I have a 2018 STX, scab, 2.7 liter 4x4. I'll be towing a 7,000 lb boat twice a year.
I'm curious. Since the boat is about 2,000 lbs heavier than the truck, when I back down to launch the boat, I shift to park, engage the parking brake and take my foot off the brake pedal, I'm concerned that only the 2 rear wheels are locked.
My question is this. If I have it in 4x mode, will that also lock the front wheels? I'm assuming it does since the transfer case hooks them together but I want to make sure for my own piece of mind.

 

As long as it's in 4 wheel drive and not all wheel drive then yes. Only Lariats and higher trims have the AWD function. I would also utilize Low Range to make it an effortless event.

 

It's an STX so I don't have the 4A mode.
Thanks for the reply. It's reassuring to know that all 4 corners are locked up in park.
I'm sure towing that heavy will end up being a non issue. I've been towing boats for 45 years, but all smaller ski or fishing boats. Under 3,000 lbs.

 

You could always carry a chock or small piece of 2x4 for extra security. Depends on the slime on the ramp.

 

Make sure there is not a cross current.

 

Chocks are cheap insurance.

 

Yeah...the ramp condition is what REALLY dictates your best protocol. Super slimy ramps will pull a truck straight into the drink, regardless of brakes or transmission being in 'park'...seen it happen many times. But you have the right idea, 4WD, low range, try to keep the front wheels on good traction surfaces...and trust that the parking pawl (a seriously tiny little device) holds, lol! Chocks are good insurance but get some really bright colored ones so you don't happen to leave them on the ramp, possibly pulling the trailer across them.

 

I have chocks. Bright yellow but I still have to get out of the truck to put the chocks down.
I'll be towing a small houseboat from Mesa Az to Lake Powell Utah in the spring and then back in the fall. 300 miles each way.
The ramps are a bit steep but they are paved and grooved. I've never seen a slimy ramp at Lake Powell. The water fluctuated too much for the ramps to get gooey so hopefully that won't be an issue.

 

I saw a guy once using a chock on front tire, had a cable attached to side step, when he drove off, it simply dragged, before it got ran over by the back wheel. Looked pretty decent for the given set-up. For me, after I back in, wife always gets in drivers seat, after I'm done launching boat, she drives off, parks trailer or pulls off to side when buttoning things up.

 

I don't trust my wife with either the boat OR the truck so I just put it in 4Lo, engage the e-diff, set the parking brake, and put HER under the tire.