My tow set up
 

This is my set up, a Chevy 1500 2WD with the 5.3L and a 1990 2000Z. The pickup pulls it great, you know it is back there but it does pretty good. This last weekend we had it out and I had a hard time getting it back up the ramp after it was loaded, two guys had to jump on the back bumper to get enough traction to make it up and out of the water. The ramp was steep and wet so I know that didn't help me at all. I am looking for suggestions for the next time when it is just the 3 of us and there doesn't happen to be two guys standing around to act as bumper weights! This weekend I am planning on trying a different ramp that should be in better condition and not quite so slick.

Re: My tow set up
 

I see alot of guys that go way too fast and spin their tires for no reason at all. I would suggest going really really slow up the ramp. If your tires break loose and start to spin, then stop immediately and restart again going slow. I see alot of guys that once their tires break loose and start to spin, they feel the urge to gun it. That does nothing but burn up your tires. Also, what if you tried lowering your ball to put more weight on the rear axle? If you have an adjustable hitch, try lowering it just to pull the boat out. And then once you get your boat out, you will have to raise it back up before you get on the road. It is extra work, but a simple fix and beats having to recruit people at the ramp to jump up and down on the back of your truck while trying to pull your boat out!


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Re: My tow set up
 

Yeah, one of the guys in front of me decided that once his tires started spinning that faster and more smoke ment that he would go forward. I put it in first and slowly started out but the slick wet ramp was to much. I have two ball and hitch setups, they are just a small drop hitch but I have one turned upside down to lift the trailer higher when towing. I will have to try using the other lower one next time. I will say that boat loads like a dream, probably one of the easiest I have ever loaded.

Re: My tow set up
 

Do you have the optimal tongue weight?

Re: My tow set up
 

Ultimately, the best solution is a 4x4 truck, but if that's out of the question, the other option you could look into is a locking differential. It'll have to be professionally installed, and it's a bit expensive, but it'll allow your wheels to lock together for better traction. There are multiple options, but I'd either go with a true full time locker (Detroit) or a selectable one which would allow you to lock and unlock when you need it. Selectables are by far, the most expensive, but they are awesome. They make air & electric locking diffs. I had front & rear selectable air lockers in my old rockcrawler, they were amazing.

Re: My tow set up
 

jetinspector, I didn't see it mentioned yet - what type of tires do you have on your truck, and how much tread is remaining? Tires can and will play a large role in towing.

Also, what year is your truck (I can tell it's a 99 or newer from the back, but couldn't see the grill). Does it have traction control, or a tow/haul button? Also,look in your glovebox/center console for the manufacturers RPO codes. There will be various RPO numbers on the decal (each represents something installed on your truck). Try to locate one that says G80. Here is an example of the Service Parts Identification decal

http://img26.photobucket.com/albums/...v_bx_rmVIN.jpg


The G80 code is for the factory Eaton locking differential. This is a mechanical locking differential. These will lock after the tires spin. I have attached a video



The last few trucks I have had came with the G80. Although an electronic locking unit would be superior - a factory Eaton locker like the one in the video above should be sufficient for pulling your boat up the ramp (this is assuming your tires are up to the task).

Something else to consider would be tire pressure. You might try lowering the tire pressure on the back wheels (nothing drastic) but enough to "flatten" the tire out. I would suggest something around 20lbs perhaps. You could also get a few sandbags to toss in the bed of the truck for ballast.

If you don't have a G80 code, and your tires are good - I agree with ShabahZ280, and would suggest you look into a locking rear differential.

Good luck!

Nick

Re: My tow set up
 

Ah now something we here in the UK know about....lol
2 wheel drive pickups wheel spinning on a green ramp :yes_grin:

There are a couple of ramps around my way that get very green at low water.
Not a problem for me because I have 4x4, but a couple of my friends have rear wheel drive pickups (and a lot smaller than yours!)
They have a large water tank on the bed. fill it up before you launch or before you leave home.
then drain it after you've recovered :wink_thumbup:
One friend of mine even has a petrol powered pump attached for hosing down :D


A lot cheaper than locking diff's

Re: My tow set up
 

Nglauer, the pickup is a 99 with the tow/haul package, I have not had the chance to look and see if it has the G80 option. I had an ah ha moment as I was reading your post. The tires are in good shape but they are rated for 80psi, the previous owner used it to haul loads of wood so he put tires with a higher weight rating on. I have been running 60psi in them and I would bet if I backed it down to about 30psi it would make a big difference. Also I cannot remember if I had the tow/haul on, so that could have been a factor. I am going to try a different ramp next time as I have several to chose from and hopefully I can find one that is not so steep and is in better condition!

