Bottom out on ferry ramp

[Mygirlscats]

Anybody else have this problem? We live on an island off the coast of British Columbia. When we take our 24 ft Citation on a “big” ferry (lots of buses and semis), loading and unloading is easy. If we take a smaller ferry, though, we could face a very steep ramp at low tide, with a sharp angle where the ramp hits the ferry deck. Our last rv was a 32 ft Class A and the rear overhang of the coach would bottom out and scrape on the ramp. Made me cringe every time (and once destroyed our bike rack!). We had wheels installed on the bottom of the frame to protect it.

Yesterday we traveled from Quadra Island in our 24’ Citation and waited six hours for the tide to rise to 3 meters (about 9 feet) before braving the loading ramp. Still scraped the tailpipe just a little bit and no damage.

Does anyone have a solution to this, other than waiting for high tide?

[Bob Denman]

Unless you're willing to carry along your own ramps: I'd suggest bringing along a good book, and waiting it out.
Sorry!

[Mustang46555]

We've never gotten hung up yet , but I can understand your situation. The back of our 26ft is very low and will also hit under certain conditions.
I have seen a California based company on line that offered kits to raise the Ford E350 and 450 chassis 2 inches front and rear. Actually looked really good and good quality components. Can't remember the name though, perhaps a Google search.

[Mustang46555]

Companies name is weldtec

[Bob Denman]

I know that raised trucks always look cool...
But since a Motorhome already sits pretty tall: and you're going to be raising the center of it by 2"... couldn't that monkey-up the handling?

[Mustang46555]

Good question Bob. I'm sure it would have an effect, just to what extent is the question. Done right I don't think it would be too big a problem. We already take a top heavy vehicle into account when driving our RV's. And the photos on their website look just plain BAD! They even lifted one 6". A bit much for my taste.

[JamieGeek]

Your best bet is probably another set of wheels mounted at the back (like the old RV had).

You could go for broke and install an air ride system:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agZdsg7wnzk

[Bob Denman]

Car porn? You had me at that!

[The Gritz Carlton]

Trade it in for one of these...it's your only solution...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtS-gZgF4GI

[SuperD]

At our previous house we had a VERY steep driveway which caused the back of the coach to drag very hard. I installed a set of wheels that attach to the hitch frame and no more problems. If you have a hitch this might be a solution for you.

This is what I used. You can get either fixed of swiveling wheels, I chose the swivel wheels which allow you to turn without creating a side load on the wheels.



There is also a steel wheel that attaches with the hitch pin, I do NOT recommend you get this one, it leaves marks on everything it touches and does not extend down very far from the hitch.

[TurnerFam]

we had a 'fun' experience when debarking the Alaska ferry from Haines to Skagway...

The Ferry at Haines is a rather large SHIP, not the open ferry type many of us think of, though the open ferry at Dawson City is a trip(and FREE!)...very nice. The ship loads all of it's passengers on the top floor, which is a very nice seated area with refreshments and many windows to view the trip.
The ship loads all it's vehicles down a 500' ramp into the lowest 'belly'. I was the first to be loaded since we were the only Class A of substantial size, versus a few Class C and Truck camper types, as well as some regular vehicle traffic, and quite a few motorcycle touring groups...on special 'touring' bikes for the Alaska type environment.

I had to BACK DOWN the whole ramp into the belly of the ship, with directions from several crew members, as well as making a hard 90degree turn toward the rear of the ferry since you load from the SIDE, not the front or rear. Fun. But slow and steady and all was well. Eventually all the other vehicles and motorcycles got loaded. The motorcycle folks have to strap down each one. We then exited the coach and took the stairs up into the top floor seating areas.

The trip was actually very easy, smooth, and even though some rain was had, the final approach to Skagway, a Cruise port, was slow and uneventful.

Now, here's the good part.

The exit to the dock at Skagway is not as pleasant as the entrance onto the ferry at Haines. The dock is a little too high for the low lying ship's lower side door, and a lot of extra 'ramp' is needed. And, since the ramp is not as 'level'(it's very uphill to the dock), the crew needed to really monitor my exit and make sure that my belly and hitch did not scrape. This took some time, some adding of wood planks to 'walk up' the ramp, especially at certain ramp transitions, and a lot of aggravation from the motorcycle group who got got behind my exit. They had taken longer than the ferry crew felt they should to get their motorcycles unstrapped, and had asked me to go ahead and exit before them. What they didn't realize is that the low stance of the RV chassis, the XCS Freightliner chassis sits lower than most, especially Class A gas units, and it would be an education in wood-planking the whole 500ft of exiting. I took quite a while. The motorcyclist were pissed!

After we finally debarked the ship and made it to the top of the ramp, I paused for a little bit and let the 'deserving' motorcyclist pass on up and into the city. I got a few '#1' signs from a few : ( at least, I think that's what they were : )

We stayed right next to the harbor, at the campground with 50amp service, views of the Cruise port, and walking distance to everything...very nice!



go, travel, explore...!

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by SuperD

At our previous house we had a VERY steep driveway which caused the back of the coach to drag very hard. I installed a set of wheels that attach to the hitch frame and no more problems. If you have a hitch this might be a solution for you.

This is what I used. You can get either fixed of swiveling wheels, I chose the swivel wheels which allow you to turn without creating a side load on the wheels.

Attachment 11901

There is also a steel wheel that attaches with the hitch pin, I do NOT recommend you get this one, it leaves marks on everything it touches and does not extend down very far from the hitch.

Attachment 11902

Did you ever pick the drive wheels up enough to lose traction?

[The Gritz Carlton]

That's exactly what I see happening on the ferry!!

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Did you ever pick the drive wheels up enough to lose traction?

No, never did. Our steep driveway entrance took a lot of weight off of the rear wheels but never lost traction. The hitch wheels saved a lot of scraping and cussing.

[SuperD]

TurnerFam, when people wave at me I just politely wave back and smile!!! F... them if they can’t take a joke and are in that big of a hurry!!!

[The Gritz Carlton]

I have a bumper sticker that says..."I May Be Slow, But I'm Ahead of You!!"


It really gets their blood boiling...especially if they can't pass for miles!!

[Bob Denman]

I'm going to get a sticker that says: "You should have left earlier"

[The Gritz Carlton]

That's exactly my words if anyone ever has the nads to say something to me.

[Bob Denman]

I'd say that "Great minds think alike."; but I'd never want to insult you like that...

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I'm going to get a sticker that says: "You should have left earlier"

If you find one buy two, I want one