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Our truck is a 4WD. When using it to pull the fiver I often use low range without locking the front hubs to BACK the fiver or manuver it slow speed around the yard or campsight(gives you a 2low). Backing in low range helps protects the transmission from overheating. Not having the front hubs locked allows you to be on hard pavement without binding the drive train.It is like a "granny" reverse 2WD. Normal reverse is a higher ratio than your first gear, thus putting a strain on a transmission when backing 10,000 lbs. Backing in normal range reverse builds up transmission heat fast. Our C6 transmission is going on 170,000 miles with nothing but fluid and filter changes.
Living in south Texas, we dont have a snow problem, but living on a ranch, the 4WD is indespensible in muddy pastures. Thus we need a 4WD for other things besided RVing, but it is handy for RVing. Ours will always be a 4x4. If you dont get a 4WD, at least get a limited slip rear axle. Ours is both. Our Jeep Cherokee is 2WD (no need to have two 4WD vehicles).
I get a hoot watching the new Ford superduty commercial as it drags a HUGE weight in reverse. They gotta be using low range 4WD or that would smoke the tranny. That much weight probably cooked the tranny anyway. TV commercials dont have much in common with reality.
Our current truck is a dinosaur but still in great shape mechanically and cosmetically. We are currently planning for it's replacement which will probably be a F350 diesel, crew cab, 4x4 dual wheel long bed. I'm not buying another big block gasoline engine, but will continue with the 4WD trucks.
One other thing;
If you get a 4WD do NOT get automatic locking front hubs. You cant obtain a 2low with them and they (hubs) tend to malfunction quite often. Insist on manual locking front hubs.
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Robert & Nancy with "Murphy the EOG"
Murphy has passed on, but Micah and Bogie have assumed the watch! 02 Holiday Rambler 5ver, 2015 Indian Chief Vintage. 98 Coachmen truck camper.
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