Pulling A Boat... 4X4 Or 4X2 2024

Mr_Scrogg reply :

My WRX is as good as sold. Now Im looking for a truck to haul my Lowe Stinger 170 tin around.

Now the question, 4WD or 2WD?

Im looking at a Full Size with a 8cyl. Atleast extended cab. Crew would be better.

What you haul with? Any issues at the ramp?

00 mod reply :

I pull with a Toyota Tundra 4x4. That being said, unless you launch from gravel or dirt ramps or fish a ton in below freeing temps, a 4x2 should be fine. But that one time you need the 4x4, it pays for itself!

Jeff

Fishing Rhino reply :

The only time I put my truck in four wheel drive when pulling a boat is on sketchy ramps. If your fishing involves traversing dirt or sandy roads, four wheel drive could prove to be a necessity.

5dollarsplash reply :

With the size of my jeep and the cruddy "ramps" I launch from, there's no way I'd be without 4wheel drive

Jig Man reply :

Once in a while I have to use 4X4 on wet ramps but mostly 2 wheel does the trick.

Crappiebasser reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 6:17 AM, 00 mod said:

I pull with a Toyota Tundra 4x4. That being said, unless you launch from gravel or dirt ramps or fish a ton in below freeing temps, a 4x2 should be fine. But that one time you need the 4x4, it pays for itself!

Jeff

X2 4WD is worth it's weight in gold when you need it. Our lakes are drawn down in the winter so if you back off the ramp there's a good chance you'll need a 4x4 o get your trailer out.

FishinDaddy reply :

I have 4 trucks. Two are mine, one for the wife and one for the daughter. They are all 4X4 and pull a boat sometimes. I have used the 4X4 at a ramp maybe twice over the last 100 trips. But without the 4X4 I would have been in trouble both times. Another added benefit of the 4X4 is the truck is a little heavier and usually handles pulling a trailer a little better.

Teal reply :

Not just for pulling the boat, but if your going to invest in a truck either new or used, I'd go ahead and get the 4x4 and all the other accessories or standard equipment to fit your daily needs... Do it once with no regrets.

Traveler2586 reply :

I vote for 4X4 also. I use my 4X4 on slick tidal boat ramps, and on slick rain soaked roads while towing. When the temps drop and conditions are right for ice on the shady back roads I'll lock in the 4X4 just for the added safety.

If you can, get the factory installed towing package.

wnybassman reply :

Several times over the years I have had my truck in 4WD pulling to the ramp......................because of snow in the roads. lol A couple times I followed the plow going down the road, and another time I timed it right to get out before the plow went by so I didn't get the extra salt on the trailer.

jimmykm21 reply :

I have a Silverado 4x4 and have had to use it a few times on some ramps.

This is always my answer to anyone thinking of buying a truck and can't decide on a 2 wheel drive or a four wheel drive.

I have known many , many truck owners over the years and the one thing I have never heard in my entire life come out of someone's mouth

is..............I wish I had bought a 2 wheel drive instead of a 4 wheel drive...

but I have heard on more than one occasion a truck owner say............. I wish I had bought a 4 wheel drive instead of a 2 wheel drive.

Something to think about...

aquaholic reply :

when i bought my last truck there was no question i need a 4x4 because of the snow around here. If you can afford it i say 4x4 crew. Thats what i have and i love it. I was stuck between an extended cab and a crew until someone told me, you will never say, "man i wish i had less room in this truck".

basseditor reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 10:24 AM, jimmykm21 said:

I have a Silverado 4x4 and have had to use it a few times on some ramps.

This is always my answer to anyone thinking of buying a truck and can't decide on a 2 wheel drive or a four wheel drive.

I have known many , many truck owners over the years and the one thing I have never heard in my entire life come out of someone's mouth

is..............I wish I had bought a 2 wheel drive instead of a 4 wheel drive...

but I have heard on more than one occasion a truck owner say............. I wish I had bought a 4 wheel drive instead of a 2 wheel drive.

