2 WD vs 4 WD

Discuss with others about towing. What is the best tow vehicle, hitches, brake controllers, etc, keeping in mind that everybody has his/her favorite.

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rlhedlund

Re: 2 WD vs 4 WD

Post by rlhedlund »

2WD is fine for 99.99% of the time. 2WD truck has slightly higher towing capacity.
NEVER get 2WD without a limited slip rear end. Even with 4WD, I like the limited slip rear end.

If you get a 2WD stuck, it is easier to get it out than if you get a 4WD stuck. I've done that twice. Once, the farm tractor that came to pull me out even got stuck itself. The other time I had to dig myself out as I was alone, miles from anywhere.

I have a 4WD only because I do SAR.
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PaulandTammy
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Re: 2 WD vs 4 WD

Post by PaulandTammy »

Never have needed 4 wheel drive while towing or camping. Do I need it, not really. Do I want it yes. IMO a dually is not the best vehicle in the snow as a semi-daily driver. The 4 wheel drive helps me out in the snow and gives me piece of mind even if it doesn't help as much as I think. I usually lock in the hubs when it is 55 degrees and sunny....just in case. :joke:
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Chief409
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Re: 2 WD vs 4 WD

Post by Chief409 »

With the Ford, I just turn the knob and don't even get out of the seat. Is it reliable, yes! I have a Ford 4X4 work truck with 120K miles which gets a 4X4 workout almost daily. And, like the rest of the truck, it just works. Not the best fuel mileage, but reliability really counts when you have spent mucho bucks at the shop keeping a truck on the road as I have with another OTHER truck brand over the years. NO brand names, NO flame, just experience.
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dpalmer
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Re: 2 WD vs 4 WD

Post by dpalmer »

I use the 4x4 a lot in winter. I pull a tool trailer and often need to switch the 4x4 on. We had to use it once camping when we were leaving a site in NC had to make a sharp left turn up a gravel road and the rear tires slipped so I fliped the switch and kept going till I was headed down. Also had a wet narrow road and site in Canada and had to use it to get into the site. Would not be with out the option.
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snoking

Re: 2 WD vs 4 WD

Post by snoking »

In most parts of the country a 4x4 is easier to resell! However if you have never needed it, then go for the 2 wheel drive. Chris
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Mike Clay
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Re: 2 WD vs 4 WD

Post by Mike Clay »

I may only use it 8 to 10 times a year but as they say would rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it.
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BMullins46
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Re: 2 WD vs 4 WD

Post by BMullins46 »

In our part of the country most dealers don't even have a 2 wheel drive truck on the lot or if they do they only have 1 or 2. I looked for 2 years before I found my 2 wheel drive 2500 Dodge. I've been looking at the new trucks available in dealers inventories and probably only found 2 or 3 in the state. 4 wheel drives definitely have better resale here.
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pops91710
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Re: 2 WD vs 4 WD

Post by pops91710 »

Travelers wrote:Other than moving the rig in / out of sites with sand or wet grass / leaves, 2WD should work. I've used my 4WD towing more than enough to justify buying it.
I so agree! I have to back up a curb in front of my house to squeeze my trailer between the house and the neighbor's fence. 4WD is the only way I can do that without spinning my back wheels fruitlessly on the grassy parkway. Plus, if I ever get caught in a very steep grade at high elevations I cannot handle in high range, all I have to do is flip to low range and nothing can stop me! I stalled out once going up Saddlebags Lake road up in the Tioga Pass at 10k feet in my old Ford F-150 6 banger! How embarrassing. The trade off is the extra weight of the 4X4 . I'll take it!
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