Anyone use traction mats or tire chains at the boat ramp ? My car is front wheel drive and can tow 3500 pounds. I plan on towing about 2200 pounds. Years ago I towed a 24 foot homemade Wood Boat , a 115 Evinrude and a tandem trailer with a 1973 Ford LTD that had rear wheel drive. It probably weighed 2500-2800 pounds . Me and my family would trailer it up to Lake George in the summer, the car was loaded with 5 people , camping gear, luggage , fishing rods, gas and that car pulled us up there no problem. All we installed was a transmission cooler and it worked out great. Many times the rear wheels were in slime near the waters edge and still it pulled the boat out every time. Launched at Point lookout many times, pretty steep at low tide. I never had any trouble pulling the boat out anywhere and I trailered all over LI . Makes you wonder if you really need a Pickup to tow things less than 3500 pounds. I know you need a Pickup to tow heavy boats, campers, but I keep hearing people say I need a Pickup to tow 2200 pounds , I wouldn't have the pulling power. I remember the trips up to Lake George with a heavy load and say most people don't know what they're talking about. I have a Minivan , I've seen Minivans tow big campers up into the mountains, tow 5000 pound boats in Canada that has different towing laws. I removed the seats in my van and it's about 400 pounds lighter and maybe I'll use a traction mat if the wheel starts to slip . I doubt I'll have to use them.
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