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Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651139 07/31/20 01:55 AM
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Douglas J Online Content
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Welsh, you’ll never make it up the hill without a 4x4 some days


#MFGA
Moritz Chevrolet - 9101 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth, TX - Monte Coon (817) 696-2003
Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651148 07/31/20 01:57 AM
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Vetbassman Offline
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Sir,
I had the same thoughts in 2015 purchased a two wheel drive. It saved me around five grand. I have Owned a 18.8. Ranger and now a Caracal and never had an issue on any ramp that was gravel or concrete. That being said, I will never purchase another one without four wheel drive. It’s good to have options if you can.


Ray
Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651153 07/31/20 02:01 AM
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Bill Durham Offline
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you never need it, until you need it. If its in your budget, don't scrimp.

BD

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651156 07/31/20 02:02 AM
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Never got stuck but have pulled out plenty people - tow vehicle, boat and all, with my 4x4 (boat attached, in reverse)

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651200 07/31/20 02:31 AM
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Doc1986 Offline
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Like everybody else has mentioned it's not a necessity but does come in handy if needed. I haven't owned a boat for a few years now but when I did it was nice having that option when the lake levels were low and you had to practically back your vehicle into the lake to launch and or the ramps were on a steep incline and wet from others launching and recovering.

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651240 07/31/20 02:58 AM
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I've seen a 2wd truck unable to get up a wet ramp. He was just spinning a tire until a several of us bystanders hopped on his bumper and he got enough bite to get up the ramp. He was pulling a pretty big boat though.

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651248 07/31/20 03:08 AM
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Bobby Milam Offline
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I have pulled large boats out and have never needed 4 wheel drive before.

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651299 07/31/20 03:53 AM
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sprigsss Offline
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If you’ve never had to pull your boat up a ramp with 4wd, you haven’t fished Alan Henry yet.

I can pull my boat out in 2wd about half the time.

Lost count of how many 2wds I’ve pulled up the ramp as well.

So far it’s the only launch I’ve ever had issues at.

I like to fish new lakes. First time I went to Alan Henry I had a 2wd and it was a sickening feeling not being able to get the boat out of the water. Not gonna happen to me again.

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651304 07/31/20 04:04 AM
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I've never not been able to get a boat up a ramp with 2 wheel drive. Guess I'll mention I own a 4x4 now just to make it easier.

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651319 07/31/20 04:43 AM
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I recommend 4x4 for a hauler. Most boat ramps you don't need it, but when you do, you do.

If you decide to pass on 4x4 at least order a Limited Slip Differential.

.

Last edited by doctorxring; 07/31/20 04:44 AM.

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Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651323 07/31/20 04:50 AM
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Have pulled 21ft skeeters with my 2wd tacoma on some steep ramps never had a issue... yet you hear stories of people even with 4wd on junk ramps sinking their whole rig realmad

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651326 07/31/20 05:13 AM
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I haven't had 4x4 in a least 10 years and have hauled 20-21' boats all over Texas to fish and have yet to have an issue on a boat ramp.

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651335 07/31/20 07:19 AM
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LaRue Offline
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I've owned multiple 2x4 and 4x4 vehicles and have launched a fully loaded 21ft (full gas/gear) bass boat at every Lake mentioned in the thread.

Never once have I had to lock the hubs or engage 4x4 to pull my boat out. Although, I have seen many guys over accelerate and lose traction. As long as you dont break the tires or pop the clutch, 2wd will get the job done.

My opinion- 4wd is a fun feature to have, but you've got to go out of your way to truly need it. Your average boat owner will never need 4wd.

4x4 option typically runs $3-4k more. Why not spend that money on a Lowrance Ghost or Garmin LiveScope or Power-Polls. You'd get way more enjoyment out of any of these things than you would the 4 seconds it takes to pull your boat out of the water with zero traction loss.

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: sprigsss] #13651381 07/31/20 10:55 AM
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squib Online Content
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Originally Posted by sprigsss
If you’ve never had to pull your boat up a ramp with 4wd, you haven’t fished Alan Henry yet.

I can pull my boat out in 2wd about half the time.

Lost count of how many 2wds I’ve pulled up the ramp as well.

So far it’s the only launch I’ve ever had issues at.

I like to fish new lakes. First time I went to Alan Henry I had a 2wd and it was a sickening feeling not being able to get the boat out of the water. Not gonna happen to me again.


Yep. Same for me. Such nice facilities and a great ramp but it is very slick. I have to use 4x4 almost every time. And then when it ices up, I still pucker a bit even in 4.

I got stuck on an algae-covered Diablo East ramp at Amistad back in 2000. I drove home and bought a 4 wheel drive. I’ll never be without one again.

Re: 4x4 at the boat ramp?? [Re: Brutaldudeski] #13651388 07/31/20 11:09 AM
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patriot07 Online Content
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Bought my first 4wd truck this year. Need it on vacation to the mountains. Never needed 4wd in Texas, and certainly never on a concrete ramp.


Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
- Soren Kierkegaard
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