Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

[500dollar744ti]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

Don't over-think this, whatever options you have, it's 2wd and you can't turn gravity off.

The 10,000lb tow rating doesn't guarantee you can pull that much up a wet incline and maybe it's over-rated by the manufacturer. Remember Toyota only has a 1/2 ton truck, there's no 3/4 or 1 ton options so it's highly beneficial for their sales to rate the towing capacity higher to get some of the 3/4 ton buyers into a Tundra.

My boat/trailer combo is 5500lbs and I have recently changed the gearing in my truck and added a brand new trac-lok limited slip to the rear axle.

This past weekend I was pulling my boat out and I lost traction, I tried to ease into it and still spun both rear tires. There was just no way to get dry traction on this wet and heavily trafficked boat ramp.

I had no choice but to use 4wd. Since you don't have 4wd, you have to be extra careful and try to carry more weight in your bed. Another option is to ask a few big guys around to jump in the back and that should get you the traction you need.

This reminds me of an old which basically explains everything you need to know about 2wd/4wd, do yourself a favor and turn the sound down..
[video]http://www.streetfire.net/video/dodge-and-bronco-2-tug-o-warfunny_4368.htm[/video]

 

[marekli]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

worst case I had figured, I could store my 12ft West Marine dinghy in the bed, even add another 90lbs from the outboard, that's >220lbs on the rear end of the truck shich should probably take care of the problem...although I'd rather use the technical systems on board before loading up the truck...

I have not tried turning on LSD, so I definitely will try that first....

Don't over-think this, whatever options you have, it's 2wd and you can't turn gravity off.

The 10,000lb tow rating doesn't guarantee you can pull that much up a wet incline and maybe it's over-rated by the manufacturer. Remember Toyota only has a 1/2 ton truck, there's no 3/4 or 1 ton options so it's highly beneficial for their sales to rate the towing capacity higher to get some of the 3/4 ton buyers into a Tundra.

My boat/trailer combo is 5500lbs and I have recently changed the gearing in my truck and added a brand new trac-lok limited slip to the rear axle.

This past weekend I was pulling my boat out and I lost traction, I tried to ease into it and still spun both rear tires. There was just no way to get dry traction on this wet and heavily trafficked boat ramp.

I had no choice but to use 4wd. Since you don't have 4wd, you have to be extra careful and try to carry more weight in your bed. Another option is to ask a few big guys around to jump in the back and that should get you the traction you need.

This reminds me of an old which basically explains everything you need to know about 2wd/4wd, do yourself a favor and turn the sound down..
[video]http://www.streetfire.net/video/dodge-and-bronco-2-tug-o-warfunny_4368.htm[/video]

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

Stick your mother in law in the bed.

 

[marekli]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

good idea ...

Stick your mother in law in the bed.

 

[marekli]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

tow rating for 2WD Tundra models by newer standards appears to range from 9,900-10,400lbs, my '07 crew cab would be at the lower end, a regular cab at the high end. Their tow ratings have been reevaluated according to below article:


Toyota Lowers Tundra Tow Ratings, Gains Credibility - PickupTrucks.com News

What is the tow rating on a 5.7 Tundra?

LK

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

you were on to a solution in the first post... TRY UPPING THE TONGUE WEIGHT a little... you will likely be VERY happy with the results

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

Gee Whiz -- if you have limited slip capability and it is switchable to boot, by all means engage it -- that's what it is for. Most original truck tires have a tread pattern that provides a relatively soft, quiet ride with moderate traction. Tires make a BIG difference in traction so look at them and see what you have. Compare the pattern with what is known to be a good traction tire. If you don't know how to do this stop at a tire store -- any tire store and ask anyone over the age of 20.

 

[matt167]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

I think the LSD in those trucks is tied to the ABS/traction control system. I don't think it's a clutched system. Applies brake to the slipping wheel. 2 footed driving will do the same.

 

[marekli]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

Toyota has 3 systems to control vehicle handling, VSC, Traction control and LSD... I started a similar thread on a Tundra forum...in case someone has similar issues with Tundra models, here's a tidbit from that forum that also helped me understand how Toyota's system works:


"VSC controls throttle and brakes. The electronics LSD does too, or at least the brakes. Manually engaging the LSD tells it to get aggressive and to pull the brake on a wheel that is spinning. ...."engaging the LSD will cause it to essentially drag the brakes, so as to make it faster responding, so it's not something you'd want to drive down the road with it engaged.

VSC should only kick on if the truck thinks it is out of control, like it is bouncing around (which is how I've gotten it to engage); I'm guessing it doesn't do anything for actual wheel spin in your situation."

I think the LSD in those trucks is tied to the ABS/traction control system. I don't think it's a clutched system. Applies brake to the slipping wheel. 2 footed driving will do the same.

 

[marekli]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

Ok, Activating LSD definitely improves things a heck of a lot, no problems at the launch ramp yesterday although ,y home ramp is one of the better ones i use

Toyota has 3 systems to control vehicle handling, VSC, Traction control and LSD... I started a similar thread on a Tundra forum...in case someone has similar issues with Tundra models, here's a tidbit from that forum that also helped me understand how Toyota's system works:


"VSC controls throttle and brakes. The electronics LSD does too, or at least the brakes. Manually engaging the LSD tells it to get aggressive and to pull the brake on a wheel that is spinning. ...."engaging the LSD will cause it to essentially drag the brakes, so as to make it faster responding, so it's not something you'd want to drive down the road with it engaged.

