20 SF Weight and Minimum required tow vehicle

[Bigshrimpin]

Chuck - I'm just speaking from my experience on some nasty steep boston ramps. 4wd low is the ticket. I'd burn my clutch everytime . . . I tried to pull my boat out in 2wd or 4wd high. When I Drop down to 4wd drive low, I have no trouble.

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http://www.lake-link.com/dodge/truck...m?TruckTipID=6
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Hi Range 4WD
4H allows you to drive full speed, if necessary. The high range ratios in 4WD mode are the same as the gear ratios in 2WD.

When to use 4H:

* for traction when the area isn't steep
* when stuck in sand
* extremely slippery conditions
* snow
* ice
* rocky, gravel roads
* gullies
* extremely muddy areas
* ridges

Low Range 4WD
4L is for creeping along at slow speeds. It reduces the strain on your vehicle, just remember to stay below 25mph in low range. While it does not provide more traction, it does provide 2-3 times more torque at about 1/2 or 1/3 of the speeds in high range. Low range gear ratios are approximately half that of high range.

When to use 4L:

* on wet, slippery surfaces
* passing through sandy areas
* on rough trails
* through shallow water
* rock-climbing
* climbing steep hills
* through mud
* descending steep hills

[Capt Chuck]

Big Shrimp

I understand what your saying, as I own a 4WD Bronco. I also use the 4WDL when the tide is low pulling my 23' out of the water.The examples you have stated showing when to use 4WDH or 4WDL are exactly right but bear in mind THOSE situations are not considering a Payload or TOWING ...

A large payload could be easily handled up a steep grade as long you have the No-Slip Differential. I saw something about this on Ship Shape TV. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think GM is the only one producing trucks with the "NO-Slip" option. Some of you muscle car gurus can chime in here

[nestorpr]

Go to any UHaul place, they have everything you need.

[afernand]

Thanks all for the many suggestions/comments...aaf

[Capt Chuck]

Just a adder here,

For you guys with 2WD or 4WD light trucks and SUV's, this appears to be a simple and inexpensive solution to getting that boat up the steep ramp

Check it out------> POWERTRAX

[Ryank]

Ive towed the same 20sf with 3 different vehicles.
86 e350 van got 10 mpg with and w/o boat on hgwy
01 b3000 4 cyl got 22mpg w/out and 11 mpg towing on hgwy
02 frontier v6 19mpg w/out and 10.5-11 mpg towing on hgwy
it seems the smaller you go in an engine the m ore fuel youll burn when pulling a load, vs a larger engine not straining as much to pull the same load. If your concern is fuel related when towing, stay with a V8
just my 2c worth

[Jon G]

Best thing in the world for a slippery mossy ramp and a two wheel drive is a bag of saw dust, yup sawdust, this guy backed is station wagon down the ramp, while I'm laughing and he loads the boat throws a bag of saw dust down in front of the tires and pulls that puppy right up no problem this after watching trucks spin all the way up the ramp, I would not have believed it if I hadn't seen it.

[caper]

Ford and Chrysler offer limited slip/posi/nospin type differential as well as GM. Each manufacturer has their own name for equal traction at both rear wheels. Yes, I'm a muscle car guy as well as a Seacraft boater.

[Jon G]

I've towed with Toyota Tacomas and 4Runners all mid eightys models with four bangers and they tow just fine Then I stepped up to a F350 diesel and now I can tow my 20SF and not even feel it back there maybe its time for a 23 ????

[ocuyler]

Bigshrimpin,

And the Number One Reason to use 4WD LOW - plowing snow!