Not sure if this is more of a general topics question, but here goes...
When its time to pull the boat out of the water, I back the trailer and vehicle down the ramp, put the vehicle in park, and set the parking brake. After the boat is secured, I hop back in the vehicle, firmly hold the brake, release the parking brake, and put vehicle in 'drive' (automatic transmission). Sometimes the shifter seems stiff, and sometimes it is accompanied by a noticeable 'clunk'. I'm guessing this is due to the vehicle being pulled back slightly during loading. Is this a common issue? Should I be setting the vehicle in neutral vs park when getting the boat? Do folks with manual transmissions leave them in N with the engine running, or shut it off and shift into first (parking brake set)?
It's a less than ideal minivan towing a 17.5 bowrider, which is at max rated tow capacity. Just not sure if it's entirely equipment related or a combo of that and bad procedure. Also looking at going to 21ft boat / Sequioa combo that's not right at tow capacity that I hope will do away with the issue.
Thanks!!!
When its time to pull the boat out of the water, I back the trailer and vehicle down the ramp, put the vehicle in park, and set the parking brake. After the boat is secured, I hop back in the vehicle, firmly hold the brake, release the parking brake, and put vehicle in 'drive' (automatic transmission). Sometimes the shifter seems stiff, and sometimes it is accompanied by a noticeable 'clunk'. I'm guessing this is due to the vehicle being pulled back slightly during loading. Is this a common issue? Should I be setting the vehicle in neutral vs park when getting the boat? Do folks with manual transmissions leave them in N with the engine running, or shut it off and shift into first (parking brake set)?
It's a less than ideal minivan towing a 17.5 bowrider, which is at max rated tow capacity. Just not sure if it's entirely equipment related or a combo of that and bad procedure. Also looking at going to 21ft boat / Sequioa combo that's not right at tow capacity that I hope will do away with the issue.
Thanks!!!
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