Recovery tracks at boat ramp

Hello!

First ever post however, I’ve gained so much insight from this page and wanted to start by saying thanks. I have a 2020 Tacoma SR5 V6 RWD. I live down in Florida and I often tow boats. Sometimes (at super low tide) I can struggle a bit with RWD when getting a boat out of the water. I know I’ll get the comment “should’ve gotten 4WD” but I am just finishing Physical therapy school and didn’t have the option financially. Also, in Florida I can’t think of a time I need it other than rarely at some boat ramps.

main question: has anyone ever tried using recovery boards or something similar to gain better traction on boat ramps with lots of algae. If so I’d love some recommendations!!

 

First welcome to TW! Also, you've got to remember that it's not just the tires getting a grip on the traction boards it's also the backside of the boards being pressed into the ground from the weight of the vehicle. I can just picture the boards being spit out the back end of your truck. What kind of tires are you using? That might make a difference.
Edit: Now that I think about it you might be better off trying to get that algae cleaned off. I know, Capt. Obvious right?! Lol!

 

Do you have the Auto LSD option? If not, you could look into adding a locker.

 

thanks for the feedback! I just have the standard tires from the factory however, I am about due to replace them. Any recommendations on some tires that would do well in the situation I described. I think I saw a thread or two about it but if you have any personal favorites I’d love to hear!

 

I do have the auto LSD. I’ve seen the long thread on that and honestly I never know if I should keep traction control on and let it do it’s thing or then it off and have the LSD on and not just auto. Also I would love a rear locker in the future! I am thinking with some better tires (which I have to get new ones soon) and a locker I’d be in action. Any idea if the truetrac (although not a real locker) would be a good fit for me? I used to own a 350z for ten years that I worked on and I am just getting started in the truck world so I love to hear all the opinions

 

Fish the incoming tide and leave at the turn. At least at the times you launch off the 'bad' ramps. Avoids the exposed slime.

I don't think that tires will matter one iota on that type of algae, you can't even walk safely on some of that stuff!

Unfortunately, the only real mechanical answer here is 4wd. Or AWD. You have to have traction on the clear part of the ramp. Some other solution may make it 'better', but coming in in the wee hours after a snook run, I don't want to mess around just hoping things will work.

 

There are very few tires that will win over ramp slime when all you have is 2wd.

Kind of curious if a good snow tire would work better with it's softer compound and siping. The increased wear though would give shortened tire life though.

I am NOT talking about ''all season'' tires, I am talking about an actual ''for snow'' tire like Blizzaks.

 

Maybe. If it's a tire that works well on ice. But totally impractical for use otherwise.

 

Just hit the traction control button when you're about to go down the ramp. Hell I turn it on every time it even drizzles a little or when I bomb down dirt roads. I don't know a lot about Florida boat ramps, but as long as you have traction with one tire, the Auto LSD should help. If you're really stuck, you can try airing down a bit. The Toyota Auto LSD is a simulated LSD, it just automatically applies braking to the slipping wheel. I feel that if you're going for a Truetrac, you might as well get a locker.

 

The way I have learned to use the ALSD is to feather the throttle until movement is achieved. Once you start moving, let the system control. No more throttle input (+ or -) unless the conditions change.

If you start off full beans, TRAC will no doubt reduce engine output and or you will overpower and that’s where MOST people fail.

Falken Wild Peak 3 is one choice, and some added weight in the bed.

 

I was thinking of a truetrac also, but you are better off with a locker.

 

I forgot to mention, when feathering to find the sweat spot where the system will start to control, the tire(s) WILL slip due to conditions, but let the system figure it out while holding steady on the throttle’s feathering. Toyota’s ALSD is top tier. It does a stout job.

 

In your case, perhaps 4WD is not for you at the moment. I couldn’t afford an OR like the previous two OR’s I owned, so I settled with a SR5. I know the pain.

Now if you did buy a 4WD, you’d have maintenance expenses for a system you would rarely use. As mentioned, play and learn how to use the ALSD feature. You’ll be surprised how good you get at it.

Good luck! (geez, should have waited to write it in one post, lol)

 

Put some weight in the bed of the truck. Either have your passengers sit in the bed over the axles while launching or retrieving or put weight back there like some sand bags. I’ve seen numerous times people having trouble getting back up the ramp and a couple guys jump in the back of the truck and problem solved.