I've been out of a boat for quite some time now, but would sure like to get another one within the next year or so. The two trucks I've owned -- a Tacoma and now a GMC Sierra -- have both been 2wd with open rear differentials. I've always run aftermarket tires and pulled my boats out of the water slow and easy....never any trouble whatsoever at PAVED freshwater or saltwater ramps, even some pretty slick ones at low tide. My buddy has the exact same truck as me (also with an open rear diff and aftermarket tires) and once we easily pulled his Ranger Z20 out of a pretty broken/loose launch ramp at Lake Chickamauga. We also launched and recovered with the same rig once at Lake Oroville at the spillway when the water was real low....it was a long time ago and that may have actually been gravel (cant remember), but the boat came out with no problem there either.
I'd like to treat myself to a new truck within the next few months but would prefer to stick with 2wd for the cost, simplicity, and because the only offroading I do is driving on tame gravel roads. I'd definitely get a locking rear differential this time and would put on some 275 or 285 Terra Grappler G2's or similar quality all-terrain tires. I know the super-low water levels in CA last year meant many concrete ramps were out of the water....even though 4wd was mandated on some low water ramps, anyone try pulling their boats out of ramps like that in 2wd? Are most of those low water ramps at least groomed and hard packed, or can they often get all muddy and messed up? My next boat would likely be something like an 18' aluminum with a total package weight (I'm guessing) of no more than 2,700lbs.
Thanks for any insight!
Paul
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