Picking 4x2 vs 4x4 next TV

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by frank4711

Might go with 4x2 on next TV ... looking at Ram 2500 diesel and 4x2 gets me extra 400 lbs payload ... owned 14 trucks last 30 years in business and never needed 4x4 here in Florida ... already use mid-grade so no price diff for gas ... understand more expense for oil changes ... my 5th is light 10,300 loaded ... tow at least once a month ... Yea I know 4x4 nice to have when you need it just never have ... when was last time you used your 4x4 ?? Thanks Frank

DON'T DO IT.

I used this logic when I ordered by tow vehicle. Can't TELL you the number of times I needed "help" (tow strap pull) when parked on wet grass or light snow.

The ONE option I would give my … well you know … to have ordered it with, was the 4x4. The other thing I did wrong was not get the 3500 right off the bat. I sorta fixed the 3500 mistake by upgrading the rear suspension package. Big Bucks but worth it IMO.

Oh, you mentioned Florida. I got stuck there in a freaking parking lot in soft sand. Had to call a tow truck. How embarrassing...

[dward51]

I was thinking my next tow vehicle would be a GMC 3500 single rear wheel diesel with the 10 speed Allison transmission in 2x4. Those HD units come with limited slip standard. Not going to happen soon, but when we start talking about a larger trailer, the TV will get upgraded from the 1500 I have now. Of course everything will probably change 3 times before then anyway. Plus it's hard to justify a $1,000 a month truck payment when this one is paid for and working fine. Retired folks tend to be watchful of our money!

[rollscanardly]

This past summer, we camped at a state park campground (NH). I had to back our 5er up a hill and around a corner. The site was just like bank run gravel...loose, rocks, etc. and trees everywhere.


2004 Dodge Ram 2500 2WD, limited slip.



There were spotters to guide me. Things were going well, actually, surprisingly well, when all of a sudden I lost traction and started spinning the tires.


So, pull forward some, and try it again. Made more gains, but eventually the same thing happened.


It took about 4 tries before I finally succeeded, but the part that I didn't like was that I had to "go for it"...meaning that I had to gas it without the control that I wanted to have.


Luckily, things worked out, but things could have ended badly, too.


In my case, I'll probably look for a 4WD truck next, but otherwise, this truck has been great otherwise. For a lot of reasons, I like a 2WD truck.


Rich

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by The Evil Twin

Damp red clay and grass can be like snot.

I had to use my 4WD to pull a buddy's trailer out of a field of wet grass (heavy dew). Who'da thunk?

[Herk7769]

I agree. Positraction is NOT 4 wheel drive!

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by dward51

Plus it's hard to justify a $1,000 a month truck payment when this one is paid for and working fine. Retired folks tend to be watchful of our money!

Amen Brother!

Still in my Posi 2WD 2008 for a similar reason.

[upflying]

The only time I "needed" 4WD is going through chain control checkpoints in the Sierras.
Putting chains on when there is just liquid and slush on the roads is a PITA.

[frank4711]

My decision may end up being a easy one in the end ... just buy a 6.4 Hemi 2500 with 4x4 and 3600 lbs of payload and save the $9,100 add on ... our hills here in Fl are easy to manage ... My current little Ram yanks the 5ver around and stops it with ease so a 2500 could be nothing but better ... the 8 speed in tow haul is excellent so we will see ... Thanks for all the feedback and I think I would like to have the 4x4 if I ever need it

[HangDiver]

Originally Posted by frank4711

My decision may end up being a easy one in the end ... just buy a 6.4 Hemi 2500 with 4x4 and 3600 lbs of payload and save the $9,100 add on ... our hills here in Fl are easy to manage ... My current little Ram yanks the 5ver around and stops it with ease so a 2500 could be nothing but better ... the 8 speed in tow haul is excellent so we will see ... Thanks for all the feedback and I think I would like to have the 4x4 if I ever need it

And with that choice you'll be able to pull your 5ver nearly anywhere! Of course you'll need to post photos when you pick it up!

