Boat ramp slipping RWD / 4WD

[Neptune442]

We sold our 2000 Sport, and are looking at a 2005 SV-211 to replace it. We used our Chevy Express 3/4 ton passenger van to haul around our Sport. 6.0L engine, so plenty of power. Its RWD, but it never once had a problem slipping on the ramps and pulling our 2700lb Sport out of the water. The SV-211 looks to weigh about 1,100lbs more. I realize that ramp slopes and conditions might make this difficult to answer, but as a general rule, do those of you with boats as large or larger than a SV-211 typically require 4WD to get up boat ramps? Or do you think our RWD van may be ok? Thanks!

[core-rider]

Should be able to pull no issue... if it doesn’t have a limited slip rearend I’d suggest installing one. Having both tires put power to the ground is really the only thing to help with 2wd.

[Nautiquehunter]

I pull my 08 210 with a 05 Savana 3500 no problems

[Evening Shade]

Should be fine as long as you don't have use steep, slimy boat ramps. I have had 3 boats that all weighed more than your SV-211 and I have only had to put my truck in 4WD a couple times and that was on steep, slimy ramps.

[Neptune442]

Those replies are really helpful, thanks everyone!

[hal2814]

If you have an issue, you can load the back of your van with weight. I do that on my F150 when I have to drop my 230 in a particularly slimy ramp. I just get people out of the boat and sitting in the bed to get the boat up when it’s bad. That’s not a cure all but it’s probably enough to get an SV-211 out. Also make sure your trailer tires are properly inflated. I was having issues last year until I realized my tires were 10psi low.

[greggmck]

Back your boat so the trailer fenders are just submerged. And never, ever back in so far that the rear tires of your tow vehicle are in the water and all should be good.

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[Neptune442]

Back your boat so the trailer fenders are just submerged. And never, ever back in so far that the rear tires of your tow vehicle are in the water and all should be good.

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All great tips, thanks hal and gregg!

Speaking of the fenders being submerged, and loading procedures. Do you guys usually throttle/drive your boat up the trailer when loading? Or is it more towards floating it to the front of the trailer? I guess I've never really known the correct procedure. The inclines at some of the ramps we use are so slight, that if I kept my rear wheels out of the water, there's no way the fenders would be fully submerged. So I'd have to give it quite a bit of throttle to get it up the trailer. Is that ok?

[MTRBTR]

You will probably get lots of different opinions on this. Every kind of trailer is different. But I would not recommend what you are suggesting. I need my fenders just under the water and usually a little more. I do like to float mine on if I can but have done it both ways depending on the situation.

[greggmck]

It is often recommended to avoid powering the boat on to the trailer. This can dig a large trench from the prop wash which can over time undermine the integrity of the ramp.

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[Neptune442]

Ah that makes total sense. There is a ramp that I try to avoid because if positioned wrong, the trailer tires drop into a large hole...never realized it was from prop wash

[LakesideRec]

Rear-wheel drive only vehicles have the risk of losing traction, sliding down the ramp and becoming submerged, so I would avoid using them for trailering if possible with larger boats.

Also, if you do use a 2wd vehicle (or forget to put your 4x4 in 4wd) be sure to remember to disconnect the boat from the trailer winch BEFORE you back down the last bit of the ramp and the boat starts floating. The front of the boat can actually float enough to lift the trailer tongue, causing the tow vehicle rear wheels to lose traction and slide down further into the water.

[jtryon]

my boat is almost 6k with trailer and even though i have 4wd, i never have to use it to pull the boat out. unless you're on a gravel ramp or something weird like that, you should be fine. go slow and don't spin the tires.

[MTRBTR]

I would NEVER unhook my winch before backing down the ramp. Unhook it before it floats yes but you don’t want your boat sitting on the ramp.

[Neptune442]

This is getting controversial! I've got a Nissan Titan I could use, but of course that doesn't fit all of us. Sounds like it should be fine, but maybe we'll bring both vehicles the first time or two just to be safe, until we know how the van goes.