"Chris" wrote in message
.. .
Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I
know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those
of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues...

4WD is only of value in the rare instances when you really need extra
traction, like at a slippery boat ramp, or perhaps during those occasional
summer downpours when your wipers become useless, you're driving through 4"
of water, and everyone on the highway slows to a crawl. And, most car makers
recommend not using 4WD over certain speeds, for perfectly logical reasons,
so it's of little value at highway speeds.

The real issue is the design and condition of the suspension. If you're
shopping for a vehicle and need info on the suspension, you may have to
strongarm the salesperson to get him to introduce you to someone in the
service department who's actually well versed in how the various models are
set up. Some trucks are nice & stiff with regard to vertical forces (heavy
loads), but not well stabilized against horizontal forces, especially if
they're applied by an 18' lever, which is sort of how a boat & trailer act
in a strong crosswind.

So...it all depends. You can often modify the vehicle you already own, if
you can find a suspension shop that knows what they're doing.