Community Forums

golfmedik · 08-16-2014, 05:33 AM

I've had 4x4s my entire life and use it quite regularly. The best benefit, other than security, has already been mentioned. Backing up for a long distance or up a hill. Put it 4wd and it keeps the transmission cooler. I won't ever have a truck without 4wd that I pull campers with. Just my .02.

Fred1609 · 08-16-2014, 05:42 AM

And once you have figured out if it a 4 x 4 or 4 x 2, you need to make a decision about a short box or long box.

jimcumminsw · 08-16-2014, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred1609

And once you have figured out if it a 4 x 4 or 4 x 2, you need to make a decision about a short box or long box.

But if you buy a RAM Mega Cab you get a long wheel base truck with a short box. So to me I have the benefits of long wheel base truck for towing but also a short box with a lot of extra cab room and can still fit in the garage.

Jim W.

wingedone · 08-18-2014, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred1609

Depends really if you are using the truck for anything else where you might need a 4 WD.

+1

We use our 2wd only during the Spring/Summer/Fall.

I was just up around Mancellona MI, and driving through heavy sand, up and down 4 foot deep holes in the road of a auto salvage field with my 2wd DRW. Made it through without needing a tow.

wandering1 · 08-19-2014, 03:54 PM

A 4x4 is not needed to tow a fifth wheel trailer.

Cummins12V98 · 08-19-2014, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wandering1

A 4x4 is not needed to tow a fifth wheel trailer.

Do you drive your truck when not towing?

I do and it has been nice to have 4wd.

caissiel · 08-20-2014, 07:12 PM

Just today we parked in a field at the best blue grass festival in the area.
The talk tonight was that I dirtied my trailer while spinning.
My wife did the parking of the 5th wheel while using the 4x4 low and the truck still broke the sod.
Never had a 4x2 truck and never will.
Why would anyone not see the usefulness while loaded to 24000lbs with a light load on the rear wheels.
This week I locked the hubs 3 times while working my truck.
I pay for a $60000 truck, and I expect to use it.

Bamaman · 08-20-2014, 07:30 PM

When owners are spending this much $, what's the difference run between 4x4 and 2x4--percentage wise?

But with $110 per hour labor rates at dealerships, I don't care to have future liabilities to repair transfer cases, extra drive shafts and differential, CV joints and front hub problems.

I also prefer the way 2x4's drive and handle. For the cost difference, you could pay for 75 wrecker calls to pull you out. And 4x4's will cost you 1-2 mpg.

North of Louisville or in Florida--go 4x4. If in the South or a place without inclement weather, a 2x4 will work for many owners.

When I was buying my 2003 F250 Lariat crew cab SB 7.3 diesel 2x4, very few SuperDuties were not 4x4's. They'll pull a premium price at trade in time, and they sell much faster when they're 4x4's.

It's all a trade off.

iawoody2 · 08-20-2014, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wandering1

A 4x4 is not needed to tow a fifth wheel trailer.

Last year when we left Iowa for Florida it was a beautiful Sunday morning. Before we got to St Louis the interstate turned 100% snow and ice. For the next day and a half we drove on that stuff. I had it in 4x4 and 35 mph with my flashers on as was everyone else, there's absolutely no way I would have done this in a 2 wheel drive. By the way the only vehicle s that passed us where semi's, and think all of them where either in the ditch or median down the road.

Gordon Dewald · 08-20-2014, 08:05 PM

2 wheel drive will be more than adequate for pulling a trailer. I have a 4 wheel drive and ribbed tires. Tires suck when it comes to traction in snow or ice. A set of lug tires would be more than enough to compensate for the 4 wheel drive.

I got the 4 wheel drive to go to the mountains to ski. As it turns out I cannot use it there because of the ribbed tires in spite of 4x4. Next set of tires is lugged.

If you order your truck order 2x4 (with all season or M&S tires if you are using it in the snow).

Cummins12V98 · 08-21-2014, 09:35 AM

Axle disconnect with the new RAM's so no mileage loss.

Just the simple fact you will loose big when selling or trading with a 2wd. Also unless you factory order your selection will be very limited since very few 2wd trucks are sitting on lots.

Gordon Dewald · 08-22-2014, 09:46 AM

Having 4x4 is like driving tacks with a framing hammer. Once in a while you may need to drive a nail and then it is handy.

We farmed for years prior to 4x4 being readily available. Dad had an IHC 1/2 ton that was used for everything, summer and winter. He hauled grain to town and fed the stock with it.

Driving a day and a half through a blizzard may be doable with 4x4 but IMO is not a prudent thing to do. 4x4 will go better but once traction is lost you will go just as far into the ditch as 2x4, sometimes farther because you can get a false sense of security with 4x4. I have had 4x4 pass me in icy/snowy conditions only to find them in the ditch farther down the road.

Neighbour once told me what he called the "Golden Rule" of 4x4. Leave it in 2x4 until you get stuck, then put it in 4x4, get yourself out and go home!

SeabeckS · 08-22-2014, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

Having 4x4 is like driving tacks with a framing hammer. Once in a while you may need to drive a nail and then it is handy.

We farmed for years prior to 4x4 being readily available. Dad had an IHC 1/2 ton that was used for everything, summer and winter. He hauled grain to town and fed the stock with it.

Driving a day and a half through a blizzard may be doable with 4x4 but IMO is not a prudent thing to do. 4x4 will go better but once traction is lost you will go just as far into the ditch as 2x4, sometimes farther because you can get a false sense of security with 4x4. I have had 4x4 pass me in icy/snowy conditions only to find them in the ditch farther down the road.

Neighbour once told me what he called the "Golden Rule" of 4x4. Leave it in 2x4 until you get stuck, then put it in 4x4, get yourself out and go home!

+1 on the Golden rule. I operated a variety of Wildland and Structural Fire trucks for many years (4x4, 4x2 Duallys, 6x6). 4x4 can still get stuck, and when they're stuck, they're usually much further from the hardtop...

If money wasn't an issue in retirement, I'd opt for a 4x4. But for us a 4x2 with a locking differential will suffice.

Cheers!

poppopc · 08-22-2014, 02:40 PM

JIMHO!!! My philosophy is
1- I don't want to pay for it in the first place!
2- Don't want the extra weight!
3- Dont want to feed it! (Fuel)
4-Don't want the extra up keep !
Never ha a need for it in the two years we had a 1-ton Dooley and 38'
fiver. (4-wheel drive) FULLTIMING!
We had 6" of ice in Dallas last Dec.just stayed put!