4 wheel drive recomendation

[tuggin aweigh]

In my quest for a new tow vehicle I have found a GMC 2500 HD Diesel that looks promising. The only catch is that it is a 2 wheel drive unit. I have boated for 30+ years with 4 boats and have always had 4 WD available. By habit, I engage the 4WD on launch and retrieval. Since I engage it each time I am unsure if it was a necessity. Any thoughts from Tugnutters out there with or without 4WD vehicles regarding including it in the purchase?
Tuggin Aweigh

 

[stwendl]

I would not go on certain launch ramps without 4x4. Depending how steep they are, if it is low tide or not and of course the weight of the trailer and the boat, the rear wheels can spin on a slippery ramp frequently covered with algea slime. Having the front wheels spin on hopefully dry and less slimed surface can make the difference of having "two" boats in the water with one of them less seaworthy than the other one🙂

 

[Levitation]

I have both 2WD and 4WD Duramax.
The 2WD is our chores truck, runs to town, moves wagons and stuff, hauls gravel, it turns shorter than 4WD and just handles better.
You will want the 4WD for boat ramps and snow and mud, etc.

 

[pleeson]

It's all about whether you will ever encounter a steep ramp or slow speed steep grade, especially in slippery conditions. These boats are heavy enough I even catch my rear wheels slipping a little on a moderate gravel grade at slow speed, and have to make the switch to 4WD to save wear and tear (and rubber). Not your average runabout on a single axle light duty trailer - that's for sure.

 

[knotflying]

Going 2wd will limit your ramp options and if you are in a situation where 2wd won't do it after yo are down the ramp, then what?

 

[Red Raven]

Can't even get the boat up my driveway without 4wd. (Don't ask me how I know and what it is like to back the thing back down!) I wouldn't recommend a 2wd to pull one of these boats.

 

[walldog]

Going 2wd will limit your ramp options and if you are in a situation where 2wd won't do it after yo are down the ramp, then what?

Do NoT Need No Stinking 4WD!! Not The names are hidden to protect the guilty.

 

[knotflying]

I didn't want to say it, but that is exactly how I had to help a friend out in one situation. Maybe the answer is get 2 wd, but travel with a friend with 4wd. 😀

 

[tuggin aweigh]

Four wheel drive it is. Thanks for all the responses.
Tuggin Aweigh

 

[Two killicks]

Four wheel drive it is. Thanks for all the responses.
Tuggin Aweigh

Good choice!