18ft Boat Launch with RWD Suburban

[Chris51280]

My 4wd truck is out of commision and summertime is around the corner. I have a 5.3 2wd Suburban that will handle the tow of the boat #2700 + trailer #1300. I will launch at fresh water lakes only. would you risk it or not if you only had a rear wheel drive vehicle.

 

[Lpgc]

I expect some will say it depends on what the slipway is like, how steep it is, is it wet / slippy / etc..

 

[jlh3rd]

That's true.
I do tow/launch my 24' pontoon with my '08 extended cab, long bed, 5.3, Silverado 2WD ( Posi). I haven't been to a lot of places however.

 

[flashback]

I've launched with 2wd all my life. As noted above, its all about the ramp.

 

[Ifishmuskie2]

Here’s my plan B as I have front wheel drive pulling 2400lb total.

If it won’t pull it out unhook the boat and trailer. Then drive your tow vehicle to flat ground. Then put a tow strap on the trailer and pull it out.

 

[Sprig]

A large percentage of people launch and retrieve with 2wd’s all the time. As said it all depends on what the launch ramp is like . You have plenty of power, the question is during retrieval will you spin your wheels. If you’re concerned then put a couple hundred pounds of weight in the back and you should be fine (unless you are dealing with ice, mud or algae on the ramp)

 

[jimmbo]

I launched on this more than once with using a Car with the Boat and Trailer weighing in at 3500lb. Never had any issues

 

[Scott Danforth]

4 wheel drive is required on slimey ramps and if you have to back in to the front axle

2WD is fine 98% of the time

 

[Mc Tool]

Here’s my plan B as I have front wheel drive pulling 2400lb total.

If it won’t pull it out unhook the boat and trailer. Then drive your tow vehicle to flat ground. Then put a tow strap on the trailer and pull it out.

Done it before, my Dad had a "flying fifteen" yacht that needed a good 5 feet of water to float so using the above method was mandatory for both launch and retrieve




The rudder comes off but that keel is 400 odd lbs of cast iron and doesnt.

 

[dingbat]

Towed with a Tahoe for years. Never stuck. Used 4WD a couple of times for the convenience.

 

[racerone]

Used the " trailer on a rope " myself to launch a 20' CYGNUS with fixed keel.----It did draw a small crowd.--Used to launch my 30' Wellcraft with 2 wheel drive.----So if there is a good ramp , 2 wheel drive is fine.

 

[JimS123]

I have been launching with a 2 wheel, rear wheel drive since 1968. I never had a problem. I have people come up to me when I was pulling out my Stingray with my Ponch and tell me I can't do it. When the job is done effortlessly they simply walk away with no other comments. We had the rig below for 35 years.

My other source of criticism is that I don't back in too far. (of course 95% of the rest of them back in TOO far.). I will admit that my Powerwinch has saved my back for 40+ years.

Ah, the pickemuptruck guys are just too young to know.

 

[airshot]

Bottom line is....do you need to get the rear wheels into the water to launch or retrieve your boat ? If not, you should be good. If your concerned, carry a tow strap so another vehicle can pull your outfit up the slick ramp. I have carried one for many years, never needed it for myself, but have pulled others up the ramp when extremely slick. Some folks carry a bag of small tiny gravel to throw under the slipping wheel for traction.

 

[Bugzilla46310]

People have put a receiver on the front of vehicle for easier trailer parking. This would keep the rear tires at the top of the ramp. But sounds like your problem is short term.

 

[KD4UPL]

I've launched and retrieved 3 different boats over the last 24 years in 7 different states. I can't remember ever needing 4wd.

 

[Pmt133]

My grandfather used a VW beetle with his 17' wellcraft. I think you'll be alright. (Highly sketchy as I was told.)

 

[redneck joe]

I had to use 4x4 once, on a very shallow ramp when I had my dually, which are not good for traction. Very slimy ramp but because so shallow had to wet the rear tires. Otherwise no issues.

 

[JimS123]

Bottom line is....do you need to get the rear wheels into the water to launch or retrieve your boat ? If not, you should be good. If your concerned, carry a tow strap so another vehicle can pull your outfit up the slick ramp. I have carried one for many years, never needed it for myself, but have pulled others up the ramp when extremely slick. Some folks carry a bag of small tiny gravel to throw under the slipping wheel for traction.

Rear wheels wet? I don't think so!!!

Unless you have a "ramp" that is not designed right, if you can't walk behind the car to work the winch you are backed in too far.

Back in 1968 I read a book called "The Trailer Boater's Guide". Every aspect of launching back then is still true today.

Nobody reads any more. I would say that 90% of the boaters back in too far and simply don't have a clue.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Rear wheels wet? I don't think so!!!

Unless you have a "ramp" that is not designed right, if you can't walk behind the car to work the winch you are backed in too far.

Back in 1968 I read a book called "The Trailer Boater's Guide". Every aspect of launching back then is still true today.

Nobody reads any more. I would say that 90% of the boaters back in too far and simply don't have a clue.

If you have 4 wheel drive you can back in as far as you want. I have been to boat ramps in northern WI and MN where you had to have the tail pipe submerged to get the boat off the trailer.

 

[racerone]

Agreed, on more than one occasion, have folks offered help to retrieve my boats.---I politely declined.----I just submerge last roller and start boat up the trailer.----Boat lines itself up.-----Then back up the trailer a few feet if winching becomes hard.---Never an issue that way.