These guys pretty much covered it all, I almost never shift my F350 into 4wd but my boat is pretty light weight compared to alot on here. If you go 2wd good tires are the must. I have Bfg All terrains and pull out in 2wd without slipping while I see alot of others spinning. I'll always tow with 4wd just for the convenience and added security.
Chuck

Puder I towed my boat for a couple years with a 2wd. I only had one day were I could not get the boat out. It was low tied and I had to pull up over a HUGE lip at the end of the ramp. It was not so much that it was 2wd but the 302 just did not have the power. What you can do to help out with the slipping problem is give yourself more tounge weight. I almost never put the truck into 4wd unless I want to pull the boat out real slow and controlled, then it is real nice to have.

Jon

hmmmm. the ramp i use is usually pretty damn nice actually. But at low tide it can get kind of funky with sea slime. It isn't very steep though. I think i might ebable to get away with 2wd BUT i think i would be much better off with 4wd.

Does anyone know of any decent 2500s for sale? I can;t find crap around here in NY. Eveyone aroudn here is WAY over priced or beat to hell.

I am looking for a an extended cab witha short bed 1995 or newer. I will consider trucks with up to 100k miles.

I'm pulling about 8,500# including boat and triple axle trailer. I use 4x drive a lot more then I ever though I would just moving the rig around on the typical (loose) gravel boat yards. Pulling the boat out of the water with 4x is absolutely a no brainer when you have a heavier load no matter what the conditions are.

Although you might get by with a 2x for your current boat, rationalize the 4x based on the bigger boat we all envision for our future! Good luck finding your vehicle.

Rick E.
2002 Dodge 2500 V10

I always use 4WD to pull teh boat out regardless if I need it or not. Just for safety sake you know? I would reccommend the 4X4. It is one of those things that you may be able to get away without it, but when you need it, you usually NEED IT!

Good luck Puder!

thanks i thinks I need to find a 4x4!!!!

SHANE i just missed you at skaterfest. You drove past me pulling a 24' skater about 1/2 mile from Pro Marine. At least i think it was you.

Puder,

Yeah, SORRY we missed each other. Were we in a black 2500HD crew cab? Skater is whitew and red with checkerboard? If so, that was us! We will be in NYC in 2 weeks. You?

I always go with the 4x4. It has saved me on a few wet slippery ramps where I saw 2x4's spinning and sliding backwards. I have also found the 4 low setting nice for backing up steep hills with a heavy boat with the low gear ratio.

Shane yep that was definatly you. I was in the wierd looking (some people say) hatchback beamer. I live 40 min outside of NYC so i am always around. Are you coming down for the poker run? My boat will not be close to ready for the run, But i am hoping to hitch a ride. Maybe on the Linsen (slowest, yet most comfortable boat at thier) :D

Puder,

Yup, we will be at the NYC run. We may have room for you. Not sure yet. I'll keep you posted. Even if you don't run, are you going to be there to check things out anyway?

Shane