Who launches their boat with a 2WD?

[79nautiquenick]

i use a 01 2wd ram 1500 with the small block 318. never had a single issue till this weekend to pull the boat outta the water. water impeller died on the boat and couldnt load the boat under power, so boat slid back when i went to pull it out and took some weight off the back. and ive put in some hairy places before. but then again i own a 79 ski nautique, but with the added weight of a new boat it would do just fine. still wouldnt mind to have a ram 2500 or 3500 with the cummins and 4wd

[SkiTower]

used my 4x4 one time on a ramp. 99% of the time, you don't need it. But that one instance you'll either need to work at it or be glad you had the extra traction. As for diesel, it's nice but not necessary. Do wish I had one, though.

[dsums]

I 've owned and towed boats for about 30 years using various vans, 1/2 ton, and 3/4 ton pick ups. Last 12 years with 1 ton duallies and 10' campers. All 2wd. There were a couple of times it would have been nice to have 4wd but it wasn't necessary. I now have Hemi quad cab 4wd but haven't had to use the 4wd option.
All that being said I am hauling a 196 on a tandem trailer. Pulls real nice.
I would imagine if you were of a mind to haul a 22' or larger wakeboard boat up a steep ramp without first emptying the ballast tanks 4X4 would make a difference.

[NautiDave07]

I have an 07 236 te that I pull with a 2wd f250 diesel. I love the power and better mileage while towing than my old gasser got. I had a 210 before and both my trucks have been 2wd no issues at any ramp i have encountered. On steep ramps I pull out in low gear to avoid spinning the tires and no issue at all.

[Nautiquehunter]

I have towed and launched with a 88 then a 2001 GMC Safari van 4.3L never had any ramp problems but the 210 was a bit much on the road. Now I have a 2005 GMC 3500 van 6.0L you dont even know the boat is there.

[TX-Foilhead]

I have a 06 2WD F150 with lsd, no problems pulling my Excel. I can't remember where I heard this, but 2 in a Ford is for slippery ramps, it comes out really slow, but doesn't spin. I have tried it and it seems to work. I have also used a V6 F150 standard with 4WD, but it in low and 2nd , went right up no problem every time. When things really get slippery and I need the style points I take my 4WD 250 with a V10, might need that once a year

[teamseal]

I run my day to day boat business with a 94 Suburban 2 wheel drive. Yet I Also tow with my 78 step side Chebby 2 wheel drive. and once in a while for fun I will hook up my sprint boat to my 71 GTO and drag it to the lake.
I do have a 96 Tahoe 4X4 but it is more for pushing boats around the yard and a few endevors into the north Florida jungle!!

[oakfu]

I like Nautiquehunter's driver in the first pic!!

[jimmyj]

i pull my 210 with a v8 2wd 4 runner. it has the limited slip diff. does just fine.

[BHog]

I have a 4wd but have never had to use it on a boat ramp. COme to think of it I have a 2006 GMC Z71 and only put it in 4wd 3 times since IVe had it.

[mcbridek]

I use a Dakota 6 cylinder manual 2WD and Honda Pilot 2WD. The Honda does OK, seems a little rough on the transmission if the ramp is steeper than average. The Dakota 2WD manual is more difficult, takes practice to not burn the clutch. The best setup for 6 cylinder engines is a 4WD manual in low range. You barely have to idle the engine to get the clutch out. Also with the smaller engines, it is a big help to power the boat - meaning use the boat to help get the rig moving, then as soon as the rig starts up the ramp, shut down the boat engine. Of course if you are on a ramp that has a tide, the rear tires are often on the slick area, you have to have either FWD or better to have 4WD.