106LikesIt floated a couple minutes but then Sank...Total loss
11-12-2019, 06:17 AM
#1
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Posts: 1,718
It floated a couple minutes but then Sank...Total loss
Had a good day fishing last week then pulled up to the dock. Got my car and trailer backed up onto the ramp, put in park, set the emergency, let the car run, and went to the boat to drive it around. I heard a loud pop and looked up to watch my car and trailer slowly roll backwards into the water floating away, trailer jack knifed, and then sinking. I stayed calm and watched it all happen, too far away to do anything so why go crazy? After a couple minutes the car sank and settled on the bottom with the water just a few inches over the sitting part of the seats.
I then called for a tow and as he winched it out the car started on fire.....but after using a couple extinguishers we put it out. A few days later now and I have bought a Volkswagen Tourage diesel that will pull 7700 pounds. My friend that used to work in the Coast Guard told me a few months ago that SOP for them when loading or unloading was to turn the steering so if the vehicle would coast back it would coast into the dock or wall. Also choc the front wheels and turn the engine off.
With my new car I think I'll be sure to put it in park, put on the emergency brake, turn the ignition off, maybe turn the steering so it would coast into the dock, but chocs under front wheel.....don't know yet. People would probably laugh. Maybe I would do it on a really steep ramp. What do you do?
I then called for a tow and as he winched it out the car started on fire.....but after using a couple extinguishers we put it out. A few days later now and I have bought a Volkswagen Tourage diesel that will pull 7700 pounds. My friend that used to work in the Coast Guard told me a few months ago that SOP for them when loading or unloading was to turn the steering so if the vehicle would coast back it would coast into the dock or wall. Also choc the front wheels and turn the engine off.
With my new car I think I'll be sure to put it in park, put on the emergency brake, turn the ignition off, maybe turn the steering so it would coast into the dock, but chocs under front wheel.....don't know yet. People would probably laugh. Maybe I would do it on a really steep ramp. What do you do?
Last edited by SWF Pontoon Angler; 11-12-2019 at 06:19 AM. Reason: more info
11-12-2019, 06:26 AM
#5
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Join Date: Jul 2012
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I always roll the windows down. In case one of the kids is in for whatever reason so they can swim out if it ever happened. I always make them get out and wait on the dock/beach, but just in case. If the ramp is steep I also put it in 4HI so park in the trans is connected to the front diff.
11-12-2019, 06:28 AM
#7
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 1,954
Originally Posted by CruiseToFish
If the ramp is steep I also put it in 4HI so park in the trans is connected to the front diff.
11-12-2019, 06:41 AM
#8
It is most likely the "P" park gear that failed; and a lot of cars; even if the Ebrake is cranked on it isn't enough to stop it from rolling. You should have your ebrake checked every 2-3 years if you are using your vehicle as a launch vehicle to make sure its solid. Test it yourself on a hill to make sure it can hold the weight of the car by itself solidly. Also; when you back down a ramp; put the E-brake on first; THEN the park brake, that way the load is on the ebrake first and P as a secondary. The P gear is not really meant to support the full weight of a stationary vehicle on an incline by itself. It's just an accident waiting to happen as it did above.
Sorry for the loss of your vehicle; and way to stay cool when it was happening. Not sure i'd have been able to keep as cool of a cucumber myself....
Sorry for the loss of your vehicle; and way to stay cool when it was happening. Not sure i'd have been able to keep as cool of a cucumber myself....
11-12-2019, 06:52 AM
#11
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 293
Kids are never in the car. Never. I always chock both front wheels. Ebrake then park and cut the wheel. I sometimes launch at a ramp that is notoriously slippery and swallows a few every year. Atlantic Highlands Marina has this posted. Forget the folks who have to wait an extra two minutes.
11-12-2019, 06:54 AM
#12
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: Fort Myers, FL
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Originally Posted by blake0723
Was there any determination on what failed to let your truck roll back? This is one of my biggest fears as I am usually launching and retrieving by myself.
11-12-2019, 06:58 AM
#15
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Posts: 1,718
Originally Posted by CruiseToFish
I always roll the windows down. In case one of the kids is in for whatever reason so they can swim out if it ever happened. I always make them get out and wait on the dock/beach, but just in case. If the ramp is steep I also put it in 4HI so park in the trans is connected to the front diff.
11-12-2019, 07:02 AM
#17
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Baltimore,Maryland
Posts: 5,658
Older Fords never had a good Park detent for the Shifter.Many years ago they had a Recall on some for slipping out of Park. Parking Brakes don't hold as well backwards either.Especially if it's the Drum in Hat Rotors. Park Brake Shoes are small as crap! Sorry for Your loss..
