4 X 4 Necessary For Bass Boat? 2024
ipeeinmywetsuit reply :
I am going to be purchasing a new truck soon and I am contemplating whether or not 4WD is a necessary upgrade. I want a tacoma full cab with 4WD and possibly the TRD off road package. I don't own a boat yet but I am saving up for one. I assume that with paved launches I'll be fine most of the time with just 2WD and for dirt launches or slick paved launches 4WD might come in handy. I know it it more expensive and could lead to more maintenance issues. The gas mileage I would be saving with a 2X4 is literally only 1mpg and the insurance cost is not much more at all. I want to get the 4WD and even if I never use it I feel like it would be a better to have and not need kind of deal. I live in Southern California so that means trips to the desert, beaches, mountains, camping in the redwoods, humboldt county (northern california), and lots of big paved boat ramps. I also own a bit of land and work in ceramics for a living so I will be hauling quite a bit of weight with the truck. Any of you truck/boat owners have some thoughts on the pro's/con's of 4WD??
slonezp reply :
Posi rearend is a necessity. I'll use 4wd at the ramp early and late in the season if there is ice on the ramps. Rarely do I see enough algae on the ramp where I'd need 4wd. 4wd lowers the tow rating on the truck, don't know if that would be an issue with your business. It shouldn't be with a fishing boat, because boat, trailer, gas, and gear should be under 3000lbs.
Glenn reply :
I've towed with both, and you want the 4WD, hands down. There were several times where I got stuck on a ramp with my 2WD due to too much sand and dirt on the ramp - not ice. Once I went a bit too far into the water and got the tires on some algae. I just about lost the the rig in the drink, and had to be pulled out.
That was the final straw for me.
I've used a 4WD ever since and have never had a problem. And yes, I've had several instances where I needed, and used, the 4WD without any problems. Glad I have it!
ipeeinmywetsuit reply :
On 1/23/2013 at 12:38 PM, slonezp said:Posi rearend is a necessity. I'll use 4wd at the ramp early and late in the season if there is ice on the ramps. Rarely do I see enough algae on the ramp where I'd need 4wd. 4wd lowers the tow rating on the truck, don't know if that would be an issue with your business. It shouldn't be with a fishing boat, because boat, trailer, gas, and gear should be under 3000lbs.
On 1/23/2013 at 1:03 PM, Glenn said:I've towed with both, and you want the 4WD, hands down. There were several times where I got stuck on a ramp with my 2WD due to too much sand and dirt on the ramp - not ice. Once I went a bit too far into the water and got the tires on some algae. I just about lost the the rig in the drink, and had to be pulled out.
That was the final straw for me.
I've used a 4WD ever since and have never had a problem. And yes, I've had several instances where I needed, and used, the 4WD without any problems. Glad I have it!
Thanks for your responses guys. I just needed some extra affirmation. I know that the taco's are rated 6500lb towing compacity for the 2x4 and 4x4 v6. I will definitely be getting a 4 x 4. I also posted and did some research on a truck forum and it all pointed towards the 4 x 4. Thanks again!
Teal reply :
If you have the luxury of being able to choose 4x4 or not, take the 4x4.
Having 4x4 is kind of like having toilet paper with you on the boat, its pays for itself the first time that you really need it.
tomustang reply :
No question, 4X4 boat or no boat
jhoffman reply :
4wd will also retain its value better
jbsoonerfan reply :
I will never own another vehicle that isn't four wheel drive.
J Francho reply :
4x4, absolutely! Seaweed, mud, sand, and algae have all given me fits on the ramp, and I'm glad for my 4x4. The off road package? Meh, not so much. I won't be getting the Z71 package on my next pickup. The ride is a little too rough for everyday use.
KevO reply :
I've never had any problems towing my boat with my 4x2 but I try to avoid steep ramps also. It helps having a light aluminum rig too. My next truck will be a 4x4 for sure though.
ipeeinmywetsuit reply :
Well that settles it in my mind. Everything I've read has been in favor of 4 x 4. Thanks for the opinions guys! I'll have this truck by the end of the week... so stoked!
00 mod reply :
Good luck and post some pictures! BTW- I am an avid Toyota fan! You will be happy you got one as well!
