Boat Towing Opinions

[VeroWing]

I also have a 4x4, and in the 4 yrs I've had it, I don't think I've used 4WD more than a half dozen times, all while driving on loose sand. I've had no problem at the launch ramp just leaving the truck in 2WD.

I have seen several guys at the local ramp with standard 2WD trucks who have installed hitches on the front of their trucks. When they get to the ramp area towing normally, they disconnect the trailer and hook it up to the front hitch and launch/retrieve that way. As a result, their drive wheels stay on dry concrete at all times.

Thats interesting! I'll check that out too.

[autobaun70]

I also have a 4x4, and in the 4 yrs I've had it, I don't think I've used 4WD more than a half dozen times, all while driving on loose sand. I've had no problem at the launch ramp just leaving the truck in 2WD.

I have seen several guys at the local ramp with standard 2WD trucks who have installed hitches on the front of their trucks. When they get to the ramp area towing normally, they disconnect the trailer and hook it up to the front hitch and launch/retrieve that way. As a result, their drive wheels stay on dry concrete at all times.

Thats interesting! I'll check that out too.

the only problem with this setup is that on most ramps, the wet concrete isn't limited to just the portion of the ramp covered by water. As people retrieve their boats, water soaks the ramp as it comes off the other boats that are retrieved, which can make them extreemly slick. Personally, with what I have read above, a full size 4x2 with a posi would probably more than comparable to your current 4x4 if it is on a decent ramp, the big difference will come in if you launch on a less than ideal ramp, such as in muddy or sandy conditions. Around here, we have a good many ramps that get a lot of sand washed up on the ramp, 4x4 helps greatly there. As for a 4x2 tracking better, with the late model independent front suspensions on most 1/2 ton trucks this is no longer an issue, as long as the suspension isn't altered or oversize tires put on it.

[Pearl Diver]

The front hitch is an interesting idea, but wouldn't it take all the weight off of the drive wheels???

[dave11]

The front hitch is an interesting idea, but wouldn't it take all the weight off of the drive wheels???

My guess is that this is done because they can't back a trailer. I can't imagine the weight transfer would help either. They probably had small boats. I would sure not want to try that with my 23.

[TerryP]

I pull my 22' Grady with a Ford Expedition. It has 4 wheel drive, but I've never used it on a ramp and have had no problems. I know several other people that do fine with their 2 wheel drive vehicles. I think it all comes down to the ramps you use. I don't doubt there are some where 4 wheel drive would be an asset, but I think the majority are O.K. without it.

[wilde1j]

I also have an Expedition (07 2WD) and pull a GW Gulfstream, a very heavy 23' WA. Never a problem on the ramp and way better fuel economy w/o 4WD and greater towing cap w/o the extra 500 lbs or so. Expedition was rated for 10,000 lbs and my rig is close to that w/ the trailer.

Jim

GW Gulfstream with T 175 E-Tecs

[cataholic]

Thanks for all the replies. I see that opinions are mixed on this subject. I'm going to go out and look at some trucks today, and when weather clears a little, I'm going down to the ramp and see if I can get a few opinions from people using 2wd vehicles for launching/retrieving boats. Thanks again, Mike.

Hey Mike, try pulling your boat out with your current truck not using 4WD.

I bought a 2WD Excursion to pull my 23'Seacat--no problems so far, but I have spun a little at a ramp once. I think it all depends on the ramp, as someone else said.