Sooo, this happened at my ramp the other day...

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:05 pm

Moss covered ramp, backing to far.....and a 2wd truck.

Taxus812 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 29, 2013 3:34 pm **Posts:** 46

Well that just ruined the day!

I think I always have that fear in the back of my mind

Walt · **Posted:** Mon Jul 21, 2014 9:22 pm

Looks like someone left the plug out. Maybe if they had 2 bilge pumps, they woulda been OK.

Capt. Hoss · **Posted:** Tue Jul 22, 2014 7:43 am

I always have that fear, thats why when I splash or take out I always have the kiddos on the dock, with their lifejackets on.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Tue Jul 22, 2014 8:34 am

This is why busy rams can be so entertaining.

So many people back their trailer into the water way too far.

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Jul 22, 2014 8:46 am

This probably happened with no-one in the vehicle, and only the rear wheels have parking brakes / park function.

I am kind of fortunate in that my parking brake locks the rear wheels, and "Park" locks the front wheels on my vehicle.

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Tue Jul 22, 2014 8:51 am

I wasn't there when this happened, but a friend of mine was (she took the pics). But the story is, that the guy backed into water, climbed in his boat and drove off trailer to tie up at dock. As he was tying up, his truck started sliding into the water. Driver SWEARS he engaged parking brake.

I launched at this ramp yesterday, and it does have an extreme case of moss-itus. Its like walking on a 4 inch green shag carpet, however, peeps who witnessed this, said he backed waaaay to far in, soooo.....

rchamberlin · **Posted:** Tue Jul 22, 2014 8:57 am

That's always been my biggest fear. The launch at the lake we usually go to is pretty flat and not concrete so I don't have to worry about it there. However at the resort we were at last week it was the steepest ramp I've ever seen. It looked like this: / and it was mossy concrete. I was a nervous wreck every time we launched and retrieved.

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

I always chock my front wheels when I get out to undo the bow strap. I almost slid down the ramp at Crystal beach the same way once. I'm not sure if a wheel chock would help if the entire ramp is moss covered though.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Jul 22, 2014 9:44 am

Trucks that launch/retrieve boats should be 4x4...yes even in the South or Southwest.
If the ramp is slick if you are in 4x4 and it's in Park, or in gear if a manual, the front tires will keep you from sliding if they are on a dry section of the ramp. Two wheel drive can't accomplish that.

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

I never got the idea of buying a 2 wheel drive truck anyway....

kd4pbs · **Joined:** Thu Sep 05, 2013 10:34 am **Posts:** 350

Shoulda had a Fiat. They can run underwater.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Jul 22, 2014 10:48 am

blue dragon wrote:

I always chock my front wheels when I get out to undo the bow strap.

Good precaution to chock if a steep ramp. Most ramps we use are not overly steep, and I undo the bow strap before
I back the boat in. That way the boat slides off the bunks as soon as it gets in the water, and I don't have to get out
of the Jeep. If you have a roller trailer, or VERY steep ramps, that may not work for you.
I agree, would not use anything but 4x4 for launching our boats. Very happy with how our new Jeep has worked out.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Jul 22, 2014 11:08 am

We have to use roller trailers here because of the 7 foot tidal swings. The way I keep the tires out of the salt water and slime, was to put on a 9' long tongue. It makes the trailer easier to back up and tows better too.
When I back down, I have the rear straps off, but the winch strap+safety chain on. I also use a chain and shackle to hold down the bow but that I disconnect before backing down. Contrary to what people think the boat does not fly off the roller trailer, or at least mine does not and the rollers are in good shape and well greased. I don't disconnect the safety chain till the stern is floating. I actually have to give it a push to get it to roll off a bit. Even then, it won't come all the way off till I put it in reverse.
With the long tongue the tires are never on a wet part of the ramp.
Having said all that I kept my old 98 Jeep (well gave it to my son) with manually engaged 4x4. I still do not completely trust electronic 4x4 and actually prefer the Selectrac manual system in the '98.

Toddely · **Posted:** Tue Jul 22, 2014 11:29 am

LouC wrote:

Trucks that launch/retrieve boats should be 4x4...yes even in the South or Southwest.
If the ramp is slick if you are in 4x4 and it's in Park, or in gear if a manual, the front tires will keep you from sliding if they are on a dry section of the ramp. Two wheel drive can't accomplish that.

Amen, +1

www.iFourWinns.com

Sooo, this happened at my ramp the other day...

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