Cool tip and a lot of guys don't even use their parking brake on the ramp so for them maybe only one wheel holding the rig in place. Always always set your parking brake. As your backing down keep your foot on the brake then apply the parking brake. Shift to neutral then release foot brake. After parking brake absorbs the load, then shift to Park. This is the proper way to do it. When pulling out, leave the parking brake applied until your shift to Drive and then release parking brake.
Good Idea. I use a board from the brake to the seat to check my brake lights so now I'll start using it at the ramp as well. Another "trick" I now use which I saw on RUclips is to place rubber wheel chocks behind the front wheels to help prevent sliding when you go to crank the boat on the boat trailer. Tie short ropes to the chocks and attach to your mirrors so that when you drive away from the ramp to the parking lot you can drag your wheel chokes with you.
This is the first time I've ever commented on a video, but I felt I should. Thank you for making such a to-the-point and useful video with such a great and ingenious solution.
My coworker told me the story this morning about his truck sliding into the water. So obviously Google listens to everything and now I'm watching this video
I like that you're helping ppl. I launch my boat all the time alone. 2 wheel drive Ranger. Small boat tho, and light. I ALWAYS turn my truck off, press Ebrake and leave it in gear.
A couple of additional pieces of advice specifically for folks new to boat ramps: 1 Practice backing a trailer somewhere before the big day. 2. don’t go on a busy day when nobody has patience. 3 When backing, set yourself up for success by getting your truck and trailer straight in-line with the ramp and make small adjustments with the wheel as you back down 4. Keep the rear wheels out of any wet or slimy stuff on the ramp. Lastly make sure you get everything ready before you get in the ramp both putting in and taking out. Nothing more aggravating than cluelessness when at a busy ramp. Be courteous and be confident and above all be Safe. Ask for help if you need it, plenty of folks would be happy to assist. Great video
Out of 240k views you definitely saved thousands of people from sliding in! I finally got little skiff and your video was the first thought that popped in my mind lol.
This is often an overlooked safety issue. I have pulled two vehicles out of the water so far ( not my own) at the ramp I always launch and retrieve in 4wd. Apply e-brake first THEN put in park. And since e-brakes and trans can fail at any time I use a cut off from a 8x8 fence post with a 45 cut in it and chock my front driver wheel andI have a piece of line tied to it and throw that into the truck. When I pull away I pull the chock out with the line.
2wd trucks are actually horrible for launching boats, becuase the drive wheels (rear wheels) don't have any weight over them. A front wheel drive car is better, because of the engine weight. (And of course 4 wheel drive is the best)
Man, how awesome of you to post that. I haven't bought a boat yet, but I will be soon. I've been bit by the bug! Right now I'm soaking up information while shopping. It never would have occurred to me that I could lose my boat that way. Glad I stumbled on your video! Thanks!
I just got my first boat, a 14 foot aluminum V-hull with a 15 horsepower mercury outboard. I haven't launched a boat in my life but this video made it look easy if you don't get ahead of yourself. I used my Club "anti/semi-antitheft device" to lock the breaks in a similar manner on my jeep when I pulled the front hubs. It made putting 175psi on the castle nut a snap. It stoped the thing from trying to rock while I stood on a 3 foot pipe attached to my torque wrench.lol I just subscribed, thanks my man.
When i have to get out of the truck to do anything on the ramp i turn my steering wheel all the way so if something lets go it will roll into the dock and hoofully stop. I would rather fix a dent then loose my truck. I like the brake presser tool. Good idea.
@super pickle im not talkin about sliding rear tire. I meant if tou parking break cable snaps or you park pin in tranny lets go whilemout of the vehicle. If you rear wheels or any wheels are sliding down the ramp then your tow vehicle is too small.
Most 4WD can be selected between LOW 4WD and HIGH 4WD. IF using LOW 4WD, be mindful of the pronounced "bouncy-bounce" if steering on a hard surface (both tires trying to spin at equal speed). Great idea with the brake pedal depressor. THUMBS UP!
Thanks man. I bought a new 2wd truck. Don’t ask me why I didn’t get the 4x4. I didn’t consider it will help with boat launching. Oops. But yeah. I’m glad I watched this. Now I know a safer way to launch with 2wd
i have a single cab GMC 2wd and i launch by myself all the time. i have also seen my truck slip at the ramp and freaked me out. this is a great device i will order tomorrow. great information, This gives me real peace of mind. thank you. i will be doing a video about this topic on my channel soon.
