The most important factor to consider when choosing a tow vehicle is how much the trailer and boat weigh together. Your tow vehicle will need to be rated to tow the combined weight of the trailer and boat as well as any incidentals such as extra passengers, gear and accessories.
Once you’ve worked out the towing capacity requirements and limitations that relate to your particular boat and trailer, then you can decide which of the three options to choose, namely two-wheel, four-wheel or all-wheel drive towing that is the best for your purpose.
Leisure Boating goes in search of the facts relating to these three tow vehicle options in an effort to point you in the right direction.
Two-wheel drive vehicles
2WD vehicles include rear-wheel drive (RWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD) systems. The most common drive systems are the two-wheel drive type and they are often the cheapest tow vehicle option.
How 2WD systems work: a shaft from the transmission drives the gear in the differential, and this in turn drives the wheels. Front-wheel-drive vehicles (also called 2WD vehicles) perform better in slippery conditions as the weight of the engine is over the wheels, offering the vehicle added traction.
The other benefit of a 2WD front-wheel drive is that it pulls the vehicle along rather than pushing it from behind in a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
If a front-wheel drive tow car or SUV has the necessary torque and power, it usually makes an excellent tow vehicle.
