Thoughts on 4x4 Tow Vehicles

[Ejs4029]

Just curious to the opinions of forum members of having 4 wheel drive capability for their TV ? I personally thought it was always something I wanted in a TV whether I used it frequently or not so when I replaced my TV in September it was something I was looking for although I live in Southern CA it gives me peace of mind should my travels take me to the mountains or driving on Pismo Beach plus the fact it only adds a few $$$ to the already high price of a new truck and I believe it helps the resale. I realize in some parts of the country in the Winter it's a necessity perhaps other parts of the Country not so much so...Let's hear your thoughts.

[mud yapster]

My last 8 trucks were 4x4 and 8' long beds, there is no reason to buy half a truck, get the long bed 4x4 and haul your stuff most anywhere you want.

[ryand]

Every truck I have owned has been 4x4 and honestly i never really thought about it. In my world they go hand in hand.....but thinking of this in more detail there have been very very few uses while RV'ing. Even solo, I can say I rarely even use it. In the Midwest its a toss up in the winter as i type this its nearly 60F. Whith all that said, resale will be higher and you dont need it until you need it.

[DreiHunde]

I've never owned a truck without 4 wheel drive and never will.

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by DreiHunde

I've never owned a truck without 4 wheel drive and never will.

X3


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

I am nice!

[5picker]

4x4 as a daily driver is a must here in the Allegheny Mountains of Western PA.
We also do a fair bit of boondocking and non-hook-up site camping.
We've been able to get in and out of some spongy places when others had to be towed in and out.

[Mountndream]

4x4 on a truck in not an option as far as I am concerned. Its a requirement.

[CNYCamper]

I've had to back in to some tight, sandy sites where I could get no momentum and 4x4 saved the day.

[twiggw]

It does add a few pounds to the truck but you're correct the resale is better. I wouldn't buy one without it personally.

[53jimc]

We have camped in several back-in sites where it would be difficult to get it out of the hole without 4wd. I'm sure you can do it, but 4wd makes it so much easier and just having the option is well worth the price of admission. Pulling boats up a slippery ramp is another place where 4wd is worth it. I've seen a lot of folks struggle with 2wd on ramps like that.

[Harkerr]

4X4 has enabled me to back into sandy sloped spaces. No way without. Also boat ramps.

[18CrewDually]

Everything I read above so far l agree with.
My previous dually was NOT 4x4 and there were a few times I wish it was. Like the time I got stuck in the driveway on an inch of icy snow and I had to use my wife's Ford Escape 4x4 to pull me out.
Like others have said if your stuck in a bad spot just once you'll kick yourself for not having it.
It makes a truck a truck.

[MtnGuy]

Several years ago, I needed to back into a grassy campsite on a slight uphill grade. The truck would not do it in 2 wheel drive because of wheel spinning on wet grass. I locked in the 4 wheel drive, and there was no problem backing in then. I maybe could have got er done with a bit of a running start, but turning a knob on the dash was just too easy, and probably much safer.

[Jesse]

I can't back up in my own yard at a 10% slope in the grass without the rear wheels spinning in two wheel drive due to the light rear end of my truck. Got a 4x4 mainly for adventures in the open country while camping, not only for getting to campground, but exploring. A good winch and deer grill guard is coming soon as well. It's a big vast country out there with lots of bogs and fording creeks, sand, snow and mud, be prepared to stay mobile. It's always nice to be able to get home.

[doc73]

For me, it is a need. We do not gets as much snow as some do down in sePA but when it does I need to get through. Do not get to call out sick do to weather. My TV is a daily driver so it is what it is as far as what it can tow due to the 4x4.

I will say, I had a heck of a time around 05 or so selling a 4x4 truck ended up selling down south (deep south) at auction. Nothing wrong with it just winters were warm so 4x4 was not selling...

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[Crusadernoob]

Not interested in 4WD, I don't need it, and am not at that age where I think I can put our truck any where. It is an expensive piece of equipment and I treat it like one. I have never been to a site or campground and wished I'd had it, if I think I can't do it in 2WD we will go to another. Lots of 2WD TV's out there, if I lived back up north still, yes, a necessity, but I'll never live in those conditions again!

[Swift 2]

In our Alaska trip this last summer we just slipped it into four-wheel-drive while that rigs behind us got pulled out. Sure felt good to be in four wheel. You really never know when you might need it

[baldeagle]

Living and towing in Canada dictates that 4x4 is a necessity. Our Jeep Wrangler Unlimited/R-Pod 177 will go just about anywhere.

[Mr. Dan]

I had a minor need for 4WD in the spring of 2008 but I circumvented the need in 25 minutes. I drive on fairly smooth/level surfaces whether towing or not, so 4WD is a waste for me... and I usually get what I want when I sell.

[rovinglion]

I've had both 2WD and 4WD over the years. There have been times that I've driven a whole year without throwing it into 4WD, but when the time comes to use it, you're happy you have it. It's kinda like a parachute. When you need it , you really need it. Modern 4WD systems have improved to the point where the ride and handling aren't a whole lot different than the 2WD, and they're a whole lot easier to use than the old Willy's 2 lever system. Today you just reach out and move a dial on the dash and bingo there you are. I find 4WD very useful when the traction is wanting, such as wet grass, mud and of course snow. It gives you the option of maintaining control without having to put an excess amount of power into the move.

F350 SuperDuty Crew 4x4
Crusader 320 RLT