What do you pull your boats with? 2024

Basshunter2k5 reply :

Just curious on what vehicle everyone uses to pull their boat....Thanks!!

Skeeter6598 reply :

Right now I'm using a 2000 Ford F-250 Powerstroke. It's nice when you can pull a 21ft. boat and not even feel it back there.

tnroadrnr reply :

I have a small Ranger R61 Sport and I pull it with a 2001 Jeep Wrangler. ;D

Basshunter2k5 reply :

Thanks for all your replies...

Someone told me that I need to have a 4x4 because you will need it on some ramps...Do you ever need a four wheel drive? Right now I just have a jon boat and don't worry about it...but with a bigger boat I may..

fishinfool reply :

i got a 2001 Toyota Tacoma with a 2 inch lift and 33" BFG All-Terrains. its only a 2 wheel drive truck and i've never had a problem pulling even the steepest ramps.

Basshunter2k5 reply :

What size boat do you pull, and what size engine in the truck?

bassfisher5 reply :

I use a 2004 F 150 Ford with a 5.4 triton v 8. It is also a 4 wheel drive and has the towing package.

JT Bagwell reply :

I drive a GMC Z71 (V8 engine) pickup with 4 wheel drive. So far I have not had to use 4WD to get up a ramp. My boat is a Triton TR20.

JT Bagwell

5bass reply :

I have a Tahoe 4 door....love it,cant tell I'm towing anything.I have used the 4 wheel drive on one of the local ramps(its real real steep)

basspro05 reply :

I am fishing on a budget, so I pull my boat with a 1990 ford f-150 2 wheel drive with a 302 v-8, no problems yet, just really bad gas mileage. the boat is a 1999 tracker pro team 175.

Dex202 reply :

I'm one of those funny looking rigs. Small Truck and larger boat. I've got a 98' Dodge Dakota Ext. with a 318 V8. Its only two wheel drive, but I've haven't had any problems as of yet. The truck as a towing package and also has several aftermarket add-ons. Hyper-chip, flowmaster duals, Cool-air intake, Throddle body spacer (NOS) and killer sound system. All the add-ons really help with the gas mileage.

The boat I pull with this little dude is a 2002 Blazer 202 (20'2") with a Yamaha 200hp V-Max.

I'll drive this truck in the ground before getting another. Up to about 120K miles so far.

Glenn reply :

'99 F-250 with a V-10 It pulls my 20' Ranger Commanche easily. However, I didn't get the 4x4, which I regret now. There's been a few times I could of used it on slick/steep ramps.

johnbr19792003 reply :

2005 toyota tundra 4wd trd with sidestep bed havent made a payment on it yet

cgs2004 reply :

Alright Glenn with the big ol' V10!! When using the family bass boat I use our 2004 Ford Excursion V10 diesel 4x4. When taking my kayak I use my 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4.

tritonman reply :

Use a 1996 GMC JImmy, pull a Triton 176 mag. with a 115 on back. Plus a 20' Mach1 w/115hp speedboat with no problem. Very seldom do I go into 4x4 unless i'm on a gravel ramp.

hipster_dufus reply :

i use a little old nissan frontier 2004 w/ 2.4 four and a 5 speed to pull a g3 1444 jon

Basshunter2k5 reply :

I appreciate everyone's replies! 8) I was looking for a new tuck and just wandering how 2wd works compared to 4wd on most boat ramps....Again...Thanks!!!

Nick_Barr reply :

my mom drives a kia sportage to pull my 12 foot bass boat, my dad drives a 96 blazer to pull his 17 footer.

abelfisher reply :

Funny you should ask. I have a 12 ft molded compound boat with a little 4 hp Nissan motor, ff, trolling motor, etc. It is a light boat. Been using a 2001 Chevy S-10 (4 cylinder) no problem so far. However I 've been contemplating a 17 ft boat of some kind for sometime now. went out and bought a new 2005 Toyota Fourunner. Now I don;t know if I want to get the bigger boat this year or not. Go figure ??? ???

c_ball reply :

04 F150 supercrew 4x4 -- 17 1/2 ft Stratos.

Rattlinrogue reply :

2000 F-150 pulling a 15 ft. Terry BB.No prob.

Lunkers0 reply :

Driving a 1993 Chevy Suburban and love it! Haven't had to use 4x4 to pull the boat out. I dont think in the 20+ years I have been boating that I have used 4x4 on any vehicle to pull a boat out. Up here in Minnesnowta I would never buy 2x4. But thats just me.

