Santa Barbara Sinking Truck @ Launchramp

[Duncan]

Our 2009 Nissan Armada is 4WD. But I keep the selector on AUTO (works well in snow) rather than 4WD when putting the boat in. Anyone think selecting 4WD provides an advantage?

[Dandy]

Our 2009 Nissan Armada is 4WD. But I keep the selector on AUTO (works well in snow) rather than 4WD when putting the boat in. Anyone think selecting 4WD provides an advantage?

I believe strongly in 4WD here vs. Auto 4WD. The reason is that the Auto is waiting for something to signify that 4WD is needed, where as in 4WD the front wheels are already engaged and ready to go to work. Sure, it may only take a few seconds or less for Auto to activate but could that short amount of time possibly make a difference?

I have honestly wondered more about 4WD Lo vs. Hi at the ramp.

[Ewok]

If the ramp is steep or slippery I use 4wd low, but for most average ramps I just use 4wh, but that's with our Sequoia. In the 4Runner I always used 4wd low.

[dj2]

How about removing your transom and bow straps before backing down the ramp? I NEVER back down the ramp with straps connected, we drop the boat and get out of the way, as soon as the water pickup is submerged I start the boat, when it is running my brother backs up my truck, I back off the trailer as soon as I am floating and he is pulling the truck and trailer up the ramp. Same routine like clockwork every time. I can't imagine how pissed I would be to have my boat drag my truck into the lake....

I have a 2011 F350 but have never used 4wd to drop or pick up my RZ4.

[Duncan]

How about removing your transom and bow straps before backing down the ramp? I NEVER back down the ramp with straps connected

I always disconnect transom straps. But I never disconnect the bow strap until the engine is running. I also would not want to risk the boat shifting while coming down the ramp with no bow strap.

[tigeidaho]

How about removing your transom and bow straps before backing down the ramp? I NEVER back down the ramp with straps connected

Depending on the ramp I will undo all straps. We do have a couple of ramps that are steep enough I won't risk it. I have seen boats come off the trailer before water line, twice. Both times were due to driver backing down and not realizing how steep the ramp was. They hit the brakes and viola boat meet concrete.

[Thegerman618]

Transom straps off, bow strap always till it's running and verified no leaks. Then bow comes off, although this is interesting when I first bought my truck 2013 F150 Eco Boost, pulled out just fine in 2wd, as of late been needing 4 high to get her out, probably just my tires getting worn in.

[Ewok]

Depending on the ramp I will undo all straps. We do have a couple of ramps that are steep enough I won't risk it. I have seen boats come off the trailer before water line, twice. Both times were due to driver backing down and not realizing how steep the ramp was. They hit the brakes and viola boat meet concrete.

I've seen that happen too, especially boats on roller bunks. I'm with Duncan and Thegerman618, I leave the bow strap on and remove it when the boat is in the water. Most people should and do develop some sort of checklist, either mental or written down. When I pull up to a ramp I get out, look at the ramp, plan how I'm going to float off, either with lines from a dock or just drive right off the trailer. If it's not busy I'll set up my Bimini, if it's busy I'll do it on the water. Next I get the lines and fenders out, then take off the transom straps and put the plug in at the same time. I also keep a spare plug on the boat keychain so even if I do forget, I have a plug at the ready. Then I back down the ramp. When the water pickup is deep enough in the water, I either start the engine or have my wife do it, un-clip the bow strap and then continue to back into the water until the boat floats off, keeping an eye on the water line so I don't get too deep with the truck.

I do it the same way, in the same order every time so that if I forget something it feels weird and I know I forgot something so I go around the boat and repeat all the steps until I'm satisfied. I keep the plug on my keys to the boat because I forgot to put it in one time, and it was a good walk/sprint to go back to the tow vehicle to get the plug and also to get the trailer in the water before the boat fills up too much. There are those who have, and those who will forget the plug.

[IDBoating]

I leave the bow strap on and remove it when the boat is in the water.

This, for all of the reasons stated.

[JohnnieMo]

They were taking their pants off to dive in and rescue the driver. Pretty noble actually. Another guy was trying to detach the boat from the trailer.

I have no idea why he sat in the truck so long. Disbelief I suspect. The windshield wipers were likely set to auto.

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