boat ramps with a 4x2

[dave-o]

do you really need a 4x4 to tow a boat up a boatramp? My boat wont weigh more than 5000 lb(probably more like 3500). I have an 07 5.7 dbl cab tundra. I figured i would have no problem when I puchased it but friends are starting to make me feel otherwise. I live in Florida so most of the ramps are paved and decently maintained. I just dont want to get stuck ever. what do you guys think?

[Dave_In_WPB]

The only time that truck will give you trouble is low tide on a steep ramp, and it will just be a little slippery, not much more.
There is more than enough power to make it up the ramp without trouble.
Be selective of the ramp you use and look it over before you back in, you'll be fine. Your friends are just messing with you IMO.
I have used 2wd trucks for boats all my life. Steep ramps, long steep ramps, slick ramps, you name it, I have done it, and most of them were 2wd trucks.
I had a 4x4 for 4 years, and never needed the 4wd to get out. Open differentials are another story, but that is solved with creative pedal work.
1. Back it down slow and easy (that's where low tide slick ramps will bite you)
2. Dont try to muscle your way up a ramp, or try to haul arse up the ramp, take it smooth and easy and you'll be just fine.

That's My opinion...hope it helps.

[Bai Qui]

Same here. I have 2wd and haven't had any trouble with boat ramps and the boat weighs in around 3000lb. Follow the advice Dave_in_WPB gave you. As long as the ramp is in decent shape, you'll be fine. Lots of people say you need 4wd to pull a boat out, but I've never needed it.

[Dave_In_WPB]

let me add one thing to that, "ask a local" about the ramp. Find out if the ramp has sufficient length, or if they see guys regularly drop the trailer wheels off the end. Pretty common to the guys with extra long trailers. I have seen these guys with extraordinarily long trailers drop the wheels off the end of the ramp, and have some trouble getting the trailer back up, but with a smaller boat, there should be no problem.

[mdbrjb]

Green slime!

I agree. Usually not a problem with 2wd.

Although, when I lived in Michigan I remember a few ramps that were pretty covered with green algie. Really slick! And, as one person mentioned, you can put the trailer wheels over the edge of the concrete ramp. There was a couple of times I had to unhitch the trailer, drive the truck up the ramp and use a rope or chain to pull the trailer up the ramp a ways and re-hitch it.

Also, I know a couple of people that got front-mounted receivers so they could keep their drive tires high-and-dry. This sound better than it really is because when you put tongue weight on the front it lightens the rear wheels (which are already uphill) and you have reduced traction. But it does work good for those who have difficulty backing a trailer...

[funfinder4]

Not a problem now since all the lakes in Texas are full now due to the 45+ days of rain!!.... But in previous summers a lot of our big lakes were so low (Falcon Lake) the ramp was always being extended further down. It was such a long wide ramp many would just drive forward down the ramp the 150 yards down then make a U-turn at the bottom so they didn't have to drive backwards backing the trailer that far. Lots of 2wd trucks with open diffs (many of them 3/4 ton diesels) would start to spin a tire right in the middle of the U-turn. Once spinning the weight of the trailered boat would keep pushing the truck down the ramp and cause it to jackknife. Once jackknifed there was nothing they could do but get someone to pull them straight again.

I don't think 4wd is needed for boat launching, just gives those who make bad judgment calls a mulligan.

[bmc4041]

Turn on the Auto LSD. Just push the button once. hit it again to turn off as not advised to drive long distances w/it on as it uses the brakes to redistibute power. it is the button by your right knee w/ the squiggly lines.
Don't think you will have any problems especcially w/ the ALSD turned on. Holding it for 3 seconds turns off a bunch of other stuff you can read about in the 2007 forum if you don't know and are interested. No worry's, you'll be fine.

[Stripped Honda]

i havent had a problem yet .. i have launched my boat 10-15 times and have never even had the wheels slip .. and this was always on a slippery ramp that i had problems with when i used my tacoma pre runner to launch from

[dsailer]

Been boating in Florida for years. Never had a problem at a public boat ramp.
Have towed with everything from a crappy old Bronco II, to my cool 06 Tundra V6.

If you were launching from a shorline, with no pavement a 4 x 4 might be appropriate.

[tampawright]

Originally Posted by dsailer

Been boating in Florida for years. Never had a problem at a public boat ramp.
Have towed with everything from a crappy old Bronco II, to my cool 06 Tundra V6.

If you were launching from a shorline, with no pavement a 4 x 4 might be appropriate.

precisley. There is no need for 4wd on pavd ramps.

[jmo]

Just put it in low gear and your all set. Like everyone else, I have a 4X4, but have only engaged it once retreiving my boat (5000 lbs) on an unpaved dirt/gravel poor excuse for a ramp, and that was probably due to the fact that I have high performance tires instead of AT's...

jmo