I'm thinking of replacing my Silverado 4x4. I presently pull a Basscat Pantera II with a 200 Mercury. Probably I believe the rig is around 3000 lbs. Just wondering if you think a could get away with not having to purchase a 4 x 4. I appreciate your thoughts.

I could never own a non 4x4 truck. However I've had to use 4wd a few times this year launching with all the high water. Today I purchased a Eco diesel so we shall see how this goes.

4wd is a must for duck season....

I've pulled a boat for 20 years with a two wheel drive truck. No problems at all. I would opt for a rear locking differential so both wheels will pull in case the ramp is steep.

If you are planning to launch on muddy ramps or icy ramps, 4wd would be best of course.

Did you purchase a Ram. If so what is the expected fuel mileage on it.

I actually ended up with two 2014 RAMs. I bought a 3/4 ton with a Cummins to pull my 5th wheel. Then, we traded my wife's Honda Accord in on a 1500 2wd crew cab with the HEMI. We're getting 18 mixed driving and will get about 21-22 on the highway at 65. The faster you try to get where you're going, the less mpg you will get.

Me too. Dodge Ram, Hemi

Get a RAM 1500 ecodiesel. You'll get 16 towing, 24 mixed and 28 hwy. Don't believe anyone that says they are getting those numbers from any other vehicle. I've about owned them all. They don't know how to calculate MPG.

I'd get a 4X4 for those rare occasions but you don't necessarily "need" it.

Find a used F150 EcoBoost. I got a 2011 and can't believe the torque it has. I get about 13mpg towing, 16 otherwise. The Platinums have some really nice features. Go to Texas Motor Cars and ask for Brian Spagnola. He's a TFFer.

You don't "need" a 4x4 truck to pull a 19 ft boat unless you plan on dragging it through a field.

The 4x4's do feel more stable towing, but a 4x2 with a good locking differential in the back can get up slick, and even icy, ramps just fine.

No, IMO you don't have to have a 4 x 4 vehicle UNLESS you launch or travel to places that are not normally used as boat ramps.
They are nice but, cost more in gas usage and more power train parts to wear out!
I pull 18' fiberglass single axle rig with 90HP Johnson so, it's not too heavy but I see LOTS that only have 2 wheel drive.
Save yourself the money, and buy more 'toys' for your bass rig...
JMO
God Bless

I will never own another two wheel truck in my life time,
What is the ole saying I would rather have it and never use it then to not have it and need it.
I have used it countless times on icy ramps, deer lease and I have helped numerous strangers out that needed it and didn't have it.
If there is a added expense I have never really noticed it.

Been using 2 wheel for years and never had an instance towing a boat that I needed s 4x4. I would like a 4x4 just for that occasional commute in winter but the added purchase price as well as the mpg, it isn't worth it to me.

I tow with a 2011 F350 6.7 PSD FX4...I absolutely love it!! It may be a bit of overkill for a zx202c skeeter, but it tows great and gets really good gas mileage...I generally get 17 around town and 15-16 towing...sometimes it is better to have and not need than to need and not have and overkill is under rated!!

If you are concerned get a locking differential, not limited slip.