ENCBassin reply :

'04 Silverado with a 5.4 L and towing package.

Unfortunately all I have to tow (err, haul) is a 10' Bass Hunter! ;D

Jagrrich reply :

Right now all I've got to haul my boat with is my Car, its a 2001 Chevy Malibu. Thank god I've only got about 5 miles to the ramp. It ain't the best way but its the only way. So if I wanna go fishing I've got to deal with the funny looks, sneers and the big rigs hogging the ramp! LOL My car does just fine just as long as I'm headed down hill with a tail wind!

John Cullum reply :

2002 Ford- F-150-FX4-5.4L 4X4

Great truck, 75,000 miles run and looks brand new.

guest reply :

Just my every day car. Volvo V70

dotz reply :

02 Chevy Z71. Has the 5.3 with 4.10 gears and the towing package. I love this truck as the 114,000 miles on it shows. I bought it with 3 on it and the only thing I done to it is change the oil, and put tires on it. I pulling an 18ft Procraft with a 175 merc. Boat weights around 2200#.

Nitro911 reply :

2002 Ford F-350 with the Power Stroke. Pulling a 2004 Nitro 911 CDC w/225 Optimax.

ZoSo71 reply :

I use my wifes 2003 Kia Sodona MiniVan to pull my 16ft Lowe FM165s.. Don't even know the boat is in tow. Great Gas Mileage and no problems at the ramp. I used to pull it with my 1999 F-150, But it felt like I was pulling a 16ft Wide Drift Sock. Just wasn't worth it anymore..It's nice on really shorts trips.. But that's about it

ZoSo71

jake reply :

2004 F250 SD 4x4 5.4L V8

I pull a 1654 Tracker Grizzly.

cgs2004 reply :

I gotta add this-

I've been fishing a good number of ABA tournaments this year and I always get a kick out of those guys that show up at the ramp driving an old, rusty, loud, POS truck and are pulling a brand new, fully loaded bass boat. Gotta love where their priorities are at!!

ZoSo71 reply :

LOL..Preach On Brother! Iv'e seen some of thoes! They are also not afraid to pull down into the water up to the cab..So they don't scratch there boat. Gotta love it

ZoSo71

lateral_lines reply :

chvy z71 pk up '04 and 18ft '94 javelin.

gamblerOH reply :

I am pulling my boat with 1999 chevy Tahoe 4-door. Love the truck and it pulls my boat with no problems. I get around 16 mpg. pulling my boat, not bad for a 5.7 litre. I have only needed the 4x4 once while pulling my boat and that was because I had to park in the grass during a tournament on a busy lake with a small parking lot. The 4X4 came in handy that day though. I use my 4-wheel drive more in the winter than anywhere else. I doubt you need 4x4 to launch you boat, unless your boat is really big and your truck is really small ;D

fishingredneck42 reply :

one word...

CHEVROLET

Skeeter6598 reply :

Quote
one word...
CHEVROLET

OH, I just about got sick! LOL! ;D

duncast48TN reply :

Ford f150 4.6 v8... Triton 170 mag alum... 75 hp. My ball is on my bumper. No receiver hitch.

basscat19 reply :

03 Ford Super Crew 4x4/Basscat Pantera

J._Bricker reply :

My '93 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L pulled my first boat, a '86 Ranger 373V without any problems. My 2002 3/4 ton GMC Yukon XL is now what gets my '04 Ranger 520VX to the water. And having 4X4 capability is really nice to have on slick, steep ramps ;D.

Some minor modifications to the engine/ exhaust will help all around performance. Cold air system, aftermarket mass air sensor, headers, and free flowing muffler(s) are what I have done to the Yukon. As I understand it, and if you can afford it, an engine reprograming unit will make the biggest performance change.

