Towing with a 2wd 4 Runner.

**Cajunhunter67** · 08-02-2021, 10:26 PM

My wife is looking at a 2021 4 runner Premium with 2wd.
My main towing vehicle is my 2014 F150 eco. I was just wondering if anyone has experience using a 2wd 4 runner?
I would only use it when I absolutely have too. My main concern is pulling the boat out the water on a wet ramp with only 2wd.

Boat is a 19 foot BCB Pantera II.
Any feed back would be appreciated.

Don

**wareagle24** · 08-02-2021, 10:48 PM

I've been pulling boats up ramps for nearly 40 years and I've never owned a 4 wheel drive.

**Transom** · 08-02-2021, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by wareagle24

I've been pulling boats up ramps for nearly 40 years and I've never owned a 4 wheel drive.

Yep. I only had a hard time once and that was with a heavy watersoake pontoon on a steep ramp.

Father and grandfather always had a boat and never needed 4 wheel drive. I do not know much about the specific vehicle the OP asked about but 2 wheel drive in general will get it done. I guess if you use improvised ramps or use an icy ramp you might run into problems. I would not fret it especially if you have a half ton. I doubt you will even use the vehicle you asked about or could at least choose your half ton instead if going to an icy ramp or one made from dirt.

**outsidesmoke** · 08-02-2021, 10:59 PM

I tow a 20' with a tacoma (similar hp/torque) and it tows fine but it will never come up a ramp smoothly in 2wd. Wouldn't trust it at all in 2wd on a sandy or steep ramp.

**06 SB** · 08-02-2021, 11:01 PM

I towed a PII with both a Tacoma and 4Runner with the 4.0L motor. Never needed 4wd on any ramp. It will work just fine.

**Hookset41a** · 08-02-2021, 11:32 PM

Have had 2 different 4-Runners (2007 and 2017) both have pulled my 20.5' Bass Boats with no issues ever. Both have been 2wd, 2007 sold w 200,xxx miles and other than basic maintenance the alternator went out at 200k. 2017 has over 100k already and no issues at all other than a door lock motor that died.

**jc2bg** · 08-03-2021, 06:46 AM

Originally Posted by outsidesmoke

I tow a 20' with a tacoma (similar hp/torque) and it tows fine but it will never come up a ramp smoothly in 2wd. Wouldn't trust it at all in 2wd on a sandy or steep ramp.

This ^. I think you need to consider all the ramps you normally use, in their various conditions, and then use that perspective to decide. I’ve had only 4-wd tow vehicles since I’ve been pulling boats larger than 18 feet, and I never put it in 4-wd unless I need to. So in essence that’s 2-wd. But there are times when I might not have gotten out of the water without help, had I been limited to only 2-wd. One place has a metal ramp that is very slick when wet. A couple other ramps I use are smooth concrete. Another one gets very sandy, which is awful. And several get covered with wet weeds when the wind is blowing in to the ramp. It’s a sick feeling when the wheels just spin and your whole rig is starting to slide. We’ve even launched a few times when the ramp was starting to ice over.

**twitch** · 08-03-2021, 06:54 AM

I have only used 4 wheel drive at a very few ramps and those are mostly sand and gravel not paved, I use to tow with a Chevy El Camino and it was a dream to tow my boat with no problems at all . Now I use a Tahoe and maybe twice a year need 4 wheel drive and that is on unpaved ramps....

**Cajunhunter67** · 08-03-2021, 07:59 AM

Thanks for all the comments and input!
Appreciate it.
Will be headed to the dealer today.
Of course she wants a leveling kit and wheels on it.
Gotta love a country girl.

Don

**magfluker** · 08-03-2021, 08:28 AM

We have a 2010 4runner with 2wd, I have towed my Nitro with it on a few trips. Have not had a ramp issue yet, it does have limited slip, just take it slow when pulling out. The engine has plenty of low end torque. It doesn't tow great up hill, but I see you are in Louisiana so you'll be ok in that regard.

**CigarBasser** · 08-03-2021, 09:08 AM

I pull mine with 2006 and 2009 2WD Tacoma’s to include Long distance.. Haven’t had any issues.

**adrenalnjunky** · 08-03-2021, 09:25 AM

My '07 prerunner Tacoma does fine - on the ramps I use. Good tires and proper inflation make a world of difference. I'd prefer the security of 4wd, but my truck was paid for well before I bought my boat. There's one ramp my FIL fishes that I wouldn't trust my truck at, so we take his truck for those trips.

**C0MRAD** · 08-03-2021, 09:47 AM

My 2WD pulls the boat out of anything just fine, including dirt and sand ramps.

**Cajunhunter67** · 08-03-2021, 08:59 PM

Thanks for all the feedback.
Wife loves her new 4 Runner.

Don

**n2ratfishin** · 08-03-2021, 09:00 PM

**CigarBasser** · 08-03-2021, 09:27 PM

She pull it well.. enjoy

**Z520C** · 08-03-2021, 10:04 PM

Wife thinking about a new suv, I really wish she would get a 4 runner. She’s leaning towards the highlander big time. She’s going to pay for it so whatever makes her happy. I love the 4 runners sporty drive and low end torque. She likes the nice accents of the Highlander. I won’t persuade her either way.
Congrats on the new ride. It’s sharp

**bobh4656** · 08-03-2021, 10:07 PM

The Highland tows well too.. FYI. It's a crossover so a softer more car like ride. We really liked both of our Highlanders.

**Z520C** · 08-03-2021, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by bobh4656

The Highland tows well too.. FYI. It's a crossover so a softer more car like ride. We really liked both of our Highlanders.

Thanks for that, guess I have reservations about pulling my 520 with a Highlander. I’ll look into it’s ratings little more .

**wrat** · 08-04-2021, 04:49 AM

Been towing a TR21 for with 2wd 4runner for 5+ years so far so good, used on super slick ramps that f150,s slide on and did not have a problem

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Towing with a 2wd 4 Runner.