Three weeks ago I bought a 2006 2500 diesel. It pulls by 4000 lb boat with no problems. I traded in a Ford FX4 with 5.4. It struggled with the boat on any grade and gas mileage was terrible. Twice now as I am pulling out of the boat ramp I have hit the slick algae and have to be pulled out of it. I called my dealership about trading this in and getting the 4x4. I dont even know what the 4x4 will cost me. I use to do a lot of surf fishing also and would not even try it in the truck I have now.

Give me some honest opinions.
thanks
bearwhiz

 

did you get the limited slip rear in your truck? you might need alesson on using it, applying brake presure tricks the slipper into non slip mode, and then power to both wheels.... I would try to practice on wet grass, slippery as heck and no one around to laugh like they might at a boat ramp........ hope that helps

 

Before you loose a lot of money trading see if they will put a LS or you can find a locker for it. I have had good luck with a LS in 2wd other then needing 4wd for the ramps at the beach. I will not even think of talking about the "T" word it has been killed so many times....
Good luck
Jon

 

I would think about tires also. Look at the wet rating. I know the stock Michilen (sp) tires are not that good on wet. I had a #3000 boat use to pull out with an Astro van (rear wheel drive). I had all season radials that worked great. I got mine with 4x4 just for that reason a plus the 4WL (granny gear) is great for the steep ramps.

 

and you will take a raping on a trade in. I would consider either the lockers or even a ramsey or warn winch on the front end if nothing else. Something else to consider would be a 2" receiver hitch on the front. Push the trailer down the ramp with the back tires up higher on dry ground.

 

Might also try adding a few hundred pounds in the bed, too.

 

I can tell you from experience these trucks are not good at the beach. I've been stuck several times. At the beach, Chevy Tahoes and F150's pass me like I'm standing still The combination of heavy front end and a marginal gear type "limited slip" is where I lay the blame.

There are no aftermarket limited slips or lockers for your rear axle. Forget those suggestions.

The slightly "apply the brake" trick works for any open differential or the TracRite if your truck is equipped. I find 4x4 to be VERY handy at the boat ramp.

Good Kuck,

 

From driving in the winter in Alaska, I can tell you that the Cummins has too much torque for slick conditions (ice, algae covered boat launches, etc) in 2wd, to the point that I'll just automatically reach down and put the truck in 4hi to get going. Otherwise, I let the clutch out and the tires will just spin. I usually put my truck in 4 at boat ramps, or I'll sit there wheels spinning. I know what that means isn't what you are gonna want to hear, but I firmly believe 4x4 is worth it's weight in gold.

 

Pulling back up the ramp in reverse will not help you much either, as this is the least possible amount of weight on the rear wheels you can accomplish. Maybe work if the rear's never touch the water and the ramp's not wet.
Short of getting a 4x4. 1st option if no posi or locker, Use the Ebrake a little and it will help the 2nd wheel grab.
2nd option, air down your tires as much as possible, even down to 20-25 psi as long as you can fill them before running on the highway. Could buy a little air tank to air back up with after pulling boat out. Also, get some weight in the back of the truck. 20 sacks of quickcrete in the back before you go to the lake (PITA I know), or get a dozen people to sit in the bed rather than sit on the bank and watch you spin.
3rd option, use the boat to push you out, if possible. Note, this is less risky w/ an inboard or a jet, than it is with an o/b or an i/o.
4th option, get some better tires w/ good wet traction, and have them siped.
5th option, call me when you're going to the lake. I'd be happy to pull the boat out w/ my 4x4 after a nice day on the water!!