Tow vehicle advice sought

I seem to be getting about the same "mileage" in my all electric transfer system, as the 2 wheel drive units. The weight difference is minimal--but there is a bit more cost….I would not let the "mileage" make the difference.
 
To clarify: I'm not overly concerned about MPG while actually towing, and I never have the 4WD engaged while towing. Currently, however, I use my "tow" vehicle much more for other uses than I do for towing. And in all uses I really don't use the 4WD function to speak of. In fact, when it does snow, I tend to contrive driving errands just so I can put it to use. If I purchase a replacement (mainly cause I want a pickup) I can save $4-5K by opting for 2WD. I'm thinking a locking (vs. limited slip) rear differential would be effective in nearly all boat retrieval situations where 2WD alone is insufficient. Carrying a tow strap for assistance would seem to bring it to 99.9%. I'm interested in any feedback re: the effectiveness of getting un-stuck with use of a rear locking differential. I know this is common to the off-road community and was wondering why not at the ramp.
 
I've been pretty happy with my 2010 Toyota Highlander with the 6 cylinder. And very impressed at how much torque the thing has. Pulled my CD-22 at 4800 lbs with no problem over the Rockies last summer, and never had a problem at steep boat ramps either. In the city get about 15mpg, on the highway 21-23 depending on where my foot is. :-) Towing, at 55mph, 13-14 mpg. Faster, less. Rated for 5000 lbs tow with the towing package. The only drawback was height of hitch, and squat. But that's with 400 or so lbs tongue weight. Colby
 
I am really happy with our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Eco Diesel, it is rated to tow 7400 lbs. I have a lead foot and get 23-24 mpg in the city and 28-30 mpg on the freeway. I haven't really measured what I get towing but probably 17-19 mpg? The main thing it has more than enough torgue to handle anything the road or ramp can throw at it and I find a lot of security in that.
 
just suck it up and buy the 4x4, for about $22k you can get a new Nissan frontier, enjoy the sporty handling of a smaller truck & still tow the heck out of stuff. I bought mine partially due to Peters good tow reviews and I'm loving it.

The money you save on the initial purchase of a 2x you'll lose when you sell, and you may have a harder time selling
+ you wont spend the next years wishing you had four wheel drive
++ four wheel drive is handy for more than just boat ramp duty. I stick ours in four low when I back the travel trailer into it's parking spot so I can creep back in there without tearing up the gravel
+++ I think it's like some kind of man law, all trucks must have four wheel drive
 
OK, here we are again. 2 wheel vs 4 wheel. One more time.

I've been launching boats since the 70s since I really believe in trailerable boats. As a matter of fact I'm sitting in San Pedro, in CBYC and looking at all the 30 to 60 ft boats that just sit in their slip during the week and then go to Catalina. But then that's my viewpoint, since we like to see new places and this is the first time we've launched Journey On since Canada. And having a C-Dory sorta sets me up as a minimalist.

OK, back to the truck. First, I tried to estimate the number of different launch ramps I've used from Mexico through the US and into Canada. From gravel to short cement to beautiful, long and short, there have been 100's. So, it's a representative sample, and here are my comments.

First, buy what you want and can afford. I did and stayed with 2 wheel drive. It's always worked for me, except once. And that time was in Long Beach (Ca) and with the hooks in front (see Bob, above) a guy got me above the sand over cement and I finished the haul out. Why no 4 wheel? Why spend a couple of thou for something I didn't need, reduced gas mileage and required more maintenance? And the cost and reduced gas mileage are testified to above. As for the maintenance, I do change the oil in the differential and tranny on a regular basis when I'm towing.

I also went out to the desert to ride my one wheel rider and watched the guys/gals with 4 wheels go farther and get stuck better than my ol' 2 wheel drive. So, the sense of security on 4 wheel drive gives you can be a problem. Just what I saw, no offense.

I do agree with the locking differential. Worked well for me.

You know we ought to set up a permanent topic on 4 vs 2 wheel drive that we can review and add to since it's continuous (and contentious)topic. With the same view points expressed each time. Mine included.

Boris
 
I kind of agree with Boris on the why get 4wd unless you really need it. And I've owned both. However, many of the SUV's (mine included) are AWD, that is all-wheel drive, and those are probably a nice go between. Colby
 
We have owned boats of various types for 30 years and can't count the number of times we have used 4 wheel drive for the retrive, but I would guess in the range of 75 to 80 percent of the time. In addition to the obvious advantage in slippery conditions, it is most helpful when have drop your trailer off the end of the ramp to load the boat. One can just slip it into low range, 1st gear and just creep back on the ramp without bouncing your boat all over the place or laying it over on one of the side guides where it takes a superhuman effort to return it to center. For me, no four wheel or all wheel drive equals no boat.
Jack
 
journey on":p2jpeaqh said:
<some omissions>

OK, here we are again. 2 wheel vs 4 wheel. One more time.

You know we ought to set up a permanent topic on 4 vs 2 wheel drive that we can review and add to since it's continuous (and contentious)topic. With the same view points expressed each time. Mine included."

Boris
Click to expand...

That's the way many if not most of these discussions run and should be handled, IMHO.

Would save a lot of time and discussion.

And each poster should be required to sign an affidavit before posting that they have read all of the previous posts on the topic before posting to avoid circular discussions.

Wow, it's 1 am and I'm not able to sleep and pretty mean-spirited, eh? :lol:

But I guess not everybody is ready to turn this into a group research paper style discussion....ha!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
I disagree Joe. :-) Some subjects have so many different posts, and as things change quickly, especially in electronics and such, it's just a lot easier to start a new thread and begin afresh. OTOH, it is worth while to do a little searching at first, to see if there is a thread germane to one's question or interest. As for going in different directions in the same thread, well we kind of talk in person that way too, don't we? I look at this forum as not only a place to look for answers, but to discuss topics and that would include anything that might be related. :peace:
 
I've followed NADA guides. 2wd equals faster rate of depreciation. 4wd equals slower depreciation in resale. Diesel 4wd makes even bigger difference, many thousands. Does it make up for initial purchase or costs of operation? I don't know, haven't run the numbers, but with diesels running 300,000 miles and more, I'd say if your keep it maintained and a long time, 4wd diesel is cheaper than 2wd gas. In the mountains of the U.S. trucks are used during the winter and 4wd is necessary many times whether the truck is ever used for towing. In the more temperate climates, I might take a chance on a 2wd truck. So far my 4wd has never failed to get my dory out of the water or out of the snow. I have another couple boats that I can launch and retrieve from rustic launch ramps...dirt and sand. Would never do the dory thata way though.
 
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