Something to think about...

Yup, I have 4x2. Wish I had 4x4, even in Texas where it doesn't snow. Ramps get slick in all conditions. I've had issues getting boat out on some ramps. I use my sons truck (4x4) when I go to certain ramps.

(='_'=) reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 6:17 AM, 00 mod said:

I pull with a Toyota Tundra 4x4. That being said, unless you launch from gravel or dirt ramps or fish a ton in below freeing temps, a 4x2 should be fine. But that one time you need the 4x4, it pays for itself!

Jeff

so true... on my favorite lake there used to be 2 concrete ramps, where i could pull my boat out without the 4x4... last time i went there 2 weeks ago, they were fixing all the facilities, including the 2 ramps.. they had done a provisional dirt ramp, which, due to it being "provisional", was in very bad condition... i had no problem unloading the boat, but when i was leaving, i had a hard time pulling the boat out WITH the 4x4 Low... if i have had 4x2, i would still be there i think... and it was on a week day, i was the only one there, no one else to help me...

so, as everyone else, i would vote 4x4... besides, if you use the truck for something more than pulling the boat (camping, hunting), theres even more chance to need the 4x4... in fact i just installed a winch to my Xterra, even though its 4x4, i know i will need it sooner or later...

ColdSVT reply :

there is only one kind of truck imo and the is a 4x4.

then againt I live where it snows lol.

jimmykm21 reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 10:44 AM, basseditor said:
Yup, I have 4x2. Wish I had 4x4, even in Texas where it doesn't snow. Ramps get slick in all conditions. I've had issues getting boat out on some ramps. I use my sons truck (4x4) when I go to certain ramps.

For sure

Slick ramps can happen anywhere , I live in New England so for me it has always been an easy choice.

slonezp reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 6:17 AM, 00 mod said:

I pull with a Toyota Tundra 4x4. That being said, unless you launch from gravel or dirt ramps or fish a ton in below freeing temps, a 4x2 should be fine. But that one time you need the 4x4, it pays for itself!

Jeff

I've got the Tundra 4X4 as well. I have used the 4X4 if there's ice on the ramp. Otherwise, shutting off the traction control will get it thru most ramp issues.

martintheduck reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 10:24 AM, jimmykm21 said:

I have a Silverado 4x4 and have had to use it a few times on some ramps.

This is always my answer to anyone thinking of buying a truck and can't decide on a 2 wheel drive or a four wheel drive.

I have known many , many truck owners over the years and the one thing I have never heard in my entire life come out of someone's mouth

is..............I wish I had bought a 2 wheel drive instead of a 4 wheel drive...

but I have heard on more than one occasion a truck owner say............. I wish I had bought a 4 wheel drive instead of a 2 wheel drive.

Something to think about...

I came here to say this. I owned a 2005 Silverado with 2 wheel drive and on MORE than one occasion found myself "up the proverbial creek without a paddle." Had to get a buddy to pull me out a culvert once and a tow truck to pull me from just a tiny mud hole. It was a huge ego blow

Bought a 2011 Z71 and am SO VERY HAPPY I GOT IT! The 4X4 has been used MANY times. As for launching boats with 4X4, I've only had to use it twice when at this sketchy ramp where concrete has broken away and it is REALLY muddy.

SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY ON 4X4. I 100% guarantee you will at some point find yourself saying "glad I got the 4 wheel drive."

Fishing Rhino reply :

Four wheel drive is a misnomer. A regular pickup, unless it has a locking rear end, is a one wheel drive. All you need is for one wheel to lose traction, and you go nowhere. A "standard" four wheel drive is really a two wheel drive, if both front and rear axles have a standard differential. A locking rear end on a 4X4 will give you a three wheel drive and if you get a locking differential on the front and rear, then you have a four wheel drive.

