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Old 02-15-2011, 08:36 PM   #1
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Four Wheel Drive?

I have a 5th wheel 30.5DBSA Ultra Lite on order. I will be buying a GMC Sierra 2500 HD sometime next year (single rear wheels). I am not sure if I need four wheel drive, or not. I live in Ontario, so it will come in handy once in a while in the snow, but I wont be pulling a trailer in the winter.

Is it helpful to have in case you get stuck while pulling a 5th wheel? Has anyone ever actually needed it?

Your opinions are appreciated.
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Old 02-15-2011, 08:41 PM   #2
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i have pulled my camper up some steep hills here in ky and needed 4 wd so i say yes it could be needed
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Old 02-15-2011, 08:50 PM   #3
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Gibby I have owned 4 wheel drives since 1978, I will always have 4x4. I have heard that some campgrounds when it is wet it is very tricky to get out of cause of the wet grass, I understand they use more fuel but I feel better that I have it. A 2 wheel drive may be better for some people but not me. Have to think about how much it will cost to get towed out of a problem, trust me it won't be cheep. [ used to own a tow company] Later Ernie
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Old 02-15-2011, 08:56 PM   #4
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I'd hate to hear all the cussing in your truck if you didn't get a 4x4 and got stuck. I live in TX and use it.
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Old 02-15-2011, 09:07 PM   #5
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Sometimes 4x4 and lo range can help keep the transmission from getting hot when backing up.
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Old 02-15-2011, 09:13 PM   #6
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I've come close to getting stuck in my two wheel drive pulling a fiver. Rainy day, muddy campsite. My next one was a 4X4. Go for it.

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Old 02-16-2011, 07:55 AM   #7
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I've had 4WD since 1980 and wouldn't be without it. Sure they get less MPG but when you need it it's nice to know it's there.
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Old 02-16-2011, 08:07 AM   #8
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I already had a 4WD in my truck when I bought my 5er. On the first trip from the dealer to my home base I needed it. My home base site was in need of a bit of leveling and it was raining when I arrived. The 4WD allowed me to get into the site and level without getting stuck.
The leveling has now been done with fill dirt and gravel, but it is still a bit soft after a rain. The 4WD keeps me from digging it up when coming and going.
Wouldn't be without the 4WD.
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Old 02-16-2011, 08:18 AM   #9
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4WD? Get it!
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Old 02-16-2011, 08:40 AM   #10
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I towed a horse trailer without 4WD and had to be towed out of muddy spots 3 times.

I now own 4WD and problem solved.
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Old 02-16-2011, 08:59 AM   #11
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I have had 4 wheel drive for 30 years. I would not have a truck without it. You may only need it once it a while, but when you do, it pays for itself. I am in the woods a lot, tow a 31 foot travel trailer and also a 24 foot pontoon boat. I have seen folks almost burn out a transmission and a set of rear tires trying to get boats out of lakes and other spots.
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Old 02-16-2011, 01:52 PM   #12
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Well, I guess it's unanimous!

4X4 IT IS!

Thanks for your replys!
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Old 02-16-2011, 06:06 PM   #13
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Clutch, you are so right about using 4WD LOW to save the tranny. I lost reverse and had to have the tranny rebuilt. The transmission guy told me that a lot of farmers would put it in 4WD LOW after a long trip before shifting to Reverse. Wish I would have known that before, it may have saved me lots of $ (wanna see my $2,000 ballcap and $150 ink pens all with the transmission shop logo on them?).
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Old 02-16-2011, 06:44 PM   #14
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We camp in some tight spots here in sw iowa. Some of the sights have big hills and some are on gravel. 4 wheel peel in lo range can be very helpful, and sometimes a must.
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Old 02-16-2011, 07:38 PM   #15
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I pulled my TT with a 96 2WD F-250 PowerStroke 5sp manual with a 4.10 limited slip. There were several occasions where 2WD just doesn't cut it when towing. If you're in a campground and trying to back into a site that's gravel, dirt or grass on an uphill slope in wet weather, there's a good chance it ain't gonna happen with 2WD; even if you remove the equalizer bars (if you have them) to put more weight on the rear wheels. I once had to have myself pulled out of the grass by the campground's tractor and then unhitch so they could hookup their 4WD to back the TT into the site. It was one of those embarrassing events similar to watching an inexperienced RVer trying to hitch up a trailer. Everybody's watching.
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Old 02-17-2011, 09:48 AM   #16
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4X4 is like insurance. If you use it once it has paid for itself! Get ya some!
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Old 02-17-2011, 03:14 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rvrev2 View Post
Clutch, you are so right about using 4WD LOW to save the tranny. I lost reverse and had to have the tranny rebuilt. The transmission guy told me that a lot of farmers would put it in 4WD LOW after a long trip before shifting to Reverse. Wish I would have known that before, it may have saved me lots of $ (wanna see my $2,000 ballcap and $150 ink pens all with the transmission shop logo on them?).
Can you elaborate on this a bit more? Just what does putting it in 4WD LOW do?

Thanks!
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Old 02-17-2011, 05:10 PM   #18
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--->Devil's Advocate<--- Yikes... sorry... just some other options....

Just something to consider... 4x4's cost $1k's more and get worse mpg than 2x's when not towing....

We are conservative drivers who tend to camp at WM's on long journeys and usually stay at comfy cg's (no real boondocking in the boonies or hard to get to places). We don't need 4x4 for where we live (no snow; etc). If this is your situation, don't worry about 4 wheel drive. However... like the folks above, if it were my situation, I would go with the 4x4! Consider your own personal needs, future plans, and think for the long term for YOUR situation! (Gawd how kewl it would be to shop for a new truck!)
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Old 02-18-2011, 08:49 PM   #19
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Howdy Gibby. The tranny guy told me that after a long trip hauling a heavy load the tranny fluid won't be as thick. He also said that reverse is the weak link in the tranny. He said that by putting the tranny in 4-Low there is less stress on the transmission, and less chance for slipping. I guess there are fewer gears/links involved when you are in 4-Low. I'm no mechanic, so I am just reporting what he shared with me. It's all voodoo magic to me.
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Old 02-18-2011, 11:25 PM   #20
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It is easy to get the tranny fluid hot when backing a trailer. By using 4x4 lo you change the gear ratio so the tranny isn't working as hard. I have a temperature gauge on my transmission and it will climb quickly when jockeying the trailer in reverse. I don't think that reverse is geared as low as first gear in an automatic.
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