I have a 18' aluminum boat with a Johnson 115 hp motor. I am currently considering purchasing a 1997 4runner 2 wheel drive and was wandering if the 1997 models have limited slip in the rear? I am worried about the rear tire slipping at the boat ramp while loading and unloading.
1997 Towing/Boat Question
- Thread starter mibpf
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
BrianSD_42
New member
Dude I have launched many boats and I would be cautious before trying to launch any boat with a 2WD vehicle. I did talk with my Dad who has far more experience than me and his opinion is that 2WD is fine for 90% of the ramp situations, assuming you have a light boat.
Irregardless of the weight of the boat & trailer, the truck will be in the water at the launch ramp. The launch ramp will be slick and covered in slime.
A lot of people underestimate just how little traction you have on most ramps therefore I advise you be careful what launch ramps to use.
HERE ARE SOME FUN LINKS
If this guy didn't have 4WD he would have gone in for sure
YouTube - Launching a Boat
This one has 4 rear tires and it still went in (assumed 2WD)
YouTube - The Dodge that could not swim...
This one absolutely made me laugh the hardest
YouTube - Only in Quebec! How not to launch your SeaDoo...
Don't be like these dumb@sses [skip to 6 min
]YouTube - Funniest boat launch ever!
This one is a 4Runner:
YouTube - Boat Launch Fail: Hart Park
This is how to launch your boat LIKE A BOSS :>>>
YouTube - Sea Ray boat launch on Lecanvey beach
Sunken $60,000 Escalade - (either 2wd or failed to put in park)
YouTube - Launch ramp disaster! el capitan lake
Last edited:
LittleCaesar
New member
What is the weight of the boat package? How about tongue weight?
A neighbor has a 2000 Limited 2WD and pulls a 19ft Carolina Skiff to the boat landing seven miles away. I think the boat, trailer, and works comes in around 2300 lbs. With close to a 8% grade, it pulls it up the ramp just fine. Having just put new Cooper tires on, he told me that has helped with wet traction, especially at the ramp.
If you don't have new tires, make sure the pressure is low in the rear for better traction, especially if the ramp is algae infested. And add a tranny cooler.
If doubt still lingers, buy a 99-2000 Limited with 4WD or 2001-02 with 4WD.
A neighbor has a 2000 Limited 2WD and pulls a 19ft Carolina Skiff to the boat landing seven miles away. I think the boat, trailer, and works comes in around 2300 lbs. With close to a 8% grade, it pulls it up the ramp just fine. Having just put new Cooper tires on, he told me that has helped with wet traction, especially at the ramp.
If you don't have new tires, make sure the pressure is low in the rear for better traction, especially if the ramp is algae infested. And add a tranny cooler.
If doubt still lingers, buy a 99-2000 Limited with 4WD or 2001-02 with 4WD.
Many Thanks
Thanks for the quick replies. The guy has agreed to to let me trailer the boat to the ramp and try it out but, I think I might have to wait until I find a good deal on a 4 wheel drive. I would definitely feel more comfortable with a 4 wheel drive. I will report back tomorrow if I decide to let give it a try.
Thanks for the quick replies. The guy has agreed to to let me trailer the boat to the ramp and try it out but, I think I might have to wait until I find a good deal on a 4 wheel drive. I would definitely feel more comfortable with a 4 wheel drive. I will report back tomorrow if I decide to let give it a try.
1997 4Runner Worked
I just got back for the boat ramp and the 2 wheel drive 1997 model 4Runner was able to pull the boat out flawlessly. I think I a going to buy it. The only issue with the car is the throttle pedal is much harder to push in than my wifes 2011 Highlander or our 2003 Seinna. Also, when you step on it is is not as fast off the line but it tows just fine. The 4Runner is a 1997 with 166k miles and is in great shape. Now I plan on selling the Sienna. Next summer, I might have to consider purchasing a new Trail Edition. I will post pics as soon as I figure out how. My first several attempts have been unsuccessful.
I just got back for the boat ramp and the 2 wheel drive 1997 model 4Runner was able to pull the boat out flawlessly. I think I a going to buy it. The only issue with the car is the throttle pedal is much harder to push in than my wifes 2011 Highlander or our 2003 Seinna. Also, when you step on it is is not as fast off the line but it tows just fine. The 4Runner is a 1997 with 166k miles and is in great shape. Now I plan on selling the Sienna. Next summer, I might have to consider purchasing a new Trail Edition. I will post pics as soon as I figure out how. My first several attempts have been unsuccessful.
LittleCaesar
New member
Do you have a pic of the 4runner and boat all in one pic? It looks good.
Use the search engine to look up throttle response and it should give a good thread on how to clean and tighten the throttle cable.
Here it is:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/45445-how-get-better-throttle-response-free.html
Use the search engine to look up throttle response and it should give a good thread on how to clean and tighten the throttle cable.
Here it is:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/45445-how-get-better-throttle-response-free.html
Last edited:
Dude I have launched many boats and it is not a good idea to try and launch any boat with a 2WD vehicle.
Irregardless of the weight of the boat & trailer, the truck will be in the water at the launch ramp. The launch ramp will be slick and covered in slime.
I think you face a serious risk of sliding in and losing your truck. In fact in my opinion you will lose it eventually if you do multiple launches on different ramps and only have 2WD.
A lot of people underestimate just how little traction you have on most ramps.
If this guy didn't have 4WD he would have gone in for sure
YouTube - Launching a Boat
This one has 4 rear tires and it still went in (assumed 2WD)
YouTube - The Dodge that could not swim...
This one absolutely made me laugh the hardest
YouTube - Only in Quebec! How not to launch your SeaDoo...
Don't be like these dumb@sses [skip to 6 min
YouTube - Funniest boat launch ever!
This one is a 4Runner:
YouTube - Boat Launch Fail: Hart Park
This is how to launch your boat LIKE A BOSS :>>>
YouTube - Sea Ray boat launch on Lecanvey beach
Sunken $60,000 Escalade - (either 2wd or failed to put in park)
YouTube - Launch ramp disaster! el capitan lake
GREAT POST!!!
Having worked at a marina for a number of years I saw plenty of yahoos like this who had no idea how to launch a boat. More then once I spent a whole sat. afternoon at the boat ramp with a cooler full of beers just laughing at all the nonsense going down
OP, nice truck. pic of boat?
BrianSD_42
New member
I wanted to add this:
