Does 4WD or AWD help in pulling a boat up the launch ramp at all?
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Does 4WD or AWD help in pulling a boat up the launch ramp at all?
Yes, especially on wet, slimy ramps.
absolutely. I usually don't have much trouble pulling my boat out of the water in 2wd, but sometimes when the ramp is slimy or really sandy, i'll throw the truck in 4wd, and it eliminates any of the wheelspin.
I only use 4wd to pull out of the water.
that or a fat sac for the truck too
Two wheel drive pick ups are light in the rear when empty. My GMC 3500 van hasn't had ant problems yet.
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/n...-1-1-2-1-1.jpg
Depends on the ramp. But if you put in at different places where steepness can very, and the terrain as well, you may want to consider it strongly.
4x4 is not always required but is a great option to have. Have a heavy boat ??? Try pulling it out in 4 low. I know when backing up our 5th wheel trailer into a soft campsite I usually drop the transfer case into 4 low. Less strain on the trans and nice to have more control with the lower gearing.
Seen too many videos of cars and trucks in the lake to consider doing it w/o a 4wd vehicle myself.
I used to need 4x4 every now and again, if there was a lot of debris on the ramp at low tide = wet slippery ramp that moves. Ever since I locked my rear axle I have never had to lock the hubs to pull the boat out.