 

[trophybug19]

I think a big issue is an empty bed on a pickup is not a good thing......a few hundred pound in the bed should help the traction issue

This is 100% correct. I once put 2 55 gallon drums in my bed and filled them with water. With a 2 wheel drive half ton on a ramp I would always spin out on, was able to chug on out like I was in 4 low.

 

[rivermobster]

most people don't "use the stall" in the converter when launching and retrieving. While holding the brake with one foot, push the throttle to say 12-1500 rpm (or more for heavy boats). Then slightly release the brake to get you moving. This will eliminate the "roll back" and the ensuing panic throttle stomp that begins the wheel spinning shit show.

If you are incapable of driving with both feet.(god bless you) set the e-brake on a little bit.

Both of these will force an open diff to transfer power away from a spinning wheel as a side bonus.

This. ^^^

It's more about technique than the vehicle being used.

4x4 is nice, but I've never had to engage mine on a launch ramp.

Knowing how to use two feet, or having a locker or limited slip diff would be the best options to use.

 

[Runs2rch]

This. ^^^

It's more about technique than the vehicle being used.

4x4 is nice, but I've never had to engage mine on a launch ramp.

Knowing how to use two feet, or having a locker or limited slip diff would be the best options to use.

One thing not mentioned is the driver staying in the vehicle when launching. Most slide in's happen when the driver hops out and sets the e brake.

 

[Sharky]

I'd think a single rear wheel would increase your down force. Duals are good for floatation, like mentioned on sand, but the ramps are solid. Probably also depends on the size of boat and tongue weight. I'd also think a "stock" type motor with a smooth throttle response...my buddies hopped up Cummins was fun as hell to watch at Pleasant

We used to have dualies get stuck in the service dept in the winter. On flat ground.

Be pulling in vehicles in the winter. Stop just inside the door and clean the snow off. Had a set of floor grates by the door as well.

The piles of snow after a few vehicles and a dualie would sit & spin if it came in and hit the snow.. If it was a 4X4, throw it in 4H.

2WD, get the shovel out.

If it had a utility body with a generator and Lincoln welder and 3500 pounds of tools, it was OK

 

[JUSTWANNARACE]

Super Swamper Boggers @8psi and let 'er eat

 

[monkeyswrench]

I have a SRW because it plants better in the snow, and in slick conditions...

The sacrifice is when I'm loaded top heavy (think two sleds on my deck), and its remotely windy its more noticeable than with duals...but the second I'm in the snow or on a slick ramp..having the single wheel is a night and day difference. Airbags help with the stability feeling issue though.. I briefly owned a dually once....wasn't for me, unless I had to have one for something I'll stick with SRW...my capacities are not much different than a DRW model..

Duallies are great for certain things. As you mentioned, stability when carrying weight up high. I always had them for work trucks and large gooseneck trailers. Honestly, my best launch ramp vehicle has been my 2wd Excursion. Big gas tank aft of the axle, pig has to weigh 7k on it's own. Not super fancy, but has never had an issue on some slimy ramps.

 

[C-Ya]

For your world cat a 1/2 ton Chevy gas engine 4x4 with a posi rear end.

Did you catch any of that tornado in Ft. Lauderdale?

I was with a big group watching the NFL game. At approx 5:30, all of our phones started getting notifications from “The Emergency Broadcast System”of a tornado warning in our area. 10 minutes later there was another alert. Then at 5:45, our phones were alerting that the tornado had touched down in Ft Lauderdale heading NE. When I got home, there was non stop news coverage, with many videos. It went right through the “high rent” district!

I took a pic of an article in today’s paper. Somebody got a perfect video of the tornado hitting the boat pictured in article. It was anchored just south of the Las Olas bridge. The tornado made a direct hit on the boat, as it headed for Fort Lauderdale beach.

 

[rivermobster]

One thing not mentioned is the driver staying in the vehicle when launching. Most slide in's happen when the driver hops out and sets the e brake.

But what if you wanna be on The Qualified Captain?

 

[rivermobster]

I was with a big group watching the NFL game. At approx 5:30, all of our phones started getting notifications from “The Emergency Broadcast System”of a tornado warning in our area. 10 minutes later there was another alert. Then at 5:45, our phones were alerting that the tornado had touched down in Ft Lauderdale heading NE. When I got home, there was non stop news coverage, with many videos. It went right through the “high rent” district!

I took a pic of an article in today’s paper. Somebody got a perfect video of the tornado hitting the boat pictured in article. It was anchored just south of the Las Olas bridge. The tornado made a direct hit on the boat, as it headed for Fort Lauderdale beach.

