Pulling A Boat... 4X4 Or 4X2

[Mr_Scrogg]

My WRX is as good as sold. Now Im looking for a truck to haul my Lowe Stinger 170 tin around.

Now the question, 4WD or 2WD?

Im looking at a Full Size with a 8cyl. Atleast extended cab. Crew would be better.

What you haul with? Any issues at the ramp?

[00 mod]

I pull with a Toyota Tundra 4x4.  That being said, unless you launch from gravel or dirt ramps or fish a ton in below freeing temps, a 4x2 should be fine.  But that one time you need the 4x4, it pays for itself!

 

Jeff

[Fishing Rhino]

The only time I put my truck in four wheel drive when pulling a boat is on sketchy ramps.  If your fishing involves traversing dirt or sandy roads, four wheel drive could prove to be a necessity. 

[5dollarsplash]

With the size of my jeep and the cruddy "ramps" I launch from, there's no way I'd be without 4wheel drive

[Jig Man]

Once in a while I have to use 4X4 on wet ramps but mostly 2 wheel does the trick.

[Crappiebasser]

I pull with a Toyota Tundra 4x4.  That being said, unless you launch from gravel or dirt ramps or fish a ton in below freeing temps, a 4x2 should be fine.  But that one time you need the 4x4, it pays for itself!

 

Jeff

X2 4WD is worth it's weight in gold when you need it. Our lakes are drawn down in the winter so if you back off the ramp there's a good chance you'll need a 4x4 o get your trailer out.

[FD.]

I have 4 trucks.  Two are mine, one for the wife and one for the daughter.  They are all 4X4 and pull a boat sometimes.  I have used the 4X4 at a ramp maybe twice over the last 100 trips.  But without the 4X4 I would have been in trouble both times.  Another added benefit of the 4X4 is the truck is  a little heavier and usually handles pulling a trailer a little better.

[Teal]

Not just for pulling the boat, but if your going to invest in a truck either new or used, I'd go ahead and get the 4x4 and all the other accessories or standard equipment to fit your daily needs... Do it once with no regrets.

[Traveler2586]

I vote for 4X4 also.  I use my 4X4 on slick tidal boat ramps, and on slick rain soaked roads while towing.  When the temps drop and conditions are right for ice on the shady back roads I'll lock in the 4X4 just for the added safety.

 

If you can, get the factory installed towing package.

[wnybassman]

Several times over the years I have had my truck in 4WD pulling to the ramp......................because of snow in the roads.   lol     A couple times I followed the plow going down the road, and another time I timed it right to get out before the plow went by so I didn't get the extra salt on the trailer.

[jimmykm21]

I have a Silverado 4x4 and have had to use it a few times on some ramps.

 

This is always my answer to anyone thinking of buying a truck and can't decide on a 2 wheel drive or a four wheel drive.

 

 

I have known many , many truck owners  over the years and the  one thing I have never heard in my entire life come out of someone's mouth

is..............I wish I had bought a 2 wheel drive instead of a 4 wheel drive...

 

but I have heard  on more than one occasion  a truck owner say............. I wish I had bought a  4 wheel drive instead of a 2 wheel drive.

 

 

Something to think about...

[aquaholic]

when i bought my last truck there was no question i need a 4x4 because of the snow around here. If you can afford it i say 4x4 crew. Thats what i have and i love it. I was stuck between an extended cab and a crew until someone told me, you will never say, "man i wish i had less room in this truck".

[Basseditor]

I have a Silverado 4x4 and have had to use it a few times on some ramps.

 

This is always my answer to anyone thinking of buying a truck and can't decide on a 2 wheel drive or a four wheel drive.

 

I have known many , many truck owners  over the years and the  one thing I have never heard in my entire life come out of someone's mouth

is..............I wish I had bought a 2 wheel drive instead of a 4 wheel drive...

 

but I have heard  on more than one occasion  a truck owner say............. I wish I had bought a  4 wheel drive instead of a 2 wheel drive.

 

 

Something to think about...

Yup, I have 4x2. Wish I had 4x4, even in Texas where it doesn't snow. Ramps get slick in all conditions. I've had issues getting boat out on some ramps. I use my sons truck (4x4) when I go to certain ramps.

[(='_'=)]

I pull with a Toyota Tundra 4x4.  That being said, unless you launch from gravel or dirt ramps or fish a ton in below freeing temps, a 4x2 should be fine.  But that one time you need the 4x4, it pays for itself!

 

Jeff

 

so true... on my favorite lake there used to be 2 concrete ramps, where i could pull my boat out without the 4x4... last time i went there 2 weeks ago, they were fixing all the facilities, including the 2 ramps.. they had done a provisional dirt ramp, which, due to it being "provisional", was in very bad condition... i had no problem unloading the boat, but when i was leaving, i had a hard time pulling the boat out WITH the 4x4 Low... if i have had  4x2, i would still be there i think... and it was on a week day, i was the only one there, no one else to help me... 

 

so, as everyone else, i would vote 4x4... besides, if you use the truck for something more than pulling the boat (camping, hunting), theres even more chance to need the 4x4... in fact i just installed a winch to my Xterra, even though its 4x4, i know i will need it sooner or later...

[ColdSVT]

there is only one kind of truck imo and the is a 4x4.

then againt I live where it snows lol.