BassChaser57 reply :

It is overkill but I use a Ford F350, 4 door, dual wheels, 4wd diesel to pull my 19' Stratus. The good news is I have not spun out on the wet boat ramps.

Big-Bass1055 reply :

2004 Silveraudo 4x4 6.0.

Forkbass reply :

2000 Ford F250 Super Duty, 8.5" lift, 35" tires. have 11" drop on the hitch. Mucho over kill for a bass boat.

fishing4life reply :

yall gonna laugh but i normally use the fourwheeler or the tractor to pull my 14ft alumacraft ;D

jcrazy reply :

wow, everybody seem to have a ford and some people have chevys, no dodge people yet.

i'm lookin at a 2001 dodge ram 1500 quad cab long bed, but dont have a boat. lookin to buy a 1000 dollar boat that can handle rivers and lakes

Hans reply :

I use a 2004 Dodge 1500 shortbed regular cab 4X4 with 4" lift and 35" tires. 4.7 engine and auto trans. Pulls my NX750 just fine in standard or in tow mode. Have not needed 4X4 to pull out of ramp yet.

I have owned a bunch of trucks, but this is the best I have had by far.

Hans

Pa Angler reply :

1999 GMC Jimmy, 4 door, 4 x 4 and a 4.3 liter with 373 gears pulling a 17' Tracker Targa Deep V.

Chow

The Pa Angler

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

one more word

volkswagen

lol, been pulling both my boats w/ a 99 jetta. Believe it or not, I finally had to do the brakes last weekend. 121k on the original pads/rotors,....gotta love those Germans (for their cars only though)

sidenote=I won't be buying German again since their panzy attitude took over w/ all the political drama going on. They can go try and sell their stuff to the French now for all I care.

guest reply :

2002 chevy 2.2l s-10 5 spd. 16' dixie glass bass boat.

also have access to a 99 f-250 diesel, if I feel the need. But its basicalyl flat down here in S Texas.

Sam reply :

Volva S-70!

It's funny to see the vehicles lined up at the ramp:

Truck

SUV

Truck

Volvo

SUV

Truck

Also use wife's Grand Cherokee Jeep.

texasbass1 reply :

Chevy Suburban 350 2 wheel drive pulling an 180 Pro ProCraft. I haven't had any ramp problems. Even with our brutal Texas winters. ;D

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

I usually just let the 6lbrs pull my boat!! ;D

guest reply :

2003 Chevy Silverado HD with the crew cab and V-8 pulling a '96 Stratos 201XL. I have used 4 wheel drive about 10 times - but - almost all of those were on gravel ramps or no ramp lakes.

I have used it once on cement ramp- it was snowing.

BASSMAN1301599783 reply :

I pull my 14' Alumacraft with a 2001 Ford Ranger 4.0. Cant even tell it back thair. My friends pulls his his 12' aluminum Sears Robuck & Co. with his 1989 Honda Accord. Its one of the funniest things you would ever see. ;D

AceHigh reply :

I have a 1998 Chevy CK2500 LWB 4x4 with a towing package that is used almost exclusively for boat towing. My boat is a 2002 HP190 G3 on a tandem trailer and a 1/2 ton pickup just won't handle it. I sometimes use a 2005 Z-71 Tahoe with a towing package for short trips.

On boats that need tandem trailers, a 3/4 ton pickup or bigger is the only way to go. You only need 4x4 if you don't want to get stuck and it will happen when there is no one else around to help.

Ben reply :

Doesn't matter as long as the vehicle has a towing capacity rating for what you will be towing under the conditions you will be towing it.

You hook a 3,500 boat behind anything less than a 3/4 ton pickup and go hauling down the interstate at 75 mph or up through the mountains and you can expect about half life out of your transmission.

I with Glenn, if you go to a lot of different ramps, you will really appreciate four wheel drive. The ramp I use most is not real steep and paved but slick as grease when it's wet. Two wheel drive vehicles have a hard time getting enough traction to come out with a heavy boat.

