Can a 2 wheel drive truck tow a 3000 lb boat and get it back out of the water effectively?

Question

I have a ski boat and am pulling it with a mini van. I'm concerned about not getting out of a launch site one day and thinking of getting a truck. No idea what kind or if I need 4 wheel drive just in case. Will a 2 wheel drive do it, if so what size? I'll have to trade my car in so I need decent gas mileage too - if that's possible.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The boat can be pulled from the water using a washing machine motor, if you have enough gears.

The idea behind using a 4 wheel drive truck on a steep boat ramp is that the ramp gets wet, and as a result, slippery. All the 4 wheel drive does is to provide better traction for the 10 feet or so you need to get the combination truck / trailer in motion.

A 3000 pound trailer can be pulled with pretty much any vehicle, assuming it's equipped with the proper suspension. It's not a question of is the truck powerful enough, it's a matter of can I tow this without dragging the bumper on the ground?

You would probaby do as well just investing in a good set of tires for the rear of the van and usin 1st gear to slowly - very slowly - pull the boat clear of the water.

However, any truck will do. Get the towing package.

Answer 2

yes it should pull it out pretty easy ,as long s the ramp surface it brushed concrete it will grip on that,other wise it may spin when trying to come up the ramp with it,another thing to consider also is how steep the ramp is,but it should pull it back out fairly easy,i used one for a while with little problems until i got a 4 wheel drive vehicle,but the water had went down a lot ,and i got stuck at the low part of the ramp with it,that's when i got a 4 wheel drive truck,good luck though i hope this helps.

Answer 3

I think a 2WD could handle it depending on the boat ramp. A concrete ramp or a shallow sloped ramp would probably be okay but a dirt or wood ramp or a ramp too steeply pitched may be too much for a 2WD.