[Mike223]

If you are buying new, go the extra and get the 4x4. Can't go wrong.
Mike

[DieselDrax]

Since it’ll be a tow vehicle then think about where you plan on going or where you’d LIKE to go and then think about if 4WD may be beneficial in getting you there and back.

Also, what is easier to find in your area, 2WD or 4WD? Think about what would be easier to sell or have higher resale should your decide to sell or trade.

I’m on my 6th truck and all but one have been 4WD. The 2wd truck was a challenge a number of times while living in California and Arizona. After that I swore I’d never own another 2WD truck.

Living here in Illinois the full-time 4WD gets a workout in the winter and in a few years I’ll likely turn my truck into an overlanding rig.

[Southern Guy]

I drive a 2016 F350 DW 4x4. Didn’t use four wheel drive until last Memorial Day weekend when arriving at Lincoln Trail State Park in Illinois. They had 9” of rain the day before we arrived. Without the 4x4 I never would have gotten the 40’ 5th wheel into the site. A lot of people arriving left because of wet conditions. A lot got stuck. But after driving 600 miles from Arkansas for a family reunion we were staying. May not need it often but when you do it’s nice to have.

[moose074]

I spent the first 18 years back in the lower 48 with no 4x4, to include first 4 years towing. Never needed it, once I sectioned off my yard so dogs couldn’t get to trl . I needed 4x4 just to back into my backyard. Then when I started storing off property need it my last 10ft of parking and first 10 pulling out.

[5er_tom]

We are kite flyers and often drive on the beach. 4x4 is a must and the locking differential is a big help. I used to let a bunch of air out of the tires. With the locking differential there is no need to lower tire pressure.

[Iwannacamp]

I too think 4X is a requirement. The last 4 vehicles I have had have been 4X4 and if I can afford it...that’s all I will have.

Do I use it much? No thankfully. I don’t play with it as I only use 4X when it’s required. I used to deer hunt and it was required unless you took a 4-wheeler or walked a long way. I chose to use the truck and drive within a few hundred yards.

Tow truck around here is $80-100 minimum...or call someone. We get a bit of snow and a little ice occasionally and several times the 4X has made life easier. IMO

[SimchaSabre]

I went with the 4x2 when I ordered my Ram Hemi. Besides extra towing and payload, we enjoyed the 5" lower entry height.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

I don’t play with it as I only use 4X when it’s required. I used to deer hunt and it was required unless you took a 4-wheeler or walked a long way. I chose to use the truck and drive within a few hundred yards.

I agree (having had a 4x4 Scout many years ago). I was always told the rule of thumb was to use 2WD as much as possible. That way if you got stuck, you could lock the hubs and switch to 4WD to get out.

If you get stuck in 4WD, you are REALLY stuck and you will need a winch, snatch block, and farm jack to get out.

[ronheater70]

Originally Posted by frank4711

Might go with 4x2 on next TV ... looking at Ram 2500 diesel and 4x2 gets me extra 400 lbs payload ... owned 14 trucks last 30 years in business and never needed 4x4 here in Florida ... already use mid-grade so no price diff for gas ... understand more expense for oil changes ... my 5th is light 10,300 loaded ... tow at least once a month ... Yea I know 4x4 nice to have when you need it just never have ... when was last time you used your 4x4 ?? Thanks Frank

OP, seems you have answered your own question. 14 trucks in 30 years and not needed 4x4, so why change now?
Many of us, myself included, need it for a variety of reasons and wouldn't ever be without it. But your experience and locale dictates otherwise, so if it were me under those circumstance I would just stick with 2x4 and save the money.

[ronheater70]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

I agree (having had a 4x4 Scout many years ago). I was always told the rule of thumb was to use 2WD as much as possible. That way if you got stuck, you could lock the hubs and switch to 4WD to get out.

If you get stuck in 4WD, you are REALLY stuck and you will need a winch, snatch block, and farm jack to get out.

Yea, sometimes gettting stuck in 2wd, it's too late to use 4wd to get out.
If you use 4wd to begin with, theres greater chance of success..

[Ejs4029]

I would get the the 4x4....I wouldn't consider owning a truck a truck without it