I watched a guy launch his boat and half his truck backing down one day. He was launching one of those ocean size boats and when he put on brakes he just slid until the boat was far enough in the water it took the weight of the truck. The only thing left out of the water of the truck was the part of the cab and front. Luckly he did't sink the motor and was still able to drive out. Probably had to change pants though, and not because they were wet.

DDbasser reply :

2005 Chevy Silverado 1/2 ton single cab

Vortec V-6 5spd standard pulling 2000 Triton TR-186

with a 150 Johnson.

I haven't had any problems getting up the ramps, and some of the ones on Skiatook lake are pretty steep.

Also, I'm getting around 18mpg pulling the boat.

pa_basser reply :

i use a 1998 f 150 4/4 v6 and tow a 16ft starcraft with 25 horse merc with no trouble

bassdocktor reply :

A 99' F150 extended cab off road 4x4 and a Triton V8 with a tow package.It has Flowmaster exhaust and and Airhog filter. Pulls our 2005 Triton TR186 w/Merc 150 XR6 no problem. Boat does kinda push if we make quick stops when someone cuts us off in the city. We fish many gravel ramps and lakes that have low levels so sometime 4x4 is a must.

Hillbilly_Hooker reply :

I use an '03 Chevy S-10 pick up, 4.3 liter V-6 and 4WD. I only have a 14' jon now but I'm in the market for a 15'-17' aluminum bass boat. I've been told that my S-10 is plenty of truck to tow a bigger boat with.

utser reply :

pull? got a 12' aluminum throw it in back of the truck and away we go.

94 2500 dodge ram diesel. two wheel drive. great mileage. ;D

Madhouse27 reply :

I have a black Toyota 4Runner Sport that tows my Mckee Craft center console boat. I'm shopping for a Bass boat right now and I'm hoping the 4Runner is going to be able to handle towing a little heavier boat.

settle1 reply :

i pull my 18 ft nitro with a 98 f150 5.4 most of the time....sometimes i steal my wifes 04 expedition 5.4 to use lol....i love the airconditioned seats inthe summer lol

Upnorth reply :

2003 Dodge Ram 1500. No, it doesn't have a Hemi, what a mistake.

master_baiter reply :

i have a 96 mercery sable front wheel drive pulling a 14 foot run about with a 50 hp motor. it has no tongue wait i can lift the front of the boat on the trailer with 2 figures.

bowjunkie35 reply :

Quote
I gotta add this-
I've been fishing a good number of ABA tournaments this year and I always get a kick out of those guys that show up at the ramp driving an old, rusty, loud, POS truck and are pulling a brand new, fully loaded bass boat. Gotta love where their priorities are at!!

Guilty!!!! ;D

19' Skeeter ZX pulled by a 92' Chevy!

WCCT reply :

2004 Chevy Silverado 3500 4x4 diesel

bowjunkie35 reply :

UPDATE: Looks like I will be upgrading my towing rig. 1998 Z71 Silverado 4x4, black like my Skeeter and loaded! Should have it in on Tuesday!

bowjunkie35 reply :

Got it! *cheering*

See above post

davo3901 reply :

I tow my '00 Stratos with an '04 Nissan Titan. Can't even feel the boat.

vzar2112 reply :

Hell...... I use my ex wife to pull my 20 ' Astro to the ramp!!! She is a much better ride now rather than when we were married!!!! ;D I get better use outa her now!!!!

srwshooter reply :

04 chevyz71 crew cab 4x4 colorado, inline 5cyl tows my 17ft jet great.

Glenn reply :

Quote
Hell...... I use my ex wife to pull my 20 ' Astro to the ramp!!! She is a much better ride now rather than when we were married!!!! ;D I get better use outa her now!!!!

Huh? ???

Dobi reply :

Ya'll are all fancy, all I use is my RockCrawler.

But then again, I'm just pullin an old '83 Basstracker. (can't wait to start modifying it like my truck) haha

'85 Toyota Pickup Heavily modified.

4.3 Vortec V6 Chevy motor

TH350 Tranny

NP203 Transfer

Custom Flatbed

3" Body Lift

4" suspension lift

63" rear Chevy leaf springs

4" lift rear Jeep YJ springs up front.

