Tow vehicle - 2wd or 4wd?

[Garry and Victoria]

I'm in the process of purchasing a new R25 and looking for a used tow vehicle under $20k. How important would it be to have a four wheel drive instead of two wheel drive?

We plan to launch and retireve often, mostly in Florida. I am comparing two used diesel trucks. One is a little older but in good shape with 4wd with great towing capacity. The other is newer, much less mileage, 2wd with similar towing capacity. Would the 2wd be sufficient? would I regret not getting the 4wd? When would the 4wd make a difference?

 

[RProffer]

I would go with the 4wd. Depending on the ramp and the time of day, some ramps can get very slippery with water and slim, and it is very difficult sometimes to pull the boat out with 2wd. Also, at low tide, sometimes the trailer wheels can go beyond the end of the ramp and fall down a couple of inches making it difficult to pull out without 4wd. I have seen many 2wd trucks have to be towed up the ramp. Also, if you should have to drive off the pavement, 4wd can become essential. A lot of boat ramps do not have sufficient parking on pavement, and their overflow parking is on dirt or grass. The heavier the boat you are towing, the more 4wd is essential. I have had to shift into 4wd several times with my R21-EC. I would think 4wd would be used much more often with the R25 and larger boats.

 

[commander bill]

I tow with a Ford F250 diesel. Plenty of pulling power but I had th etruck before I bought my R25. If your ramp is ideal 4wd is not necessary. That said many of the ramps I have tried to use are less than ideal and 4wd is either nice or necessary.

 

[tugfan]

We tow Blue Moon with a 4wd Nissan Pathfinder. 90% of the time rear wheel drive is fine, but tides, ramp drop-off, a gravel surface or seaweed all over the place can be a disaster. 4wd has saved our butts at those times. If you plan on trailering often, which it sounds like you do, 4wd is a must in my book.

 

[wefings]

I have 4 wheel on my 2005 DMax and have used it less times for launching [including 29s ] that I have fingers on one hand . The tongue weight keeps the back tires firmly planted on the ground . I have launched all over Florida with no problems . Now when I pull into our "sugar sand" we have here on the Gulf Coast , thats when I use 4 wheel drive the most . But ,that said , Its nice to have . 2 wheel drive get slightly better fuel economy as well .
Marc

 

[dencarst]

Hi:

I have notice that 4 wheel drive carry a much better resale value in our area.
Only a selected few want 2 wheel drive vehicles.

Dennis

 

[knotflying]

Go with at least 2500 diesel and 4 wheel drive. The time you need 4 wheel, even if it is only once, is when you will say it was worth it. What's a few thousand more when you think of the rest of the dollars you are spending. It's an insurance policy.

 

[Stella Maris]

Four wheel drive

 

[j&lgray]

Definitely four wheel drive. We have launched and retrieve about twice a month for 12 years now, three of them being the Laurie Ann, and we use four wheel every time that we come up any ramp. We use four wheel low and literally idle up the ramp without out a slip or a jerk. It is easier on the truck, the trailer and the tug. That tug will weigh over 9,000 when it is fully loaded and 4 wheel drive will give you more options and more piece of mind. The gas mileage difference is not an issue. There is some more maintenance required on the truck but the trade-offs are worth it.

 

[Garry and Victoria]

Thanks everyone! Four wheel drive it is. It certainly makes sense to be prepared.