Towing Opinions
 

I currently have a 97 Powerquest Enticer (6100 lbs) with a custom triple axle trailer (approx 1000 lbs) that I tow with a 96 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. The Dodge has just about seen its last days. I also have a 98 Ford F150 XLT Triton 4x2 with the towing package. My question is do you think I can get out of boat ramps with this Ford or should I look for another 4x4? I only use trucks to tow so I really am not looking to spend any real money on a truck. Opinions????

Will almost solely depend on the ramp.

I've never put my truck in 4x4 at a ramp.

Buy another 4wd truck. It's better to have it when you need it than need it and not have it. I know from personal experience having a one ton diesel and needing five guys standing on the rear bumper to get the 5500lb rig up the ramp.
Embarrassing. :hitfan:

"4x4 is priceless when you are slipping down the ramp backwards with no help in sight."

Thanks for the opinions Keep em coming. On my usual launch ramp I never use 4x4 it is those other ramps that I question.

I rarely ever use four wheel drive but would tow without it. Sure as hell the first time I don't have....I'll need it:eekdrop:

What alot of people don't realize is that when you're launching or loading a boat at the ramp, when the boat is partially on the trailer it tends to lift the back of the truck. With 4X2 if your back wheels happen to come off the ground, there's nothing holding you there. I always put it in 4 low weather I need it or not.

I use a saltwater ramp and when the tide is out, 4WD is an absolute necessity. Even with the corrugated and slotted concrete, the slime can be unreal.

FWIW :D

4x4 or not
 

I agree it completely depends on the ramp. If you boat 100% from a trusted ramp I wouldn't worry about it, just make sure you have some good rear tires with lots of tread. However, if you ever boat out of steep ramps or unknown ramps 4x4 is a must. If the ramp is busy and soaked or if it's raining and you don't have the 4x4 option your screwed. If I remember correctly from your post your pretty close to the tow ratings on both trucks so I'd replace with 4x4 if $$ is there if not buy bigger tires with lots of tread and ease it out.

Certainly can be done in 2-wheel, but I'd never do it pulling our 29 Outlaw. Used to pull it with an 01 Dodge Ram Quad cab 5.9l V8 and always used 4x4 when pulling out. Granted we were way over rated. Once we got some coin we bought a 3/4 ton Dodge Diesel Mega Cab now I barely touch the accelerator and have never used 4-wheel.

JMO

Thanks for all the replys. I do boat from different ramps but not often. Since we are halfway thru the summer I think I am going to try it with the 4x2 Ford and worry about it over the winter. A friend of mine told me to put a thousand pounds of sandbags in the bed and go for it. What do you guys think?