I have a 4wd, I always lock it in on the way down the ramp , keeping the wheels straight ( very important ) , put it in park , unload the ski's , back in the truck ,in gear , disengage 4wd, has always worked , no problems . Thanks
@@FloridaMadeMike It does engage all ( depending ) wheels . That keeps the front wheels locked in when the back are sitting in water . I should've explained a little better . Once you pull forward , out of the water , disengage the 4wd . Especially if it's on dry pavement, before you start making any turns , otherwise you could break something on your truck
@@FloridaMadeMike I'll reply to this old comment. When you make a sharp turn, not only do the wheels on the outside of the turn need to turn faster than those on the inside because they travel a longer distance, the front wheels in combination must turn faster than the rear wheels for the same reason, that is, the front wheels are following a longer path around the curve than the back wheels. If you are in four-wheel drive, the front and rear drive shafts turn at the same speed, so the tires will scuff on the pavement and your turning radius will be greatly increased. When you do this, it feels like you are driving with the brakes applied. The torque build-up between the front and rear drive shafts increases in proportion to how good the traction is between your tires and the pavement. When traction is good, there's great stress on the drive train when you are making a sharp turn while in four-wheel drive, and though usually the tires just scuff, it CAN result in something breaking. Note also that while you are making the turn in four-wheel drive, the torque on the drive train, being so great, will normally prevent you from disengaging the front axle. If it does engage (as is possible with modern shifter that are operated by electric motors), there will be a huge bang when it releases, and unnecessary wear at the corners of the engagement splines and on the shifting fork itself. Try to make the shift when there's no torque on the system (if you have an old-fashioned lever control, you can simply tell by feel when the shift can be made easily and thus avoid such problems, and you can also learn how to manipulate your vehicle to create this easy-shift situation).
That's what I was wondering. He did allude to that but didn't outright say it so I wasn't sure. I'll still invest in one though so I can plan it to others or use it myself if I just decide not to use 4wd for some reason.
Great tip man. I went out and bought one just now. I don't have the boat YET but soon and the ramp is the most stressful piece i'm trying to overcome. I def don't want to be one of these people that loose the rig!
Shhhhh. If everyone watched this we would loose a whole genera of videos. 😢 Actually glad someone finally posted something like this. I’m surprised more people haven’t figured this out. Good video. Thanks.
@@ruthless12street I've got great all terrain tires and launch a lot and I've have to put it in 4x4 or the rear will bust traction and slide. It's extremely easy to do on a slimy ramp.
Nice trick. As a Captain of a sailing vessel I take all precautions. Including never launching or retrieving without at least 2 crew to assist. 1 operating the tow vehicle "Preferably a Ford 4x4" 1 on the boat and another as a safety in case anything goes wrong. Be safe out there folks.
Big brother is listening. I just went to amazon, typed in "brake pedal". Before I finished typing, it suggested "brake pedal depressor." The machines are taking over! Great tip though. Every boater should have one. Only $31.
Thank you, for some reason I have three of these brake pedal depressors lying around my shop. We have the extra ones hanging by the shop doors to check brake lights. Check with your hunter rep He probably has a few on the truck used cheap.
The first part is funny when he says "for example if your have a rear wheel drive truck, then your parking brake only locks the back wheels". The parking brake only locks the back wheels on ALL vehicles. Regardless if there 2wd, 4wd, awd, car, truck or van.
I am looking into purchasing a boat soon. I hope to have a home on a canal with a lift. But until that home purchase it will have to be boat ramps for me. I really like the simple approach to protecting my truck. My F350 DRW doesn't need a bath! Great video!
I made one of those 40 years ago for testing brake lights also for seeing if the throttle (not running) was opening all the way for the race cars .But now I mostly tie a wedge to my bumper and use it.. but I will use that too as insurance.
I always use a rubber wheel chock and have a video about how I have it rigged so I don’t forget it. Years ago when I worked on cars we had some 2x4s we used to use to hold the pedal down - I think it was when we were bleeding brakes. I like your tool though - I might pick one up!
