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Old 01-10-2013, 12:18 AM   #1
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Tow Vehicle Question

I currently own a Nissan Titan LE with the "Big Tow" package and have had great success in pulling my Flagstaff V-Lite thousands of miles over the past two years. This spring we hope to move up to a fifth wheel and I am looking at the Dodge Ram 2500. Do any of you know if the fuel mileage performance is of significance between the 4x2 and the 4x4? I've owned a 4x4 years ago and only used the 4 wheel drive two times in four years. Any thoughts on the benefits of one over the other is appreciated.
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Old 01-10-2013, 05:22 AM   #2
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Mileage will be better on the 2X4 since Dodge still does not use hubs that can be locked out. You are always turning the half shafts even while in 2wd.

Generally, you get more tow capacity from a 2wd also...
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Old 01-10-2013, 08:07 AM   #3
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Thanks Wildcat. Do you know if any of the other manufactures of diesel products... ford or gm make a two wheel drive diesel unit also?
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Old 01-10-2013, 08:14 AM   #4
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brw...all the big 3 make a diesel. Ford, Chevy, and Dodge. I would recommend that you try them all out before you buy. I happen to be partial to the new 6.7L Ford, but do recommend you try them all. They are all close in tow capabilities, and all the engines are the best made yet (for each of them). It's going to come down to what you prefer for the creature comforts, and/or any loyalty you feel towards a particular brand.

I have the 2011 2WD F-250 diesel, and love it. It pulls my 5th wheel so easy, it is hard to describe sometimes. But I'm sure the Chevy and Dodge folks will tell you the same thing. Get out and try them all. That's the only way you'll know.

As far as 2 or 4 wheel drive, all three make both as well. As you noted, I have not needed 4 wheel drive yet. But I am still fairly limited in my ability to go very far. Mostly weekend type trips for me.
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Old 01-10-2013, 08:29 AM   #5
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The price point of the two wheel over the four wheel is approx 3,000.00 alone. I have had some say "yes but if you need it that one time you will be glad you have it". I figure if I need it that one time anyone will tow me for 1,000.00 regardless of where I am and I've saved 2,000.00 LOL....
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Old 01-10-2013, 09:05 AM   #6
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Take a look at the loaded pin weight of the 5er you are looking at and compare it to the rawer and payload (per door sticker not website) of the trucks you are considering. You may find you actually want a 3500/350 level truck. Also that said, I would not want to be without my 4wd. I have discovered that the front end of my truck is so heavy that on even slightly soft ground it won't back up without 4wd. That goes double for backing with the trailer. I have needed 4wd many times in the past year in situations that I never needed with any other 4wd vehicle I have owned. Just a little food for thought for you to chew on.
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Old 01-10-2013, 09:16 AM   #7
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Thanks anaro you are correct that the price point on the one ton over the 3/4 ton is very little but, I have to use this as my daily means of transportation also....
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Old 01-10-2013, 09:23 AM   #8
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I use my f250 as a daily transport too. I wish I had gone with the f350. There isn't much difference for dily driving between a srw 1 ton and a 3/4 ton. I thought like you when I bought this one used 1 yr ago. Now I am very limited in my 5er choices due to having a very low payload.
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Old 01-10-2013, 09:53 AM   #9
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Take a look at the loaded pin weight of the 5er you are looking at and compare it to the rawer and payload (per door sticker not website) of the trucks you are considering. You may find you actually want a 3500/350 level truck. Also that said, I would not want to be without my 4wd. I have discovered that the front end of my truck is so heavy that on even slightly soft ground it won't back up without 4wd. That goes double for backing with the trailer. I have needed 4wd many times in the past year in situations that I never needed with any other 4wd vehicle I have owned. Just a little food for thought for you to chew on.
I think my next TV will have 4WD.

I got the 2WD version to maximize my capability to tow. The extra weight of the 4WD hardware is subtracted from the maximum camper you can tow. Since I am well under the maximums of tow rating and combined weight, (I am limited by what the truck can "carry" not what it can pull) it is not as big an issue as I first thought in my case.

Anaro has it right; I have had issues maneuvering when on grass or snow and wished I had 4WD. (But then I drive for several hours on the interstate and am glad I have the better mileage of the 2WD - There is no satisfying me!)
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Old 01-10-2013, 09:54 AM   #10
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Another thing to consider is that a 2wd truck will most likely have to be ordered as they're not in much demand. The 2WD should also have a slightly higher payload than the 4WD.

