4WD vs 2WD??

[Franka548]

I agree with Rusty on the it depends on your usage. I have seen 2wd stuck on grass and I have seen 4wd stuck in the same area, when the trailer wheels are sunk in, and it is soft ground, either one can get stuck.

[Eric_H_E]

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

Eric
I agree you don't want to operate low (or even high for that matter) four wheel drive on hard pavement but I would do it for a short distance - a car length or two. I was with a friend with a 2WD Ford backing his 5th wheel into a space near Moab and by the time he was in the space the transmission had gotten so hot fluid was coming out the overflow or vent. I think better yet is 4X4 with manual hubs like I had.
Bob

i would think that is the only way to use 4wd on hard pavement. get the tork multiplication for slow speed manuvering. but u have to be careful of the extra tork going to just one axel.

[Eric_H_E]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

I keep hearing about people that have seen a 2 wheel truck stuck on grass
Ken

been there done that. but it did not have a locking diff and that makes a big diffrence

[Perry White]

2wd with posi. If you get stuck, $98/year Coach-Net.

[87_Fixr]

I think most people like to use their trucks for other tasks besides pullin the rv. It's for those other tasks that I'm glad I have 4wd. Rusty's right tho- there are advantages with the 2wd truck too.

[KTM Guy]

I didn't get 4WD for pulling my trailer. I got it because I ski in the Colorado Rockies. It's nice to have when boondocking on dirt roads, but I could probably do the same thing with 2WD.

[1ciderdog]

I think it depends on individual circumstances and trade offs - cost vs convenience or possible necessity. When we moved up to SW Oregon I had a 2WD and on my property the Ford 2WD could not move the 5th wheel once I got into the area. I went to a local RV park and asked if anyone with a 4X4 could try to move the 5th wheel out for me. A guy with a Dodge 4X4 dually said he'd give it a try and after he hooked up it looked effortless - the dually 4X4 pulled the 5th wheel out to harder surface. That one instance sold me on the 4X4 idea. If you don't get in that type of situation you probably don't need a 4X4. From years ago when working on the border in the sand I remember hearing that a 4X4 will only get you stuck deeper - and that might be true but where we now live the county does not maintain our roads so in order to get out to the highway in the winter we often have to break a trail through the snow. In our situation a 4X4 is pretty important. Some towing contracts end when the pavement ends - not much good in my opinion.
Bob

[Ray,IN]

Just my personal experience here. Until my present truck I only had 2wd, got stuck a lot, in snow on my uphill driveway, in my farm field just after DW had driven her car though the same spot, etc. I seem to average at least one muddy CG each year. Just this past Easter weekend we went to a state park where it rained every day for a week. As I was backing into my spot I got the left duals off the blacktop and immediately began spinning. I stopped and pushed the 4 wd-low button and continued backing into the spot. Same thing happened when we left.
4WD is not the same thing it was a decade ago. I've had my 4X6 Chevy dually since 05 and the 4WD part hasn't cost me a dime in maintenance yet. As for durability, 2 years ago we went to Buffalo, NY and on the return leg I got stuck in a muddy CG. After we left I forgot to revert to 2WD. I ran at interstate speed for about 50 miles when I noticed the 4WD-high light on. I shifted it to 2WD and continued to home, where I had my truck checked out for any damage to the transfer case and drivetrain. The GM tech said "this isn't your Dad's version of 4WD, todays are tough to break".
I may only actually need 4WD once a year, but when I do_ I have it! BTW, I was told some road service contracts exclude private property runs. Might be an important question to ask when considering one.

[Arch Hoagland]

I specifically bought a 4WD when I had a trailer because I had to back up a slippery slope to get it stored behind my house. And the 4wd rode better than the 2wd when I test drove them.
The resale was better on a 4wd as there is more demand for them.

However, either one will do the job just fine.

[CD]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

I keep hearing about people that have seen a 2 wheel truck stuck on grass....I have yet to see on and I have been RVing since 1984.

Like Rusty, I have ALWAYS used a 2WD and never had any issues. But if it makes you feel better, by all means spend the extra money on the drive, poorer fuel economy and higher repair cost.

Why get something you do not need?

Ken

Just yesterday was pulling an equipment trailer on wet grass and spun out with front wheels on gravel. Put it in 4X4 & drove out. It could have been the TT which is heavier.

[Perry White]

2wd turns shorter radius doesn't it?

[CD]

Originally Posted by Perry White

2wd turns shorter radius doesn't it?

Not necessarily. My dodge turns shorter than any 2wd I've had and it is a long wheel base.

[ljr]

Originally Posted by wildoates

Being new to the RV world, which is better to have as a tow vehicle, 2WD or 4WD? I've narrowed my choice to a 2500 HD with the diesel package, but balked after reading that a 2WD is better suited for towing.

Any thoughts?

I've been towing with 4wd for 15 years and can count on my fingers the times I've needed to use it, with fingers left over. In those few cases when I really needed it, I REALLY needed it.

[hooverbill]

I've had seven pick ups...all 2wd, never had a need for 4wd. One thing for sure, if you have a 4wd and get stuck you'll be farther in the boonies than if stuck with a 2wd!