Good video, definitely anything to help others save their arse is always welcome. With regards to having 4x4, that's always a good tip I would always leave my 4 wheel drive vehicle in 4 wheel drive iin park on a boat ramp. However, some all wheel drive vehicles even though you put it in park you can have one tire slip like one of the front tires and it's going to roll. An AWD Denali or Escalade is one example.Many GMT 900 AWD,'s not selectable 4WD could benefit from a brake pedal lock. Great idea!
Thanks! I have been super paranoid of this happening to me so I always kick the kids out of the vehicle while I launch and people always laughed at me but hey I would rather get laughed at then someone drowned. This will help me feel a bit safer but kids still outa dat truck! =)
chocks are even cheaper, but if you have any doubts about your emergency brakes consider installing a MICO front disc locking system. A MICO brake can hold a 2 1/2 ton military truck on a 15% grade.
Very smart idea. I have one of them and never thought about using it at the ramp. Where I go to put my boat in the water is very slick and a few times I have about not made it away from the ramp because of the tires wanting to spin. Need some rocks or something out there lol. Thanks
@@capt.justinnapior9107 no problem. I'm heading to thr river today and im going to try my jeep today insted of my truck maybe it will work a little better lol
What placing a wheel chock with a rope attached? That when you’re driving up you can just have the rope through your window. The wheel chock is good when your loading by yourself
I think when I get my boat, I'm going to use the Brake Buddy as well as the wheel chocks. Why not... I've personally seen 2 submarine pickups at the ramp. I never want to be in that position
You have done mankind a good thing sir! I will definitely be telling folks about this great idea of yours! Well done good Sir! Well done indeed! Northern Cali BIG D
I was kayaking near a steep ramp one day and I heard a screeching noise. I looked over and here comes this large boat down the ramp dragging a truck behind it. Luckily, the 2 guys had detached the boat from the trailer already, so when it hit the boat bobbed up on the water and the truck could finally stop. I know that guy in the truck was puckered up tight lol
Thank you, no one explains the mechanics of it they just say your wheels slip is the number one reason...I just think well no shit but whyyyy and you told me why and I never knew the E brake only did the rear tires
Wow , yeah have worried about a slick steep ramp launching. i have a 4 wheel drive , and put it in 4WD when on the ramp. Never thought about the e brake only engaging the rear wheels . Great tip
Make sure you lock your brakes BEFORE you put it in park. Because if you don't it will rock against the parking pawl in the transmission. And you will think you're gonna break the shift lever getting it out of park.
i've used a t - handled adjustable length walking cane through the bottom of the steering wheel and bungee cord to pull the handle down to push down the brake pedal . mcgyvered that to bleed brakes by myself . thanks for sharing your idea . i think wrecker drivers use something that goes on the steering wheel . repurpose and some imagination goes a long way .
... Yes, get a stick, closet rod, conduit, PVC, anything and cut it to the correct length and push the brake from the seat front or under the steering wheel. .
That's a GREAT idea especially for a Truck like I had--a GMC with a Micky mouse emergency brake--that guaranteed could not hold my truck to not slide back. But a second thing to have is a chock, nothing like a manual block on the tire. Then again, if I GOT OUT to place the chock, the truck would immediately begin to roll back, so you need two people--one to get out and place it.
Good idea but that doesn’t prevent the rear tires slipping when you put the truck in gear and try to pull the boat and trailer out of the water. A friend that hadn’t driven a stick shift for a while tried to pull my trailer out after I had backed the boat off. Every time he let the clutch out the tires spun and the truck slid back a few feet. He finally gave up and got out so I could do it. I’ve seen people at the ramp have the same problem with automatic transmissions just by applying too much power. I’ve even done it a few times. The best solution I’ve found is to very slowly add power until the rear tires reach dryer pavement.
Yea I have a 350 dually on mudders with 4x4 flatbed with a front bumper hitch and I still chock mine no matter what. My family is like oh you don’t need it and my uncle that used to drive rigs and heavy equipment is like yup best things to use is chocks. Best part is is that I found it as FOD in an IHOP parking lot thanks to the GF. BTW the parking brake does the same thing because you’ll put unnecessary strain on your transmission if you don’t. I do it for the ranger all the time. Just don’t snap the brake lever when releasing. Guys at the tow yard would break benzes like that all the time.
