Thread: towing 14' aluminum boat - FWD or AWD??

I have an older Chevy s-10 blazer I pull a 18 ft Lowe semi V with a 50 hp mercury. I use overdrive on the road and 4 wheel drive on the ramps. I have not had any problems and have use some pretty steep ramps. Just my 2 cents

Thanks for the reply Frank. The newer suv's are FWD or AWD. They detect any tire slip and transfer the traction to the front or rear. I'm looking at a chevy equinox, for escape, mazda cx-5 or honda cr-v. All are available either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. I found 1 dealer that will let me use a new suv for the weekend for a test drive. I may do that or rent the 1 I decide on to be sure. I would hate to buy a FWD and have it not work on some of the ramps in Indiana. My boat and trailer I would guess to be under 1000#.

I don't think 4wd is necessary, I pulled for years without it. That being said, I've been in a few situations where I needed it, and now won't own a truck without it. But for a small craft, and concrete ramps, you can get by without it.

The only thing I ever see have a tough time at the ramps are standard RWD vehicles. Since your front wheels are generally going to be well out of the water, I believe you'd be safe.

I'm not much on AWD, but I think it's because I feel like I want to be in control...even if I'm outta control. Ha

i've always had 2wd pickups and never had any problems. I've been in and out at Red-bridge at Missy and that's the steepest ramp I know of. I have a 17' Bass Tracker

Thanks for the reply's. I thought I could get buy with just FWD. My plans don't include a bigger boat, so I'm going to enjoy my retirement!

I own a '96 GMC full size PU. I bought it in '97. I's been a nice truck but it's age and 252k miles are scary for any long trips in the future.

Thanks again...

Tony

Had an instance with brother-in-law, who owned a rwd only chevy 1500 pick-up. Several trucks had unloaded their boats ahead of us and of course got the ramp wet, when pulling their empty trailers out to park. This day early in the morning the ramp was cold and a glaze of ice formed.

Brother-in-laws truck wouldn't pull the empty trailer up the ramp, and not the steepest ramp at that. Had to get someone with 4wd to tow truck and trailer up the ramp.

That being said, fwd suv, will still have the weight of the engine over the front/drive wheels.

I wouldn't own anything that's not 4x4 but that's me. Ive never had to use 4x4 to put my boat in or out though. Its just nice to know its there if you need it that's why I have 2 4x4 trucks. and wouldn't own anything else