Soft terrain that allows the tires to sink into the surface acts like chocks on all four wheels. When you think about it that way, it shows the distinct advantage a "four wheel drive" has over a standard pickup. At least you have two wheels trying to get the wheels over those earthen chocks.

tate reply :

I've always had 4x4's but living in New England justifies it for me. As others have said most ramps you will not need 4x4 but at others you might find yourself avoiding them simply over the concern of getting stuck on a slick ramp or in the dirt/sand. Not sure where you live but if you leverage the 4x4 in the winter it sure is nice to know that you can be reasonably comfortable that you won't get stuck even on the sketchy ramps.

flyfisher reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 4:04 PM, Fishing Rhino said:

Four wheel drive is a misnomer. A regular pickup, unless it has a locking rear end, is a one wheel drive. All you need is for one wheel to lose traction, and you go nowhere. A "standard" four wheel drive is really a two wheel drive, if both front and rear axles have a standard differential. A locking rear end on a 4X4 will give you a three wheel drive and if you get a locking differential on the front and rear, then you have a four wheel drive.

Soft terrain that allows the tires to sink into the surface acts like chocks on all four wheels. When you think about it that way, it shows the distinct advantage a "four wheel drive" has over a standard pickup. At least you have two wheels trying to get the wheels over those earthen chocks.

A limited slip differential in the back will help out and have good road manners without having to get a selectable locker. Really you don't need a selectable in the front unless you are doing serious rock crawling. A generic 4wd with a LSD or a selectable locker will do you just fine. THere are quite a few vehicles that have a selectable locker like wranglers or tacomas.

I have a 4 door wangler but don't tow a boat but i do have a friend who save a couple of thousand when he bought his tundra by getting a 2wd and he always says he should have went with 4wd.

Mr_Scrogg reply :

Well, I guess it's a no brainer then. 4WD is the bees knees.

Now, F150 vs Silverado.

Just kidding. I'm not picky. I'm a equal opportunity buyer when it comes to trucks. (Cars, I'm kinda picky... Subaru > everything else).

I know one thing. Some people are PROUD of their truck.

2010 Silverado Z71 with 130k for $22,000.

The search is on....

00 mod reply :

Tundra for the win!!!!!!

Jeff

flyfisher reply :

Tundra's are pretty sweet. I know 2 people with them and never heard them complain. Resale value is really high on toyota trucks as well.

(='_'=) reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 8:57 PM, flyfisher said:

A limited slip differential in the back will help out and have good road manners without having to get a selectable locker. Really you don't need a selectable in the front unless you are doing serious rock crawling. A generic 4wd with a LSD or a selectable locker will do you just fine. THere are quite a few vehicles that have a selectable locker like wranglers or tacomas.

I have a 4 door wangler but don't tow a boat but i do have a friend who save a couple of thousand when he bought his tundra by getting a 2wd and he always says he should have went with 4wd.

i dont know about Tacomas, but regular wanglers do not have selectable lockers, only the Rubicon has selectable air lockers for both front and rear axles.

flyfisher reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 9:45 PM, (= said:
i dont know about Tacomas, but regular wanglers do not have selectable lockers, only the Rubicon has selectable air lockers for both front and rear axles.

The Rubicon does come standard with selectable lockers and they are electric lockers not air lockers and not available on other models. You can get the LSD on pretty much every model which will do just fine for the majority of people anyways and you will not be required to be in 4WL to use it.

Fishing Rhino reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 9:32 PM, 00 mod said:

Tundra for the win!!!!!!

Jeff

I looked into the Tundra when I bought my GMC. My main gripe with the Toyota (We've owned several Toyotas and the last two cars my wife has owned were Lexus) is trying to get it with the features I want. Some, such as a navigation system, were not available unless you got the sunroof, which I don't want, for example. To get what I wanted would have necessitated me buying a truck with a sticker price close to or over 50,000 dollars.

I may be buying a new truck later this year, and I may look into the Toyota again. I think all of today's trucks are reliable and comfortable. For some it's brand loyalty. For others it's styling. For others, it's getting what you want at the best price.

