Pulling a boat, a small aluminum boat,, I need a new vehicle to pull it, can I do it with front wheel drive?

Question

I have a small sonoma truck, it does ok till I get on the landing ramp then the boat is too heavy I actully slid backwards into the lake last year. I would like to spend less than $8000 what would you suggest? The boat is a 14 foot aluminum with an old 10 horse Evinrude.

Answer 1

Sounds like you just need better gripping power at the ramp... that truck should be able to handle that small boat.  I've launched my 20 foot supra ski boat with my S-10 pickup plenty of times!

Add some weight to the back of your truck(ballast: I'd add about 2-3 hundred pounds), get some better tires, and save the $8000... :)

Answer 2

Are you wanting to "buy" another vehicle for under $8K?

Front wheel drive isn't the issue, towing capacity is what you need to know. Before you buy, research the vehicle and find out what it's towing capacity is, then weigh your boat and trailer to see what you are actually towing. The slope of the ramp will also be an issue. Find yourself a spot to launch where the angle is less steep should help also.

Answer 3

Like everyone else said you do not need anything different what you have is fine. Grab some sand bags or have a friend or two sit in the back. Alot of people freak out about their trucks sliding back, it happens to me all the time, do not worry it will stop once the boat hits the water- well in your case you really need weight and new tires because your boat should not even affect your truck

Answer 4

Your truck is fine , get better tires, add weight to the box, check the ramp to see if there 's an oil slick on it , too much weight inside the boat? Front wheel drives slip just as much, I once helped pull a front wheel drive car up the ramp because he was loosing traction like you are.