Two wheel drive or 4x4?

[WldKargo]

In 2008 I was pulling a 41' toy hauler with a Ford F350 Super Duty with the max tow package. On several occasions I needed 4wd to get the rig moving in wet or muddy conditions. Where it really saved me was the 4wd Low range. I camped in a friends yard for a couple of weeks and he had a steep gravel driveway with nowhere to get a run. In 2wd or 4wd High the rig would just stop on the steepest part. Backed up to the bottom of the driveway, put it in 4wd Low, and it walked right out. The DW was very much relieved ;-)

I also would use low range for backing up when there was extra maneuvering needed. Much easier to walk it into place. Now I have another large 5th wheel and I will only consider a 4wd DRW truck. When you need it, you generally really need it!

If you do go the 2wd route, then a locker will help, but you may also want to consider a "big" winch. YMMV...Chris

[Mark 7]

I have a 4WD '98 Dodge 2500 (Cummins) and the only time I ever really have need of 4WD is if I am playing. I try not to get into situations where I need it.

That being said, my 5 speed manual has an insane high speed reverse and when backing into tight spots I do like low range to slow things down a bit, and it's easier on my clutch. I do miss the lock out front hubs I had on my '93 Dodge as I could use low range without getting the driveline tied up in knots!

[Hackercraft]

I have a 3500 Chevy 4x4 Dually and I’ve only actually needed the 4 wheel drive once to pull my fifth out of a soft spot in a state park. But if I didn’t have it I would have had to call a tow truck to get out. I also got a heavier toe rating.

[Cowpie1]

Some of us, our pickup trucks are for far more use than moving around a RV. I live rural, on some gravel roads that can get pretty nasty at different times of the year. I also have to push snow with my pickup. My pickup is sometimes called upon to do tasks around the property, and a 2WD would not do too well, for instance, trying to pull felled trees to where they can be stacked on my hilly property like my 3/4 ton 4WD did.

That my pickup actually is used for recreation is an afterthought, not a primary reason I got it. Just happened to work out well. I needed the capability of the 3/4 ton 4x4 for my work needs and by having it really broadened the choices in TT's and 5er's that I could pick from that it would tow well. And it broadens the areas I can get into and boondock. Not that I do remote boon docking frequently, but when I get a hair up my butt to do so, I can act upon it and not worry.

[helopilot880]

I used 2 wheel drive PU trucks for years towing a 9800 pound 5th wheel and not once have had a need for a 4x4. A 2 wheel PU save a lot of weight which can be used for payload and towing weight. But, I do not boondock, which should be taken into consideration.

[tuffr2]

I have had my 2wd truck for over a year. Have not been stuck once. I am in Florida and do not think sand is any better than snow. I have not even had to use my rear locking differential yet either.

[ScoobyDoo]

Originally Posted by Cowpie1

Some of us, our pickup trucks are for far more use than moving around a RV. I live rural, on some gravel roads that can get pretty nasty at different times of the year. I also have to push snow with my pickup. My pickup is sometimes called upon to do tasks around the property, and a 2WD would not do too well, for instance, trying to pull felled trees to where they can be stacked on my hilly property like my 3/4 ton 4WD did.

That my pickup actually is used for recreation is an afterthought, not a primary reason I got it. Just happened to work out well. I needed the capability of the 3/4 ton 4x4 for my work needs and by having it really broadened the choices in TT's and 5er's that I could pick from that it would tow well. And it broadens the areas I can get into and boondock. Not that I do remote boon docking frequently, but when I get a hair up my butt to do so, I can act upon it and not worry.

I grew up on a farm, it was a quarter mile to the gravel road. We worked with 4X2 pickups when it was dry enough. If wet, we used a 4X2 tractor if did not cut ruts, often walked, sometimes my bicycle.
The farm went to another side of the family in the late '70s but in 2016, a family member I'm friendly with bought it. I don't know if all the damage caused by farming with 4X4s instead of respect...

[Rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Mark 7

I have a 4WD '98 Dodge 2500 (Cummins) and the only time I ever really have need of 4WD is if I am playing. I try not to get into situations where I need it.

That being said, my 5 speed manual has an insane high speed reverse and when backing into tight spots I do like low range to slow things down a bit, and it's easier on my clutch. I do miss the lock out front hubs I had on my '93 Dodge as I could use low range without getting the driveline tied up in knots!

Do yourself a favor and get the BD 2-Low kit, low range RWD only it is great!
Had it on our 2001, made backing up our 12,500# 5er very easy on the clutch and driver. Looking at it for the 2016, the install looks even easier than the 2001, just a simple plug in connection it the wiring harness, and locating the switch.

[Doc12]

Originally Posted by Seabee Chief

Most of the trucks I see pulling travel trailers or 5th wheels are 4x4 trucks. How often do you need 4x4 capability when pulling a trailer? Is the additional cost of the 4x4 necessary?

Thanks,

Chief

Any 4x2 will pull a trailer down the highway. It is when you get into a CG that you may need 4x4 trying to get out on wet grass. I have needed to use it several times. Better to have it when you need it than not have and be stuck!



In June I was traveling in BC Canada and needed 4x4 pulling on the road.

[runamuck]

I always get 4wd when buying a truck. better trade in value, good to have it when you need it. I regularly take mine on ski trips and sometimes leave it in 4 wheel for a week at a time. throw it 4wd when pulling a boat out of the lake and put it in auto when driving in bad weather. I have spun tires a little when not using it on wet road pulling my travel trailer so I try to remember to run with it in auto when faced with questionable road conditions and towing...I could probably get by without it but there would be roads I might not go down or times I might not take to the road without it.

[john1401]

Hey Chief, this is AT2, 4wd's kinda like a parachute, need it and don't have it you're in big trouble.
I wouldn't leave home without our F250 4WD because we're the folks who like to park and then head into the hills to see what kind of trouble we can get into.

I used it several times in Alaska and it saved my bacon. Also used it at Sounds of the Sea RV Park in Patrick's Point, CA. Gorgeous place on the north coast and best space in the park is up a steep hill and I would have definitely lost some rubber getting to without 4wd.

Good luck,
John (retired USNR)
VP-91 NAS Moffett Field among other wonderful locations

[dodge]

We where at a city owned campground last week.While trying to back our 5th wheel into the site there was a lot of loose gravel and uphill. In 2wd. there was a lot of tire spinning and gravel flying. Put the truck in 4wd backed in no more flying gravel.

[KM Rolling]

Earlier this year we wanted to boondock on the bluffs above the Badlands. We went back there (1.5 mile dirt road) and had no problem with our 2WD truck (with differential lock).

However, it looked like rain might be coming thru, and we could see on the rutted up road where others had gotten stuck.

So we left that beautiful area to avoid the possibility of getting stuck.

With 4WD we would have stayed. :(

[GoLeafsGo]

I’ll throw my hat in with the 4x4 folks. So many situations parking the trailer were made easier for me by going to 4Lo! Never mind being able to get back to our campsite after a mudslide last year where others had to turn around and get hotel rooms in town.