@@HardHatDIver412 ... when the boat is backed into the water, the driver gets out and puts the chocks (drivers side, front and back, or just one wheel) behind the wheel(s). Once the boat is launched, tied up OUT OF THE WAY OF THE NEXT PERSON IN LINE ;-) , the driver gets back in and drives away dragging the chocks to the parking lot where he/she will pick up the chocks and store them. The rope on the mirror should keep the chocks away from the wheel(s) and not drive over them. Just don't make any left turns!!!!!!!!!!!!! .
Still probably THE BEST boat launch tip on youtube!!!
Cool tip and a lot of guys don't even use their parking brake on the ramp so for them maybe only one wheel holding the rig in place.
Always always set your parking brake. As your backing down keep your foot on the brake then apply the parking brake. Shift to neutral then release foot brake. After parking brake absorbs the load, then shift to Park. This is the proper way to do it. When pulling out, leave the parking brake applied until your shift to Drive and then release parking brake.
Good Idea. I use a board from the brake to the seat to check my brake lights so now I'll start using it at the ramp as well. Another "trick" I now use which I saw on RUclips is to place rubber wheel chocks behind the front wheels to help prevent sliding when you go to crank the boat on the boat trailer. Tie short ropes to the chocks and attach to your mirrors so that when you drive away from the ramp to the parking lot you can drag your wheel chokes with you.
This is the first time I've ever commented on a video, but I felt I should. Thank you for making such a to-the-point and useful video with such a great and ingenious solution.
ME L you are very welcome. Just trying to help save someone’s day!
I'm a new boat owner. Thanks for the tip, sir!👍👍
Holy crap...never thought about this. Guess I will start actually putting my truck in 4x4 mode! Thanks for the info!
This explains why I've seen videos of vehicles being recovered from the water with the rear wheels locked. Good video!
My coworker told me the story this morning about his truck sliding into the water. So obviously Google listens to everything and now I'm watching this video
creepy story bro
Disable that mic bro
100% removed this man's fear of fishing alone with my 2WD truck. Ordering one now.
I like that you're helping ppl. I launch my boat all the time alone. 2 wheel drive Ranger. Small boat tho, and light. I ALWAYS turn my truck off, press Ebrake and leave it in gear.
Looking at getting my 1st boat, I've been watching all tips and tricks I can about boating and this by far has been the best tip yet, thanks
Contra1 contra2 no problem! Thank you
Every time out you should learn something new.
Back in the day we didn’t have You tube to learn from others mistakes!
Have fun and B safe.
A couple of additional pieces of advice specifically for folks new to boat ramps:
1 Practice backing a trailer somewhere before the big day. 2. don’t go on a busy day when nobody has patience.
3 When backing, set yourself up for success by getting your truck and trailer straight in-line with the ramp and make small adjustments with the wheel as you back down
4. Keep the rear wheels out of any wet or slimy stuff on the ramp. Lastly make sure you get everything ready before you get in the ramp both putting in and taking out. Nothing more aggravating than cluelessness when at a busy ramp. Be courteous and be confident and above all be Safe. Ask for help if you need it, plenty of folks would be happy to assist. Great video
Out of 240k views you definitely saved thousands of people from sliding in! I finally got little skiff and your video was the first thought that popped in my mind lol.
This is the best boat ramp disaster prevention video!! Thanks Capt!!!
Demar S Browning thank you 🙏
Great hack man....thanks for the clip....I've almost been a boat ramp champ myself so I welcome all nuggets to help me out.
This is often an overlooked safety issue.
I have pulled two vehicles out of the water so far ( not my own) at the ramp
I always launch and retrieve in 4wd.
Apply e-brake first THEN put in park.
And since e-brakes and trans can fail at any time I use a cut off from a 8x8 fence post with a 45 cut in it and chock my front driver wheel andI have a piece of line tied to it and throw that into the truck.
When I pull away I pull the chock out with the line.
Excellent tip! That brake rod is a great investment to enhance safety. Thanks, Justin!
Awesome tip. I launch a 3500 lb boat by myself all the time, I always chock both front wheels. Adds 30 seconds to the process.
I use wheel chocks too. But, I use mine on the rear wheels. On a boat ramp at an angle the weight transfer goes to the rear of the vehicle.
@@georgepetrillo7316 On some ramps the rear wheels may be in the water.
Man that's a great idea! Going to Amazon now. and buying a chock to. Thanks for sharing!
As a new boater with a 2wd truck this is priceless. Thanks
If your slipping just put it in 1st and dump the clutch lol
2wd trucks are actually horrible for launching boats, becuase the drive wheels (rear wheels) don't have any weight over them. A front wheel drive car is better, because of the engine weight. (And of course 4 wheel drive is the best)
Thanks for the tip, hard to find here in Malaysia so I just ordered one from Amazon :)
That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing. That can be a useful tool in any situation when having the rear brakes locked just isn't enough.
Very considerate of you to post this for us. God bless you!
You just saved my truck, thank you Sir!! 👍🏽🙏🏽
I appreciate sharing your idea to help others. Many people don't do that. I'm buying one for my truck. Thank you!
Man, how awesome of you to post that. I haven't bought a boat yet, but I will be soon. I've been bit by the bug! Right now I'm soaking up information while shopping. It never would have occurred to me that I could lose my boat that way. Glad I stumbled on your video! Thanks!
You lose your car not your boat
Best information out there.
I just got my first boat, a 14 foot aluminum V-hull with a 15 horsepower mercury outboard. I haven't launched a boat in my life but this video made it look easy if you don't get ahead of yourself. I used my Club "anti/semi-antitheft device" to lock the breaks in a similar manner on my jeep when I pulled the front hubs. It made putting 175psi on the castle nut a snap. It stoped the thing from trying to rock while I stood on a 3 foot pipe attached to my torque wrench.lol I just subscribed, thanks my man.
Thanks buddy really appreciate it!
Great tip....Sliding has been one of those areas that makes me real weak in the knees. Already bought one, thanks to your tip.
I always put wheel chocks behind tires but I like this
When i have to get out of the truck to do anything on the ramp i turn my steering wheel all the way so if something lets go it will roll into the dock and hoofully stop. I would rather fix a dent then loose my truck.
I like the brake presser tool. Good idea.
Randy Keech great idea! I agree much easier to fix a dent for sure!
Good tip!
@super pickle im not talkin about sliding rear tire. I meant if tou parking break cable snaps or you park pin in tranny lets go whilemout of the vehicle.
If you rear wheels or any wheels are sliding down the ramp then your tow vehicle is too small.
Most 4WD can be selected between LOW 4WD and HIGH 4WD. IF using LOW 4WD, be mindful of the pronounced "bouncy-bounce" if steering on a hard surface (both tires trying to spin at equal speed). Great idea with the brake pedal depressor. THUMBS UP!
Probably the most valuable preventative video on you tube for boaters who use launch ramps...boy would that ruin your day!!!
steven jacobs yes it would! Thank you sir
Great video buddy thanks . You can always teach an old dog a new trick
Wow. Never knew why that happened. Like you said, simple. Thanks!
Very good point,I’ll use it from now on❤❤❤
Thanks man. I bought a new 2wd truck. Don’t ask me why I didn’t get the 4x4. I didn’t consider it will help with boat launching. Oops. But yeah. I’m glad I watched this. Now I know a safer way to launch with 2wd
great video. Im ordering one of these now. You may have saved a few cars with this video
Simple genius. I got to get one of those. Thank you for posting
i have a single cab GMC 2wd and i launch by myself all the time. i have also seen my truck slip at the ramp and freaked me out. this is a great device i will order tomorrow. great information, This gives me real peace of mind. thank you. i will be doing a video about this topic on my channel soon.
swampland awesome! Glad you liked it buddy. It’s definitely cheap insurance!
@@capt.justinnapior9107 FOR SURE THANK YOU
I have a 4wd, I always lock it in on the way down the ramp , keeping the wheels straight ( very important ) , put it in park , unload the ski's , back in the truck ,in gear , disengage 4wd, has always worked , no problems .
