4wd needed at boat ramp?

[javadog]

They get even lighter in the ass end when the flotation of the tires comes into play when they get submerged…

[drcoastline]

Hold out, 4wd can do everything 2wd can do but, 2wd can't do everything 4wd can do. Better to have it and not need/use it, then to need it and not have it.

[Dantilla]

So is there any consensus yet?

[Arizona_928]

Considering you can get stuck in wet grass in 2wd. Yeah 4wd is a must....

I pulled out a family from India out in Jackson Wyoming over the weekend that pulled over to look at horses. Shoulder was just soft enough and they were stuck. For how long they were waiting for a tow truck. Spend the money on 4wd for the peace of mind aspect.

[VINMAN]

It pretty much comes down to the ramp itself. We have ramps that a minicooper will pull a container ship up. Others that you need a Cat D9 dozer to pull a canoe up. All depends n the surface, steepness, condition at the time etc...

Id still rather have the 4wd vs 2wd

[gregpark]

I'll never own a 2 WD truck, launching a boat or not. And pulling it out with wet tires? You're asking for trouble

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

So is there any consensus yet?

Lol, yeah, if he’s listening…

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

Considering you can get stuck in wet grass in 2wd. Yeah 4wd is a must....

I pulled out a family from India out in Jackson Wyoming over the weekend that pulled over to look at horses. Shoulder was just soft enough and they were stuck. For how long they were waiting for a tow truck. Spend the money on 4wd for the peace of mind aspect.

This, a few years ago, we were at the track, it rained really hard most of the weekend (and I ended up sick as a dog) when people hooked up to their trailers, the ones with 2wd just spun, several got stuck, and when I started to leave, same thing, until I shifted into 4wl and crawled right out.
Last Oktoberfest, it rained had the day before, a Noble driving a brand new Ford ranger, pulling a tiny trailer to haul his go cart ( already unloaded) got stuck just driving across a damp grass field
Hold out for a 4X4.

[Chocaholic]

Well, dealership was able to locate a 4wd TRD OR with the options I want...and the right color. Will be about two weeks before it’s here but it’s a done deal. 4wd it is.

I just wish you guys were a little more decisive about it!

Thanks again for the confirmation. .

[KFC911]

Now that it's settled ... 2WD would have prolly been fine !

[Esel Mann]

Compromise, go 3wd

Honestly, if it is being used but once per year as the op says it will, it is possible to rent 4wd trucks. Far cheaper, and lets one perhaps purchase a vehicle that can satisfy more than a once per year event.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Esel Mann

Compromise, go 3wd

Honestly, if it is being used but once per year as the op says it will, it is possible to rent 4wd trucks. Far cheaper, and lets one perhaps purchase a vehicle that can satisfy more than a once per year event.

If we want to get technical. A 4x4 is actually only 2 wd with open diffs

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

If we want to get technical. A 4x4 is actually only 2 wd with open diffs

Absolutely. I had a 1994 Defender 90 without a locking diff. It looked like it could drive over the Pyrenees, but I could get the thing stuck in the drainage fields around my farm.

One wheel in the air, standard 45 degree approach. Stuck is a relative term...I could always slide back.

Diff lock is key.

[vash]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

If we want to get technical. A 4x4 is actually only 2 wd with open diffs

.

a RWD with lockers is fairly effective on a boatramp.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by Esel Mann

Compromise, go 3wd

Honestly, if it is being used but once per year as the op says it will, it is possible to rent 4wd trucks. Far cheaper, and lets one perhaps purchase a vehicle that can satisfy more than a once per year event.

This ^
Paying a premium for a 4x4 if not needed 99% of the time is not good planning. Of course they do get better resale if that is your concern. I have personally seen many 2 WD vehicles pull a boat off the ramp, also seen episodes where only 4 WD works.

[Racerbvd]

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by Esel Mann

Compromise, go 3wd

Honestly, if it is being used but once per year as the op says it will, it is possible to rent 4wd trucks. Far cheaper, and lets one perhaps purchase a vehicle that can satisfy more than a once per year event.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear. I’m not buying a truck for the sole purpose of taking the boat in for service once each year. Last I heard, it can be driven for other things too. Ok, just being a smart ass.

But, if there was any doubt in my mind, Byron’s post above erased it. I’d rather carry around an unused differential to avoid being the subject of more of Byron’s photos. And, 4x4 Tacoma’s hold their value quite well...so really no cost involved.

[JeremyD]

Tritoon is pretty light - if it's that much of a concern - launch at high tide and you won't have an issue - I have a 2WD F150 - and a boat - and I know how to drive both

[Aurel]

You can have both luxury, sports car performance, 4x4 and towing capability…a Porsche Cayenne.

[A930Rocket]

Do they make a 4WD boat? 🤪