Backing Down the Boat Ramp - Chevy 2017 1500 Z71

[Chasejohnson42]

Hi all,

I know my truck (Chevy 2017 1500 Z71) can tow a Moomba Max no problem. My concern is backing it down the boat ramp with the dry tow load of 5700 lbs. Does anyone have some input on this? I am hoping my truck will handle it fine but wanted to get some other people's thoughts.

Thanks!

[BigOrange]

How steep, how wet a ramp? If not too steep just put it in 4wd and you’ll be fine. Go slow.

[Chasejohnson42]

I'm not sure how steep the ramp. I attached a picture to give you a visual. I think the truck will be fine but we usually put the boat in with a Dodge 3500. Mayo Lake.jpg

[sandm]

our z3 was similar in weight. our chevy('16 model same as yours) had wheel slip on the ramp from the factory tires(they are crap). switched to auto 4x4 while heading down the ramp and never had an issue.

[larry_arizona]

If you have 4WD, you should always engage as you put the boat in water and remove it.

If you have a slick ramp, if your rear tires on on the wet/slick ramp and you put it in park to get out......there is nothing preventing the whole rig from sliding into lake.

I keep it 2Wd until I am aligned and as I back straight in, 4WD.


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[Chasejohnson42]

I have 4WD and will definitely be using it. I'm assuming 4WD low would be best?

Also, just to clarify you are saying to leave the truck in drive until the boat is off the trailer to prevent a slip?

Thanks!

[haknslash]

You guys and your nice fancy 4WD’s. First world problems . I back my Max down with 2WD lol. I’ve only had wheel slip on one of the lakes I visit or should I say used to visit. The ramp was grated with horizontal grooves but it was not properly maintained to be pressure washed so it will remove slime and sludge over time. Made for a butt clinching pullout. Needless to say I no longer visit that lake or ramp in my truck lol. I’ve been down some fairly steep ramps in my 2WD F150 with the Max but as long as it’s a ramp that is properly maintained I haven’t had any issues with slippage. I imagine you 4WD guys have a much better advantage than me. My next truck with certainly have 4WD just for those exact situations.

[larry_arizona]

I have 4WD and will definitely be using it. I'm assuming 4WD low would be best?

Also, just to clarify you are saying to leave the truck in drive until the boat is off the trailer to prevent a slip?

Thanks!

Low range is not required. Put truck in park, the transmission will be locked as well as the front axle on dry pavement


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[Chasejohnson42]

I just found out the ramp we use is 26% grade.

[Chasejohnson42]

LOL. So your 2WD F150 has no issues with backing down a Max? That's good to know. Do you know how steep your ramp is you use? The ramp we use is 26% grade.