Jeff
shootermcbob reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 12:42 AM, 00 mod said:Good luck and post some pictures! BTW- I am an avid Toyota fan! You will be happy you got one as well!
Jeff
Sweet ride. What kind of MPG's are you getting with your truck?
00 mod reply :
Not good. But I dont have a big truck for gas milage. Probably about 13 with the tires and leveling kit. But I work 2 miles from home. Only travel is to the lake.
Jeff
tomustang reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 9:50 AM, 00 mod said:Not good. But I dont have a big truck for gas milage. Probably about 13 with the tires and leveling kit. But I work 2 miles from home. Only travel is to the lake.Jeff
Hey do midgets pop out of the fenders and flash lights like on a runway to guide you in a parking space? That thing's huge looking
Shane J reply :
I, too, am a Tundra owner, and love my truck. You won't regret getting a Toyota, trust me. Good luck with your purchase!
Hey, 00 Mod, sweet truck, man!
J Francho reply :
13 mpg? Oof. I'm getting 19-22 in my GMC. I bet I get better performance numbers too. That said, it isn't as pretty as that whip! Sweet ride, Jeff.
Rangerphil reply :
Just got a new tundra back in September! I was always a gmc man but after having this tundra for awhile I am very happy! Only time will tell on longevity. It is better to have something and never use it then not to have it at all!
Jeff, do you like having the leveling kit? Thought about getting one put on!
K_Mac reply :
I agree with the rest. I have an 18' 6" tin boat that is not nearly as heavy as most glass boats, and I still use the 4 wheel drive in my Durango from time to time. I can put my boat in strip pits with gravel ramps that I could not even think about with my 2WD pick-up. Having and not needing is far better than the other way around.
00 mod reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 9:58 AM, tomustang said:Hey do midgets pop out of the fenders and flash lights like on a runway to guide you in a parking space? That thing's huge looking
No Midgets, but I might as well be one! HAHA. I'm only 5'3''!!!
On 1/24/2013 at 12:21 PM, Rangerphil said:Just got a new tundra back in September! I was always a gmc man but after having this tundra for awhile I am very happy! Only time will tell on longevity. It is better to have something and never use it then not to have it at all!Jeff, do you like having the leveling kit? Thought about getting one put on!
Yes and no. I like the stance it gives it. It does not affect the ride any, as it goes in between the front coils. I like the fact of bigger tires. That being said, I got better MPG without all of it. LOL If I had to do it over again, I would leave it stock. More fishing $$$
Jeff
00 mod reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 12:10 PM, J Francho said:13 mpg? Oof. I'm getting 19-22 in my GMC. I bet I get better performance numbers too. That said, it isn't as pretty as that whip! Sweet ride, Jeff.
Tundra with 5.7 V8- 381 hp/401 trq
GMC 1500 4.8 V8- 302 hp/305 trq
GMC 2500 HD 6L V8- 360hp/380 trq
:eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Gotta love my Tundra!!!
Jeff
J Francho reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 9:58 AM, tomustang said:Hey do midgets pop out of the fenders and flash lights like on a runway to guide you in a parking space? That thing's huge looking
I heard a knocking coming from the back of my truck the other day. Turns out a Fiat 500 was stuck in the wheel well.
slonezp reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 9:41 PM, 00 mod said:Tundra with 5.7 V8- 381 hp/401 trqGMC 1500 4.8 V8- 302 hp/305 trq
GMC 2500 HD 6L V8- 360hp/380 trq
Gotta love my Tundra!!!
Jeff
They bumped up the HP and tow numbers on the 2013 5.7. I've got an 08 I bought new. Has 90k on it. I get 13-14 on the highway @ 70 and 10-11 with the boat in tow.
J Francho reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 9:41 PM, 00 mod said:Tundra with 5.7 V8- 381 hp/401 trqGMC 1500 4.8 V8- 302 hp/305 trq
GMC 2500 HD 6L V8- 360hp/380 trq
Gotta love my Tundra!!!
Jeff
I don't know ANYONE that gets the 4.8. I have the Vortec 6.2L 403 hp/417 trq. I don't think they make the 6.0L anymore.
J Francho reply :
Wait, they do for the 3/4 ton line.
