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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 |
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. |
How long of trips are you planning on taking? A gas option like a 8.1L/Allison GM 2500 or 3500 may work for you. I just sold this one a few months back for around $14K with 130K miles.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...6a5acea86d.jpg |
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. |
I personally would never own a truck that wasn't 4 wheel drive for towing. Why take the chance, some launches not great. Seaweed. Steep. Lots of factors.
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My F350 I needed it 2-3x for the Active Thunder and once for the Skater. The F650 didn't have it and never needed it. But, it WAS a 650.
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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. |
Originally Posted by Cash Bar
(Post 4691814)
My F350 I needed it 2-3x for the Active Thunder and once for the Skater. The F650 didn't have it and never needed it. But, it WAS a 650.
But mostly for Regular tow Vehicles, 4x4 recommended. |
NICE option for good money here:
https://www.davis4x4.com/vehicle-det...15b7d52249f8fcJW Davis is an OSO member and advertiser too. |
Every time I launch, especially if you don’t have a posi. |
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