E-Lock and boat ramp
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 170
From: Hunterdon Cnty N.J.
If your pulling out straight theres no need to unlock or shift out of 4x4. If the lot is sand or dirt theres little reason either. If its pavement and your pulling the weight of a boat and you try to turn sharply the truck will inform you that your screwing up and youll remember to shift out.
As far as the e locker, I bought it on my truck because Id rather have and not need as the previous reply stated. That said. If you know your on a slick ramp lock it in. Theres more risk to your driveline losing and then regaining traction than if your locked in and never slip... even if you do need to turn a little.
As far as the e locker, I bought it on my truck because Id rather have and not need as the previous reply stated. That said. If you know your on a slick ramp lock it in. Theres more risk to your driveline losing and then regaining traction than if your locked in and never slip... even if you do need to turn a little.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,695
Likes: 12,821
From: Wyoming
My truck in 4Lo isn't jerky at all. I put it in gear and it starts moving without any action on the accelerator pedal. This is with an 11K trailer going up a slight incline to get out of my storage spot. Since the storage lot is dirt/gravel, I take that opportunity to briefly exercise the four wheel drive system.
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: "Big D"
I say order it. It's better to have ……..(what everyone else has already said) From a personal note I have a 8500lb+ boat as well and I have never** had to use the E locker or 4WD pulling my boat in or out. That was with my 2012 F250 and my new 2019 f250. My 2007 f150 was a different story all together. I have put my boat in at no less then 50 different ramps throughout the country and never had a need to use the locker or 4WD. This is also with my wife doing the driving most of the time since she won't drive the boat on the trailer. Even on wet ramps I have never had a problem with tire spin except the occasional slight slip. Just don't mash the pedal to the floor and your fine but order the locker just incase.
John
** There was one time when I loaded it from the shoreline and there was no ramp. It was an emergency situation and had to back it into the lake in the mud and it took 4WD and a lot of foul language to get it out.
John
** There was one time when I loaded it from the shoreline and there was no ramp. It was an emergency situation and had to back it into the lake in the mud and it took 4WD and a lot of foul language to get it out.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 105
From: Casper, Wyoming
Just like in 4 wheel drive, if you lock in your rear differential, you also do not want to turn the truck with it engaged. I would definitely order it as was said above, better to have it and not need it than...
Then, teach your wife how to correctly use it and you will be fine. I can tell you that I have electronic locking rear diffs on my truck and I have used it a number of times where anybody else would have had to put it in 4 wheel drive. It is great when you need it.
Then, teach your wife how to correctly use it and you will be fine. I can tell you that I have electronic locking rear diffs on my truck and I have used it a number of times where anybody else would have had to put it in 4 wheel drive. It is great when you need it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,465
Likes: 725
From: Calgary Canada
Well, you aren't going to hurt anything leaving it locked at low speed, it's just doesn't turn well and it will feel funny.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I would say the same about four-wheel-drive. I've heard people insist that you're bound to break something by doing that, but I've never seen or heard of that ever happening. The powertrains in these trucks are extremely robust.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 322
Likes: 58
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 9
Does a non E-locker just drive one wheel?
I’m placing an order this week for a 2020 CCSWB Limited. We launch a 27’ boat weighing about 8-9k total.
Would a standard rear end pull it out without spinning on a textured ramp? My current truck has a limited slip and never spins. I would “assume” it would spin a little even before the LS kicks in..
My wife drives the truck at the ramp, and I would rather not have her behind the wheel on dry pavement with the 4X locked.
If it’s not needed, I’d rather not order it.
Thanks.
I’m placing an order this week for a 2020 CCSWB Limited. We launch a 27’ boat weighing about 8-9k total.
Would a standard rear end pull it out without spinning on a textured ramp? My current truck has a limited slip and never spins. I would “assume” it would spin a little even before the LS kicks in..
My wife drives the truck at the ramp, and I would rather not have her behind the wheel on dry pavement with the 4X locked.
If it’s not needed, I’d rather not order it.
Thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 424
From: Too close to Houston
But then I’d never shut a vehicle down if it’s deep enough for the exhaust to be bubbling.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 21,195
Likes: 306
From: Near Salmon Arm BC
Why would you want to shut it off to begin with.
Mind you nowadays my wife is the one backing it down the ramp 3/4 of the time.
We have it down to a science...about a second before the boat touches the water I start the engine, let it idle for about 3 seconds to get some oil pressure and she is ztill backing up...i throw it into reverse and only rev it up to about 1500 rpm and she is watching the mirrors for it to move off the trailer...she stops as soon as it moves, throws it into drive and is heading back up the ramp.
Mind you nowadays my wife is the one backing it down the ramp 3/4 of the time.
We have it down to a science...about a second before the boat touches the water I start the engine, let it idle for about 3 seconds to get some oil pressure and she is ztill backing up...i throw it into reverse and only rev it up to about 1500 rpm and she is watching the mirrors for it to move off the trailer...she stops as soon as it moves, throws it into drive and is heading back up the ramp.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,465
Likes: 725
From: Calgary Canada
Why would you want to shut it off to begin with.
Mind you nowadays my wife is the one backing it down the ramp 3/4 of the time.
We have it down to a science...about a second before the boat touches the water I start the engine, let it idle for about 3 seconds to get some oil pressure and she is ztill backing up...i throw it into reverse and only rev it up to about 1500 rpm and she is watching the mirrors for it to move off the trailer...she stops as soon as it moves, throws it into drive and is heading back up the ramp.
Mind you nowadays my wife is the one backing it down the ramp 3/4 of the time.
We have it down to a science...about a second before the boat touches the water I start the engine, let it idle for about 3 seconds to get some oil pressure and she is ztill backing up...i throw it into reverse and only rev it up to about 1500 rpm and she is watching the mirrors for it to move off the trailer...she stops as soon as it moves, throws it into drive and is heading back up the ramp.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
My lunch routine is a bit more complex, as I'm usually doing it myself. It normally takes me about five or 10 minutes from pulling in to the point where I am ready to pull away from the dock. I always shut the engine off, and at some ramps I pull over to one of the "courtesy docks" so others can use the ramp while I'm parking.
I'll get laughed at in this forum, but 12 miles per gallon towing frustrates me, so every little bit helps!
I'll get laughed at in this forum, but 12 miles per gallon towing frustrates me, so every little bit helps!