00 mod reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 11:23 PM, slonezp said:They bumped up the HP and tow numbers on the 2013 5.7. I've got an 08 I bought new. Has 90k on it. I get 13-14 on the highway @ 70 and 10-11 with the boat in tow.
Seems the same hp and torque settings from my 07 to the new 2013's. Mine has 93K on it and I love it. It is my second Tundra and I wouldn't own a different truck!
Jeff
00 mod reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 11:36 PM, J Francho said:I don't know ANYONE that gets the 4.8. I have the Vortec 6.2L 403 hp/417 trq. I don't think they make the 6.0L anymore.
Ahhh, not being familiar with the GM line anymore, I looked it up and those were the only V8 options I saw. Crazy the 6.2 outperforms their 6.0L......
Jeff
J Francho reply :
The 6.2 is a real cracker, performance wise, so is the 5.3 married to the 6-speed auto. I think the 6.0 is just a HD workhorse. The 4.8 is an absolute dog.
jbsoonerfan reply :
Oh man, my 09 Silverado only gets 11mpg in town. It has the 5300. Of course it has a 5" lift kit with Bilsteins adjusted up another 1" and 33 x 13's on 20's. I really need to do a performance tune on it.
Luckily I only live a block from work.
Teal reply :
Im contemplating getting a diesel my next go round. (Some time later this year) I love my work truck and the mileage is much better than i would have thought. Any of yyou guys got any input?
slonezp reply :
On 1/24/2013 at 11:40 PM, 00 mod said:Seems the same hp and torque settings from my 07 to the new 2013's. Mine has 93K on it and I love it. It is my second Tundra and I wouldn't own a different truck!
Jeff
Maybe it's for the 2014 model. I saw an advertisement at the dealer a couple weeks ago while getting the oil changed. I think it was 10,800lbs on the towing capacity and 405 HP. TRD has a supercharger you can get dealer installed that adds another 100HP and won't void the factory warranty.
00 mod reply :
I have seen the supercharger. But could not justify the cost. Mine also has Borla catback exhaust, k&n air intake and I had hid lights until the inspection station made me change them.
Jeff
MarkH024 reply :
I tow with my '07 Ford Explorer 4x4 V6. I have a 17.5' Ranger R73 which I believe boat and trailer weight is ~2300lbs. The Explorer does good in the flatlands. I'd be a little more weary if I lived in a very hilly or mountainous place. If I ever upgrade my boat to bigger than that I'd definitely get a truck or something with a V8. But the 4x4 is a must for the nasty landings.
slonezp reply :
On 1/25/2013 at 12:56 AM, Teal said:Im contemplating getting a diesel my next go round. (Some time later this year) I love my work truck and the mileage is much better than i would have thought. Any of yyou guys got any input?
If I was towing every day or driving a ton of miles every year, I wouldn't hesitate on getting a diesel.
00 mod reply :
On 1/25/2013 at 12:56 AM, Teal said:Im contemplating getting a diesel my next go round. (Some time later this year) I love my work truck and the mileage is much better than i would have thought. Any of yyou guys got any input?
On 1/25/2013 at 1:34 AM, slonezp said:If I was towing every day or driving a ton of miles every year, I wouldn't hesitate on getting a diesel.
The truck i owned in between my 2 Tundras was a Dodge 3500 with the 12v Cummins diesel. It was a beast. Pull your house down. Same mileage towing or not. Porblem was, it is big. Hard to park. Tires are even a bigger expense. Diesel is more expensive than gas. And made for towing. At the time I raced every weekend. I would put in excess of 40,000 miles a year in towing. I needed it. My trailer was a 36' enclosed trailer with reacecar/spare engine/tools/ tires/gas, and spare parts. It weighted in the neighborhood of 17,000lbs.
Jeff
jerzeeD reply :
As a guy who has towed AND built Toyota trucks I will tell you this. Go for 4wd... Muddy and slick ramps make it worthwhile...The boost in resale value makes it even more worth it. As for the TRD off road package, skip it. It costs 4000+ dollars more for a locking rear diff and 4 ok quality shocks. You can purchase and have installed a ARB air locker and Better HD bilstein shocks for around 1800 dollars less. If all you want is Limited slip, my base model 2010 Tacoma 4x4 has that standard.