View attachment 1320373

THEQUALIFIEDCAPTAIN on Instagram: "This is crazy footage from a tornado in Ft. Lauderdale today. The power behind a tornado is wild. Look how easily it takes out these sail boats. Weather can change so damn fast.. hope everyone was ok Repost: @laur

40K likes, 623 comments - thequalifiedcaptain on January 6, 2024: "This is crazy footage from a tornado in Ft. Lauderdale today. The power behind a tornado is wild. Look how easily it takes out these sail boats. Weather can change so damn fast.. hope everyone was ok Repost: @laurenlanders “365...

www.instagram.com

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Duallies are great for certain things. As you mentioned, stability when carrying weight up high. I always had them for work trucks and large gooseneck trailers. Honestly, my best launch ramp vehicle has been my 2wd Excursion. Big gas tank aft of the axle, pig has to weigh 7k on it's own. Not super fancy, but has never had an issue on some slimy ramps.

Any SUV is great. My 2wd 4Runner actually launches and retrieves the boat easier than my F150. Weight over the rear axle is invaluable.

 

[C-Ya]

THEQUALIFIEDCAPTAIN on Instagram: "This is crazy footage from a tornado in Ft. Lauderdale today. The power behind a tornado is wild. Look how easily it takes out these sail boats. Weather can change so damn fast.. hope everyone was ok Repost: @laur

40K likes, 623 comments - thequalifiedcaptain on January 6, 2024: "This is crazy footage from a tornado in Ft. Lauderdale today. The power behind a tornado is wild. Look how easily it takes out these sail boats. Weather can change so damn fast.. hope everyone was ok Repost: @laurenlanders “365...

www.instagram.com

That’s one of them! You can see what it does to the sailboat masts.

 

[rivermobster]

That’s one of them! You can see what it does to the sailboat masts.

I was gonna text that to you yesterday, but I figured you had always seen it.

Like live and shit!

 

[C-Ya]

One of the items that I thought about…….. adding a front winch to the tow vehicle. This won’t keep you from sliding in, but it would give you a “already attached” tow line.

 

[rivermobster]

One of the items that I thought about…….. adding a front winch to the tow vehicle. This won’t keep you from sliding in, but it would give you a “already attached” tow line.

Me thinks you're talking about pulling out MUCH bigger boats than are launching in Lake Havasu??

 

[USMC2010]

Best one I ever had was a late 90's F150 2 wheel drive single axle...j/K. It was horrible. I almost always used my chevy in 4x to not deal with spinning out.

 

[Jed-O]

4WD obviously... non-dually. Preferably with ground grip tires.
If you know you're headed to a slick ramp - with any type of pickup - stop at Home Despot on the way to the ramp and buy 20 or so bags of playground sand. Stack them up at the rear end of the box.
Cheap Insurance (coming from a guy that can see ice for 6 months a year).

This and kitty litter

 

[C-Ya]

Me thinks you're talking about pulling out MUCH bigger boats than are launching in Lake Havasu??

Actually, I am starting to envision my life, once I have a toy condo 2.9 miles from my home.

I am wondering what tow vehicle I will park inside it?

I have begun to think about my next boat. The one I have custom made, after I have a storage condo. This boat will be pulled out of the water any time I know I am not going to be using it. Rather than my current situation of having my boat 24/7 on my boatlift. It sits on lift through almost any weather except hurricanes. Rain, wind, bird shit, iguanas shit. With 10 separate pieces of canvas covering. I’d rather just go put it away for storms.

Id like to be able to go to ramp at any tide, knowing that I have the best ramp setup I can get, so that I have peace of mind. My ramp has been on qualified captain several times with vehicles going into water.

The boat and trailer of my next boat will be approx 9500lb’s. The truck will only be used to take boat back and forth from storage condo. Right now, I expect that my storage condo will be 35’ by 65’, so I will have plenty of room to park it. I plan on just keeping truck hooked to trailer. Then taking golf cart back home. Easy peasy

 

[rivermobster]

Actually, I am starting to envision my life, once I have a toy condo 2.9 miles from my home.

I am wondering what tow vehicle I will park inside it?

I have begun to think about my next boat. The one I have custom made, after I have a storage condo. This boat will be pulled out of the water any time I know I am not going to be using it. Rather than my current situation of having my boat 24/7 on my boatlift. It sits on lift through almost any weather except hurricanes. Rain, wind, bird shit, iguanas shit. With 10 separate pieces of canvas covering. I’d rather just go put it away for storms.

Id like to be able to go to ramp at any tide, knowing that I have the best ramp setup I can get, so that I have peace of mind. My ramp has been on qualified captain several times with vehicles going into water.

