Pulling 20' bowrider out at the boat ramp?

[Janster]

We tow a 3500lb aluminum bass boat just about every weekend.

I ALWAYS put the truck in 4WD when I’m on the ramp.

Watch some youtube videos of ‘boat ramp fails’ or ‘boat launch fails’ and you’ll use 4WD ALL the time!!!

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[WILDHOBO]

I pull a '89 Ski Nautique (about 4000# including trailer) with my '06 liberty CRD. No problem, I do utilize all wheel drive though. I will be using my Gladiator for the task this upcoming season and do not anticipate any issues.

I miss my parents’ old ‘89 2001 so much. That boat was truly amazing. If you ever want to sell it, please contact me.

 

[Zachanadandy]

4wd. As it says above, it also helps with braking. Also as stated above put it in in advance, those couple of revolutions that it could take to engage could make the difference between getting out and going under.
I have seen all sorts of things at boat launches.....people forget that the boat is IN the water and there is a vacuum? to the water so it is not just the 4,000 lbs but the resistance of the water letting go.
Had a buddy who used to tow his 20' fiberglass bass boat with a fwd Kia. (Yep, boat was worth way more than the car.) Never had an issue at ramps.

How exactly does 4wd help with braking? You do realize all 4 brakes function exactly the same in 2wd or even neutral for that matter. In 4 LO the added gearing will increase compression braking, but if you're on the throttle that isn't a thing, it isn't preventing roll back when in drive. I'm not seeing the logic there and that thought process is the exact reason many new 4wd owners end up in a ditch in the snow. The 4wd helps the vehicle go vs 2wd but does nothing to help it stop.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I have a 26' sailboat, water ballast, taking it out was no problem with a sport s max tow, I put it in 4L. Because of the water ballast the boat/trailer was around 7000 pounds until the ballast tank emptied. You want 4 wheel drive in case the rear wheels end up in the water and it can be slick. I saw a full size truck slide into the lake trying to pull a wave runner out, he did not use 4 wheel drive.

You don’t empty the ballast tanks before you pull it out? I’m curious, not really familiar with ballast use on sail boats. I have a wakeboard boat with ballast tanks and I always make sure I dump them before I put it on the lift or trailer it.

 

[Freems]

This one is about 4k with full tank and full coolers, since retirement this set up is on a boat ramp in rivers, lakes and reservoirs year round in ID/OR/WA/MT about three days per week. The only time it’s in four wheel drive is when there’s ice on the ramps, all others times of year 2H. Back in, set the emergency bake, stop the engine, unhook the boat and good to go. Never had an issue with the JT pulling this boat.

 

[Delhux]

I used to pull my 21’ Baja Islander bow rider out from boat ramps using my old Nissan Murano.

The Gladiator should do fine.

If you get a bad feeling about getting the truck down so close to the water, leave it in the parking lot and see how fast you can get the boat to skip up the ramp. Urinal rules apply here—good aim and a steady hand is key.

 

[Jefe1018]

It’ll do fine. Not sure what exactly your concern is, but that’s not a very large boat. I’ve towed both an open bow and a pontoon.. no reason I can see why a stock JT would struggle with what you’re describing unless it’s a crappy ramp of sorts that forces you to go too deep in the water to launch.

 

[marcel-ohio]

You don’t empty the ballast tanks before you pull it out? I’m curious, not really familiar with ballast use on sail boats. I have a wakeboard boat with ballast tanks and I always make sure I dump them before I put it on the lift or trailer it.

The water ballast has to stay in as long as the mast is up, so you can't drain until it sits on the trailer, also the drain system is a simple valve, there is no pump.

 

[AmishMike]

@Zachanadandy 4wd mechanically ties axles together, so in order for one wheel to lock it has to lock another; ie. right rear and left front. If you have locking diffs, then those two wheels are forced to turn at the same speed, or all 4 at the same speed if both diffs are locked. I lock into 4wd to aid in braking for that exact reason even if I don't need 4wd to get going. I also am more likely to lock both axles on a descent than a climb when off roading. At those super low speeds if the ABS kicks in, I might have already slid 6-12" which can be troublesome.
Theoretically, ABS functions independently and should keep each wheel from locking.
Most 4wd vehicles end up in a ditch because the drivers are over confident. 4wd will get you going then they exceed the safe speed because they can. It only kind of helps you turn and then only when you know how to use it to throttle your way through hoping the front grabs.
Get out there in an empty snow or ice covered lot and try it for yourself.

 

[Zachanadandy]

@Zachanadandy 4wd mechanically ties axles together, so in order for one wheel to lock it has to lock another; ie. right rear and left front. If you have locking diffs, then those two wheels are forced to turn at the same speed, or all 4 at the same speed if both diffs are locked. I lock into 4wd to aid in braking for that exact reason even if I don't need 4wd to get going. I also am more likely to lock both axles on a descent than a climb when off roading. At those super low speeds if the ABS kicks in, I might have already slid 6-12" which can be troublesome.
Theoretically, ABS functions independently and should keep each wheel from locking.
Most 4wd vehicles end up in a ditch because the drivers are over confident. 4wd will get you going then they exceed the safe speed because they can. It only kind of helps you turn and then only when you know how to use it to throttle your way through hoping the front grabs.
Get out there in an empty snow or ice covered lot and try it for yourself.

I still don't get your logic on 4wd helping braking. Compression braking sure, but the brakes are unaffected. The 4wd could help transfer some braking force if you had lockers on and 1 or more caliper failed but otherwise there's an open dif that would just unload in that scenario.

 

[WILDHOBO]

@Zachanadandy 4wd mechanically ties axles together, so in order for one wheel to lock it has to lock another; ie. right rear and left front. If you have locking diffs, then those two wheels are forced to turn at the same speed, or all 4 at the same speed if both diffs are locked. I lock into 4wd to aid in braking for that exact reason even if I don't need 4wd to get going. I also am more likely to lock both axles on a descent than a climb when off roading. At those super low speeds if the ABS kicks in, I might have already slid 6-12" which can be troublesome.
Theoretically, ABS functions independently and should keep each wheel from locking.
Most 4wd vehicles end up in a ditch because the drivers are over confident. 4wd will get you going then they exceed the safe speed because they can. It only kind of helps you turn and then only when you know how to use it to throttle your way through hoping the front grabs.
Get out there in an empty snow or ice covered lot and try it for yourself.

I don’t know why you’d want lockers on the way down when off road. It’s not going to help with braking, nor is abs much of a factor off road. In fact, and I’ve tested this, 4low in first and second gear is stronger than the stock calipers in these vehicles. The gearing is able to win over the brakes on descents when the gear ratios are that low and the torque is so high, creating brake slip. I do have 5.13s, but a friend with 4.10d has the same experience. Engaging lockers on a descent would just make that worse. I never use lockers on descents. I only use them on either flat or uphill obstacles where one wheel on an axle loses traction.

 

[AmishMike]

@WILDHOBO I do not always walk the downside. I like locked when I am anticipating 3 wheel action, or lose rocks. Much agreed that Lo and 1st does better than the calipers do.

 

[jav_eee]

update: jeep’s apparently are a bit different:

ah, the marvel of 4-wheel drive....

 

[Osteodoc08]

I have no problem pulling out my Yamaha 242 LSE with my Mojave. You should be fine.

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