2wd towing out of the boat launch

I plan on towing two jet skis with my 4 cyl, 2wd. How does your 2wd handle going up the boat launch?

 

Depends how steep and/or slippery the ramp is + how deep/shallow the drop is. Will your rear wheels be in the water or not. I launched in very shallow lake few weeks ago with a 4x4. Both my rear and front wheels were in the water. I couldnt pull out with 2wd as I was on dirt. 4x4 low did the trick though..

 

The launch I'll be at is cement. I'm sure my rear wheels will be almost fully submerged. My front wheels might be in the water slightly.

 

I've honestly never put my 4WD trucks in 4WD out of a boat ramp, so I think you'll be fine.

 

I've never used 4wd for a boat ramp either. Put in on everything from long ramps to steep and deep quickly for big sailboats.

 

Fresh water or salt? I've pulled my boats up many concrete boat ramps without any trouble, except at low tide on the ocean. RWD does fine for me on wet concrete, but isn't enough for a really slimed-up ramp at low tide.

 

Differential breather mod first.

I've had 2wd vehicles stuck in boat ramps a couple of times. Sandy shallow ramps though. If in doubt, bring a come-along and a tow strap.

 

I live in south Florida have a 2wd V6 towing a single ski. The condition of the ramp makes a big difference. If you are on slime or sand you may have trouble. If it's cement, not super steep and well cared for ramp you probably won't have any issues.

One great tip I got, especially before I bought my Tacoma was to put silicone spray on the bunks. Now let me warn you, DO NOT unlatch your winch before you are in the water, your ski will fall off. But this will enable you to go not nearly as far back as you would have to without the silicone on the bunks. Last week my rear tires were not in the water, and I was able to slide my ski off. Coming home, again just get the rear of the bunks I. The water and you can slide/drive your ski onto the trailer.

 

I'd imagine most family suv's are 2wd so hopefully it won't be a huge issue for me. One launch is dirt, long and not steep.

 

I've always backed in until the boat was floating, same thing when I trailer. It does make me laugh when I see people fighting to get a boat either on or off because they're afraid of getting their tootsies wet.

I've been on some ramps that I had to use the front axle to get out, others it was never an issue, and one or two that LAST TIME I didn't need 4wd to get out. It just depends on the ramp and the conditions that day. I've never regretted having the option of 4wd. But in all things traction related, you want to craaaaaawl as much as possible.

And 1 memorable time that apparently my axle seals were failing and I had my rear diff weld itself together on the drive home. It was dark out, crawled under the truck and the diff was glowing bright enough to read by I pulled the cover off (eventually when I got it home) and sooooo much water came out.