The boat and trailer of my next boat will be approx 9500lb’s. The truck will only be used to take boat back and forth from storage condo. Right now, I expect that my storage condo will be 35’ by 65’, so I will have plenty of room to park it. I plan on just keeping truck hooked to trailer. Then taking golf cart back home. Easy peasy

Pretty much anything can tow 10k lb a short distance these days. Get a crew cab 4x4 Short bed and put an air locker in the rear end. Add some air bags for good measure and you'll be good for what you envision.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Actually, I am starting to envision my life, once I have a toy condo 2.9 miles from my home.

I am wondering what tow vehicle I will park inside it?

I have begun to think about my next boat. The one I have custom made, after I have a storage condo. This boat will be pulled out of the water any time I know I am not going to be using it. Rather than my current situation of having my boat 24/7 on my boatlift. It sits on lift through almost any weather except hurricanes. Rain, wind, bird shit, iguanas shit. With 10 separate pieces of canvas covering. I’d rather just go put it away for storms.

Id like to be able to go to ramp at any tide, knowing that I have the best ramp setup I can get, so that I have peace of mind. My ramp has been on qualified captain several times with vehicles going into water.

The boat and trailer of my next boat will be approx 9500lb’s. The truck will only be used to take boat back and forth from storage condo. Right now, I expect that my storage condo will be 35’ by 65’, so I will have plenty of room to park it. I plan on just keeping truck hooked to trailer. Then taking golf cart back home. Easy peasy

done.

 

[old rigger]

Learned this when I was a kid and still use it. Set you E brake half way, crawl up the ramp with out wheel spin.

Always works...unless you have a newer electronic e brake.

 

[Dr Rob]

Learned this when I was a kid and still use it. Set you E brake half way, crawl up the ramp with out wheel spin.

Always works...unless you have a newer electronic e brake.

We called that a red neck locker.

 

[Hypnautic]

I’ve launched our 24’ with nothing but a 2WD SUV. First was a 03 Toyota then a 08 Escalade.

We’ve launched Havasu Marina, Site 6, Lake Mead, Mohave Telephone Cove, Cottonwood, Willow, Lake Mead ramps, Lake Powell, Millerton Lake, Oroville, Folsom, Delta, etc…. Point being—never had an issue with 2WD.

On difficult ramps I do the “stall” technique described earlier. I always referred it to “power breaking”. Press brake and give gas until you hear a little “chug” then you accelerate out by lifting the brake while keeping the accelerator on the same position.

But to answer the question asked—if price was not a concern what would I have to launch my float with—Rack Storage, Duh!!!

 

[PlanB]

I won't buy any vehicles used for towing without 4wd. It has saved me on wet steep ramps. We currently use the wife's new 4wd Suburban and it works well. My lifted 2500 HD is nice because it has a 6" lift on 35's. I can back much farther into the water and ramps that are not steep, and the water never touches the truck. I rarely drive the truck anymore though. The last time we launched with the Suburban (a few weeks ago) the water was really low at Havasu. The trailer actually went off the end of the ramp at the LHC Marina, which I have never had happen before. The back bumper of the Suburban was touching the water and I still had to power the boat off of the trailer. No big deal in fresh water, but I would not want to do that in salt. IMO a 4wd vehicle with some ground clearance is a good option.

 

[spectras only]

My boat on the trailer with low fuel weighs over 8350 pounds. 80 Gal tank full plus gear ,it's over 9000lbs. Never got stuck on any ramp, pulling the boat out with my 1/2 supercrew with short bed. If I found a real steep ramp with slime, I would want to put sand bags in the bed over the axle, or use a bunch of people voluntering My truck had max tow with EL diff that helps. 2014 was the last year for all steel body, later models with aluminum made no sense to me , unless you got a smaller/lighter boat combo.

 

[Cdog]

I was with a big group watching the NFL game. At approx 5:30, all of our phones started getting notifications from “The Emergency Broadcast System”of a tornado warning in our area. 10 minutes later there was another alert. Then at 5:45, our phones were alerting that the tornado had touched down in Ft Lauderdale heading NE. When I got home, there was non stop news coverage, with many videos. It went right through the “high rent” district!

I took a pic of an article in today’s paper. Somebody got a perfect video of the tornado hitting the boat pictured in article. It was anchored just south of the Las Olas bridge. The tornado made a direct hit on the boat, as it headed for Fort Lauderdale beach.

View attachment 1320373

Glad you’re not affected. The video here almost looks like your home with the land to the south. I know it’s not but damn if that doesn’t look similar.

TikTok - Make Your Day

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I think an RV would be the best bet, check the youtube videos..

Used to do that a lot. The looks we would get at Davis Dam launch ramp. Big old Vouge RV pulling the boat outta the water lol

 

[mjc]

I had an 87 crew cab dually Chevy, after the last set of tires I put on it they sucked. Laughing my 29 fountain it would slide down the ramp until the boat hit the water and stopped it. I had to go to 25 psi to get it to not slide worked great after that.