[jimmykm21]

Yup, I have 4x2. Wish I had 4x4, even in Texas where it doesn't snow. Ramps get slick in all conditions. I've had issues getting boat out on some ramps. I use my sons truck (4x4) when I go to certain ramps.

 

For sure

 

Slick ramps can happen anywhere , I live in New England so for me it has always been an easy choice.

[slonezp]

I pull with a Toyota Tundra 4x4.  That being said, unless you launch from gravel or dirt ramps or fish a ton in below freeing temps, a 4x2 should be fine.  But that one time you need the 4x4, it pays for itself!

 

Jeff

I've got the Tundra 4X4 as well. I have used the 4X4 if there's ice on the ramp. Otherwise, shutting off the traction control will get it thru most ramp issues. 

[martintheduck]

I have a Silverado 4x4 and have had to use it a few times on some ramps.

 

This is always my answer to anyone thinking of buying a truck and can't decide on a 2 wheel drive or a four wheel drive.

 

 

I have known many , many truck owners  over the years and the  one thing I have never heard in my entire life come out of someone's mouth

is..............I wish I had bought a 2 wheel drive instead of a 4 wheel drive...

 

but I have heard  on more than one occasion  a truck owner say............. I wish I had bought a  4 wheel drive instead of a 2 wheel drive.

 

 

Something to think about...

 

 

I came here to say this. I owned a 2005 Silverado with 2 wheel drive and on MORE than one occasion found myself "up the proverbial creek without a paddle." Had to get a buddy to pull me out a culvert once and a tow truck to pull me from just a tiny mud hole. It was a huge ego blow 

 

Bought a 2011 Z71 and am SO VERY HAPPY I GOT IT! The 4X4 has been used MANY times. As for launching boats with 4X4, I've only had to use it twice when at this sketchy ramp where concrete has broken away and it is REALLY muddy. 

 

SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY ON 4X4. I 100% guarantee you will at some point find yourself saying "glad I got the 4 wheel drive."

[Fishing Rhino]

Four wheel drive is a misnomer.  A regular pickup, unless it has a locking rear end, is a one wheel drive.  All you need is for one wheel to lose traction, and you go nowhere.  A "standard" four wheel drive is really a two wheel drive, if both front and rear axles have a standard differential.  A locking rear end on a 4X4 will give you a three wheel drive and if you get a locking differential on the front and rear, then you have a four wheel drive.

 

Soft terrain that allows the tires to sink into the surface acts like chocks on all four wheels.  When you think about it that way, it shows the distinct advantage a "four wheel drive" has over a standard pickup.  At least you have two wheels trying to get the wheels over those earthen chocks.

[tate]

I've always had 4x4's but living in New England justifies it for me.  As others have said most ramps you will not need 4x4 but at others you might find yourself avoiding them simply over the concern of getting stuck on a slick ramp or in the dirt/sand.  Not sure where you live but if you leverage the 4x4 in the winter it sure is nice to know that you can be reasonably comfortable that you won't get stuck even on the sketchy ramps.

[flyfisher]

Four wheel drive is a misnomer.  A regular pickup, unless it has a locking rear end, is a one wheel drive.  All you need is for one wheel to lose traction, and you go nowhere.  A "standard" four wheel drive is really a two wheel drive, if both front and rear axles have a standard differential.  A locking rear end on a 4X4 will give you a three wheel drive and if you get a locking differential on the front and rear, then you have a four wheel drive.

 

Soft terrain that allows the tires to sink into the surface acts like chocks on all four wheels.  When you think about it that way, it shows the distinct advantage a "four wheel drive" has over a standard pickup.  At least you have two wheels trying to get the wheels over those earthen chocks.

A limited slip differential in the back will help out and have good road manners without having to get a selectable locker.  Really you don't need a selectable in the front unless you are doing serious rock crawling.  A generic 4wd with a LSD or a selectable locker will do you just fine.  THere are quite a few vehicles that have a selectable locker like wranglers or tacomas.

 

I have a 4 door wangler but don't tow a boat but i do have a friend who save a couple of thousand when he bought his tundra by getting a 2wd and he always says he should have went with 4wd.

[Mr_Scrogg]

Well, I guess it's a no brainer then.    4WD is the bees knees. 

 

 

Now, F150 vs Silverado. 

 

Just kidding.  I'm not picky.  I'm a equal opportunity buyer when it comes to trucks.  (Cars, I'm kinda picky... Subaru > everything else).

 

I know one thing.  Some people are PROUD of their truck. 

 

2010 Silverado Z71 with 130k for $22,000. 

 

The search is on....

[00 mod]

Tundra for the win!!!!!!

 

 

 

Jeff

[flyfisher]

Tundra's are pretty sweet.  I know 2 people with them and never heard them complain.  Resale value is really high on toyota trucks as well.

[(='_'=)]

A limited slip differential in the back will help out and have good road manners without having to get a selectable locker.  Really you don't need a selectable in the front unless you are doing serious rock crawling.  A generic 4wd with a LSD or a selectable locker will do you just fine.  THere are quite a few vehicles that have a selectable locker like wranglers or tacomas.

 

I have a 4 door wangler but don't tow a boat but i do have a friend who save a couple of thousand when he bought his tundra by getting a 2wd and he always says he should have went with 4wd.

 

i dont know about Tacomas, but regular wanglers do not have selectable lockers, only the Rubicon has selectable air lockers for both front and rear axles.