losing traction

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />We took the boat out yesterday and had a little problem with the tire slipping. The ramp was corregated with groves and I was pulling 17.5 bowrider that weighs about say 2300 lbs using a automatic Nissan Fronteir (V6) rear wheel drive (tow capacity is 5000 lbs). We have been pulling with this set up for about a year. <br /><br />The ramp surface was a little wet from people going in and out. No algea growth. Overall it was a good surface. <br /><br />Is it normal for the the tire to spin for about two or three second before grabing on? I had the wheel choke and the car was in low gear. I did notice that other trucks had similar problem. Some of these truck were V8. <br /><br />Anyway, have any of you had any success with using traction mats? I see some mates made for the snow. The are rubber mats with teeth and both sides. Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: losing traction

Obviously if the wheels are spinning, it makes no difference whether the vehicle has a 6 cylinder, V8 or even a 4 cylinder engine. The problem is traction -- more specifically lack of it. If there is too little tongue weight traction will be an issue but typically its a tire tread issue coupled with a wet surface. Chances are you would have no problem if the vehicle had a limited slip/posi-traction differential. This should be a minimum requirement for any two wheel drive truck towing a boat. Without it, on a wet ramp the best you have is one-wheel drive. With one wheel spinning you go nowhere.

 

[KM2]

Re: losing traction

Things that can help. More weight in the back of the pickup. Pull some heavy gear out of the boat and put it in the truck prior to pull out, Get some sand and keep it in a ice cream bucket, sprinkle a little in front of both back tires. Trailer adjustments to add tongue weight and/or axle mods are great but a little more difficult to do.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: losing traction

it is recommended the 10% of total loaded trailer wieght be on the tongue with the weight of your boat and trailer you should have about 300 lbs on the tongue. get the bath room scales out and test it on a flat surface. you are driving a pick up which is light in the a** anyway. if you have 300lbs on the tongue and still spinning i would move the boat forward a couple of inches and see if that helps. or get every one to stand in the bow while you pull her out. i've driven pickups for the last 30 years and it takes weight to get pulling traction.

 

[watered down]

Re: losing traction

Originally posted by KM2:<br /> Things that can help. More weight in the back of the pickup. Pull some heavy gear out of the boat and put it in the truck prior to pull out, Get some sand and keep it in a ice cream bucket, sprinkle a little in front of both back tires. Trailer adjustments to add tongue weight and/or axle mods are great but a little more difficult to do.

Yup, I've also seen and participated in the throw some friends in the back of the truck. Had a friend who truck kept spinning out. I jumped in and asked two other people at the launch area to climb in....no slipping and pulled right out.

 

[gatorred]

Re: losing traction

I have a pickup ford pulling a 17 ft ranger 1900 lb that i was stuck the guy with tractor had to pull me out that why i got a bronco v8 4x4 i haven't got it stuck yet, even pulling 3800 lb 20 ft cabin boat in and out yet ok i have a 6000 lb portable wrench it was in a autoparts store in utah for 50 dollers after rebate. it moved my 20 ft and bronco off the road togather the motor quit in road backing it in my home.

 

[paulie0735]

Re: losing traction

I don't see the problem, a little wheel spin on a wet ramp is very normal for a rear wheel drive pick up style vehicle. Don’t be tempted to bury your boot in the carpet and it should hook up (as you have said it does) and you’re away! Its worth checking the weight on the hitch and the condition of your tires from a safety view point and sure putting a couple of buddies in the back will help, but unless the wheel spin is excessive than don’t worry about it. Going to 4x4 just to stop a little wheel spin on a wet ramp is silly and for the total of 10 – 20 seconds of wheel spin per year your trading that against the increased complexity of a 4wd and all that extra weight and increased fuel consumption…….. for what? If you want a 4wd than get one for its ability to take you places that a 2wd won’t, but don’t do it just to avoid a little bit of wheel slip on a wet boat ramp. Go fishing, enjoy your boat!

 

[Hunky Dory]

Re: losing traction

Apply light parking brake pressure (assuming rear wheel activation). This will make both wheels carry some torque to the ground and you'll have simulated positrac til you reach dry pavement.<br /><br />Don't drive home that way; such would make for an unpleasant odor and cut into your gas mileage. Tough on the brakes as well...

 

[SwampNut]

Re: losing traction

Limited slip is fairly easy to add on and carries no penalties like 4wd does. I have a 2wd truck with limited slip, and with proper throttle control, don't slip when pulling out a 10k pound boat/trailer.