Re: My tow set up
 

I'm not sure the tow haul button will do much for you at the ramp - I believe it just adjusts your shift patterns and holds you in gear until you are at a higher RPM. However, if your truck has the tow haul option, and a factory hitch - then it probably has a G80 locking rear diff.

If it spun one tire up the ramp - then you most likely don't have the G80. I would try changing the air pressure and adding ballast like Andy mentioned. It should help quite a bit.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

p.s. one ramp we go to occasionally will have massive amounts of slimy silt on it (if the water levels are low). I don't even bother going to it if the water is down because it's impossible to get back up. It's like a slip n slide from hell

Re: My tow set up
 

I personally have a 2010 f150 supercrew larait 4x4 with 3:73 gears and heavy tow package, But I have have a 1994 toyota 4x4 v6 that I also bought new and used to pull my champion bass boat with it. Never had a problem, but since retired the toyota from pulling. Might sound a little strange but I have a friend that has a 2wd Chevy that was pulling his Ranger out and was slipping on a concrete ramp. I always carry a bag of kitty litter around (small bag) just for icy or slick conditions. If you can put enough down to get your rear tires gripped with some litter, and as you pull up the ramp, add a litle brake or e brake as you pull, you will slow the rate of spin, gain your torque and the litter will give you bite for traction. Sounds crazy but it does work, have helped a few people out this way over the years. Its all about torque and traction. You have no traction if your wheels are spinning, nor if your tires have no bite. just an idea.http://http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/...50/oldblue.jpghttp://http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/...xfactor009.jpg

Re: My tow set up
 

I like the F150! I have a 1999 with 3.73 gears. I was looking at the 2012-13 and noticed they all seem to be running the 3.55 ratio. The only reason I can see that working for them is they now have a 6 speed tranny. Any ideas?

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Re: My tow set up
 

Those 3:55 gears won't even get out of their own way. I was going to trade mine in for a 2013 and the 5.0 version, but you can't find a truck with that motor, 3:73 gears and heavy tow package on the lots. Dealers aren't buying them. You have to order the truck from Ford to get that package. Of course when I bought my 2010 they only had a few out there and had to go to texas to get my truck. I have always had the 3;73 gears in my trucks and it pulls effortlessly my boats, and trailer filled with my motorcycles. My truck only has 32k on it, but was likeing the 5.0 but after some research it was rediculous to go through all that and have less of a truck. Its horrible what they have done to half ton trucks. They have turned them into glorified cars. Anymore you have to go up to a 3/4 or 1 ton truck to do the work a 1/2 ton used to do. My truck will pull or tow 11400 pds. I do have the 6 speed in mine as well. Its only used for towing now and just sits the rest of the time.

Re: My tow set up
 

Here is a pic of my truck towing my champon. 20.1ft, with a built 200 merc black max last weekend , was heading to my place at the Lake of the Ozarks.http://http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/...psfed2a185.jpg

Re: My tow set up
 

That's a nice setup for sure.
I had not read into the newer 5.0s an the gearing to get an understanding of if they even come with 3.73. I am aware that they come with the 3.55 to make the sticker on a new truck have a decent MPG rating... As it is they seem to do work. My uncle has the eco boost. Its very impressive. After a few years of having them on the road we can determine how impressive they really are in terms of longevity.
Anyways, if it was such a big deal I suppose one could always have the gears changed for a price.

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Re: My tow set up
 

The least expensive way out I see is to put on a set of chains!!!:yes_grin:

Re: My tow set up
 

Jet- I used to experience the same thing you went through. I had every suggestion thrown at me. But I stuck it out till I had to get new tires. It was suggested to me, to get AT tires for that very reason. I went with the BFG AT KO's. No more spinning and tires looked great. The thicker treads have more bite into the ground giving the truck more grip. Think of when you run the tips of your fingers across a sheet of ice (this is like a road tire tread tire), then when you run your fingers tips across the same sheet of ice with a little bit of your finger nails digging in (this is like a AT tire) lastly when you run just the tips of your fingernails across the sheet of ice (this would be your MT tires) good luck!