VSC should only kick on if the truck thinks it is out of control, like it is bouncing around (which is how I've gotten it to engage); I'm guessing it doesn't do anything for actual wheel spin in your situation."

 

[chris.j.marshall]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

I've always found the traction control on my 2010 Tundra to be a little too restrictive at times. Keep in mind, the VSC button to the right of the wheel is a three phase switch. Might try tapping it between trips to the ramp to see if there's a better setting. Tires were already mentioned, but what are your pressures? Are you running them hard due to the extra weight of the trailer?

 

[buckhorn7]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

I have a 2010 Tundra 4x4 TRD and 3 differant boats (14'alum,19'bowrider, 24'cruiser) that I launch at a variety of ramps. Almost all retrievals are 2wd except steep dirt ramps. I think tires are the most important.

 

[marekli]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

I have been to the launch ramp 2x, it's concrete with not too much growth but it was one that I did notice the slipping before....anyway, with the LSD switch tripped there was absolutely no slipping any more...the electronic rear wheel brake control seems to take care of the issue pretty well...I also noticed that they have kind of a tiptronic manual override of the auto gear shift, it's a really nice feature not only on this truck but also on my other '12 Corolla...it allows for much better acceleration at low speeds...

I have a 2010 Tundra 4x4 TRD and 3 differant boats (14'alum,19'bowrider, 24'cruiser) that I launch at a variety of ramps. Almost all retrievals are 2wd except steep dirt ramps. I think tires are the most important.

 

[Jetfixr]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

Don't know about the Tundra but I can tell you the original tires that came with my Tacoma SUCKED on wet pavement. It wasn't much difference driving on rainy roads vs snowy roads until I got decent tires.

BFG tires always stunk for me in the wet!!! That's what my Taco came with.
Jet

 

[bspeth]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

I think the TRD has a selectable locker,should be a switch for it.Maybe not because I think you would have to know that by now. Your boat shouldn't drag you into the lake though because it will be floating if you get in that far.JMO.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

Or carrie a bag of sand in the bed and toss some on the slime at the ramp

 

[Elkhornsun]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

Agree about adding more weight to the rear axle of the truck as it has only a portion of the tongue weight pressing down as you start out of the water. A locking differential helps when one tire has poor traction but on a boat ramp both tires will have poor traction so LSD is not going to help. My truck has limited slip but on a boat ramp I still have to put it into 4WD to have adequate traction.

If you are worried about losing your truck in the water a trailer extension can help to keep your truck's wheels out of the water and on dry ground. I did this with a large inflatable's trailer so I did not have to get the rear axle and brakes into salt water. Before I put on the extension I was having to get the brakes worked on every 6-8 months.

A big advantage of 4WD is having the weight of the engine on the front wheels when they are providing traction. I have seen VW bugs with the rear engine pull heavy sailboats up boat ramps with no wheel spin at all. Not surprising that the 4 rear wheels of the dualie provided better traction than 2 wheels with the Toyota - twice the wheels equals twice the surface contact area. I would rather have a SRW with 4WD than a DRW without 4WD in any situation.

With many trucks it helps to start off in second gear as the taller gearing greatly reduces wheel slip and with some trucks the transmissions are programmed to limit torque when the truck starts in 2nd gear instead of 1st as with my 2011 Chevy 2500's Allison transmission.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

A big advantage of 4WD is having the weight of the engine on the front wheels when they are providing traction. I have seen VW bugs with the rear engine pull heavy sailboats up boat ramps with no wheel spin at all. Not surprising that the 4 rear wheels of the dualie provided better traction than 2 wheels with the Toyota - twice the wheels equals twice the surface contact area. I would rather have a SRW with 4WD than a DRW without 4WD in any situation.

Goes without saying, but I don't think adding 4WD is really a viable/economical option in this situation. Justifying the extra $4K for a 4WD truck over a 2WD truck can be difficult for many people, especially if you only use it a few times a year as a precautionary measure at the boat ramp. Your assumption that an LSD/locker doesn't help in this situation because both wheels have no traction is a bit false. One wheel may have more traction than the other, which may be sufficient to transfer the power and pull the boat out of the water.

I do agree that in most situations like this, simply starting in 2nd gear will help feather the throttle/torque due to the shorter gear ratio resulting in less wheel slip. Doesn't always work, but it is worth a shot for most.

 

[marekli]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

actually engaging LSD pretty much solved the whole issue...it was mostly a problem with me getting acquainted with the elctronic options available on this newer truck. Previously, I had owned an F350 dually, that thing is a beast towing, hauling and at the launch ramp but it's also a gas guzzler and not very fun driving long distance. Also, not a verhicle I would let anyone else handle while the Tundra is a truck I'd let my son practice towing and launching at the ramp ...

Goes without saying, but I don't think adding 4WD is really a viable/economical option in this situation. Justifying the extra $4K for a 4WD truck over a 2WD truck can be difficult for many people, especially if you only use it a few times a year as a precautionary measure at the boat ramp. Your assumption that an LSD/locker doesn't help in this situation because both wheels have no traction is a bit false. One wheel may have more traction than the other, which may be sufficient to transfer the power and pull the boat out of the water.

I do agree that in most situations like this, simply starting in 2nd gear will help feather the throttle/torque due to the shorter gear ratio resulting in less wheel slip. Doesn't always work, but it is worth a shot for most.

 

[DonHof]

Re: Launch Ramp Issue with Toyota Tundra 5.7L, TRD no 4WD

I seen guy's at the ramp with two wheel drive trucks spin the tires with just the trailer.