BKeith reply :
My son has a 2010, 4WD 2500HD Diesel and Allison transmission. Yes it will pull, but fuel milage and the additional cost suck.
As for 4WD, it does absolutely nothing for you 98% of the time as long as you are launching off concrete ramps that are not very steep.
It does give you a few more options on where you can launch from and areas you can get into.
Also, just one other thing, you know those other 2% of the time, you will be thanking god you had enough since to go ahead and get the 4WD. It will save your butt on more than one occassion over the years you have it.
I have not been without a 4WD truck of some sort since 1968. I have no need for a truck that's not 4WD and see no since in even buying one that's not.
Just remember on very important rule, 2WD to get in trouble and use the 4WD to get you out of trouble. If you use the 4WD to get yourself in trouble, you are screwed, it will probably take two more just like to get you out. You ain't never been stuck until you bury a 4WD because you are already going to be in a place most other vehicles can't get to help even if they
wanted to.
As mentioned, get some sort of limited slip/positive traction differential, and if there's an option to get it in the front axle, get it there also. Especially if they offer an option where you can select locked or unlocked front differential. There are companies that make an after market air lock for the front. It's worth it.
ipeeinmywetsuit reply :
Whoa this thread kept going! For those still interested I will have the truck tomorrow. I decided on a white v6 Tacoma with the off road package, tow kit obviously, and 4 x 4. Now I just need to keep saving for a boat.
I'll try and take back the thread now. Since many of you are boat owners. What would you recommend for a first time boat owner? Fiberglass vs. aluminum & new vs. used. I think I want a fiberglass boat because I hear they don't blow around as easily in the water and I don't see the point in investing in an aluminum boat if the end game is to end up with a fiberglass bass boat.
slonezp reply :
6 of one 1/2 dozen of the other. There are pros and cons to both. In general, tin boats blow around more because they are normally lighter, and normally sit higher out of the water. They also allow you to get into shallower water because they draft less. Generally you get a better ride from a glass boat. A glass boat requires a little more maintenance, being wiped down after each use and waxed on occasion. If you fish shallow rocky water a tin boat is probably a must. Do plenty of research. All 'glass boats are not the same, and all tin boats are not the same.
Glenn reply :
My first boat was a tin boat. But that was dictated by budget more than by choice. That said, I got all the "stupid" mistakes out of my system with the aluminum, meaning they were less costly mistakes. LOL! But if I could do it over again, I'd go straight to fiberglass.
Now all this talk about trucks....I have to admit, I have two. I have a 1999 F-250 V-10 that did very well towing both the aluminum and the Ranger 520 Commanche. But when I wanted to get a camper...well I had to upgrade to this baby. An F-450 King Ranch edition dually Diesel! 600hp and 850lbs of torque baby! She pulls the boat and camper over the passes better than the F-250 just towing the boat! Got her decked out with Ride-Rite air springs w/built-in compressor, Stable Load suspension upgrade, and a Tork-lift Superhitch Magnum with a 3' SuperTruss Extension. We're talking 23,000 lbs towing capacity boys!
Bad to the bone!
00 mod reply :
On 1/27/2013 at 3:14 PM, Glenn said:My first boat was a tin boat. But that was dictated by budget more than by choice. That said, I got all the "stupid" mistakes out of my system with the aluminum, meaning they were less costly mistakes. LOL! But if I could do it over again, I'd go straight to fiberglass.
Now all this talk about trucks....I have to admit, I have two. I have a 1999 F-250 V-10 that did very well towing both the aluminum and the Ranger 520 Commanche. But when I wanted to get a camper...well I had to upgrade to this baby. An F-450 King Ranch edition dually Diesel! 600hp and 850lbs of torque baby! She pulls the boat and camper over the passes better than the F-250 just towing the boat! Got her decked out with Ride-Rite air springs w/built-in compressor, Stable Load suspension upgrade, and a Tork-lift Superhitch Magnum with a 3' SuperTruss Extension. We're talking 23,000 lbs towing capacity boys!
Bad to the bone!
Sweet set-up! Let me guess. 8 mpg pulling or not?
