2009 Chevy 4500 Duramax Shuttle Van - Tow 31' Formula?
 

I've been searching for a 3/4 ton truck to tow a 310 BR Formula which has approx. weight of 11,000 lbs.

During my search I ran across a 16 passenger Chevy k4500 Aero Elite Shuttle bus with a Duramax.

Looking up the specs it has a 6 speed Allison trans with rear gear of 4:88.

Truck sites are all good with flat towing, there concern is that this 2WD Dually may not be able to pull the boat up the ramp?

So wondering if anyone by chance has any experience here?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts weather this would work or do I go back to the 2500 pick up truck option.....

Best,

Jim

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

I would not consider a 2WD vehicle for launching and retrieving boats unless possibly we were talking about an F650 or bigger.
Do a search, it's been discussed here before with plenty of bad results.

https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...ck-water-3.jpg

Here’s my 2 cents….

I put my 3500 in 4wd frequently when pulling my aluminum fishing boat up the ramp. Only weighs 3500 total and has no tongue weight so it will easily slip on a moss/goo covered ramp. I’m often on crummier ramps on some of these trips.

I used to never put it in 4wd when pulling my Formulas out with all the weight that is on the tire. Ease into gas and with all that weight it seems to dig right to the concrete. I always stick in in 4wd now…why not.

that said…it’s gotta suck when you need it and are going backwards.

I've had to use 4low at the ramp multiple times. I wouldn't use a tow vehicle without it...
can you convert it to 4x4 using some truck parts?
transfer case, drive shaft, front diff assembly. even if you have to use manual hubs, you'd be better than 2WD...

Well I thought I was onto something and appreciate all the feedback.

Looks like i'm back to searching for a 2500 Silverado.

Much Thanks
Jim

I towed my old 29 Outlaw for a while w one of my 3500 Express 15 pass vans. Only had problem the first time loading on the trailer when new. Bow stop was too far back and no tongue weight. It worked BUT I bought a 4x4 truck within a few months. Like all said U R Fuked if needed and no have it.

They make hydraulic hub motors for medium and heavy duty trucks that convert the truck to 4x4, poking around the web it looks like some people make an electric hub motor.

What is the payload rating of that vehicle? I am sure being 2WD it is pretty high...but as others note, 4WD is simply a 'must-have' at a lot of ramps...

With a 488 it probably wont go 75 on the interstate with revving the sh*t out of it.