I just leased a new 08 Tundra V8 and I can't wait to tow the boat with it.  I too havn't used the 4wd yet, but I know it's there if I need it.  I don't want to stuck at a ramp one day and wished I should've bought the 4wd.  To me, it's about piece of mind.  I know a Tacoma can tow my boat, but I don't want it to struggle going over the mountains with full gear.  I want a smooth of a ride as possible.  2wd will save you a lot of money up front and with gas, but really sucks for resale.  However, if you keep your truck for a long time it wouldn't matter.  Let me know Rev if you need any help finding a new truck.  I'm in the car business and I can provide you with all the info you need to make the right choice.

I think it just makes a difference on launches if the person or persons in front of you has an oil leak. My SUV had auto 4 feel drive. If the back slipped then it would change if not then it wouldn't. You could tell when it was in 4 wheel backs the light would come on. (and thats not the check engine light either.) V6 or V8. Some V6 are pretty strong know. I pulled my boat from goergia to here with a V6and it wasn't bad at all. Bad part was seeing over that V8 engine on the boat.

Since my P'up is my sole means of transportation, I want 4wd. I don't want to avoid fishing at a lake because the ramp(s) are bad (Palmer, Seep Lakes, unnamed others). I've always said that there was nothing more useless in snow than a 2wd pickup, tho a RWD van is close. The longer the bed, the worse it is. Some kind of limited slip is essential, even with 4wd. I recall towing my boat eastbound on I-84 with my GMC 4x4 in a driving rain, in 4wd, and 50mph! I was happy to have 4wd. Bad boat launches are a sign of good fishing, didn't you know that? You can launch for free on Lk. WA, if you have 4WD...see the DF&G launch just N. of I-90, over on the Mercer Slough.

My '06 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 is pretty neat. Lots of power (236hp), 6 speed manual gearbox, electric rear axle locker (switch on dash). It's been to Edmonton twice, and Lk. Patagonia, AZ, once. I got the trailer towing gearing, and it's rated to pull 6,000 lbs, which is more than my GMC (5k) was. I haven't tried towing the boat with it yet, but it shouldn't be long. It has towed two other trailers, one it didn't like at all, but I don't know what the weight of that one was. The EPA MPG rating with the towing gears is just 1 mpg better than the '97 GMC (19 vs. 18), but I wouldn't be surprised if the GMC would beat it. But at least, I can feel like I'm doing my part to save gas, right? Oh, looky, there's a gas hog bass boat behind it...oopsy!

As much as I like the Toyota, I would still have the GMC (and be retired!) IF I had ordered it with the 5 speed manual, instead of the weenie automatic POS. In a lot of ways, I miss it very much, and I know it did a better job of towing my current boat than the Toyota ever will.  If Rev Chuck sells his Chevy, somebody in WBC oughta buy it from him. C&R, Steve

As some might know I just had to replace a vehicle and here is the criteria I used.....
Must last 10-15 years
Loved the F-250 for years and the torque of the 6.0 fits the demand I have planned for it.
Diesel- so as to allow for expanding recreation over the 10-15 yr. bracket.

Short bed-since I dont like 15 point turns in campgrounds and launches.

Camper special for yes....a camper.

Four Wheel Drive was just what this particular rig came with.


wanted the Dura Max but too expensive.

Extended cab for hauling you dorks to the mexican restaurant at Coulee!

Nick one question, how many feet of cable you got on your winch? Some ramps esspecially in eastern washington where no one will there to help. What are you gonna hook the cable up too? Just something that popped into my head. I know I've lauched at a couple place where 4 wheel drive was neccessity, but has always been at a smaller lake without a good launch.

I have been debating this as well... along with is V8 a necessity? - I have a 2wd V6 Tundra and I could get a boat a lot sooner if I don't have to buy a new tow vehicle at the same time.   

I have never gotten stuck on any ramps w/ 2wd trucks but I have seen it happen.  I think locking diff. would fix that but are there many 2wd trucks w/ locking diff. standard or is that mainly an after market thing?  I have also heard of people carrying cat litter in the back for added weight / absorption if necessary - sand might be better up here for the ice?      

The way I look at it is, I would rather save the 5K and just mount a front tow hitch and have a WINCH (Mounted on a reciever) that can be plugged in to either back or front of the vehicle to get yourself out of what you got yourself into in the first place. All you need is 2WD and a good WINCH.

-Nick

The only difference that I have seen from owning a 2 wheel and a 4 wheel drive is the weight of the vehicle. I noticed that I spun my back tires a lot more with the two wheel drive. At one ramp I had to get some guys to stand on the bumper so I could get off the wet ramp. I think 4 wheel drive is a peice of mind or a just in case I need it syndrome.

Daryl

After all these years, I must concurr with Smitty.  I don't believe that I launch on a ramp that requires 4wd.  There have been stories of others that need it, but it may be likely that I am interested in saving 4-5 k the next time I find a truck.

I've just about convinced myself that a truck with a locking differential (posi-trac), is about all you need for the majority of the ramps here in the NW.

Smitty

10 years ago when I bought my new truck, I was convinced I needed 4 wheel drive.  I wanted to be assured that I was going to get that boat out of the water no matter how steep the boat ramp was, or how bad the weather was.  Now looking back over the last 10 years I can only remember putting it into 4 wheel drive 3 or 4 times, and it was never when towing a boat.  However, there is quite a price difference between a new 2 wheel and a 4 wheel drive truck. 

So what's your opinion, when an angler is buying a new truck just for towing his boat, does he really need 4 wheel drive?