4x4 vs. 2WD

Joe W. · Post by **Joe W.** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:42 pm

I'm in the market for a truck right now. How many people tow and launch their boats with a 2wd vehicle? What ever truck I end up getting is going to be a daily driver. Right now the boat I have can be towed with basically anything it's just a 14' Aluminum. I am most likely going to get something bigger in the near future but probably not a huge boat. Most likely a 17-18' tracker or something similar. Will a 2wd truck like a Tacoma or Ford Ranger with a V6 be able to pull and launch a fairly small boat no problem? I don't really go many places that have really bad or slick launch ramps so I am thinking I can get away with a 2wd. Besides that, insurance is less, gas is less and it's all around less expensive to own a 2wd vehicle.

Opinions?

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 5:00 pm

Have seen people at the ramp pulling a 21' bass boat out of BBreak marina at low tide with a Honda Odessey van !!

I have never had to engauge 4x4 for any boat I have..... Driving up I-5 with the overdrive off ........ Yes.

Gator · Post by **Gator** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:19 pm

If you have no other reason than launching boats to worry about, go 2WD. I happen to hunt, so I have to have a 4WD. There may ba a ramp or two where the extra weight and 4WD will help you but should be few and VERY far between. Check out Hayward Toyota. Good people and good prices - also a site sponsor!!

Joe W. · Post by **Joe W.** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 7:30 am

Thanks guys.

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 5:50 pm

I KNOW this is 2 years OLD. But for anyone reading I wanted to add that you generally need the weight on back tire when things go south anyways so have someone stand on the bumper and off you roll