All things being equal, I'll likely end up with a GM product because a neighbor of mine is a service manager at a GM dealership, and he takes good care of me. When I need service, he picks up my truck on his way to work, and drops it off on his way home. That I get a good discount on parts and labor doesn't hurt either.

(='_'=) reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 9:49 PM, flyfisher said:
The Rubicon does come standard with selectable lockers and they are electric lockers not air lockers and not available on other models. You can get the LSD on pretty much every model which will do just fine for the majority of people anyways and you will not be required to be in 4WL to use it.

i dont know about newer Rubicons, but on a friends 2006 Rubi, several times he lost the locker because the air hose would come undone, we would have to open the differential cover and put the air hose back in place.... maybe to fix the problem they are now electric?? i dont know, i havent been too much in the jeep thing for a couple of years now....

flyfisher reply :

Interesting. I never knew they had air lockers in there as i thought they were all electric.

CxThree reply :

My suggestion on trucks is always the same. If you think you need 4x4, you need it. If you live in an area where 4x4 can be useful, getting a 4x2 will hurt your resale possibilities too.

I pull with a Toyota Sequoia 4x4 right now.

Mr_Scrogg reply :

Well, I'm kinda shying away from the Fords, just did a little reading about the plugs on the 5.4 breaking due to them seizing cause of carbon build up.

As much as I like the Tundras, kinda out of my price range. It won't be new, whatever I get. 5 years old or so.

Did find a 07 Z71 4x4 with 55k. Nothing extravagant, looks like a solid truck. Wife likes the pics.

tate reply :

I had my 2002 Silverado 2500HD from 2002 - 2011 and put 197k hard miles on it and truck was still in great shape. Use to pull a 22' enclosed race car trailer up and down the mountains of Pa and Ny so most miles were really hard. The truck was still good when I sold it but I was worried something must break at some point. I went with a 2011 F150 FX4 all stuffed out including the rear locking diff. Went with the twin turbo, 3.5L Ecoboost which has a tow rating of 11,500 which is actually higher than my 3/4 ton Chevy. No brand loyalty with me .... I was happy with my Chevy and my Ford but in 2011 the Chevy needed a facelift and some new technology.

Mr_Scrogg reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 11:07 PM, tate said:
I had my 2002 Silverado 2500HD from 2002 - 2011 and put 197k hard miles on it and truck was still in great shape. Use to pull a 22' enclosed race car trailer up and down the mountains of Pa and Ny so most miles were really hard. The truck was still good when I sold it but I was worried something must break at some point. I went with a 2011 F150 FX4 all stuffed out including the rear locking diff. Went with the twin turbo, 3.5L Ecoboost which has a tow rating of 11,500 which is actually higher than my 3/4 ton Chevy. No brand loyalty with me .... I was happy with my Chevy and my Ford but in 2011 the Chevy needed a facelift and some new technology.

That 2500 have the 6.0, or Duramax?

slonezp reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 9:32 PM, 00 mod said:

Tundra for the win!!!!!!

Jeff

'bout time you took a new pic don'tcha think

On 7/8/2013 at 9:40 PM, flyfisher said:
Tundra's are pretty sweet. I know 2 people with them and never heard them complain. Resale value is really high on toyota trucks as well.

I've had issues with mine. Most were under warranty. Water pump was not. Still the best truck I've owned or driven. About to turn 100k and I hope to get another 200k out of it.

On 7/8/2013 at 10:02 PM, Fishing Rhino said:

I looked into the Tundra when I bought my GMC. My main gripe with the Toyota (We've owned several Toyotas and the last two cars my wife has owned were Lexus) is trying to get it with the features I want. Some, such as a navigation system, were not available unless you got the sunroof, which I don't want, for example. To get what I wanted would have necessitated me buying a truck with a sticker price close to or over 50,000 dollars.

.

