2x4 VS. 4x4
 

ina 1997 1500 pickup wiath 5.7 will the 4x4 make a big difference? I ahev always towed with my land rover and it pulls the trailer out of teh water well it just sucks one the road.

Will a 2 wheel drive be able to get the boat out or is 4 wheel drive a must?

I think it all depends on the launch ramp and how slick it is. I would prefer the 4X4.

me too but the $$$ is limited and i found a 2wd that isn't to pricey.

i wouldnt recommend 2 x 4. heres what happened to me.

i was trying to pull my boat out at a fairly decent ramp last year with a friends 2 x 4 that didnt have the best tires on the rear.well about half way up the ramp the rear tire starts to spin and she isnt going any further. luckily there was a fellow boater there that tied a rope from the frame of our truck to his hitch and pulled us out.

You need to assess two things:

First, what launch ramps do you use reglarly? Will 2 wheel drive get your boat out every time?

Second, the weather where you live. Will 2 wheel drive work for you in the winter?

These two factors are what keep my in 4x4 trucks. I have a 30 minute commute to work in some nasty weather from Dec. to March. 2 wheel drive would not be an option for me. I also use some steep ramps from time to time, and even a gravel one at my parents lake cottage. 4 wheel drive is a MUST for me.

Only you know what will work for you puder.

Puder.....3/4 or 1 ton 4x4 ! Trust me,you wont regret it later!!!
I know.........1/2 will tow 5000lbs IF all is well. But there will come a time!!!!!!!!!!
I tow every day of the week. GET ENOUGH TRUCK!!!!!!!
Just trying to save you problems later:D

Puder
You have the same boat as I do and I would not pull without a 4x4. and if you use a 1/2 ton i would put air bags in 2wd or 4wd.The 5.7 is fine just don't be in a hurry.

Greg

4X4!
I've watched too many people spin their wheels trying to get up the ramp.
I have a '97 F-250 (light duty) 4X4 and I never worry about getting it out of the water. There's one ramp we use that's very steep, close to 14 ft drop, and I use 4X4 low range pulling it out. Everyone else struggles while I just motor up the ramp.:D :D

Even on a ramp thats not to steep you can get into trouble. I backed the wheels of my trailer off the end of the concrete. I didn't realize it until I noticed the trailer tipping to one side, then the other leveled out. I sunk the trailer up to the axles in mud. With my 4x4 F150 I was able to pull out the boat, and trailer. You don't realize you may need it until its too late. Its worth the money.

Well, it depends on what you are using it for. I would think a 4x4 would be stronger and I would use treated lumber over regular. What about a 2x6? They are very strong and make good bunks. Oh, I just looked back and see you are talking about a truck!!! In that case I would still use a 4x4:D