2WD or 4WD

[dandg]

My father-in-law worked for Goodyear and when he saw people "spin' their tires he'd say "Goodyear thanks you."Well, GM,Ford, Dodge and I thank all of  you for getting 4x4's so you can pull me and my 2x4  out if I get stuck.In 34 years of RVing ,never have.( Now watch me go get stuck next trip.) Darrell

[Ron Hartman]

Never needed 4x4 when pulling, but use it often when working on my property and sometimes need it when crossing the river at our cabin.  Used it last week when the river was high (up on the door panel) and need to cross.

[Dreamer]

Need?
 Kind of a loaded question.
 I don't really see a need in a 5th wheel. But I sure do like it, and it's equally nice having my 4x4 available when I want it. Thats usually when I want to pull my 20,000 lbs of boat and trailer out of a lake on a steep wet ramp. Or when the snow is piled up like it is today (over 30in. on the ground) with a gusty 30 to 40 MPH wind creating blizard conditions. Of course at that time I am more concerned about the diesel fuel gelling at the -30 or lower wind chill temps. Thats when 4x4 no longer works. But then again neither do the 2x2's.

[bpe]

I did use the 4-low setting backing up my rv one time. The low range benefited me. Only time I ever really benefited, pulling my rv, by the 4X4. I did pickup $200.00 last week pulling a 18 wheeler out of a stuck situation. I didn't charge him (he was blocking road and I was in a hurray) but he was so grateful he paid me. Said wrecker would have been more.   

[LoneGranger]

I did use the 4-low setting backing up my rv one time. The low range benefited me. Only time I ever really benefited, pulling my rv, by the 4X4. I did pickup $200.00 last week pulling a 18 wheeler out of a stuck situation. I didn't charge him (he was blocking road and I was in a hurray) but he was so grateful he paid me. Said wrecker would have been more.   

You got a Chevy?   

[Scot & Dale Ann Huffman]

Use my 4x4 at least once or twice a year through the mud around the Salton sea. The local tow guy gets $500.00 a whack to pull you out.

[dkchcolo08]

4WD or 2WD it's only when you need the 4WD that you are real glad you have it, like most things when it comes to extra, the extra is only appreciated when needed!  I was caught in a snow storm in the middle of NM my first year of RVing and sure was glad I had my 4WD to get me to the first stop area that in that country was not close, would never go without my 4WD after that experience. Also I live in Colorado and that has a lot to do with having a 4WD also.   Dick

[wberg]

I have used for a brief period ,4wd when towing in the rain on asphast, also in the montains to assist on engine braking downhill.
It's just nice to know you have it if you need it.

Bill

[LoneGranger]

I use 4wd when towing in the rain on asphast, also in the montains to assist on engine braking downhill.
It's just nice to know you have it if you need it.

Bill

It never occured to me to use 4wd anywhere other than mud or snow or maybe sand.  You use it on a highway...or say a 40- 50 mph mountain road and it helps with the braking?? 

Debbie

[Oregon Knights]

When we were pulling our old trailer, I used 4wd to back into a camp site once.  The park had gravel roads and sites and ours had a bit of an incline.  Try to push the trailer uphill caused me to lose traction backing in.  Instead of getting a run at it, or tearing up the gravel and making divots, I put the truck into 4wd and easily backed into place.  On another occasion, we ended up on a gravel road, following the GPS on a side trip home last year, pulling the HH.  After dropping in elevation and not seeing any civilization and the road getting more and more narrow, my DW made several comments about wanting to turn back.  I too was making the comments, but to myself.  There hadn't been a place wide enough to turn around since we go on the gravel.  Finally, there was a "Y" in the road where I could back up the hill, pushing the HH onto another gravel road.  This one required 4wd in order to get traction.  I don't think I could have even gotten a run at this one and made it. 
Lessons learned:  take a road atlas on all trips, even when close to home to double check your GPS.  (In another 2 miles we would have hit pavement and back on the road we started on.)  Always have 4wd available.  You really only need it, when you need it.

I've never thought about the concept of using 4wd for descending hills on the highway.  Seems like this might be helpul in some situations.  Thanks for the idea.

Dale

[Davydee]

The mechanical "drag" of the 4wd drive would help slow you down - it's also one of the many reasons why you get poorer fuel mileage when using 4WD.  Be careful with 4WD on dry payment.  If you have auto hubs, be aware that the front wheels need to slip to take stress (torque rap) off of the front differential and axles.    If you have manual hubs, leaving them unlock and shifting into 4wd makes a great granny gear for backing into an uphill campsite.  

[wildcat]

Be sure to read the owners manual for the truck for use on dry roads. My book says not to use 4 wheel drive on dry asphalt or rain wet asphalt. It could damage the drive train.

