Truck advice

[bignate2k1]

I am replacing my 93 f250 with a newer (2006+) f150 to pull a 2013 grey wolf 26bh. I live in Georgia and never plan on towing anywhere but the southeast and never in snow. Is there any reason I need 4x4? or is 4x2 sufficient? I towed a couple of time this past season but not very far so my experience is limited. Thanks in advance for any advice...

[Ford Idaho]

Are all the places you plan on going to paved?
I know you get some rain and then there is that wonderful Georgia clay.

If paved then a 2x4 is good IMHO.

[Twisty]

Skip the 4x4.
I had a 2011 F150 with a payload rating of 1520 lbs.
I suggest that you get a rig with at least 1700 lbs payload.
That will accomodate a crew with gear in the truck and the tongue weight of the TT.

[wrvond]

If you don't need it, then leave it off. It hurts your fuel mileage and increases maintenance costs. A 4x4 has approximately 200 pounds less cargo capacity than a similarly outfitted 2 wheel drive.

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Nope...especially if you plan accordingly your winter trip spots, you won't find yourself caught in a situation where you need 4x4.

[mackman1994]

With 4x4 I always say it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!!!!!!!

[RKR]

Originally Posted by mackman1994

With 4x4 I always say it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!!!!!!!

X2
The additional maintenance cost it very minimal with today's transfer cases. You will have more of an effect on fuel mileage by how heavy your foot is than by having 4x4. I know I give up a couple hundred lbs in weight but I'm good with that.
I have had 4x4's all my life and never once did I say to myself " dang , wish I didn't have this 4 wheel drive". On the other hand I have been very thankful that I did have it several times.
It's like having a sliding 5th wheel on regular bed. People will say " you don't need that if you know what you're doing". I'm sure many people that have sliders know what they're doing but there are times when things are just out of your control no matter how well you plan. The same thing applies to 4x4. If you plan to travel, camp and see new places you don't always know what's waiting for you on the way to your destination or when you get there.
Just my thoughts on 4x4 and another view point to consider. OK all you anti-4x4 guys, let me have it..lol

[GearHd6]

If I lived somewhere that it never snowed and I didn't need 4x4 for work and mud conditions I'd only own a 4x2 truck. Heck, I have a 4x4 truck now and I never drive it in the snow. I have a 4 Motion VW Passat for that.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by GearHd6

If I lived somewhere that it never snowed and I didn't need 4x4 for work and mud conditions I'd only own a 4x2 truck. Heck, I have a 4x4 truck now and I never drive it in the snow. I have a 4 Motion VW Passat for that.

Have lived in the north for 30+ yrs and dealt with the snow, etc and always had 2w dr trucks. Never had a problem. Had a wise old man tell me years ago that a 4wd just gets you stuck deeper because you try to go places you would not attempt in a 2wd. We pulled 3 place snowmobile trailers to northern Wisconsin for several years and never had a problem. I can see a need for 4wd for farmers, but for "city slickers" they are just a toy and totally needless IMO.

[Rrickim63]

Had 2 wheel drive for 15 yrs.replaced with 4 wheel drive. Once you go to 4 wheel drive ,you will never go back ...it's awesome...

[PhoneDude 8289]

X2 with OldCoot

[RKR]

I wonder if this thread will get interesting like the diesel vs gas threads ?

lmao

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by RKR

I wonder if this thread will get interesting like the diesel vs gas threads ?

lmao

Farmers need them, city slickers play with them.

[robm]

I prefer to come prepared and if the 200 lbs is the make or break point, then I think you would be wiser to look at a bigger truck. The thing I would ask is how long you plan on having this before selling it and upgrading again. Check out used prices of trucks with 2 wheel vs 4 wheel drive, I am sure that you will find that 4 wheel drives do hold there price longer and higher in value than 2 wheel. Currently my 10 year old silverado is still worth half of what I paid for it, can't say that for 2 wheel drives.

[GearHd6]

I agree with OldCoot, you don't really need it in the snow but it's sure peace of mind. Also, resale value on 2wd trucks is terrible in snowy areas.

[RKR]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Farmers need them, city slickers play with them.

Or people that play in the woods. I don't camp in the city in fact I try to get far away from the city when I camp and play.
Lol

[wneise]

It all depends on where you use it. Like the early post said, I'm sure you know about sloppy Georgia clay and you'll be wishing you had 4x4 low if your at a campground that's not paved during a spring storm.

BTW, another thread that could go forever: SRW vs Dually.

[Herk7769]

My positraction 2WD 2500HD has served me well 99% of the time and I really needed the increased payload of 2WD.

Having said that, my next truck will be a 4x4 3500HD.

You ain't been stuck till you have been stuck on wet grass while hooked up (or even not hooked up!).

And yes, that back hoe saved the day!

[KMP44]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I can see a need for 4wd for farmers, but for "city slickers" they are just a toy and totally needless IMO.

That is a ridiculous statement if you live in a snowy climate, but that's your opinion.

But to the OP's question - if you aren't driving in snow, 4wd is probably not needed. My yard is on a pretty steep hill, so I do sometimes find it helpful to use the 4wd when backing the trailer up hill on the grass to position it by the house. Otherwise I just spin and tear up the lawn. Just like on snow - hit the switch and all four tires grab instead of spinnning the rear wheels.

If buying a used truck, I wouldn't make 4wd a requirement, but if you run across a good deal, it wouldn't hurt to have it. Sometimes on used vehicles, the extra features and options like that don't push the price up as much as they did on a new vehicle.

[WEMig]

My current truck is a 4x4 and I'm sure any future truck will be 4x4. As Herk illustrated in his post, grass will wreak havok on a 2WD diesel. My previous truck was a 2001 F250 7.3L 2WD and wet grass was my
nemeses!