ipeeinmywetsuit Posted January 23, 2013 Posted January 23, 2013 I am going to be purchasing a new truck soon and I am contemplating whether or not 4WD is a necessary upgrade. I want a tacoma full cab with 4WD and possibly the TRD off road package. I don't own a boat yet but I am saving up for one. I assume that with paved launches I'll be fine most of the time with just 2WD and for dirt launches or slick paved launches 4WD might come in handy. I know it it more expensive and could lead to more maintenance issues. The gas mileage I would be saving with a 2X4 is literally only 1mpg and the insurance cost is not much more at all. I want to get the 4WD and even if I never use it I feel like it would be a better to have and not need kind of deal. I live in Southern California so that means trips to the desert, beaches, mountains, camping in the redwoods, humboldt county (northern california), and lots of big paved boat ramps. I also own a bit of land and work in ceramics for a living so I will be hauling quite a bit of weight with the truck. Any of you truck/boat owners have some thoughts on the pro's/con's of 4WD?? Quote
Super User slonezp Posted January 23, 2013 Super User Posted January 23, 2013 Posi rearend is a necessity. I'll use 4wd at the ramp early and late in the season if there is ice on the ramps. Rarely do I see enough algae on the ramp where I'd need 4wd. 4wd lowers the tow rating on the truck, don't know if that would be an issue with your business. It shouldn't be with a fishing boat, because boat, trailer, gas, and gear should be under 3000lbs. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted January 23, 2013 BassResource.com Administrator Posted January 23, 2013 I've towed with both, and you want the 4WD, hands down. There were several times where I got stuck on a ramp with my 2WD due to too much sand and dirt on the ramp - not ice. Once I went a bit too far into the water and got the tires on some algae. I just about lost the the rig in the drink, and had to be pulled out. That was the final straw for me. I've used a 4WD ever since and have never had a problem. And yes, I've had several instances where I needed, and used, the 4WD without any problems. Glad I have it! 3 Quote
ipeeinmywetsuit Posted January 23, 2013 Author Posted January 23, 2013 Posi rearend is a necessity. I'll use 4wd at the ramp early and late in the season if there is ice on the ramps. Rarely do I see enough algae on the ramp where I'd need 4wd. 4wd lowers the tow rating on the truck, don't know if that would be an issue with your business. It shouldn't be with a fishing boat, because boat, trailer, gas, and gear should be under 3000lbs. I've towed with both, and you want the 4WD, hands down. There were several times where I got stuck on a ramp with my 2WD due to too much sand and dirt on the ramp - not ice. Once I went a bit too far into the water and got the tires on some algae. I just about lost the the rig in the drink, and had to be pulled out. That was the final straw for me. I've used a 4WD ever since and have never had a problem. And yes, I've had several instances where I needed, and used, the 4WD without any problems. Glad I have it! Thanks for your responses guys. I just needed some extra affirmation. I know that the taco's are rated 6500lb towing compacity for the 2x4 and 4x4 v6. I will definitely be getting a 4 x 4. I also posted and did some research on a truck forum and it all pointed towards the 4 x 4. Thanks again! Quote
Super User Teal Posted January 23, 2013 Super User Posted January 23, 2013 If you have the luxury of being able to choose 4x4 or not, take the 4x4. Having 4x4 is kind of like having toilet paper with you on the boat, its pays for itself the first time that you really need it. 3 Quote
Super User tomustang Posted January 23, 2013 Super User Posted January 23, 2013 No question, 4X4 boat or no boat Quote
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted January 23, 2013 Super User Posted January 23, 2013 I will never own another vehicle that isn't four wheel drive. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 23, 2013 Super User Posted January 23, 2013 4x4, absolutely! Seaweed, mud, sand, and algae have all given me fits on the ramp, and I'm glad for my 4x4. The off road package? Meh, not so much. I won't be getting the Z71 package on my next pickup. The ride is a little too rough for everyday use. Quote
KevO Posted January 23, 2013 Posted January 23, 2013 I've never had any problems towing my boat with my 4x2 but I try to avoid steep ramps also. It helps having a light aluminum rig too. My next truck will be a 4x4 for sure though. Quote
