Going down boat ramp for first time

Tomorrow - April 18th - I will be for the first time taking my 2018 taco down a gradual rocky boat ramp to access the gravel bars on the Fraser River in Chilliwach. I have never done this before but have no gained enough courage to do it. What do you suggest I do besides putting the truck into 4 wheel. What about gear - besides drive lol - and traction?

 

I’d highly recommend checking out four wheel drive association of BC. Join one of their noobie runs. Lots of great members and information.

https://4wdabc.ca/

 

Sorry trying to understand, you're driving into shallow water to access gravel bars?

Ideally deflate the tires to 15-20psi first, don't go alone, experiment with 4HI and 4LO, but less throttle is best.

Never go into water higher than your wheel, most say stay out of water that goes above the lug nuts.

 

X2. A good club for a newbie is a life send.

 

Any insecurity a driver has is likely to make matters worse. Is there a "more gentle" or shallow creek you can practice on? Not knowing the conditions, you mentioned River. It only takes a couple feet of moving water to make things go sideways fast (literally.) Depth has a lot to do with it, wheel deep or possibly up to the frame or deeper?

I don't know the area but just did a quick search, that river moves a lot of water. I'm sure you're talking about a more gentle eddy but saw an article about 35 fishermen stranded on one of the sandbars . . . . know the conditions and be safe.

 

When in doubt, throttle out!

 

Whether it's needed or not I'm not sure, but I always roll down the driver and passenger window first in case something goes south.

 

Join some local groups maybe do a ride along first.

Might want to know if your insured for water mishaps . Insurance can be tricky .

A friend lost a truck just hit a unknown hole on the left side. Totaled Truck!! Recovery was very expensive.

You want to play in the water get a boat.

 

i would recommend to take an experienced friend, and make them drive their vehicle there!

if you're unsure of your abilities now, forcing yourself into a new situation with those uncertainties is really a recipe to make things worse, not better.

 

Trying food that may be a little too spicy is not as much a risk ... low penalties, really. Bottoming out your truck in a gravel hole under 2 ft of water because you do not have the experience to "feel it coming" and did not know how to avoid it ... that can cost damage to people and many $$ to repair.

 

Lets not overlook the obvious. Have some practice backing a boat. Watching people back boat videos on youtube is so much fun.

 

Never been to the area, so don't know exactly what you're working with; so we'll cover the basics.

Best general rule is don't go anywhere alone, especially if it requires technical and difficult recovery/extraction in an emergency. For the sake of not messing anything up, don't get into water over your wheels (some play it safe with water halfway up wheels at max). Always have windows down when going in water; if things go south, you want to be able to get out easily. As for gear, the best gear you've got is between your ears; trust your instincts - don't be scared to turn around. No amount of gear you take will help you if you don't know how to use it/can't think of creative ways to utilize it in emergencies. Always have a backup plan (camping supplies/water/food). Always have ways to communicate, even if off grid. If you must push aside everyones recommendation of finding a group/guide and go by yourself, please for the love of god make sure someone knows where you are. Give them checkpoints/times of your trip, so if something happens, someone knows to look, and where to start. "Offroading" can seem scary; just use some common sense and you'll be just fine. Having a bit of mechanical knowledge goes a long way for any trail repairs that may be needed.

My best advice, find a group/some friends if you haven't already.

 

Do you have any pictures of the area you're planning to access?

 

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Well, a number of days have past since "the planned event". I wonder how she made out.

 

Yeah man. I’ve done quite a few water crossings and some were very nerve wracking. Had water over right corner of my hood once, was interesting hah.

I try to avoid water crossings and mud as much as I can. I would only do water crossings if it takes me to my camp
spot. I don’t go wheel my truck just for the sake of wheeling anymore.

All I’ll say is that I’m super impressed at what my truck with 2” lift and 33” can do. My breathers are stock and knock on wood my ADD actuator has been trouble free.


Scariest water crossing I’ve done. Snow was melting and the current seemed to get faster by the minute. My heart was beating so hard and it felt like time just slowed way down. Scraped on some rocks that were completely submerged. Some dents in TRD skid plate and a couple nice gouges on my frame.


Don’t recommend this to anyone haha.