Pay 30k and get a $150 Garmin for the dash. That's what I did

00 mod reply :

Ok, fine.....here is the most recent pic I have of it....

Mr_Scrogg reply :

Looks like cover for fish to me!!

tate reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 11:11 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:
That 2500 have the 6.0, or Duramax?

It had the 6.0 so it use to work really hard on the hills .... fully loaded trailer was probably around 7500lbs. Use to need a good running start on the big hills to keep a fast pace. Great truck though ... never had any troubles with it.

slonezp reply :

On 7/9/2013 at 12:09 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:
Looks like cover for fish to me!!

Jeff posted a thread on dumping the trees into a lake but refused to post the GPS coordinates. I was disappointed to say the least.

00 mod reply :

Yesterday....here are some of the trees and stuff I dumoed in....

But seriously back on topic, get the most truck you can afford. Get the 4x4. And don't always get caught up in the mileage. My truck is about to turn over 100K, but it has been meticulously maintained, and would be a better buy for someone than the same said truck with half the miles, that was not taken care of properly. Mine is not for sale BTW!!!!

Jeff

aquaholic reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 10:54 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:

Well, I'm kinda shying away from the Fords, just did a little reading about the plugs on the 5.4 breaking due to them seizing cause of carbon build up.

As much as I like the Tundras, kinda out of my price range. It won't be new, whatever I get. 5 years old or so.

Did find a 07 Z71 4x4 with 55k. Nothing extravagant, looks like a solid truck. Wife likes the pics.

i have a 5.4. As far as the spark plugs from what i hears its a big issue. Thats why you take it to a ford dealership and let the people who have to deal with it all day long replace them. The issue is only when taking them out, and if they break it off it becomes their problem not mine. They busted my dipstick and replaced it all free of charge last time i was in. I wouldnt let that spark plug issue discourage you if you find one you really like.

Fishing Rhino reply :

On 7/9/2013 at 1:12 AM, aquaholic said:
i have a 5.4. As far as the spark plugs from what i hears its a big issue. Thats why you take it to a ford dealership and let the people who have to deal with it all day long replace them. The issue is only when taking them out, and if they break it off it becomes their problem not mine. They busted my dipstick and replaced it all free of charge last time i was in. I wouldnt let that spark plug issue discourage you if you find one you really like.

How does someone bust a dipstick? They must have gotten it cross threaded.

flyfisher reply :

On 7/9/2013 at 1:18 AM, Fishing Rhino said:
How does someone bust a dipstick? They must have gotten it cross threaded.

Trying to figure that out myself....I have heard of horror stories of changing spark plugs on teh ford motors but like they said above, let the dealership do it. There are special tools that are needed and with the right stuff it isn't to bad. Cracking a spark plug in the block is not a fun thing to get out...did it on my old Jeep once now every time i replace spark plugs they get anti-seize.

aquaholic reply :

On 7/9/2013 at 1:18 AM, Fishing Rhino said:
How does someone bust a dipstick? They must have gotten it cross threaded.

thats what i said, they told me it happens all the time though..

martintheduck reply :

On 7/8/2013 at 9:22 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:

Well, I guess it's a no brainer then. 4WD is the bees knees.

Now, F150 vs Silverado.

Just kidding. I'm not picky. I'm a equal opportunity buyer when it comes to trucks. (Cars, I'm kinda picky... Subaru > everything else).

I know one thing. Some people are PROUD of their truck.

2010 Silverado Z71 with 130k for $22,000.

The search is on....

