I have a boat that weighs about 4000lbs. When pulling it out of the water at the lake, should I be in Low 1 or D (Drive). I used to have a wheel spinning problem but since bought new tires and I think that solved it. The boat ramp does have a bit of a steep incline grade. Any suggestions for reducing wheel spin when it's really wet and slippery?

Thanks,,

My truck is a 99 F150 5.4 auto 3.55LS tow package

 

I have been pulling a 7000# boat with my 150 for the last 3 years 4K should be a breeze 2 HI have never used 4 LO

 

You never said if it's a 4x4 or not, so obviously, if it is, engage the 4LO for traction and for extra power. If you have a 2wd, try the 2.

 

Sorry guys, my truck is 4x2.

 

D or 1 is the same thing. Just leave it in D.

D starts in first gear then when your speed increases 10-20 mph it then goes to second third and fourth.

1 just stays in first. So at the boat ramp you will be in first either way.

 

I know this is ideally how D works, but it always seems different starting out in 1st.....Plus, if the tires are spinning, if still in D, the trans will shift into 2nd......

Side Note: I pull about a little over 4000 and always use 4Lo until i'm flat...

 

Man, that must be nice having 4x4. I'll NEVER buy another 4x2. It has gotten to the point that I avoid certain boat ramps due to not being able to get out of them. The truck would pull the boat about 5 feet then begin to spin, spin, spin in place. I've had to ask the wife, neighbor and a stranger to get on the bumper for the added additional weight. It would be so sweet to just reach down turn a **** and be in 4x4.

Just bought some new tires so hopefully they'll help some.

My next truck will have 4x4. Maybe even the F250 crew cab diesel. (shhhhh, don't tell the wife though,,,she's expecting a new SUV by Christmas)

 

Avoid the 6.0 Powerstroke!!!!....I work in a diesel repair shop and those things are constantly coming in with problems....

 

I had this problem with my 04 F150 screw with 3.55LS at a couple of boat ramps, what I found to work for me is to start off in 2nd gear. It eleminated 90% of the tire spin. These tranny's will start in 2nd gear when placed in 2nd gear unlike the older ford and other manufactures that still start in 1st if you put the selector in 2nd. This should help you.

 

norcat,,,

Really, I thought the 6.0 was the answer to the 7.3 problems?

Huitt,, won't pulling out of the water in "2nd" be too much slip for the torque converter or tranny clutches? I think I may have heard that somewhere?

 

It shouldn't heat it up too bad because you are going to be doing a quick pull. And the 03 - 04 Powerstrokes are the ones to avoid. Or go for a low mileage 7.3

 

Ford designed the tranny to start in 2nd for people who are in a traction deficient situation, it is designed to apply less torgue to the rear wheels to reduce wheel spin. It is intended for short applications. I have a real steep boat ramp here at the lake when the lake is down and I could only get up about 5 feet and the truck would just slide side ways, I can put it in second and it starts out fine then once rpm's get up then I tend to spin the rear a little but not enough to loose the forward momentum that I already had.

 

D and 1 has to be the same. If you are spinning you can leave it in 1 to keep from shifting to 2 but that would be the only reason.

My 79, 84, 91, 93,97, and 00 all started in second if you put it in 2.

I do not recommend putting it in 2 at the boat ramp, especially if you just arrived at the boat ramp after your trans temp is high, the extra stall could push it over the limits. Look for older post about people burning the trans in reverse after a long pull from the higher gear ratio of reverse. Example they get the camp ground etc. and back up to position the trailer and overheat the trans.

 

If you have limited slip there is a trick, I used to use it on my 2wd to get out a slight stuck. Your parking brake controls the back wheels, engage the parking brake a few clicks in and that should even out the pressure on both back tires, your LS should kick in, don't be afraid to give it some gas and make sure that parking brake is in. Use it more if needed. The brake pedal is not going to help, if you had LS in the front it would. Good luck.

 

If you had LS in the front, it would be a 4 X 4 and the issue would be moot....

Steve