36x13.50 IROK Super Swampers (not pictured)

15x10 Bullethole Polished Alum Rims (not pictured)

Added Power steering

Marlincrawler High Steer / shock hoops / braded cable throughout

Front / Rear Aussie Lockers.

4.10 gears

This is when I was doing the engine swap.

Team_Dougherty reply :

Here is my boat puller. 1991 S10 Blazer. 179,000 miles.

basser89 reply :

I'm pulling my 16' '97 Dakota jon boat with my 2000 Dakota 4x4! I had to get a worthy truck to pull my boat! ;D

flyphisher # reply :

2005 Ford F250 lariet King cab, short wheel base, 4x4 w/ powerstroke diesel under the hood.

River fishing and pond hopping, I use a 91 F250 longbed 4x4 to haul my gheenoe and river rig......

wvhillbilly reply :

2004 Chevy 2500 HD with 6.0 gas pulling a 2004 Triton Tr-186 with a 150 EFI.

Regards

bunchdouglas reply :

1997 Dodge Ram 2500 8.0L 488ci V-10 with performance chip, flowmasters, 35" all terrain's, 6" lift, 4WD, just over 500hp on dyno!!!!

But, unfortunately, when you only get 7 mpg highway it takes you a while to save up for that boat. Maybe next year.

Dobi reply :

New Gas Guzzler, errr tow rig.

2000 w/360

72k miles for $9k I couldn't pass it up.

sodaksker reply :

Basshunter,

I pull my 21 ft procraft with 225 merc with a toyota tacoma 4x4 double cab. I live in south dakota and fish on cold days where there may be ice on the boat ramp. Four wheel drive is a must in those situations. In most cases I never have to use it, but if you are going to a lot of different boat ramps where the water level may be changing, it sure is nice to have 4 wheel drive because you never know what you may find at the ramp. I guess it depends on your local ramps,weather and how many different places you travel on whether you need 4 wheel drive or not. I would go for the 4x4. ;D

TC1 reply :

Im currently using a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L

I however have looked into upgrading from the stock 3.21 (rear axle ratio) to a 4.10

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of how much this move would help with hill and ramp climbs, which are my only real concerns????

chicobass reply :

2006 dodge 2500 4 x 4 crewcab w/ CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL ( Ranger 185VS ) It laughs going down the road !

stratoscaster reply :

94 Chevy 2500, work/fishing truck. The 350 has 160,000 miles on it. Runs great just getting broke in.

Jagrrich reply :

Quote
Right now all I've got to haul my boat with is my Car, its a 2001 Chevy Malibu. Thank god I've only got about 5 miles to the ramp. It ain't the best way but its the only way. So if I wanna go fishing I've got to deal with the funny looks, sneers and the big rigs hogging the ramp! LOL My car does just fine just as long as I'm headed down hill with a tail wind!

Just a small upgrade to update.

On Jan 2nd, 2006 I took the little Malibu on a road trip and to make a long story short I came home with a New 2005 GMC Serria Crew cab 1500HD 4x4, 6.0 liter V8, HD tow package and the whole shabang!

cabela10 reply :

Looks like you got a good upgrade there. I like the looks of the Chevy frontends but you got a good vehicle there. I bet you got that on the GM Employee discount thing that was going on. I traded in my '02 Trans Am Convertible for a new 2005 Chevy Crew Cab LT. So far the thing is a gas hog with average 14 MPG and 10 MPG while towing the boat. It seems crazy because my mothers truck, which I used to tow boat previously, seems not to guzzle the gas as much. I now have 13,632 miles on a 7 month old truck and hoping that by the time I get to 20,000 miles, that it will start getting better gas mileage. I will be getting a topper or tonneau cover to help on this matter sooner or later.

Anyways.... can't beat a Chevy/GMC.

One questions for someone... How do the new 2005/2006 Dodge Mega Cab half tons tow? I don't like the oversized 3/4 ton trucks, so I would prefer the half tons only.

cedar1 reply :

I pull a 20ft procraft with a Ram1500, no hemi but the next one will.

cody_ia reply :

95 Chevy 1500 with a little 305. it pulls my 14' jon boat just fine.

What do you pull your boats with? 2024

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