Tow Vehicle - 4x2 or 4x4

new rv owner · 09-23-2016, 07:27 AM

Currently pulling new 28rls with f150 and concerned about weight and how this will pull if I decide to take off across the country from NC. Ive posted previously about my concerns with current TV and appreciated all the feedback. So am considering f250 but want to make sure 2wd will do the job? I know the 2wd rides similar to my f150 ecoboost, which is nice! Also looking at gas not diesel. I've read reviews about cost and resale, maintenance, etc....and do want to make a wise decision on the TV options.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!

16Eagle314BHDS · 09-23-2016, 07:45 AM

My opinion - 2wd will be fine 95% of the time, until you pull into a campsite that has a hill. Our last trip out the site was on a slight decline (through grass) which I had to back the trailer down. Pulling out 3 days later would have been impossible without 4wd. It was a combination of things (hill, rain the day before, etc.) but someone would have had to pull me out if I didn't have the 4x4. I wouldn't own a TV without it.

Oh and 4x4 will definitely help the resale value. Also diesel will be WAY better for long hauls and through the mountains with the exhaust brake. I have an Avalanche 2500 (which is a gasser) but the next TV will be a 3500 SRW diesel.

new rv owner · 09-23-2016, 08:13 AM

Thanks for the advise! The more and more research I do tends to lead me to 4x4.

drk98 · 09-23-2016, 08:16 AM

My preference is 4wd. I've been in a couple of situations camping where 4wd was very valuable. If all you do is run the highway and stay in "rv parks" then it probably isn't necessary though.

Marcm157 · 09-23-2016, 08:25 AM

Another vote here for 4WD - I have had more than one situation where I would not have gotten into a site without it. Plus where I live in NY a 2 wheel drive truck might not fair to well during our winters.

RedHorse1 · 09-23-2016, 08:46 AM

I opted for 2WD on the 350. In the 3-ish years we've owned it I've needed 4WD once. I did get the electric rear locker which I've used a couple of times. Fewer moving parts, a bit more payload, frequency of use and a small number of $$$ saved were my decision points.
In the Houston area it seems like 99% of dealer stock is 4WD so I had to order to get what I wanted which I probably would have done anyway.

TWP723 · 09-23-2016, 09:20 AM

2 wheel drives have a higher tow cap than 4x4's because the GCWR rises. But you'll suffer in resale value.

**JFlightRisk** · 09-23-2016, 09:26 AM

We opt for 4WD. Have backed into a wet grassy site, and TT tires sunk into mud. Wouldn't have gotten out without it.

clubhouse · 09-23-2016, 09:28 AM

IMO - you don't lose on 4x4. The residual value will be more which off sets the minimal up front cost. The one time you need 4x4 you will be happy you have it.

We use 4x4 1-2 times per year. Each time I think, "yep, very happy I have 4x4 right now". It's a little like insurance. You never want to buy it, but extremely happy you did when that times comes you need it.

Seann45 · 09-23-2016, 09:50 AM

The one thing people on here have yet to mention is the worse mileage you get with 4x4. even when not using it you pay at 3-4 mpg penalty.. I have needed the 4x4 Once in 20 years of RVing.. the extra cost in buying a 4x4 and the mileage penalty over the years would easily have paid for the tow..

Bassdogs · 09-23-2016, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

The one thing people on here have yet to mention is the worse mileage you get with 4x4. even when not using it you pay at 3-4 mpg penalty.. I have needed the 4x4 Once in 20 years of RVing.. the extra cost in buying a 4x4 and the mileage penalty over the years would easily have paid for the tow..

Just don't believe the 3-4 mpg loss with 4x4. I get 10 - 12 with my 4x4 2500HD D when towing and I've not heard of anyone on the forum bragging about 13-16mpg towing with the same rig with 2 w drive. You probably give up some milage when not towing, but not 3-4 mpg.

LIke others I have only need 4wd a few times while towing, but dozens of times over the years when not towing. Where I live, 4x4 is pretty typical.

Racinforthefinish · 09-23-2016, 10:41 AM

I personally vote for 4x4. I have been stuck too many times without it. Sometimes just turning around in a grassy area.

drk98 · 09-23-2016, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

Just don't believe the 3-4 mpg loss with 4x4. I get 10 - 12 with my 4x4 2500HD D when towing and I've not heard of anyone on the forum bragging about 13-16mpg towing with the same rig with 2 w drive. You probably give up some milage when not towing, but not 3-4 mpg.

LIke others I have only need 4wd a few times while towing, but dozens of times over the years when not towing. Where I live, 4x4 is pretty typical.

I agree... You'll give up 1-2 mpg... definitely not 3-4. Not on modern trucks anyway..

oldnnew · 09-23-2016, 12:05 PM

I vote 4x4. It has gotten me out of several sticky situations including simple things such as backing up trailers up slight inclines on wet grass. Just makes life easier. Plus, if I have to maneuver a trailer on inclines or tough areas, I can always shift the transfer case into 4 LOW which makes things a lot easier utilizing the low gearing that I would not have with a 2wd.

cariboocreek · 09-23-2016, 12:10 PM

4x4. Just do it.

bansai · 09-23-2016, 12:43 PM

Another vote for 4x4 here. I don't have a choice where I live, but even if I did... no contest.

taviking22 · 09-23-2016, 01:17 PM

I live in snow country so 4X4 for me. I have had several occasions where I used 4X4 to pull my 5th wheel up inclines on gravel.

schrederman · 09-23-2016, 02:49 PM

I have a favored spot where I go often. In my favorite space, I need 4WD to get out because the pull out is steep and gravel. There have been several places I've needed it and not had it, so enough was enough. My career took me to many places where 4WD was absolutely necessary, and of the 340,000 miles I put on my last company truck, at least 40,000 was in 4WD. I'll probably never buy another truck, but if I do it will be 4WD.

Jagiven · 09-23-2016, 03:57 PM

Another 4x4 vote. I typically don't camp in fancy paved CGs, if I did I might vote the other way.

At least once a year I use 4low for at least one. Ampsite, due to wet grass, soft soil, or loose gravel, and a slight hill.

I use 4 low all the time backing into my driveway. It is all paved, but inclined. Backing in is a dream with 4 low.

SmokerBill · 09-23-2016, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

The one thing people on here have yet to mention is the worse mileage you get with 4x4. even when not using it you pay at 3-4 mpg penalty.. I have needed the 4x4 Once in 20 years of RVing.. the extra cost in buying a 4x4 and the mileage penalty over the years would easily have paid for the tow..

Yep, that's why I decided 2x was good enough for me. Not to mention the extra cost of maintenance of caring for the transfer case, and the extra mechanical system that might need repairs.

I could've definitely used 4x4 when I stupidly got stuck on a slimy road in Slab City, but a fine resident there happily towed me out with his 4x, I gave him a $20, and we both came out ahead.

And Seann, I'll see you in Quartzsite. I'll be there sometime in October, after a I spend a little time in Moab on my way down.

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