Who launches their boat with a 2WD?

[ctimrun]

I am curious who successfully launches their boats with 2WD vehicles? Some boaters (especially at WW) would make you think if you don't have a F350 4WD diesel then you are going to sink your whole setup. What 2WD vehicle are you towing and launching with?

[chris196]

I pulled my SN with a 1996 toyota tacoma 2wd, V6. The truck could do the job, but the biggest problem is that it didn't have limited slip, so sometimes I would have traction problems coming out of the water. I would keep a 25lb bag of cheap kitty litter in my truck. That saved me a couple of times. Just spread it under the slipping wheel and a little up the ramp. With the toyota I was at the limit of what it could do.

I now have a Nissan frontier 4x4. It handles the boat much better and I do like having the 4wd. The Nissan is a bigger, heavier truck with a bigger engine.
However, with modern traction control systems, I think a 2wd is fine. That assumes you have a good ramp.

[swc5150]

Unless the landing is unusually steep, I've never put a truck in to 4 wheel to pull out a boat. Limited slip would help of course, but being gentle on the throttle is the key. Some of the WW dudes think you need 10k lbs of ballast to do a flip to;-)

[mf01]

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram with 2wd. I did put in an aftermarket LSD (Detroit Tru Trac). One ramp I use is made of asphalt and really slippery. I slip a little there.

[johnboyy7]

Sounds like small ***** talk on ww to me, unless of course they are backing down bank. I have a half ton v6 2wd. It is a gmc so that prolly equals most v8.

[AZWAKEHOG]

after this weekend all my towing thoughts have gone out the window i watched a guy tow a 26ft ranger about 120miles then luanch and pull it out a couple times with a chevy malibu with air bags in the rear makes me rethink owning a 4wd deisel haha

[core-rider]

I tow with a 1993 Ford F-150 "Lightning" It's 2WD with a 351W and has LSD. Never needed anything else on an actual ramp. There are a few places I would like to put in that 4WD is necessary. I would like to get an F-250 4WD diesel mainly just to have crew cab for more seating, better mileage, and the capability of getting to less accessable ramps, but can't justify getting a car note again.

[steve-o]

I had a 2WD 2500HD and I am glad I went to a 4WD. My 2WD took some know how to pull the boat out of the water without a spin. The problem with spinning is once it starts, some will get nervous and make it worse or give it more gas. With 4WD I have no worries with anyone pulling my boat out of the water. Based on pics I see, I think the ramps around here are steeper than most other places.

There is one ramp I use that is poured on a river bank that the 2WD would barely get it done. On more than one occasion I almost gave up and had someone help me out with a strap. It was STEEEEEEEEEP. I would launch nearly 2 miles up river to avoid it, even though the steep ramp is right next to the desired location.

[SNMike]

2006 Dodge Ram Hemi 2WD quad cab. 325/50/20 Nitto 404's all around. She doesn't even know the 196 is back there.
>;-)

Regards! Mike

[oakfu]

I use a Toyota Tacoma V-6 2WD and have never had a problem...I also have one of the smallest nautiques so I guess that helps!

[Quinner]

Some of the WW dudes think you need 10k lbs of ballast to do a flip to;-)

Ain't that the truth! In some cases "flip" could even read "wake to wake", LMAO.

[skijones]

I have towed my 196 with a Crown Vic many times. Little leary on any ramp with green stuff.

[DanielC]

I have a 1996 Ford Aerostar, two wheel drive, 3.73 limited slip diff, 4.0 L engine.
No problems at any ramp.
However, we have had a really wet spring for NW Oregon, and I have to use a 1947 Willys Jeep to pull the boat out of the carport, because it is too muddy in front of the boat. The rain just keeps going into the ruts made, and it won't do any good until the dirt dries out a little to fill them.

It seems our wakeboarders only need about 3000 Lbs ballast, to do a single wake 180, if they cross a wake at all

[Shooter]

I have a 4x4 now, but never use it during launch. When I had my Ranger, I would just have one or two people bounce on the rear bumper to help with traction. It may look a little WT, but it worked every time.

[Kevin_B]

I have a Jeep cherokee with a straight 6, while I have used 4 wheel drive, I definitely don't need it and the last few times have had zero trouble in 2 wheel as long as i'm in a lower gear.