4WD vs 2WD

[purerum]

I am sure that this has been hashed over numerous times in the past but I need to get a new truck to tow my rig, 7000lbs. My old 4WD truck is getting older. Can I get by with a large 2WD? Or will I be the guy at the ramp staring at his boat and his new $20,000 anchor???

[Cohomojo]

I know I'll get bashed for this, but in my humble opinion, I always stick with the 4wd. If it saves you once, it pays for itself.

[jig-a-byte]

I prefer 4wd just cuz I can go play in the mud, lol. Seriously though, after the hurricane/strong storm we had last year, the gloucester boat ramp had a bunch of sand all over the ramp and the only way to get your boat in and out of there was if you had a 4wd. Also, if you have more rig than truck, 4wd low is a lot easier on your engine, or clutch if you have one.

[foxwind]

I know I would not have anything but a 4wd to tow my boat. If my tires get wet or the ramp is slick, my truck will just spin tires and burn rubber without 4wd. It has gotten me up the ramp more times then I can count,especially on a steep ramp. My boat is heavy and I have a F-350 crew cab diesel that sometimes will not pull it up the ramp without 4wd. Just my opinion. Spend the extra money and you wont regret it to keep your truck out of the water. Ben

REEL HOOKER II
30' Hydra Sport Center Console.

[Captain Ahab]

Believe it or not, I get more towing ability out of my 2 wheel drive Explorer then the 4 wheel drive. My V8 2007 Explorer will tow 7200 lbs,

[Hokie]

I've been thinking about a new truck and wondering the same thing. I noticed that the tow capacity ratings are actually higher on the 2wd than 4wd which sounds strange to me. I've got 4wd but rarely use it, then again my boat is light. My dad pulls about 7500lbs with a 4wd suburban and I don't think he's ever had to put it in 4wd to get up a ramp. Then again, it's probably better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Ross

[pbramble]

I used to have a bumper sticker that read "God created asphalt so yuppies could go 4-wheeling". Thought it was funny. That said, 2wd can get the job done no problem in most cases, but you won't just be usng this truck to tow I imagine, so if 4wd is something you use often, go with the 4wd, if not, pocket the extra money and put it towards fuel.

[J Lavender]

You will usually have a little higher towing capacity with a comparable 2WD truck and slightly better fuel mileage as well.
4WD gives you piece of mind on slick ramps, the ability to go off-road (for me that means Hatteras), and better traction and ground clearance in bad weather.
You have to weigh the pros and cons and how you will use it.

As for me, I've owned 3 trucks and my wife is on her 4th SUV and they have all been 4WD.

[rhahn427]

The need for 4w drive is not dictated by the size of the load. In the past 20 years, I had a Subaru towing a 14 ft boat and needed help because of 2 wheel drive. I had a Taurus with a 16ft boat and needed assistance.

I now have a Mountaineer with the biggest V8 and 4w Drive. I've only had to use the 4w twice because of the ramp etc. .......... but let me tell you ....... when it's dark and you're the last one in and the ramp is slick, 4wd will be worth it's weight on diamonds .........

4wd all the way !

[jloomis]

With the logic that I'll never launch my 5000lb boat on anything but a concrete ramp, I've stuck with 2wd. Haven't had a problem yet from Chinco to OI. Just ensure you adjust the trailer so you have the right amount of tongue weight on the truck's rear wheels. If I surf fished, I'd definately go with 4wd, but I don't.