Jeff
Shane J reply :
Glenn, that truck could tow away a Wal Mart!
slonezp reply :
Look at that guys, Glenn actually fishes 
BKeith reply :
I never thought I would ever say this but for what it cost to buy and operate a boat today, I would start off with a 17' Aluminum with at least a 60 hp motor, four storke or DFI two stroke (like an E-tech) if possible, something that has very good fuel economy. I would not buy a new one, preferably something three to five years old. Just be sure to stay away from one of those they put the little bitty motors like the 40 hp on so they could sell a package deal cheap.
You should be able to find some pretty nice boats where people financed them for half a life time to get cheap payments and now are just wanting to get out from under it. The new will be worn off and fishing trips will be expensive so they are not using it but they still owe more than they are worth. If you find one of these, do your homework. Most of the time they will be trying to get there full payoff for it, but it won't be worth anywhere near that.
Yes, glass boats are much nicer, tend to offer more storage and fishing room, run faster and ride smoother, but they cost a lot more to buy and a more to operate, plus more gas to tow them.
You also might want to start a new post for the boat. Most people may no longer be reading this one.
ipeeinmywetsuit reply :
On 1/28/2013 at 5:40 AM, BKeith said:I never thought I would ever say this but for what it cost to buy and operate a boat today, I would start off with a 17' Aluminum with at least a 60 hp motor, four storke or DFI two stroke (like an E-tech) if possible, something that has very good fuel economy. I would not buy a new one, preferably something three to five years old. Just be sure to stay away from one of those they put the little bitty motors like the 40 hp on so they could sell a package deal cheap.
You should be able to find some pretty nice boats where people financed them for half a life time to get cheap payments and now are just wanting to get out from under it. The new will be worn off and fishing trips will be expensive so they are not using it but they still owe more than they are worth. If you find one of these, do your homework. Most of the time they will be trying to get there full payoff for it, but it won't be worth anywhere near that.
Yes, glass boats are much nicer, tend to offer more storage and fishing room, run faster and ride smoother, but they cost a lot more to buy and a more to operate, plus more gas to tow them.
You also might want to start a new post for the boat. Most people may no longer be reading this one.
Thanks for the input. I got the truck today. So I will continue saving for this boat as I pay off the remainder of my truck. Pics tomorrow because by the time I was able to take pictures it was already dark here. May start a new post to discuss this boat soon.
mudkart reply :
I would let the waters you intend to fish the most dictate the boat you buy. Unless you have smaller waters, hp limits, or electric-only situations (i.e. situations where tin boats shine), I would buy glass. Just too many +'s compared to a tin.
That said, I love my 16' tin rig as it is perfect (to me) for some of the 9.9-limited waters near me. It does double-duty on the Potomac at times, and it is OK for that purpose, but a glass rig is a better choice for that application, no question.
prjavelin reply :
i bought a 12 ft jon boat that I pull with a Hyundai excel very well. mounting the hitch was tricky but the little car can pull the trailer and light boat no problem. the key here is that the ramps here are excellent. WIDE, not very steep and with a great surface that does not slip.
Ive seen people pulling glass boats(heavy) with chevrolet sprints 3 cylinders.
J Francho reply :
QuoteIve seen people pulling glass boats(heavy) with chevrolet sprints 3 cylinders.
Good luck stopping.
jhoffman reply :
My only regret with my current boat is I want more motor. My little 25hp 2 stroke will get you there and its not TERRIBLE for the lakes I fish but I jump in my buddies identical boat, a little newer and he has a 60, my next boat if its a tin will have a 60 at minimum. That baby jumps right out of the hole and is PLENTY fast enough.
Id love to have a big truck with a 20' boat and a 225 to go warp speed across a lake like erie but its not in the cards right now. Any boat is better than no boat.
I keep telling myself that the only way to really own the boat I would want is to win it.
J Francho reply :
QuoteId love to have a big truck with a 20' boat and a 225 to go warp speed across a lake like erie
You don't need all that to fish Erie. A 16-17' deep-V tiller, and a 50-60 hp motor. I fished Lake Ontario for years with this setup, in some pretty nasty stuff. Never worried about getting back safe.
