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03-11-2017, 06:37 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Seacoast NH
Posts: 34
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4WD or 2WD
I am looking at a GMC 3500 diesel long bed pickup to pull a Montana 3721RL fifth wheel and the question my wife and I are asking is do we need the 4 wheel drive. We haven't bought either unit yet but this is where we be living in full time and if everything goes the way we hope we won't be driving in snow.
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03-11-2017, 06:41 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oroville, CA
Posts: 3,133
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Not so much for snow, but what if you had to back uphill into a campsite on dirt roads.
We pulled our 30' 5vr with my 1t dodge dually (gas). We did have to 'flip' the axles on the trailer to get enough bed clearance. Please consider swapping out inadequate drum brakes for Disc brakes. You and your loved ones safety are worth it!
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Bill, Kathi and Zorro; '05 Beaver Patriot Thunder
2012 Sunnybrook Harmony 21FBS (SQEZINN)
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
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03-11-2017, 08:09 PM
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#3
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Registered User
Outdoors RV Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 348
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personal choice
4wd adds complexity, maintenance and weight. that couple hundred pounds of additional weight subtracts from tow and payload capacities. it costs more $$ up front, hurts fuel efficiency and costs more to insure. other than that its the cats meow
btdt,
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03-11-2017, 08:23 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Outdoors RV Owners Club
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,663
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I have had to put the truck into 4wd several times when pulling and backing my fiver on wet grass, 4 lo once when we got stuck in mud. Great insurance for when you need it.
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2008 F450, 2016 Outdoors RV Glacier Peak 26 RKS
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03-11-2017, 08:29 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 14,885
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I do not think you "need" a four wheel drive. I pulled a 5er for years with an old International and never had need to use 4X4. It was a 2 wheel drive.
Having said that the 450 is 4x4 because I wanted it. I used it a couple times because I had ribbed tires on it so traction in snow was problematic. When I change tires on it they will be all season which should make it work better.
Bottom line - if you want one get one, if you don't be careful where you go and plan before going there.
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Gordon and Janet
Tour 42QD/InTech Stacker
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03-11-2017, 09:06 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Thor Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Rainier, Or
Posts: 171
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Good question. I have a two wheel drive and I sometimes wish it was four wheel. I bought my truck 4 years ago and never thought I would need a 4 wheel. But when I bought my TT I found out that it would not pull up the hill on a steep gravel road or backup on my gravel driveway where I park the TT when the surface is wet. Other than that I never need a 4 wheel drive. So now I do wish I had a 4 wheel. But I will live without it. Happy decision making.
__________________
US Navy (69-90) retired
Armstrong World Industries (91-13) retired
Happily married over 45 years
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03-11-2017, 09:24 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,443
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald
I do not think you "need" a four wheel drive. I pulled a 5er for years with an old International and never had need to use 4X4. It was a 2 wheel drive.
Having said that the 450 is 4x4 because I wanted it. I used it a couple times because I had ribbed tires on it so traction in snow was problematic. When I change tires on it they will be all season which should make it work better.
Bottom line - if you want one get one, if you don't be careful where you go and plan before going there.
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This pretty much covers it, no you don't NEED it, but when you do is is great to have. While it cost more in the Beginning , that cost is greatly returned at at trad in, or resale.
If you are like us and winter camp, even here in the PNW, you will from time to time get a weather surprise.
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Russ & Paula, Portland, OR. The Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW Aisin 4X4 14,000# GVWR.
2005 Keystone Copper Canyon 293FWSLS Rear Kitchen 12,360 GVWR
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03-11-2017, 09:36 PM
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 325
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I suggest the 4WD. The obvious would be additional traction if needed. But, depending upon your demands...... a 2 speed transfer case. In low range, you get tons of torque to the ground for those steep pulls. Or, you can "inch" along at a "snails pace" for tight spots or backing into places you probably shouldn't. For me a 4WD is a must! memtb
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03-12-2017, 04:16 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: west Michigan
Posts: 411
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Although no one specifically addressed it, I'm assuming with that size trailer, the truck will be DRW. I have a 3500 DRW Chevy 4x4 and here in west MI along the lakeshore we get our share of snow. DRW 's in snow are a bad thing so 4x4 is a must foe me.
__________________
'03 Dynasty Chancellor 40' A/H - '93 Jeep Wrangler YJ
Life has many choices, eternity has two...choose wisely!!!
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03-12-2017, 07:49 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: PINEY FLATS TN
Posts: 1,094
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Snow, loose gravel, grass, wet grass, backing up with a trailer in any of these conditions , a 4WD shines. Add inclines, and slow maneuvering speeds, and you'll be glad to own a 4WD. I can't tell you how many times I have used 4wd while towing. Its true some folks will never need it, but they probably pick and choose their routes or campgrounds in accordance with the type of vehicle they have. I know we take our 5er in places where most people would never take a 43 ft trailer. I've been in some tight spots, and the 4WD has saved my bacon many times.
As far as more maintenance; you have 1 more differential, and a transfer case to change oil in. No big deal. Yes the added equipment also has some extra solenoids, and what not, but having that extra amount of running gear is worth it in my book. Its a personal and financial choice. You'll just have to figure out what your needs are.
__________________
USCG MKC (Ret.)
2022 Winnebago Forza 36H
RVM #104
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03-12-2017, 09:16 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 14,885
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Adding 4x4 will reduce the GCWR and GVWR of your truck if it is a concern with the size of 5er or TT you are considering. Well it won't reduce it but it will leave the amount left to use a bit smaller.
One thing 4x4 will do is give you a lot more confidence on conditions shown in the pictures in post 7. The truck will pull better and handle better. You have to be totally cognizant of this as the limit is the traction of the tires. If you lose it the stopping distance will be similar to 2x4 which means if you have used the comfort of the 4x4 to push the envelope you will go farther into the ditch.
When I had a 4x4 for work I would drive in 2x4 until I got stuck. I would put it in 4x4, back up and return home. Neighbor went out 4 wheeling with his truck in 4x4. Said he went through a few mud holes and ended up way in the bush when he got stuck. Had to get a 4 wheel drive tow truck him out at considerable cost. Told me if he had a 2x4 he would have got stuck in the first mud hole and been able to hire a regular tow truck to get him out at minimal cost. It was a good story but a story never the less.
__________________
Gordon and Janet
Tour 42QD/InTech Stacker
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03-12-2017, 09:46 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 192
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I have had both. I had 4x4 when I lived in the north. Now I am in the south and I drive 2WD. I am now retired so I don't have to be anywhere at any specific time-works for me. I also have Coachnet if needed.
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03-12-2017, 10:11 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Payson, AZ
Posts: 1,270
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how much extra is the 4x4 option? how much would it be worth to you if you had to use it just once? I didn't plan on ever using it, but there have been two times when I used it to get out of a situation where two wheel just wouldn't work. I need to be even more careful to not get in these situations but the 4 wheel option got me out.
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03-12-2017, 10:31 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 2,500
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Another thing to think about,,, alot of pickups are NOT 2 wheel drive,,, they are ONE wheel drive.... A front wheel drive car is fine,,, but that is ONE wheel spinning... Now that is not all vehicles,,, but something to think about... My Silverado is a true 2 wheel drive due to the Eaton Locker,,, Till I turn the switch for 4 wheel drive... I don't "off road" , but I choose a 4x4 for those limited times it will get me home,,, or for an unforseen weather problem.... Thats why they make both,,, My choice...
Monkey
__________________
Monkey, pilot of a Great Dane hauler,
2015 Silverado 2500 Duramax/Alison 4x4 CrewCab 2016 Cougar 28SGS
1ST CAV
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