Can I get by with a 4x2 if I'm just using my truck to pull a boat?

If I am only using my truck to pull a boat and will not be wheeling and don't have much snow in winter do I really need 4x4 or can I get by with a 4x2?

Thanks,
Dan

 

Only reason I can think of for you to need 4x4 is a steep/wet launch ramp with your boat. I've seen some 2wd trucks get stuck

 

Yes

 

Lots of 2wd vehicles pulling boats around my area. I have seen customers pull a boat with a Rav4 (of course it was a small boat), the craziest I have seen is one of my regular customers pulls his Tracker 175 TXW with an El Camino.
So, the answer is yes.

 

How heavy is the boat and trailer?

 

2wd has better payload and tow rating than 4x4, so absolutely! You can always get a 2wd trd OR and have the locker for extra traction just in case.

 

3000lbs

 

This is the main reason that holds me back....wonder how often this happens.

 

As you can see in my profile I already have a 4x4 but was at the dealer today and I can get an even trade-EXACT same truck but a new 2018 with 4x2...I've never had to use 4x4 at any of my boat ramps yet, so....do I pull the trigger?

 

If it's the exact same truck, but 2x4 instead of 4x4, why would you even bother with the hassle of upgrading, paying sales tax just to get a 1-year newer truck with less capability?

If it matters, resale will be affected down the road with a 4x2.

 

Unless there is something wrong with your current truck you’d be crazy to trade for the same thing with less capabilities. You can drive your truck in 2hi al you want but can never put a 2x4 in 4hi when you find you need it.

 

No, don't do that deal. You won't get anything different with the 2018 besides the TSS stuff. Keep what you have.

 

I wouldn’t. Dealer is willing to trade yours for a new model cause resale on a 4wd Taco is much better. 2018 does have TSS, which I personally like but some guys don’t want it, but it’s something to consider if that’s what you want. Paying sales tax on a year model newer that will have a worse resale value for no new upgrades you want is a simple, not worth it, answer in my book. And I know not all of us use our 4wd often, but when we need it, we really need it and it’s there. It took two stuck incidents in my old 2wd Taco to know I shouldn’t have skipped on 4wd.

 

Only reason I am really tempted is that I have this ever slight vibration I've been dealing with and I drove the 4x2-no vibration. Shit maybe I should drive another 4x4 tomorrow.

Believe me I've already had it in the shop three times and had a new front diff, driveline TSB....still happening.

 

That's a terrible deal.

 

Hell no.

 

You are asking if you should trade a 4x4 for a 2wd. Are you asking me? LOL. Would Thor trade his hammer for a ...can't really think of anything here. But would I trade a frigging 4x4 Tacoma for a 4x2, even close in years and mileage, "Hell No." And you know why? Because the "what if?" factor. Ya never know and it is always better to have it and not need it than vice versa. Like I play golf, I can it a drive 275ish but I don't need that where I play so let me trade that in a 245ish driver....

 

You can get by 99% of the time. But there will be that one time where you need it. If you have it for that one time, it will be worth it. It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Good luck

 

Don’t do it. You don’t miss 4x4 until you need it. And when you need it, you NEED it! Also good to have on a steep launch ramp.

 

Broom?

I definitely wouldn't make that trade. There's nonothing to be gained by you, only lose on resale later. I've seen some pretty slick boat ramps, 4x4 is insurance, hope you don't need it, but glad you have it when you do