ipeeinmywetsuit Posted January 23, 2013 Author Posted January 23, 2013 Well that settles it in my mind. Everything I've read has been in favor of 4 x 4. Thanks for the opinions guys! I'll have this truck by the end of the week... so stoked! Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted January 23, 2013 Super User Posted January 23, 2013 Good luck and post some pictures! BTW- I am an avid Toyota fan! You will be happy you got one as well! Jeff Quote
shootermcbob Posted January 24, 2013 Posted January 24, 2013 Good luck and post some pictures! BTW- I am an avid Toyota fan! You will be happy you got one as well! Jeff Sweet ride. What kind of MPG's are you getting with your truck? Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 Not good. But I dont have a big truck for gas milage. Probably about 13 with the tires and leveling kit. But I work 2 miles from home. Only travel is to the lake. Jeff Quote
Super User tomustang Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 Not good. But I dont have a big truck for gas milage. Probably about 13 with the tires and leveling kit. But I work 2 miles from home. Only travel is to the lake.Jeff Hey do midgets pop out of the fenders and flash lights like on a runway to guide you in a parking space? That thing's huge looking 1 Quote
Super User Shane J Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 I, too, am a Tundra owner, and love my truck. You won't regret getting a Toyota, trust me. Good luck with your purchase! Hey, 00 Mod, sweet truck, man! Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 13 mpg? Oof. I'm getting 19-22 in my GMC. I bet I get better performance numbers too. That said, it isn't as pretty as that whip! Sweet ride, Jeff. Quote
Rangerphil Posted January 24, 2013 Posted January 24, 2013 Just got a new tundra back in September! I was always a gmc man but after having this tundra for awhile I am very happy! Only time will tell on longevity. It is better to have something and never use it then not to have it at all! Jeff, do you like having the leveling kit? Thought about getting one put on! Quote
Super User K_Mac Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 I agree with the rest. I have an 18' 6" tin boat that is not nearly as heavy as most glass boats, and I still use the 4 wheel drive in my Durango from time to time. I can put my boat in strip pits with gravel ramps that I could not even think about with my 2WD pick-up. Having and not needing is far better than the other way around. Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 Hey do midgets pop out of the fenders and flash lights like on a runway to guide you in a parking space? That thing's huge looking No Midgets, but I might as well be one! HAHA. I'm only 5'3''!!! Just got a new tundra back in September! I was always a gmc man but after having this tundra for awhile I am very happy! Only time will tell on longevity. It is better to have something and never use it then not to have it at all!Jeff, do you like having the leveling kit? Thought about getting one put on! Yes and no. I like the stance it gives it. It does not affect the ride any, as it goes in between the front coils. I like the fact of bigger tires. That being said, I got better MPG without all of it. LOL If I had to do it over again, I would leave it stock. More fishing $$$ Jeff Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 13 mpg? Oof. I'm getting 19-22 in my GMC. I bet I get better performance numbers too. That said, it isn't as pretty as that whip! Sweet ride, Jeff. Tundra with 5.7 V8- 381 hp/401 trq GMC 1500 4.8 V8- 302 hp/305 trq GMC 2500 HD 6L V8- 360hp/380 trq :eyebrows: :eyebrows: Gotta love my Tundra!!! Jeff 1 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 Hey do midgets pop out of the fenders and flash lights like on a runway to guide you in a parking space? That thing's huge looking I heard a knocking coming from the back of my truck the other day. Turns out a Fiat 500 was stuck in the wheel well. 3 Quote
Super User slonezp Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 Tundra with 5.7 V8- 381 hp/401 trqGMC 1500 4.8 V8- 302 hp/305 trq GMC 2500 HD 6L V8- 360hp/380 trq :eyebrows: :eyebrows: Gotta love my Tundra!!! Jeff They bumped up the HP and tow numbers on the 2013 5.7. I've got an 08 I bought new. Has 90k on it. I get 13-14 on the highway @ 70 and 10-11 with the boat in tow. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 Tundra with 5.7 V8- 381 hp/401 trqGMC 1500 4.8 V8- 302 hp/305 trq GMC 2500 HD 6L V8- 360hp/380 trq :eyebrows: :eyebrows: Gotta love my Tundra!!! Jeff I don't know ANYONE that gets the 4.8. I have the Vortec 6.2L 403 hp/417 trq. I don't think they make the 6.0L anymore. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 24, 2013 Super User Posted January 24, 2013 Wait, they do for the 3/4 ton line. Quote
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