[ron brugh]

I bought a 4wd partly because in michigan if its 2wd resale is tough.     Ron

[rbfulltimers]

If I need 4 wheel drive to get some where,I don;t need to be there.R

[PAAU]

If I need 4 wheel drive to get some where,I don;t need to be there.R

But if you're there and need to get out you may need 4wd to do it.

Paul

[RJOL]

I've probably engaged the 4WD on my 3500 less then 10 times in the 5 years we have owned it, but I sure was glad I had it when I needed it.  I've been on wet grass, with my dually, and had the rear wheels slip when trying to move.  It's not absolutely necessary but if you ever need it, you will never regret the extra money you spent for it, or hope you have a "good sam" neighbor with a tow rope... 

[jamvir]

I've used 4wd on my 3500 when towing on wet grass, and backing uphill on gravel.  When not towing - getting back to the hunting shack in November, getting through the snow the few times I drive it during winter, and pulling tree stumps - 4wd low works great for that!!  but be sure you have a good chain

Jim

[huuligan]

When I was looking to buy my current truck I wanted a 2WD. Less money, less weight, better economy, etc. I could not find one anywhere in the country, other than one in California, but I did not want a California truck. So I bought the 4WD. First trip with the camper we stayed in an RV park over nite in Fillmore, Utah on our way south for the winter. There was about a foot and a half of snow on the ground. The roads were plowed but not very wide. Guess what? I got stuck in the park while pulling into the site! No other RV's in the park. Sure glad I had the 4WD!!

Gary

[koltuvcanaandogs]

We've only used the "front team" once, luckily it was without the HH.  We had a flash flood and I am a true desert rat so running water is not something to be missed.  Had to use the front team to get across a wash to get back to our house.  Started on the right side, came out on the left side of the road.  Good thing the "USS Wolf" weighs as much as it does or we'd have been floating down river!

DH feels naked because the GMC doesn't [yet] have a winch.  I keep telling him his winching (and wenching  ) days are over and that is what On Star is for.

Carrie

[InfoHog]

I live in La. Was trying to outrun a Hurricane that wasn't sure just where it wanted to go. We were following  the coast towards Alabama and were somewhere in Mississippi. Was pulling a 32 ft. fiver . It was night time ,raining so hard ,and was so black that I really didn't know where I was. Took wrong turn while looking for a particular road and got lost. Saw what looked like a Church sitting back off the road. Turned in, to turn around,  but missed the correct driveway. Was in a big field and started getting scared that I would not get out. I am an experienced hunter and have had several 4x4 vehicles but the one I was pulling with was not. Well, I just never let off the gas (Diesel) peddle and very fortunately was  able to turn my rig around and get out.  I did mess up that field though. Rain did wash  all the mud off.  My wife and daughter were hysterical but they learned something-------------- that I was going to buy a 4x4 my next truck. After all, you never know when you might REALLY need it.    I did!             
                                                                                                                            KEN







         

[stu 206]

If I need 4 wheel drive to get some where,I don;t need to be there.R

But if you're there and need to get out you may need 4wd to do it.

Paul

  Just ask Mr. Jeff if a chain or good strap is a good thing to have around along with a 4X4 truck when you park in the desert. ... Vern

[Dan Berkery]

I would not be without my 4 wheel drive. I believe it saved me twice from situations like Ken related (Although Ken doesn't have a 4X4). Could I have gotten out of trouble without 4X4 ?  Don't know.  It's like insurance, you only want it when you need it.  Of course there is a downside.  Trucks with 4X4 are heavier, meaning less payload. The initial 4x4 option cost more.  Replacement parts (hubs and bearing, stub axles, seals ...) cost more and are more complicated to remove and install. The 4X4 components require specific maintenance, and so on ... But, when you get into trouble it only takes 2 seconds to throw the switch and have all wheels under power and pulling. 

Dan.

[ms9176]

preference would have been two wheel drive but found our truck with 4 wheel drive, would rather have the extra towing capcity a two wheel drive gives you even if it is only a few hundred pounds, we don't use our truck for much other than towing and we are still seasonal travels since we are both still working so we are not out with the truck and HH in the winter here in New England.

[InfoHog]

Dan, I do have a 4x4. After that episode I  ordered a new 2005 on July 27, 2004. I wanted a certain new color so I ordered one as there wasn't any 2005's  on dealers lots anyway. Picked it up on Sept 4th.  F 250 6.0 LWB CC  4x4. Ordered "new" Metallic Stone and Arizona Beige color.
We then ordered a 2006 UKTG which we are very happy with. .There are some negatives, Cost, etc., with 4x4 as has been stated but I have not had any trouble with mine yet (only 56K miles) and have been satisfied. Remember, when we "want" something we can usually find justification!

                                                                                                                           Ken

[Jeff Collingwood]

My preference is 2WD, a tow strap, and a friend with 4WD.
...Jeff...