Here's my dad, in the old Sea Nymph, note the horizon line, heh:
jhoffman reply :
I could never get away with 2 boats, it would be a relationship suicide. You are correct, its not needed but if I want a boat it has to be one at a time and erie is 4 hours from home.
BKeith reply :
I guess you just haven't trained your wife right. Mine would think something was wrong if I didn't have several. When we got married in 1969 I had three and bought a fourth shortly after getting married. I had my 4WD Bronco and my car also. She has always assumed that's normal and there has never been any discussion on why I always need several boats and vehicles.
prjavelin reply :
Jfrancho I know!!!! Ive seen those guys in steep ramps rev the boats up into the trailer while pulling the car away so that the momentum from the boat would push the car and trailer up the ramp. It was a sight!!!
My car pulls the boat easily and I dont have trouble stopping the car unless Im going down hill for a half hour or so. the breaks get a little hot but nothing to be worried. the car can stop no problem. Im also taking a detour to avoid traffic and cops that makes my trip 30 minutes longer.
Glenn reply :
I used to two my father's 1970 16' Terry boat with my '74 Camaro! Oh that raised a number of eyebrows as I traveled down the freeway. LOL! But hey, it worked. I never took a picture of it hooked up to the boat. Wish I had now.
My father still has that boat, and we still fish out of it. Kinda fun.
BKeith reply :
Well, if you really wanted to see something. In 1965 I bought a new 14' Glass Master, runabout with a 65hp Merc on it, and pulled it with a VW Karmann Ghia. Boat was twice as big as the car and had a fairly steep ramp to load and unload on. I had one time the ramp was a little slick and I started back with the boat, when I went to stop, it almost didn't, dang near put the back end under water, it did get the muffler and part of the motor but not the carb and it stayed running so I could pull back forward some.
slonezp reply :
On 1/29/2013 at 11:04 PM, J Francho said:You don't need all that to fish Erie. A 16-17' deep-V tiller, and a 50-60 hp motor. I fished Lake Ontario for years with this setup, in some pretty nasty stuff. Never worried about getting back safe.
Here's my dad, in the old Sea Nymph, note the horizon line, heh:
Got a buddy who trolls Lake Michigan for salmon out of a 16ft Lund tiller. 40hp with a 9.9 kicker. Runs 6 rods. 2 on riggers and the others either on dipseys or birds.
ipeeinmywetsuit reply :
Here's the truck pictures for those still interested!
Glenn reply :
Sweet rig! You're going to love it!
jhoffman reply :
Beautiful, a little envious
Shane J reply :
Yeah, that's real nice! You are gonna love it!
BKeith reply :
Very nice!
I'm just mighty glad I don't have your payments and insurance bill.
ipeeinmywetsuit reply :
On 2/1/2013 at 8:29 AM, BKeith said:Very nice!
I'm just mighty glad I don't have your payments and insurance bill.
Haha the insurance and payments are not much more then what I paid for my Honda Civic... however gas money is a different story :/...
Anyways I'm glad you guys like the new truck. I couldn't be happier with it!!! Now I just have to keep saving for the boat.
I live in southern california. So that means reservoirs like El Capitan, Diamond Valley Lake, Hodges, Lower Otay, and Sutherland. Most of these lakes I have to travel to and they vary from small to large. Since they are reservoirs they tend to get very windy in the afternoon for the rest of the day. I have to do a good amount of research before I know what kind of boat I am going to start with.
BKeith reply :
Gas is why my 4WD, 350 Chevy mainly is only used when towing the big boat. I mostly use my 93 Toyota 4WD pickup towing the jon boats. I've ported the head, raised compression and did a few other mods and it gets 32 mpg on the two lane roads where I keep it under 65. On the interstate it still gets 26 @ 75 and about that just running around. The chevy gets about16, and 13 running 70 with 3,200 pounds of boat behind it, but I haven't been into that motor "yet".
rb56 reply :
i don't trailer or go off roading, but i just prefer to have a 4x4. i can't justify having it and would love better mileage, but 4x4 does a lot when it's need. even some dirt roads when wet pulling a trailer can be bad. there's some snow and ice here and it helps with it, also if i just happen to slide off enough and lose traction it keeps me from looking like an idiot if i stop on the shoulder to pee and wind up with flashers on spinning.
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