Re: My tow set up
 

Here's my tow setup,

05 F-150 FX4, 4x4 SuperCrew, 5.4L, tow pkg w/3.73 gears. Does a decent job of pulling the 21 ft Shabah....

Re: My tow set up
 

OK, this will be my first attempt at attaching a photo. If I'm doing it correctly, it should be a photo of our 1996 Shabah 180 hooked up to our 1993 GMC K3500 diesel pickup truck. It's parked in front of our condominium at Shaver Lake, CA. Well, here goes!

Re: My tow set up
 

Hey ,
It worked!!:yes_grin:
But , need a better pic or two of the Mariah.
Seen plenty of Chevys...sorry GMCs in my day.
Just kindin'........glad you got it figured out.

Re: My tow set up
 

OK Colorado, here you go!

P.S..........Mikeyt, close your eyes when you look at the outdrive.

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Ahh , much better.
Nice lookin' rig m&m.:wink_thumbup:
You guys got plenty of water , or are you low in your lakes too?

Re: My tow set up
 

Yes, lake levels are low. Most around here (Fresno, CA) are dropping fast, due to agriculture use. Lake Millerton, about 15 miles away from our house, only got up to about 78% full this year. Now, it's dropping fast, down to about 75% today. Shaver lake, about 60 miles from home (where the photos were take at our condo, 5,500 foot elevation) is at 60%.....its highest this year was only 63%. We're off to Lake Powell (47% full) on Tuesday for the first time, and are staying at the Lake Powell Resort (dog friendly). Of course, having never been there, I didn't know about the "monsoon season" in Arizona. Oh well, just looking to getting away and having a good time. Have to drink beer in AZ, though, and not Utah!

Re: My tow set up
 

Here is my set up 2012 Dodge 3500 Dually and the Z302
http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps231d239d.jpg

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I think i'm gonna be sick....:thumbdown:

Re: My tow set up
 

Yeah, well, Mikeyt, it was installed by the previous owner. I'm mentally working through the idea of drilling holes for the smart tabs and trying to figure out what to use to plug the holes that were drilled to install the hydrofoil. So, be nice while I get ready for the big change. Heck, I told you not to look!

Re: My tow set up
 

I like the graphic's on your boat. Did you paint your trailer? I got my color samples of Monstaliner in the mail a few weeks ago and have been debating on going a silver or grey color on my trailer. They also have a color that closely matches my factory paint - so i'm leaning that way as well. Thanks for sharing the pictures!

Nick

Re: My tow set up
 

I clicked on your picture - and after looking at a few of your pictures, I'm betting that boat is one of the lighter things you tug around. What all have you done to your Dually? I'm guessing it's not stock :D

Re: My tow set up
 

Thanks for the kind words, nglauer (here that, Mikeyt?......"kind words!" Ha ha!). The graphics were done by the previous owner, as was the grey paint on the chariot trailer. Both the graphics and the gray paint work well with the boat, I think, since the interior colors are taupe and off-white. It wouldn't work with a teal green....... When my wife and I were looking for a used boat and saw this one, it just looked "right" to us. Of course, I'm biased, because it's mine! I think the gray on the trailer is simply Rustoleum primer, so it's really easy to touch up. Thanks again! Mark.

Re: My tow set up
 

Its a late 2011 so 2012 model and everything emissions related is fully deleted mpg are up, its 4wd and whilke towing the boat i can get up to 14.2mpg(highway of course) and on road trips without towing anything up to 18 mpg, i do weight 8400lbs

And as far as towing goes ive towed so far up to 30k lbs not including my truck.

Re: My tow set up
 

When I pulled my hydrofoil off the previous owner that installed it had a metal support plate under the lower unit. I just reinstalled the plate with the same bolts, yeah it doesn't look really great but it was quick and easy. The smart tabs made a huge difference with the boat! :wink_thumbup:

Hey thought I would give a quick update, we finally made it back to the lake today and we tried a new ramp and it made all the difference! It was a new ramp that was poured this spring so it has the grooves cut into it. I had read that burlap sacks laid in front of the tires would add enough traction to get up the ramp. Thankfully I didn't have to try that. The pickup just climbed right out. Thanks for all the advice!