Thanks
tim carps wait what? Why disengage the 4wd isn’t that when you need it the most ? Up and down the ramp
@@FloridaMadeMike
It does engage all ( depending ) wheels . That keeps the front wheels locked in when the back are sitting in water . I should've explained a little better . Once you pull forward , out of the water , disengage the 4wd . Especially if it's on dry pavement, before you start making any turns , otherwise you could break something on your truck
@@timcarps3664 What could break though if you do make turns in 4wd mode while towing? Sorry im sounding naiive
@@FloridaMadeMike I'll reply to this old comment. When you make a sharp turn, not only do the wheels on the outside of the turn need to turn faster than those on the inside because they travel a longer distance, the front wheels in combination must turn faster than the rear wheels for the same reason, that is, the front wheels are following a longer path around the curve than the back wheels. If you are in four-wheel drive, the front and rear drive shafts turn at the same speed, so the tires will scuff on the pavement and your turning radius will be greatly increased. When you do this, it feels like you are driving with the brakes applied. The torque build-up between the front and rear drive shafts increases in proportion to how good the traction is between your tires and the pavement. When traction is good, there's great stress on the drive train when you are making a sharp turn while in four-wheel drive, and though usually the tires just scuff, it CAN result in something breaking.
Note also that while you are making the turn in four-wheel drive, the torque on the drive train, being so great, will normally prevent you from disengaging the front axle. If it does engage (as is possible with modern shifter that are operated by electric motors), there will be a huge bang when it releases, and unnecessary wear at the corners of the engagement splines and on the shifting fork itself. Try to make the shift when there's no torque on the system (if you have an old-fashioned lever control, you can simply tell by feel when the shift can be made easily and thus avoid such problems, and you can also learn how to manipulate your vehicle to create this easy-shift situation).
That’s a great idea. If you have a 4x4 truck and engage the 4wd as you back down the ramp then putting it in park will also make the front tires hold.
That's what I was wondering. He did allude to that but didn't outright say it so I wasn't sure. I'll still invest in one though so I can plan it to others or use it myself if I just decide not to use 4wd for some reason.
I leave mine on 4x4 when parking on ice driveway
@@aaronhuff4484 anything to create more friction helps most of the time
Great tip man. I went out and bought one just now. I don't have the boat YET but soon and the ramp is the most stressful piece i'm trying to overcome. I def don't want to be one of these people that loose the rig!
Tie a wedge to your bumper too and wedge either the front or rear wheels.
thanks to you, i do that since 2 yrs. I built it with a metal stick and a sold piece of wood. Works perfect. Locking the front wheels is key.
Shhhhh. If everyone watched this we would loose a whole genera of videos. 😢
Actually glad someone finally posted something like this. I’m surprised more people haven’t figured this out. Good video. Thanks.
Thanks for the REMINDER!!!!
I chock my tire every time. It's not a common practice but its peace of mind
Joe Kaz or get all terrain tires
@@ruthless12street I've got great all terrain tires and launch a lot and I've have to put it in 4x4 or the rear will bust traction and slide. It's extremely easy to do on a slimy ramp.
Good Idea. Better safe than sorry
Cool deal I need to get one. But I'm still backing it up with chocks though. I have an old manual 5-speed so it gets set into 2nd gear also.
Awesome tool and advice. Great tip!
I used a piece of 2x4 worked perfect.
Nice trick. As a Captain of a sailing vessel I take all precautions. Including never launching or retrieving without at least 2 crew to assist. 1 operating the tow vehicle "Preferably a Ford 4x4" 1 on the boat and another as a safety in case anything goes wrong. Be safe out there folks.
Big brother is listening. I just went to amazon, typed in "brake pedal". Before I finished typing, it suggested "brake pedal depressor." The machines are taking over! Great tip though. Every boater should have one. Only $31.
Good stuff man. As a new boater, thank you.
This is a pretty damn good idea. I got a piece of all thread and some heavy flat bar. I’ll be making one before next weekend.
Brandon Wert yessir! Yeah you can definitely make one pretty easily.
Thank you, for some reason I have three of these brake pedal depressors lying around my shop. We have the extra ones hanging by the shop doors to check brake lights. Check with your hunter rep He probably has a few on the truck used cheap.
Great tool Capt. Sometimes is scary at those steep ramps. I'm getting one of those right now. Thanks!!!!
Gman no problem!
