Veebyes
Bermuda & Maryland Eastern Shore
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This is a RV forum. In the context of using the truck for the movement of the RV, how many have actually NEEDED to use 4WD & how often?
IMO the biggest decision is whether to get a SRW or a DRW. The difference will be appreciated everytime the trailer goes on the back.
I have a 2WD DRW. It is a whole lot nicer than basic work truck trim. Absolutely love the truck. Yes, I have been stuck a few times with the trailer on the back. Each time has been at a special event not using a normal CG. Each time I was able to either get myself out or the event had machinery there to pull people out. I was not alone. There were plenty with 4X4s getting stuck.
What I wish I could have over a 4X4 is a locking diff. All that weight over locked DRW has to make a huge difference over power to one rear wheel & a lightly loaded front wheel.
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valhalla360
No paticular place.
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One more thought on using low range for backing...the newer trucks with 8-10 speed transmissions have much lower 1st and reverse gears, so while I don't have one, I expect it won't be as big of a difference as compared to the old 4 speed transmissions.
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Cummins12V98
on the road
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Edd505 wrote:Cummins12V98 wrote:4wd LOW RANGE is nice for placing RV on high blocks or backing up steep grade. It takes a lot of stress off the trans. Just DON'T be turning on solid ground as it can cause damage of the front axle if the tires can't sip.
My 98 RAM I added a 4 low axle disconnect that allowed the rear tires to be in low range, that was NICE!!!
You can stay in 4X2 and still use the low range in my F350. Not sure about Dodge, never had one of their P/U's just a go fast 383 Dart. They just don't build mussel cars any more.
Is that because you have locking hubs?
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Let's Go Exploring
Mandeville, La
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Spend the extra $$ for the 4X4. You wont regret it. I was having the same question when we bought our F350. My brother, who also owns pick-ups, had previously owned a 4X2 and got stuck several times. (We both lived in Chicago.) I went went the 4X4 and it worked great when we needed it camping. It was also great for pulling a boat out of the water when the boat ramp is covered with leaves in the Fall. Not too bad for snow either!.
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94-D2
Sutter Creek ca
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Veebyes wrote:What I wish I could have over a 4X4 is a locking diff. All that weight over locked DRW has to make a huge difference over power to one rear wheel & a lightly loaded front wheel.
Look to an ARB locker. ArbUSA.com. It is selectable and very reliable. Cost about a grand and you get some on board air, unless you already have air, then it’s a bit cheaper. There are some E-lockers too if you didn’t want the air.
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happy2rv
Huntsville, AL, USA
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I've owned multiple 2 wheel drive trucks of various sizes over the years but never towed anything of consequence with them on a regular basis. Our current RAM that we bought with the thought of towing a trailer is 4x4 with air suspension. I can't recall ever towing in 4WD, but I use 4WD Auto regularly when not towing. Without anything in the bed, 2WD trucks are notorious for losing traction on anything other than dry pavement. Better tires might help. The last 2WD truck I had I carried 100lbs of bagged playground sand in the back end all winter.
For towing, the air suspension has been more important to me. It keeps the truck level and provides a comfortable ride...
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1986 27' Allegro
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wopachop
Who run bartertown
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Hey neat trick i wonder if my friends truck would do that. 02 f350. So you put it in 4low, both driveshafts will spin. Front axles spin. But dont engage the wheels. That might help her one day the truck is on 37s and stock gearing.
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jaycocamprs
Ringgold Georgia
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Veebyes wrote:This is a RV forum. In the context of using the truck for the movement of the RV, how many have actually NEEDED to use 4WD & how often?
What I wish I could have over a 4X4 is a locking diff. All that weight over locked DRW has to make a huge difference over power to one rear wheel & a lightly loaded front wheel.
To the question of needing 4X4 while camping. Once, backing up a muddy hill on a rainy night.
You have a rare truck. Over 90% of Duramax truck were equipped with the Heavy Duty Power Pack option, Duramax, Allison & Eaton locker. Most of those not so equipped were manual transmission trucks.
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miltvill
Ft. Lauderdale FL
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A diesel with 4WD will weigh around 900 pounds more then a 2WD gas truck. All the extra weight is on the front of the truck. A gas 2WD truck will have a higher towing rating due to the less weight. Good tires and a locking rear end are a must in a 2WD. A 2WD will go any place a class A,B or C can go.
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ppine
Northern Nevada
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Easy one.
Low range is over rated unless you are rock crawling.
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