One of the things I don't like with the late model 4WD is that the front axle ride is too high...almost the same as the rear ride height. You put away significant weight in the back, it looks like the truck is squatting.

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Old 01-10-2013, 10:01 AM   #11
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I would be very surprised in looking at 3/4 or 1 ton diesels if the difference is more than 2-5% from 4WD to 2WD. I used to tow with a buddy, we pulled similar loads (loaded Jeep trailers). He had a 2WD 3500 dually, mine was a 4WD 2500, both Cummins 6 speed manual. Not the best comparison as his was DRW, mine not, but we had another guy with the 4WD 3500 DRW as well.

At the end of the day, you could not find more than 1mpg difference between the three trucks.

For what it is worth, the guy with the 2WD got rid of it pretty quick for a 4WD. He got stuck first time we pulled onto a gravel road on government land. To make matters worse, the truck had no front tow hooks, we had to remove the bumper and chain directly to the frame rail to pull him out. I never removed my trailer, just turned the switch to 4WD and chained him to the back of my trailer and pulled him 3/4 mile to the parking area. Then back out again.
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Old 01-10-2013, 10:05 AM   #12
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I live in the south and most of out trips are within a 500 mile radius for now. In four years I hope to expand that area. My 35 year career as a FF/Paramedic is quickly coming to an end. When it does, I hope to expand my travels and more of my time to outdoor photography. We love the camping side and meeting people like you who are always willing to help and provide great information. Thanks to all of you. If you are ever in Ga. drop us a line.
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Old 01-10-2013, 10:37 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by Dave_Monica View Post
Another thing to consider is that a 2wd truck will most likely have to be ordered as they're not in much demand. The 2WD should also have a slightly higher payload than the 4WD.

One of the things I don't like with the late model 4WD is that the front axle ride is too high...almost the same as the rear ride height. You put away significant weight in the back, it looks like the truck is squatting.

Dave
Not a problem with a diesel.
Most have near maxed out front axles.
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Old 01-10-2013, 10:47 AM   #14
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For what it is worth, the guy with the 2WD got rid of it pretty quick for a 4WD. He got stuck first time we pulled onto a gravel road on government land. To make matters worse, the truck had no front tow hooks, we had to remove the bumper and chain directly to the frame rail to pull him out. I never removed my trailer, just turned the switch to 4WD and chained him to the back of my trailer and pulled him 3/4 mile to the parking area. Then back out again.
Yea, I did say I would get a 4WD next time
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Old 01-10-2013, 11:06 AM   #15
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Yep, 4WD for sure. As noted, even wet grass is enough to stop a 2WD; especially if trying to back a trailer into a spot on any kind of up-hill situation.
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Old 01-10-2013, 11:15 AM   #16
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As noted, even wet grass is enough to stop a 2WD; especially if trying to back a trailer into a spot on any kind of up-hill situation.
I ran into that problem 1 time. The 4x4 option was a nicety then.
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Old 01-10-2013, 01:12 PM   #17
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Another thing to consider is that if you're pulling a heavy 5er up a steep hill, you can choose low range 4wd and makes the climb much easier. I've used my 4wd camping quite a bit, actually. I think it is beneficial enough when trailering to be worth the extra money.
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Old 01-10-2013, 05:53 PM   #18
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I've had to use 4wd because I was spinning in gravel just trying to get the trailer popped up onto the pad at a campsite and it was dry.

- Another thing in the south, a 4wd will be much easier to sell and retain a higher value than a 2wd. The possible 2nd owner may need a farm truck, or oil field rig.
I look on craigs list and think I found a smoking deal on a diesel truck, then realize its 2wd, then I think, man that would be a great truck if it was 4wd.
- Wont own a vehicle that isn't 4x4 unless its a commuter car
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Old 01-10-2013, 06:08 PM   #19
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brw, if you are not looking at a huge fifth wheel, don't forget about the Ford Ecoboost. That would make a lot nicer everyday driver.
And get the 4wd. The difference in mileage won't be that much. My everyday driver is a Dodge 1500 4wd, with all the axles and stuff turning all the time, and I get awesome gas milage.
And unless you are going to keep the truck forever, the 4wd will be a lot easier to sell, and will command a premium then as well.
Good luck!
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Old 01-10-2013, 06:33 PM   #20
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Since your looking at next spring you might want to keep an eye on the new Rams. Ram is coming out with a front axle disconect for their Ram HD's. Not sure if it's an option on both, just avalible on the 3500 or what. But it's going to be an option regardles. Also the new 2500 Rams have been upgraded along with the 3500's. Higher payload and tow ratings.
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