The first part is funny when he says "for example if your have a rear wheel drive truck, then your parking brake only locks the back wheels". The parking brake only locks the back wheels on ALL vehicles. Regardless if there 2wd, 4wd, awd, car, truck or van.
But 4x4 will lock all 4 wheels in park
I am looking into purchasing a boat soon. I hope to have a home on a canal with a lift. But until that home purchase it will have to be boat ramps for me. I really like the simple approach to protecting my truck. My F350 DRW doesn't need a bath! Great video!
I made one of those 40 years ago for testing brake lights also for seeing if the throttle (not running)
was opening all the way for the race cars .But now I mostly tie a wedge to my bumper and use it..
but I will use that too as insurance.
I always use a rubber wheel chock and have a video about how I have it rigged so I don’t forget it. Years ago when I worked on cars we had some 2x4s we used to use to hold the pedal down - I think it was when we were bleeding brakes. I like your tool though - I might pick one up!
Good video, definitely anything to help others save their arse is always welcome. With regards to having 4x4, that's always a good tip I would always leave my 4 wheel drive vehicle in 4 wheel drive iin park on a boat ramp. However, some all wheel drive vehicles even though you put it in park you can have one tire slip like one of the front tires and it's going to roll. An AWD Denali or Escalade is one example.Many GMT 900 AWD,'s not selectable 4WD could benefit from a brake pedal lock.
Great idea!
Thanks! I have been super paranoid of this happening to me so I always kick the kids out of the vehicle while I launch and people always laughed at me but hey I would rather get laughed at then someone drowned. This will help me feel a bit safer but kids still outa dat truck! =)
Yesterday I was having a conversation about boat ramps. Now, this video was recommended to me.
Great video bro. You just made me realize just how easy it could be to make the boat ramp fails videos. Thx for the info!
Thank you! I'm about to order one now!!!
Great advice. Thank you for posting it.
tube396 no problem!
omg I own this tool and I have never thought to use it . I have just used wheel chocks towards the end of the ramp as a last ditch
chocks are even cheaper, but if you have any doubts about your emergency brakes consider installing a MICO front disc locking system. A MICO brake can hold a 2 1/2 ton military truck on a 15% grade.
Very smart idea. I have one of them and never thought about using it at the ramp. Where I go to put my boat in the water is very slick and a few times I have about not made it away from the ramp because of the tires wanting to spin. Need some rocks or something out there lol. Thanks
LearningOutWild Thank you! Mine slide one time that’s what gave me the idea.
@@capt.justinnapior9107 no problem. I'm heading to thr river today and im going to try my jeep today insted of my truck maybe it will work a little better lol
Awesome idea brother, thanks
What a top idea mate. Straight off to ebay looking for one. Thanks from Australia. Cheers PP
Mr Poopypants Thank you. Cheers!
What placing a wheel chock with a rope attached? That when you’re driving up you can just have the rope through your window. The wheel chock is good when your loading by yourself
FREE. 2x4, cut to length... With Black ducted taped on Both ends. Thank You for the advice. Well taken.
No problem! Yes a 2 x 4 will get the job done for a lot cheaper
@@capt.justinnapior9107 Salt Life!! LOL
🐟 🎣
I think when I get my boat, I'm going to use the Brake Buddy as well as the wheel chocks. Why not... I've personally seen 2 submarine pickups at the ramp. I never want to be in that position
If it's raining you could use a long chain or rope as a trailer extension, pulling on flat ground.
Much appreciated Justin, cheers
I remember this tool very well. It came with the Hunter C111 alignment machine I used for 30 years. Awesome piece of equipment.
You have done mankind a good thing sir! I will definitely be telling folks about this great idea of yours!
Well done good Sir! Well done indeed!
Northern Cali
BIG D
Thank you very much! Im happy It helped. Its so simple but it works!
I was kayaking near a steep ramp one day and I heard a screeching noise. I looked over and here comes this large boat down the ramp dragging a truck behind it. Luckily, the 2 guys had detached the boat from the trailer already, so when it hit the boat bobbed up on the water and the truck could finally stop. I know that guy in the truck was puckered up tight lol
Put 1 in my 73 cj5 worked good 👍
A small Louisville slugger jammed inbetween the seat and brake pedal works great to
Great Video. I have a GMC and the E brake sucks, this is a perfect fix for now tell I get the E brake fixed or adjusted.
