Four Wheel or Two Wheel drive

[Sean Troy]

Looking at getting a new truck. Boat weighs in around 3200. Is four wheel drive a good idea? I was thinking it would be helpful on wet ramps and winter snow. thanks, Sean

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Just depends on what you want...of course 2 wheel will get better mileage.

Seeing you live in KY...4 wheel might be a better option.

 

[Dan J.]

I've always felt it better, "to have and not need than to need and not have." With that in mind, I've been able to launch/load a variety of heavy hulls in unimproved launches (basically a dirt road into the water) and in low tide, slime covered ramps thanks to the 4WD button on the dash. It is also a huge improvement in snow covered ramps, but know that when several others have launched before you that ramp will turn to ice and your 4WD benefit almost evaporates. That's when a 25-50 lb. bag of kitty litter in the back will save your behind with all four wheels digging in into a drivable situation. Good luck!

 

[Matt Kling]

My opinion is 2wd isn't even an option for me. I'm sure 99% of the time (or more) I don't need 4wd. But if I get into a spot where I need it, I know I have it. Some of the ramps I use are dirt (mud if it rained recently) and can be shallow.



Just my 2 cents. Go 4wd!

 

[Bill McElroy]

4WD......you will rue the day you need it and don't have it!!

 

[Jim B]

4WD all the way... I still dont understand why they build trucks any other way.

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Ahhh...Luckily for me I've never needed it.

 

[Sean Troy]

Thanks all

 

[fatrap]

Four wheel drive. Even in the summer some of the older ramps are slick from just being polished by so many tires. I launch at alot of the Ramps on Big South Dakota resevoirs and get a bit of a chuckle watching people with rear wheel and front wheel drive spinning tires while the trailer goes the wrong way down the ramp.

fatrap

 

[Sean Troy]

Seems all the ramps I've been using are steep and long around this part of Kentucky. Looks like it will be four wheel drive. Thanks all, Sean

 

[TOMMY RICH]

If it makes you feel any better...Dale Hollow has some of the stepest ramps around and I've never had an issue pulling the boat out. It's the roads you gotta' worry about.

 

[Sean Troy]

I really want to get out to Dale Hollow sometime. I just haven't had the chance this year. World record smallmouth comes from that lake.

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Headin' there within the next two weeks...lemme know if you need any info Sean

 

[Sean Troy]

Let us all know how it goes. I know there are some good Muskie lakes out that way.

 

[edward hughes2]

These newer pickups with 4x4 dont get much worse miles per gal,than a 2x2, i use mine alot in fla where i fish many many small orange grove lakes with sand ramps,resale value,4x4 will sell twice as fast as a 2x2,and for about a 1,000 bucks more,id never consider a p/u,that was not 4x4.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Here's a little tip I got from a friend that is a mechanic of 40 years......If you have 4wd try to run it in 4wd at least once a month....gravel road, wet pavement, whatever, just run it for a short distance. According to him, it prevents a lot of problems.

 

[Sean Troy]

It keeps things properly lubed from what I understand. I

've been looking at a Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab 5.7 Hemi.

 

[TOMMY RICH]

I've owned both 4 wheel and two wheel and the 2 wheel will give you about 3 to 4 MPG better. Of course my 04' GMC SCSB has gotten up to 21 MPG highway..a lil' lighter