FWD or RWD???

[Big-HE]

Which is better for launching/towing a load of 3300lbs?

 

[roscoe]

Re: FWD or RWD???

rear wheel drive, without a doubt.

 

[JRJ]

Re: FWD or RWD???

I wouldn't be without four-wheel drive at the ramp, but seldom need it. Hate the smell of burning rubber

 

[Big-HE]

Re: FWD or RWD???

Are there times that rear wheel won't do???

 

[roscoe]

Re: FWD or RWD???

Yes there are times when rear wheel drive won't do. On a sandy or weed covered launch, you may have troubles. I would never attempt a retrieval on an unimproved launch with a rig that heavy, without 4 wheel drive.

 

[wayne h]

Re: FWD or RWD???

i use a front wheel drive lumina car with a v6 to tow my boat. even know i have a 12 foot aluminum boat.very light.i have had good luck so far.

 

[JB]

Re: FWD or RWD???

FWD offers advantages for many things, but towing and ramp stuff are not included. <br /><br />A little tinny like Wayne's shouldn't offer any real problems, but anything in the 1500+lb. class will be problems at many ramps. The problems stem from extra weight on the wrong end of the vehicle. A front-mounted hitch for launching, loading and parking can help on some ramps, but putting the engine end of the vehicle in the water is scary.<br /><br />RWD can be a problem, too, if the drive wheels are on slick, scummy, sandy or muddy surfaces.<br /><br />4WD works much better that either, and a 4WD with low range and traction control is best of all.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[JRJ]

Re: FWD or RWD???

3300# is a fair load. My rig is about the same. I use FWD on only a few slippery ramps,but glad I can.

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: FWD or RWD???

My boat/trailer weigh about 3,500 lbs. I tow with a RWD F150 (Ford Pickup 2 wheel drive). I tow about 6,000 miles/year. Been to 50+ ramps in 15+ states. Only twice have I had trouble getting the boat/trailer out of the water - both ramps were in FL, and I eventually did get out on my own -- waited for the tide on one ramp and threw sand under the tires at the other.<br /><br />A buddy has the same boat and same truck, except his is 4WD. He's never had any trouble getting his boat out of the water, but for my money his additional initial expense, and poorer mpg are far too much to pay for such a small convenience. If you've got other uses for the 4WD, that might be another story.

 

[JB]

Re: FWD or RWD???

Hey, JRJ.<br /><br />I hope you mean 4WD (4 Wheel Drive), not FWD (Front Wheel Drive).<br /><br />Am I right??

 

[mikecjn]

Re: FWD or RWD???

I was wondering the same thing as JB.<br /><br />If you are asking about 4WD vs. RWD, I would say 4WD due to the size of the <br />boat.<br />My rig is around 3500 and I have a 1/2 ton Silverado 4WD with a 305 and it <br />is a 5 speed. Using 4 low really helps out of a steep ramp at low or mid <br />tide to take a little strain off the truck and clutch. I haven't had to <br />worry about spinning due to the heavier tongue weight, but I don't want to <br />burn out a clutch.I usually use 2 wheel on the gradual ramps but like <br />knowing I have 4WD just in case.

 

[QuadDriver]

Re: FWD or RWD???

I cant imagine any scenario where FWD will do one bit of good on a ramp - trying to accelerate uphill in marginal traction - 3 things a fwd cant do.<br /><br />Aside from 4wd (3 of my vehicles are but I rarely pull the lever) the BEST rwd ramp tow-er I have is my full size gm wagon. wonderful weight over that axle. and I pull 5000lbs up that ramp.

 

[JRJ]

Re: FWD or RWD???

Yes JB, I mean 4-wheel drive.

 

[wayne h]

Re: FWD or RWD???

i have a question you are talking about weight and FWD.how much does an engine weigh ?alot more then the tounge of a trailer.thats over the front wheels in a front wheel drive car why is that so bad ? its easyer to pull somthing then push it so why is front wheel drive so bad?

 

[aspeck]

Re: FWD or RWD???

FWD is not good for towing. You are right that the engine probably has more weight than the tongue weight, but don't forget the tongue weight will actually lift up the front end of the car. Without getting into specifics, remember your physics classes (if you can). There will be MUCH less weight on the drive wheels of a front drive car when you are towing. This can cause HUGE problems, especially at the slick launch ramp, but also just in general driving. You will be more prone to understeer the vehicle, having to correct an understeer with a trailer pushing you can be quite dangerous.<br /><br />Stick with 4WD when towing, or a good, heavy RWD, with evenly distributed weight over the drive wheels and steering wheels. Never have too much weight in the back that the steer wheels can loose grip on the road.