Been driving a chevy since 2005. First one bought new in 05', put 120k miles on it, never had a major problem, then some girl hit me and totaled me out. Bought a new one in 2011 and have 38k on it. Great trucks. Chevy-vs-ford-vs-toyota... blah blah.... I GENUINELY believe that with the technology today, any model will run well for 150k-200k before getting some kind of issue. Before I pulled the trigger on the 2011, I went and looked at Toyota's and Ford's.... ultimately decided on the chevy because I like the way it drives and feels behind the wheel. Toyota felt HUGEEEEEEEE. Behind the wheel of an f-150 just felt odd. Went back to chevy.

fxdwgkd reply :

There have only been two times I have ever needed 4wd to get a boat launched. Once years ago at a small lake that had a sand launch. The second, I was at Brookville Res. I backed down below the water line. This was on a concrete ramp and it was like my tires were spinning on ice. I couldn't even get up the ramp with an empty trailer. If not for 4wd that day I may have lost my truck.

Mr_Scrogg reply :

Just an update. The WRX has now been sold. :cry4: I don't know what hurt worse, watching another man drive my baby away.... or watching that man choke it down 3 times before he finally got it going.

But the look for a truck is in full force. Employed Bluebasser86 (Clayton) to run through craigslist ads since it's a pain for me to deal with the dealer ads. Thanks buddy.

Found a few prospects, but the majority of them "I" have a issue with. Like a 1500 Sierra, 2 owner, less than 10k a year. But the first owner had a 5th Wheel Hitch installed. Why would you put a 5th Wheel hitch in a truck that wasn't a 2500? Needless to say, I'm kinda leary. SOOOOOO off the list it was scratched. Another was a F150 5.4L Triton. When I asked about the tow package and towing, he said "Oh yea, I borrow my Dad's Bobcat and pull it with my truck quite a bit." Ummmmmm..... No thank you.

But I have found a 07 2500HD 6.0l with a little over 10k/year in mileage. At a GMC Dealer, and has a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty offered as long as the maintenance is done at their dealership. probably gonna look at it.

kjfishman reply :

98 percent of the time I haven't needed to engage 4 wheel drive to get in or off the water. There have been a few times when fishing some inland lakes in the U.P. both axles were in the water to launch so 4x4 was a must. Gas is getting so expensive it may be the economical choice to go with 2 wheel drive, We need a V6 diesel offering in 1/2 ton or mid size trucks in the U.S. then you can have economy and 4x4.

derekxec reply :

get whatever you think you need....if you are only going to be using the boat once every other month or so or if the ramps youll be going to arent insane then get the 2wd youll love the extra money you save on gas lol....if you think you might need the 4wd cause of the terrain where you live or your ramps are garbage then get the 4wd

i have a 99 ford ranger and ive pulled a 17ft boat out of some crappy ramps...you just need to know how to drive and know your limits....that said even a 4wd wont help you if you dont know how to use it lol

(='_'=) reply :

why would gas mileage on 2WD be less than on a 4WD assuming the same vehicle?? for instance, the parts that make a jeep 4WD are 3 shafts and T case, overall i doubt its a 60 lb difference... and with hub locks as i have on mine, you can have the front wheels free, therefore neither one of the shafts (inner and front drive shaft) are spinning, thus, theres is no extra drag, only a little bit of extra weight...

slonezp reply :

I believe it's the extra drag more so than the extra weight

J Francho reply :

The few times I've used 4x4, I would have been up a creek without it, so....

cbass12 reply :

^^ This. I've used it twice on a ramp, but would have been in big trouble if I didn't have it.

tnriverluver reply :

Biggest thing if you go 2WD make d**n sure it has a posi rearend. I had a brand new 1997 F150 that I bought specifically to pull my 21ft Stratos when I was tournament fishing and didn't pay attention to what rearend was in the truck. I loved the colors, interior, new body style, etc. I wanted this truck bad and got it. One day we put in at Pickwick State park ramp and when we were returning it started storming. This ramp gets extremely slick when it gets wet and I took a good ten minutes and just a bout burned a new tire off trying to get that boat back up the ramp with the pegleg rear that was in the truck

(='_'=) reply :

On 7/17/2013 at 1:04 AM, slonezp said:
I believe it's the extra drag more so than the extra weight

thats what they say, but, why extra drag?? many 4x4s have the front wheels free from the front drive shaft, either automatic or using manual locking hubs... for instance, on my jeep, i have manual hubs, therefore, when they are free and it is in 2H, i can manually rotate the front drive shaft, since it is not engaged with the transfer, and the inner shafts are not engaged with the tires... when i put it in 4H or 4L, the transfer case engages with the front drive shaft, but still the tires are free from the inner shafts... i need to manually put the hubs in LOCK to engage them to the shafts...

therefore, there is NO extra drag from it when the hubs are in FREE, the front drive shaft doesnt even turns when the jeep is moving...

