How often has 4 wheel drive / 4x4 /4WD got you up a slick ramp?
06-14-2019, 08:25 AM
#1
Registered
Thread Starter
How often has 4 wheel drive / 4x4 /4WD got you up a slick ramp?
I am looking for a (well used) tow vehicle for my 11,000 pound triple axle boat/trailer. I'm thinking 250/2500 super duty, diesel, and 4 wheel drive. This combination is getting very expensive and I was just wondering if I could reduce my desires/options?
Mainly used in the southeast, fresh and salt water.
Thanks,
Tom
Mainly used in the southeast, fresh and salt water.
Thanks,
Tom
06-14-2019, 08:50 AM
#2
VIP Member
I'd never have a boat tow vehicle sans 4WD. I've used it many, many times; all over the US. It's been mandatory on steep ramps and also brackish & saltwater ramps with a large tide swing producing a lot of slime on the ramp and in the "traction" crevices molded into the concrete.
Also, I've become immobile spinning the rear tires on wet grass in a (designated parking) field while towing the boat in the past before, requiring 4WD; and that was in a dually with all terrain Michelin tires.
To sum up, I've used it more times than I can count, in many trucks, pulling many boats, in many states, on many ramps.
Also, I've become immobile spinning the rear tires on wet grass in a (designated parking) field while towing the boat in the past before, requiring 4WD; and that was in a dually with all terrain Michelin tires.
To sum up, I've used it more times than I can count, in many trucks, pulling many boats, in many states, on many ramps.
Last edited by Sydwayz; 06-15-2019 at 10:08 PM.
06-14-2019, 09:11 AM
#4
Gold Member
Gold Member
It's going to be ramp dependent on my mind. I have it and wouldn't NOT have it, but have never used it because we are salt water aggregate ramps around here and they don't get that slick (plus I've always had duals). That being said I've gotten stuck in wet yards before when I wasn't in 4x4.
Charter Member
06-14-2019, 09:59 AM
#7
Registered
iTrader: (1)
If you visit different and unknown ramps 2wd isn’t really an option. 90% of the videos showing trucks being pulled up out of the drink it’s because the front tires weren’t locked and the rear tires slid right in on the slime. If you consistently boat at the same fresh water lake then you can put a line lock on the front brakes to hold it.
I have a very shallow ramp where I launch in the bay and just for fun checked to see if 2wd would hold it. Nope. It started sliding right in until I mashed the brakes and put it in 4wd.
Having a marina launch the boat can be an option as well.
I have a very shallow ramp where I launch in the bay and just for fun checked to see if 2wd would hold it. Nope. It started sliding right in until I mashed the brakes and put it in 4wd.
Having a marina launch the boat can be an option as well.
06-14-2019, 11:33 AM
#9
NICE option for good money here:
