2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive

[Soccerdad]

I have a 2006 185 BR. I currently tow it with a 2008 Honda Ridgeline. (AWD)

I am in the market for a new truck. I am looking at a Chevy Colorado ZR1. I am looking at the 4wd because I don't want to get stuck on a ramp. So just looking for thoughts on 2wd vs 4wd for launching.

[Norton_Rider]

There are a lot of threads in the BOC forum regarding this topic. Search for the key word 4WD and you'll get a bunch that you can read through.

[Jeffw]

4x4 is nice to have, but if that's the only use, I'd pass.

[Squiddy]

If you are getting true 2WD then that would be enough. Chevy has a good locking rear differential option in the Eaton G80.

2 wheels driving would good for your current 18 footer, and would also handle the 21 footer that you're going to get next.

[B95054]

After years of 4wds I made the move to a GMC 2wd. Never have I been stuck on a ramp needing 4wd (and I have launched on all sorts of ramps for over 30 years). Just don't gun it and you'll be fine. Advantages of 2wd is smoother ride, better fuel economy and less maintenance. I don't know if I will ever go back to 4wd.

[yachtman]

Really depends on the ramp and the weight you have in the back of your truck. I have launched and retrieved my 32ft /18000 lb boat with a 2 wheel drive Ford several times.

[CptCrunchie]

Depends on whether you are launching in fresh or salt water. Due to slimy ramps at low tide, launching, and especially retrieving in salt water with a two wheel drive can be difficult. Some of that also has to do with how steep the ramp is.

[desuch]

if i would not have had my 4 wheel drive option with all the slim on the salt water ramp i would have had to have somebody pull me out

[HueyCrew]

My Expedition handled every angle, tide, fresh/ salt with my C/C. Steepest ramp was Ocracoke Island public ramp at low. Trimmed the side mirror down and gave it a bit more gas while the contact patch was still under water (and kinda self cleaning ) and eased off slightly as the tires left the water. Came right out. This 2655.... She's not ready to launch but way heavier and cumbersome that anything I've ever towed. Looked like it was going to smack every sign and oncoming semi the day I brought her home. I drive a F 350 Super Duty 4x4 now and am glad the option's there if needed. Granted 2WD can and will most times bring one up a ramp, With automatics, the thing to keep in mind, especially with older higher mileage models is heat, strain and wear to the drivetrain from the torque converter right on back to the ring gear. We can control them best and lessen their effects during trips to and from the water and in between ( lube and fluid/ filter service). After a day on the water, if you're like me, you're firing it up and getting her out while there's still a shimmer of daylight to see by. Hauling out that way puts extra load and strain on components before they are much above warm and while most will handle the task like a champ, it can shorten life. If all I had was 2WD I'd consider shortening the time between trans fluid/ filter changes and if fitted, more frequent greasing of the "U" joints. With the option of 4X4 you can at least spread the load/ strain out over both axles. Besides transfer cases and front hubs do need to be "exercised" every so often to let the parts move about and lubricate themselves.

Dave

[Skutt]

I prefer 4X4 over 2X4. When I had a problem with my four wheel drive and only had 2 wheel I had problems getting up the ramp.

[Rick_Kenyon]

4WD is nice to have if you can justify the extra $ and future additional maintenance $. I used a 2wd dually previously and now have a 2wd Toyota Tundra pulling a 275. Haven't had a problem at a ramp yet with either truck. I have occasionally timed the launch and retrieval at saltwater ramps to be hauling out at or near high tide to avoid the slimy parts of the ramps.

[706jim]

4WD will have better resale value. My present truck has 4WD and should easily pull my boat up a ramp. I've never tried it after 7 seasons as the marina launches and hauls my boat.

But I'm from Canada and having 4WD is great when it snows.

And yup it snows!

[boatworkfl]

Decreased fuel economy with 4WD, it adds up fast.

[Mocoondo]

I’ve never seen a 4x4 stuck at a boat ramp.

[Loafer]

I have a Ridgeline
They are great trucks and i think you have 4X
There is a button on the shift lever that will lock it all up but you can only do 20 KPH
Normally the AWD is good enough i find it fantastic and i've had some solid 4X 4 in the past to compare it too