Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

[TerryMSU]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

Here is another trick that can get you up the ramp.

1. Back the trailer down the ramp behind vehicle as normal
2. Load the boat on trailer.
3. Chock the trailer so it will stay put.
4. Disconnect the trailer from the vehicle.
5. Pull the tow vehicle up the ramp so it is on the flat.
6. Atach a tow strap between the vehicle and the trailer.
7. Use the tow strap to pull the trailer and boat forward.
8. Reconnect the trailer to the vehicle.

Many years ago I used this technique to get a very small boat and trailer up a dirt ramp which lead down to the actual boat ramp. The tow vehicle was a wimpy Dodge Colt.

On the other hand, like at least one other person, my main tow vehicle is a Dodge Caravan with a automatic and a 3.0 liter engine. I use it to tow my roughly 1200 pound boat and trailer with no issues whatsoever. Of course, here in Michigan people are a lot more patient at the launch ramp, I have never heard any complaints.

TerryMSU

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

I was going to suggest putting a heavy friend or two on the hood. I've seen that work before. I'll also echo the let-the-air-out-of-the-tires trick. That's why the US Army Ducks did so well. The tires could deflate and inflate as needed for conditions on road, sand, dirt, etc.

It sounds like you have the right idea though. Go with friends who have the right vehicle or keep watching for the right deal. I started with a heap of a truck for cheap. I left it in the street while I drove my normal car and parked in the garage. It was definitely the way to go.

The one thing that I've noticed too, is that when lake levels get low you need to back in further. I've seen many cars trying to pull boats out, but their exhaust systems are underwater. Cars just tend to be too low in my book, and are contributing to lake pollution when all of the oily/greasy car parts take a bath in the water.

Good luck!

 

[65Mech]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

have you tried it yet??? if so did it work out ok for you??

 

[hot_wire]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

have you tried it yet??? if so did it work out ok for you??

Tomorrow's forecast is 20 degrees and snow.... It may be awhile. Usually we get a couple warm days in Feb or March though.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

I didn't take the time to read all of the previous posts.

I wanted to note that I disagree with most of the posts that I read.

I don't think your SAAB will have any problem at all pulling those skis out of the water.

My dad has a '00 Buick LeSabre that he pulled a couple of SeaDoos with all over. It never even tried to spin the wheels on wet ramps. Try it with your SAAB. It very likely will work just fine.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

.......I just picture my front wheels spinning while the car sinks backwards into the water...

My current tow vehicle is a Saturn LS with a 138HP 2.2liter, front wheel drive, Cooper mud-and-snow tires. Some ramps I will not go to without a buddy along (to sit on the hood on the retrieve).

I would get a different tow vehicle like others have suggested: I have a Wrangler with a blown engine which I am going to rebuild. THAT might use more gas than the saturn but the spinning-out-ramps routine will end.

You have to know your vehicle and know your ramps with a FWD, but I would get a different vehicle after my experiences of towing with various 4WD, FWD, and rear wheel drive vehicles over the last 20 years. The cheap 4WD truck suggestions are good ones.

 

[wildspeed]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

Really depend on the type of ramp you will be....incline, sand, wet.... but you should be fine in most of the situation.

The main problem is that is a turbocharged engine, if the ramp is too stiff you will need more power/ throttle to pull out, that when you can get in trouble as the turbo engage and start spinning your tires.
Don't ask how I know that....

Like I said many time, in Europe we all use "regular" cars to pull boat, campers...the exact same one sold here in the USA, but with a tow rating as long as they are properly rigged.

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

All I can really add to this thread is to scope out the ramps you will use and make sure you have a light right foot.

I towed my boat with a Saturn SC1 for a while (FWD) and NEVER had problems pulling out of the lake. I did however only go to a couple of lakes where I knew there was a ramp that wasn't super steep and I do have a trailer with a tounge that extends about 10' which helps a lot. The biggest thing is just to go slow, lots of drag behind you when your trailer and boat is still in the water... but once clear it's smooth sailing.

I'd pull PWC's all day long with my Saturn, will never pull the boat with it again though.

 

[hot_wire]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

Well, just thought I'd follow this up.

Got both of my waverunners running and hit the lake last weekend.

The SAAB does a great job towing these suckers. Acceleration is solid (0-60 with plenty of time to merge onto the freeway), and highway cruising is painless. The engine gets nowhere near boost while cruising, and, aside from the jiggling noises coming from the rear, the extra weight is not noticed. Cruise control all the way baby! Braking distance is the only gray area. I never noticed fade (did a couple tests), but the distance is increased. I feel like keeping an extra 2 seconds between myself and the car in front is sufficient to maintain safe braking.

My hitch is really solid. I ran over some REALLY rough railroad tracks and the system handled it great.

As far as pulling up the ramp, no problems there either. I loaded the skis about 3/4 way before pulling out of the water, so I had a tongue weight near zero. The water was really low, and the ramp got REALLY steep toward the water. I felt reassured having my buddy's F-350 there to back me up. Anyway, the wheels never spun, and my car barely hesitated. My big truck friend was definitely impressed. Once I was on the road, a tongue weight of 150lbs was plenty to keep the double trailer from swaying.


I've still got to get used to trailering. Country roads get real narrow! Never noticed how close to the road those mailboxes are.

Anyway, thanks to all for the advice. Cars can definitely tow. Just have to set it up right, and respect the limits of your vehicle.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Can I retreive it? FWD on Ramp

good to hear!

BTW, you should be increaseing following distance and braking sooner when you are pulling a trailer anyway.