Mr_Scrogg reply :

I think I've found..... "The One"

Going to look today, '06 Super Crew F150 4x4. Less than about 9.5k miles driven per year. Let's see how it goes.

Downeaster2010 reply :

Years ago, I went from a 4x4 to a 4x2 telling myself I didn't need a 4x4. That was a very costly

mistake, and I got stuck a hundred times. It doesn't happen anymore, as I changed back to a 4x4,

and now drive a 4x4 Tundra.

Capt.Bob reply :

I pulled a 21' Sylvan center console with a 1990 F-150 and a 6 cylinder motor, 5 speed manual, 355:1 limited slip 2wd, from the Ohio river to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and never had a problem, in, out, running County, State, and Interstate speeds, and ramps from low and shallow to deep and steep,,,,, there were a couple times I would spin the tires on sandy lake Michigan ramps, but never was in question coming or going, could not have done it any better with anything else. I also averaged 16-17mpg, and was quite happy with that. Before that I pulled a 17' Sylvan ELIMINATOR, to the same places with a S-10 V-6 automatic, 4wd. The S-10 did just as good and never failed me. Those were my Lake Erie Smallmouth and road riggs, in 1996 I decided to start pulling my 25' Sport Fisherman (6800 lbs.) to other Lakes and used our F-350 Power Stroke Diesel (we already had to pull our over 15,000 lbs. 36' 5th wheel) , but I could have used a Full size V-8 with a small block, but I am sure it wouldn't have delivered the 14mpg I got with the big diesel.

You should be fine with any truck you choose. From mid size to full size, I would prefer at least a 6 cylinder engine, and limited slip rear axle, or 4wd,,,,,your choice. That "06" F-150 is more than you need, and will be very happy with it!!

Mr_Scrogg reply :

Well I hope Ill be happy. Cause its sitting in the drive.

Might have to ditch the Tonneau cover. Its the liggter weight Undercover Classic.

Mr_Scrogg reply :

Eye candy

Thanks to all who had input. I miss my Subaru something awful, but a new found love is growing.

slonezp reply :

On 7/20/2013 at 8:00 AM, Capt.Bob said:

I pulled a 21' Sylvan center console with a 1990 F-150 and a 6 cylinder motor, 5 speed manual, 355:1 limited slip 2wd, from the Ohio river to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and never had a problem, in, out, running County, State, and Interstate speeds, and ramps from low and shallow to deep and steep,,,,, there were a couple times I would spin the tires on sandy lake Michigan ramps, but never was in question coming or going, could not have done it any better with anything else. I also averaged 16-17mpg, and was quite happy with that. Before that I pulled a 17' Sylvan ELIMINATOR, to the same places with a S-10 V-6 automatic, 4wd. The S-10 did just as good and never failed me. Those were my Lake Erie Smallmouth and road riggs, in 1996 I decided to start pulling my 25' Sport Fisherman (6800 lbs.) to other Lakes and used our F-350 Power Stroke Diesel (we already had to pull our over 15,000 lbs. 36' 5th wheel) , but I could have used a Full size V-8 with a small block, but I am sure it wouldn't have delivered the 14mpg I got with the big diesel.

You should be fine with any truck you choose. From mid size to full size, I would prefer at least a 6 cylinder engine, and limited slip rear axle, or 4wd,,,,,your choice. That "06" F-150 is more than you need, and will be very happy with it!!

The older Ford inline 6 was bulletproof

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