Boat Ramp Retrieval - Tundra V6 vs Sienna AWD- need advice

[jo-e90]

Debating whether to trade in my FWD sienna for a TT V6/V8 4WD or Sienna AWD. This thread is not about towing, but instead about ramps as I live 20 minutes from the lake.
Any thoughts?

[Mikeman]

What's the ramp like - gravel, cement, grooved cement, slimy, steep, etc? Since you're talking about a lake, I assume you wouldn't have to worry about launching or retrieving at low tide, which can change the ramp characteristics considerably.

Personally, I would tend to favor the truck as they are meant for towing and they ride higher so you don't have to worry about scraping the hitch, putting the exhaust, axles, etc underwater when launching and retrieving. Plus, I always like the option of having a 4 low range available. If you have a lighter boat and trailer and don't tow often, these things may not matter.

[wernermeister]

[QUOTE=jo-e90;3638835]Debating whether to trade in my FWD sienna for a TT V6/V8 4WD or Sienna AWD. This thread is not about towing, but instead about ramps as I live 20 minutes from the lake.
Any thoughts? [quote]

its all about AWD and clearance of hitch to ground...
for me the Sienna don't have enough ground clearance for the terrain of a boat ramp... but then again, that depends on the ramps you have to deal with

[Eaglefan]

For what it's worth I used a FWD Sienna for 5 years to launch an 18' Stingray bow rider without issue on a concrete boat launch. Plain Jane standard single axle trailer. Every weekend Fri-Sun March thru October.