This is probably the best info video I've seen in a wile thanks man.
Country Dodd very welcome!
Thank you, no one explains the mechanics of it they just say your wheels slip is the number one reason...I just think well no shit but whyyyy and you told me why and I never knew the E brake only did the rear tires
Never happened ot me but it had to some one I know team work makes a dream work
Thank you so much for that explanation. Priceless
Wow , yeah have worried about a slick steep ramp launching. i have a 4 wheel drive , and put it in 4WD when on the ramp.
Never thought about the e brake only engaging the rear wheels . Great tip
Grumpy 1 thank you!
Make sure you lock your brakes BEFORE you put it in park. Because if you don't it will rock against the parking pawl in the transmission. And you will think you're gonna break the shift lever getting it out of park.
That’s why it does that? Every time I park on a hill I put it in Park then the EBrake. Other way around keeps it from doing that?
i've used a t - handled adjustable length walking cane through the bottom of the steering wheel and bungee cord to pull the handle down to push down the brake pedal . mcgyvered that to bleed brakes by myself . thanks for sharing your idea . i think wrecker drivers use something that goes on the steering wheel . repurpose and some imagination goes a long way .
... Yes, get a stick, closet rod, conduit, PVC, anything and cut it to the correct length and push the brake from the seat front or under the steering wheel.
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I’ve put a little manual pump on my space cylinder. Couple pumps and locks all brakes. Real easy to do
But your idea is lot easier 👍😂😂
Awesome video , thank you for the tips
That's a GREAT idea especially for a Truck like I had--a GMC with a Micky mouse emergency brake--that guaranteed could not hold my truck to not slide back. But a second thing to have is a chock, nothing like a manual block on the tire. Then again, if I GOT OUT to place the chock, the truck would immediately begin to roll back, so you need two people--one to get out and place it.
Such a good tip, Thanks Justin!
Banshee Moon no problem!! Hope it helps 👍👍
Good idea but that doesn’t prevent the rear tires slipping when you put the truck in gear and try to pull the boat and trailer out of the water. A friend that hadn’t driven a stick shift for a while tried to pull my trailer out after I had backed the boat off. Every time he let the clutch out the tires spun and the truck slid back a few feet. He finally gave up and got out so I could do it. I’ve seen people at the ramp have the same problem with automatic transmissions just by applying too much power. I’ve even done it a few times. The best solution I’ve found is to very slowly add power until the rear tires reach dryer pavement.
I use a piece of PVC that I wedge between the wheel and the brake pedal locking all wheels. It really works well and gives me peace of mind.
Just received the brake bar I ordered after I watched this, thanks to you! It scares the hell outta me that I'm gonna dunk my old F150 at the ramp! 😬
just ordered one, great tip, thx
excellent idea but like someone else said i have a ton of scrap lumber and steel i will make one but thanks for the idea i also chock my wheels
Yea I have a 350 dually on mudders with 4x4 flatbed with a front bumper hitch and I still chock mine no matter what. My family is like oh you don’t need it and my uncle that used to drive rigs and heavy equipment is like yup best things to use is chocks. Best part is is that I found it as FOD in an IHOP parking lot thanks to the GF. BTW the parking brake does the same thing because you’ll put unnecessary strain on your transmission if you don’t. I do it for the ranger all the time. Just don’t snap the brake lever when releasing. Guys at the tow yard would break benzes like that all the time.
That's why I love using my 2011 Audi Q5 as my tow rig. The ebrake locks all 4 brakes.
I got a chock with a rope tied to it with a loop and loop it over my mirror so when I pull forward it
drags right along the ramp behind my front tire
Kenneth Morton that's not a bad idea
Good idea
How does it stay inline with the wheel? This doesn’t make sense
@@HardHatDIver412 ... when the boat is backed into the water, the driver gets out and puts the chocks (drivers side, front and back, or just one wheel) behind the wheel(s).
Once the boat is launched, tied up OUT OF THE WAY OF THE NEXT PERSON IN LINE ;-) , the driver gets back in and drives away dragging the chocks to the parking lot where he/she will pick up the chocks and store them.
The rope on the mirror should keep the chocks away from the wheel(s) and not drive over them. Just don't make any left turns!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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