tomkat Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Thinking of replacing the minivan with a pickup and was wondering about traction at boat ramps.I have never had a problem with the minivan but it is front drive.I would rather avoid 4wd for cost mileage etc. My package is 2500 lb but when I upgrade the boat likely about 3500 lb. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave524 Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Never towed with a front wheel drive but casual observation has told me they are about the worst vehicles for traction at a launch ramp. I have towed with a 2 wheel drive pickup and had no problem. Get limited slip/ posi type rearend , it helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Dry concrete ramps don't pose much of a problem, if they're wet or loaded with algae or slime, it can be tricky, frozen ramps can be hair raising. Gravel/dirt ramps depending on how hard they're packed can be a real hit and miss. If you're set on a 2wd, make sure it has a limited slip or locking rear end. Then invest in a couple of traction pads and a stout recovery strap, usually someone will find it in their heart to pull you out so the next person can launch/retrieve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joeytier Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 The miniscule gas savings youd get from buying 2wd would go to waste from having to mash the gas pedal to get out of any less than perfect boat ramp. Buy a tow strap lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarfish Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 I've got a 2 wheel drive Colorado and I've never had any problem with it. I launch on concrete,wet concrete,gravel and all are fine. I pull a 17 and a half foot starcraft bowrider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIFTER_016 Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 I launch on loose gravel a lot and you would likely get stuck in 2wd. Ice is another issue if you run late in the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lew Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Get the 4x4 and you won't have anything to worry about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey buoy Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 I agree Lew,I couldn't imagine going back to a two wheel drive with some of the launches I frequent.Some ,no way you could use a 2 wheel drive.For example,try sturgeon point marina with a 2wd and a descent size boat .WOW lol.Saw one fellow pulled right into the river from the launch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 I can't understand why people buy 2wd trucks to be honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 After owning a few two wheel drive trucks years ago, and then driving more than my share of 4x4's I would NEVER go back to a 2WD.Even in everyday winter driving it's handy. No spinning from a stop or struggling up inclines.If you do a lot of boat launching I'd highly recommend a 4x4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie Razor Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 I can't understand why people buy 2wd trucks to be honest. True. I mean what's the difference in cost, 1-2k tops when buying new? And fuel savings is absolutely a non issue since some newer SUVs and pick-ups can run on 2 front wheels when city driving and the 4x4 kicks in when needed, all electronically. Simply put, if you are going to tow a boat or a trailer (or whatever) buy a reliable vechicle with 4x4 capabilities.... That is unless your boat is an inflatable (rubber to some) dingy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhioFisherman Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Most of the guys I know pull with a 2 wheel drive F 150 or a Chevy pickup two wheel drive, but ramps here tend to be civilized. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salmonidstalker Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 (edited) I can't understand why people buy 2wd trucks to be honest.[/ Probably because it's an additional cost lol. But I agree with you. Edited October 16, 2013 by VXP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raf Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 95% of the time you'll be fine in a 2wd, it's the 5% that's worth the 4wd. in my old jeep cherokee i rarely had to put it in 4wd to pull out a 2500+lb lund but when i had to, I sure was glad i had it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raf Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 True. I mean what's the difference in cost, 1-2k tops when buying new? And fuel savings is absolutely a non issue since some newer SUVs and pick-ups can run on 2 front wheels when city driving and the 4x4 kicks in when needed, all electronically. even in 2wd mode you're still lugging a significant amount of weight for the 4wd system. however, i can't see the mileage difference between an otherwise same truck being more than 1-2 mpg between a 2wd and 4wd model Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey buoy Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 95% of the time you'll be fine in a 2wd, it's the 5% that's worth the 4wd. in my old jeep cherokee i rarely had to put it in 4wd to pull out a 2500+lb lund but when i had to, I sure was glad i had it. I hear you Raff with my 3000lb plus boat .With a lot of the lakes lower water I'm finding I'm backing in where my back bumper is submerged,and the bottom very muddy and sandy to say the least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChasinTails Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 go with a 4x4 like most said its better, more traction and power Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomkat Posted October 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Pulling my lund explorer all over the place for the 9 years I have owned it with of all things a minivan never once had an issue at a ramp 200000 k on it . I just want to know if the truck would offer better or worse boat ramp traction than the van? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henricus Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 4x4 is like insurance. Seems like a waste of money until you need it. The first experience of getting stuck on a ramp in your 2wd will haunt you until the arrival of your 4x4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i2cool2fool Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Thinking of replacing the minivan with a pickup and was wondering about traction at boat ramps.I have never had a problem with the minivan but it is front drive.I would rather avoid 4wd for cost mileage etc. My package is 2500 lb but when I upgrade the boat likely about 3500 lb. Any thoughts?If you have the funds to buy a new or newer vehicle, I agree with everyone else to try for a 4x4. You will be happier. If fuel mileage is a real concern, you could have some trouble (i.e. lugging a 3500 lb weight behind any vehicle costs for towing and then running the vessel!). I am on my 2nd 4x4 now. The first I bought used then I ended up buying new later. I can't ever imagine going back to 2wd - not willingly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChasinTails Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 if you can, get a 4x4 suv, they have better mileage and unless your a contractor or something u dont really need a truck just my 0.2 cents Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 98% of the time I pull my 2150 Baron out in 2 wheel drive. It's that 2% of the time that I don't... that makes the difference between it all going in the lake and pulling the boat out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomkat Posted October 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Alright I give up even the wife says get 4x4 I was just gonna go bare bones f150 base to keep the price down but will probably keep it 10 yrs anyway so maybe I should splurge a bit. Thanks for the input Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aplumma Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 It gets fun when a 2WD is spinning the tires and the boat launch has enough angle to it to drag the truck backwards. I bought a 4X4 for the weather and towing of boats for down here in the South I imagine you can get more use and justify it easily up North Don't forget to look at the Eco Boost you will not regret it. Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raf Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 Pulling my lund explorer all over the place for the 9 years I have owned it with of all things a minivan never once had an issue at a ramp 200000 k on it . I just want to know if the truck would offer better or worse boat ramp traction than the van? if you never got stuck in your fwd van, you wont get stuck in a 2wd truck it sounds like you use good launches and/or dont launch in november, december or march, april i'd still get a 4wd though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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