who all pulls their boat with a truck not have 4x4 and are just fine with it and not needing it.

I have years ago. Just have to be mindful of the ramp you plan on using

pull mine without, two or three clicks on parking brake will get you out of trouble if needed,

As long as you are launching on concrete you should be fine.

The 4x4 makes no difference in the towing aspect, but I gotta say once you own a 4x4 it’s hard to run anything else. I use mine for a variety of reasons, but the handful of times I’ve needed it on a ramp was completely worth it.

Exactly. I wouldn’t own a truck without it, but I use my truck as a truck.

I had a '93 F150 with limited slip and never had a problem on a boat ramp with a 18' Ranger 375V. The only time I have needed 4wd was on a steep ramp on lake Travis. Primary reason I own a 4x4 is for the ranch I hunt on in NW Burnet County and I now have a fairly heavy boat.

If you are looking at a 2 wheel drive, verify it has a LIMITED SLIP slip rear end. Like Bruce's said, with LS it will make both wheel pull.
My last Chevy DID NOT have limited slip and I had problems on slick steep ramps. Had several guys tell me to get out and let them pull it up saying I didn't know how to drive. After a few tries, they told me and several others to get in the bed of the truck for extra weight.

I pull w/no 4x4 but I drive an 05 2500 with off road tires. When the trk was new and had the factory tires. I would have a hard time on the steep ramps on Canyon Lake, specifically when they were wet. I never had that problem with the AT tires.

thanks for the imput.

i did for many years, tire pattern can make a difference too. Only had 1 or 2 issues during that 10 year span of 2wds. I had a 4x4 since than i have always ran at tires, in the last 10-15 years i have only needed it 1 or 2 times at the ramp. And it seemed it was always pulling an empty trailer out of the water was my issue.

So for towing a boat , its unnecessary.

I have a 4x4 just in case I have to park in dirt or grass. How many have fished Squaw and got to park on the pavement?? Now add the chance of it being rainy and have to park in the mud?? Or just getting up the hill to leave after several boats pull their drain plugs and wet the road?? I've always had the mind set...better to have it and not need it.... than need it and not have it.

I'll buy a 4x4 next time but I've not had any issues with my 2wd Ram with a limited-slip differential. But I do pay attention quite a bit.

I don't have the heaviest boat and I would pay attention to trying to pull out of a busy ramp in freezing temps.
There are also some ramps that require you to park off of the tarmac, which can be problematic if it's been very wet out.

I used to get stuck on that hill at Squaw Creek in my 2WD Ram. Took 3 tries last time, but it's been replaced by a '24 F150 4x4 and I'm ready for that sumbitch now...