Struggled at the boat ramp

For the last 3 years I have launched my boat at several boat ramps and never had an issue with my 2wd Tacoma. Today I struggled. Not only did my tires spin when taking out the trailer after launching my boat but also struggled while taking out the boat. I could not get traction until some folks starting to jump on the back of pickup to help. The only thing that has changed in my truck are my swap with factory 2023 16” wheels and factory Firestone destination tires. Same brand I have always had on the truck with no issues.
I did see other bigger trucks also struggling which leads me to believe that the ramps need some cleaning, but I do want to be better prepared in the future. Anyone use traction matts or anything similar at a boat ramp? Any recommendation to avoid this again in the future greatly appreciated. thanks

 

Do you have a low range option with your 2wd? That helps out with getting traction down. Other options could be add a bunch of weight to the bed when taking the boat out, air the tires down if you have a portable compressor to air back up or buy a truck with 4wd.

 

Air down next time, slick is slick. Not much you can really do except change tires or add a traction enhancer (LSD)

 

no low range, as it has no transfer case

 

Some ramps get an algae on them below water level.
There is nothing you can do. Like Bishop said, Slick is slick.

When my niece was about 6 years old, she walked down the boat ramp.
Once she stepped into the water, she slid in. I ran down to get her and slid in too.
You couldn't even walk on the ramp. I had to swim us out.

Boat ramps can be a dangerous place.

I will say, the more the ramp is used, the less "slick" it is.
Mostly because the algae is eventually worn off by other guys spinning tires and using the ramp enough that is doesn't grow.

I guess my point is, 4WD and front tire OUT of the water is about as good as you can do.

 

Throw a bag of sand in your truck, pour it in your track if your slipping

 

When I was an apprentice in school learning how diffs work, we had a bunch of Tacoma diffs from 2005 models, for some reason they were failing due to heat and boat launches cooling them off too quickly.

Never ever saw it outside of my training college. The logic is there though, roaring hot diff, cold water.

Scary story though, allege is as slick as it gets, my kid is getting older now and I have to let him fall on it, they learn more from falling than dad saving them every time.

 

I couldn’t remember if the Prerunners still got a transfer case or not. Figured it was worth asking.

 

I don’t even think that would help. Bigger diesel trucks where spinning and struggling yesterday.

 

If the ramp has slime on it, it’s like ice. Studded tires work great on ice! With more weight on the rear axle you’re cutting through the slime and getting to the concrete. With FWD keeping the front axle out of the snot is the trick. This is completely my opinion and experience. Also if relying on the FWD engage before going in and after you’re lined up.

 

I like the sandbag idea in order to use for next time. As for lowering tire pressure, how low should they be? Anyone use traction mats?

 

I personally wouldn't lower tire pressure, since you're hauling the extra weight of the boat and would need to air back up.

This is what I've done, don't know if you're already doing this:
- stop with my rear tires right at the water's edge, like as far back as you can go without the standing water level going more than halfway to the rim
- when leaving, don't fully disengage the parking brake all at once (obviously you're using the parking brake, right?). Left foot on parking brake, pushed to disengage, but still holding pressure. Shift into drive, give some throttle to start applying torque to wheels, then gradually lift left foot to start moving.

I've found this to work by gradually giving torque to the ground, vs. the time to roll back between foot on the brake and throttle, which can easily brake the tires loose.

I guess I've done this offroad and on icy roads too, but it translates pretty well to the ramp.

Finally: where are you? Is this one of the first boating days of the season? Maybe the ramps also need scrubbed clean with some use.

 

I’ve always use the parking brake but not as you described. When ready to haul the boat out, I disengage it completely and then use regular brakes as I accelerate in 1st gear. Never thought about the parking brake leaving somewhat engaged as the truck begins to move.

I’m in Miami. Boat ramps are frequently used but yes they do need some cleaning.

 

Having worked at a marina for 30 years and having lived my whole life on the water, I've launched more boats than I want to think about. Generally speaking, if you're on a man-made ramp and in far enough to get your rear differential wet, you're in waaay too deep. Of course, if you're using a dirt ramp built by Mother Nature, they can have a really shallow angle and you might have to go in that far.

 

Another thought. Since you have 2WD and most likely an open differential, you could try the old "poor man's Posi traction" method. This is where you lightly drag the brakes as you pull out. The trick is to drag them just enough to prevent the wheel with the least traction from spinning, but not so much as to prevent the truck from moving. Modulation is the trick here.

I used this trick a number of years ago whilst stuck in line to pull out at a single ramp. There was an idiot with a Chevy van, an open diff and no common sense stuck pulling out and doing his best John Force / NHRA burnout imitation in front of us. I sent my son and two of his buddies up to teach him the trick and bounce on his back bumper. He popped that bod boy out like a Champagne cork out of a bottle. After I pulled out, he came up, shook my hand and handed me a 12 pack. Nice!

 

Just curious, but does your truck have that electronic limited slip button for when in 2wd? Does it help at all?

 

Usually auto trucks will start in 2nd gear if you select 2nd. This reduces the torque to the tires and makes it easier to not slip. The intended use is for ice, but it might work on a boat ramp too.

 

I’ve always used 1st gear to start off. Never tried 2nd gear from the start. Just shifted into it once the boat was coming out just fine.

 

Great question. Would have to try it.