I appreciate all the information on the other threads, but most of them deal with power options and towing capacities. My questions is about the need for a 4 wheel drive vehicle...is the 4-wheel drive is as important as everyone thinks? I had a 03 Tahoe and pulled my 225 LPX and never used the 4-wheel drive option one time. With our 06 Suburban I didn't use the 4-wheel drive for pulling the 225 in, or out if the water. Now that our new boat is a 270BR and I want to upgrade my tow vehicle, I have my eyes on a Chevy dulley which is 2 wheel drive, but has a duramax 6600 diesel with every option except the 4 wheel drive.

Please let me know what you think.

 

Thanks!!! 

 

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Bob Wilson
"NEVER HURT SO GOOD"
2006 270 BR

Bob: With the extra weight of the duramax  diesel in the front end of the truck you will need the  4  WEEL DRIVE . I have seen several dulleys have traction problems on slick boat ramps without it. All that power is lost if it doesn't grip the pavement.

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2004 202lpx 350mag

I'm like you Bob.  Have the 4 wheel drive but haven't really ever had to use it.  My guess is you'd be ok but you know that one time you get stuck on a mossy ramp...you're going to cuss me for saying it.  Or Linda will.  

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
266BR,496 MAG-Bravo III

Dual rear wheels on trucks are great for towing weight, but not for traction.  A locking differential may help though.  I have been to a few amatuer truck pulls and the worst pullers were duallys since the load is spread out at four spots instead of two at the rear.  And then add the fact that the rear end of a pickup is pretty light unloaded.  Personally, I'd suggest a 2500HD or 3500 single rear wheel Duramax.

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Un-Civil-ized 2002 230BR, MX6.2 BIII on a Prestige Trailer. Moonstone/Amethyst with silver diamond graphics

I own a Chevy dually, when I was looking, I was going to settle for 2 wheel drive, I'm glad I didn't. I got a good deal on a 4 wheel drive and have used it several occasions, dual wheels cause for more surface area to distribute the load this keeps the rear wheels on top of what is riding on, grass, mud, whatever.

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Chris, Roxanna & Jadyn
2003 225LPX Volvo DP 385HP
"NOT SO MELLO"

It's better to have that 4 wheel drive switch and not need it than not to have it when you need it.  Besides like everyone else said a dually will get stuck on wet grass because of the load distribution.

 Dane

 

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2007 250 Crownline Cruiser
pulled by an 06 Dodge MEGACAB
Cummins Power.

I am a GM fan, but had to go the Dodge (Cummins) route this time. The Independent front end on the GM Duramax is a great ride (better than both ford and Dodge) but it tends to be the weak link. I have a few buddies with the Duramax that really abuse their trucks and kill the front ends on the Duramax 4x4. But I have a friend that only uses his truck to pull his 29ft boat (9000#), and he does not abuse this truck. He was in 4 wheel drive pulling the boat out of the ramp and snapped a Tie rod one time. Another time he cracked a hub. So be very careful when pulling your boat out in 4 wheel drive if you go with the IFS on a Duramax. Don't take this as me knocking the Duramax, I really like the trucks. They run great, sound great, and look great. But the Independent front suspension is a little bit on the weak side.

 

 

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2006 CR270 496Mag
Boat Name: Nauti Nat
Lakeland, FL