kjackson Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 I'm looking for a new tow vehicle, and trying to get one that is both functional and economical. I've had four-wheel drives forever but am now considering buying an all-wheel drive because of the mileage and expanded choice of rigs. After this winter, I was pretty much decided on a 4x4 as what I would get, but now I'm wondering if all-wheel drive won't be enough. I'm also looking for a new boat, so asking what I'm towing exactly won't help. Right now, I'm thinking I'll end up with one of the Ranger aluminums, either one of the deep vees or the RT178. Tow weight will be under or around 2000 pounds. I don't see my new boat exceeding that weight. My concern is not at paved ramps so much as it is ramps that I've yet to use, like the gravel, low-water access ramp at Holiday Island. Is four-wheel absolutely necessary for towing in the Ozarks? Can I get by with all-wheel drive? Thanks in advance.
David Unnerstall Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 The difference between four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive confused me also until I read the Car Talk guys column a few weeks ago: http://www.cartalk.com/content/all-wheel-versus-four-wheel-drive
Guest Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 I drove a subaru outback for several years. (now a tundra) Its a beast in the snow or on gravel bars. Its nearly impossible to get them stuck. all wheel drives do as good as 4WD in most situations. As for towing, my wifes honda pilot pulls a johnboat, no problem.
Justin Spencer Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 Pull driftboat and canoe trailers with forrester, great car, won't get stuck. "The problem with a politician’s quote on Facebook is you don’t know whether or not they really said it." –Abraham Lincoln Tales of an Ozark Campground Proprietor Dead Drift Fly Shop
fishinwrench Posted March 29, 2014 Posted March 29, 2014 In tight spots with a boat in tow I love the 4-Auto button on my 99 Z71, You can just do what you need to do and let the transfer case and differentials sort it all out. No binding and feeling like the truck is trying to rip itself apart.
Feathers and Fins Posted March 29, 2014 Posted March 29, 2014 Love my Toyota Tacoma, if its any help I see guides pulling their rigs with Tacomas as well and J-doc I have seen pulling a Coffee house around with his. No complaints and great gas mileage. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beaver-Lake-Arkansas-Fishing-Report/745541178798856
kjackson Posted March 29, 2014 Author Posted March 29, 2014 My thoughts are 4Runner, but I could downsize to a Highlander--I think. The Tundra I have now is too big for this place; it's a 2006 and takes a football field to turn around. I'm looking for a rig my wife can drive, so I can look for critters out of the window. Also, I'm tired of the screaming every time I look at a river we're crossing or a lake we're driving along.
moguy1973 Posted March 29, 2014 Posted March 29, 2014 The problem with the Highlander is it's FWD based and the 4Runner is RWD based (actually on the Tacoma platform). If our '12 Highlander wasn't going to be my wife's daily driver we would have went with the 4Runner... -- JimIf people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles. -- Doug Larson
Al Agnew Posted March 29, 2014 Posted March 29, 2014 The Highlander does fine pulling my jetboat, although gas mileage suffers considerably, from 23 or so down to 15-17 mpg.
hoglaw Posted March 29, 2014 Posted March 29, 2014 The newer tundras have a vastly improved turning radius fyi
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now