mr. ed
Amarillo, Texas
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Joined: 02/06/2002
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My tow vehicle was a Dodge Ram 3500, 4WD, SRW, 6-speed stick tranny. I rarely needed 4WD while driving, but found it handy when maneuvering my fiver into a spot. The much lower gear reduction in 4WD made it much easier on the clutch. At least that was my experience. I don't know if this procedure would also benefit a vehicle with an automatic tranny, but I think it couldn't hurt.
Mr. Ed (fulltiming since 1987)
Life is fragile. Handle with prayer.
2007 Hitchhiker II LS Model 29.5 LKTG (sold)
2007 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/QC/4X4/SB/SRW/6-speed man/Big Horn edition (sold)
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ol Bombero-JC
USA
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Joined: 06/24/2004
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ramyankee wrote:If you don't have need for a 4x4 get the 4x2. In our area resale is much better for the 4x4. The 4x4 will lower your payload a small amount.
I will never have anything but the 4wheel drive but most of my life has been spent in mountain/snow country.
Never made it past the 2nd post (above).
OP get whichever one rings your chimes.
Having had two 4 x 4 trucks and two 4 x 2 trucks - as well as a place in the mountains (7K ft of elevation) - and plenty of mtn roads with snow -
I learned the only reason I needed the 4 x 4 was to save the chore of putting chains on the 4 x 2 vehicles - when chains were req'd. (4x4 was just have the chains with you).
Never needed or used - the 4 x 4 other than the above, which was just for "show & tell" *if* you were asked.
If you like to go off roading - maybe a good reason (I preferred a jeep for that - instead of beating up my truck).
BTW - If you get a 4 x 4 (or a 4 x 2) - be sure to order a limited slip rear end. Without it - the 4 x 4 isn't really 4 x 4, LOL.
~
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Likes to tow
Huntington WV
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Joined: 01/13/2006
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I've never owned a 4WD truck and I've owned several trucks in my life. Currently on my 5th one. Through the years I've always ordered 2WD with limited slip differential and only been stuck three times since 1978. It always happens in my back yard when trying to put the boat under the storage shed. I cannot justify the added expense, height and insurance cost of 4WD. Why go down the road hundreds of thousands of miles in the past 40 years with an additional differential and transfer case I'm not using.
I will also comment on your engine selection. The 7.3 V8 gas engine from Ford with a 10 speed automatic is getting great reviews on YouTube and other forums. The additional cost of a diesel is not necessarily a must have unless you are pulling HEAVY all the time. If your trailer weighs less than 12,000 pounds it's not necessary. When I replace my Ram Cummins this is what I would choose. In my opinion they have ruined the diesel with all the emissions hardware. I don't need to spend an additional $8k for a diesel.
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4x4ord
Alberta
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Joined: 12/23/2010
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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?
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.
You'd think a locking diff would make a difference but I find it to be useless. With my pick up, if I can't move in 2 wheel I often try locking the the diff just for kicks. I don't remember it ever getting me anywhere. On the other hand it is very seldom that 4 wheel drive won't get me out. On big trucks locking the diffs makes a huge difference.
2017 F350 SRW Platinum short box 4x4.
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2008 Citation Platinum XL 34.5
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laknox
Arizona
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94-D2 wrote:I use the low range box on my 3500 every time the 5’er goes in or out of my property. 10-12% 1/4 mile grade on a private road, and steep rise on my docking pad and slight grade in a turn on gravel road for a turnaround. 4wd not necessary but the low gear box is really nice to have. All considered, it comes down to wants and needs. The extra equipment it a nice to have. Therefore, value is in the eye of the beholder.
I'm in the same boat, getting into our normal boondocking site. Road's rough, but doable in a sedan if you're careful; about 200 yards of rocks in a couple spots in a mile. Having the 4LO just allows me to creep over the rocky areas without straining the tranny or causing a lot of rocking.
Lyle
2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Duramax Crew Cab 4x4 6.5' Bed
Banks Bullet Tuner and Monster Exhaust
B&W Turnover Ball with 5th Wheel Companion
2017 KZ Durango 1500 D277RLT
1936 John Deere Model A
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laknox
Arizona
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valhalla360 wrote:laknox wrote:
Personally, I won't have another 2wd truck. Having 4wd helps on dirt roads that have washboards (you don't have to be boondocking to appreciate this)
Grew up on dirt washboard roads...never had an issue with 2wd.
The one thing I will give is low range is nice for backing up if there is a steep grade...but just nice, I've been on some pretty steep sites with 2wd and always got there without smoking the transmission.
Makes life a lot more comfortable running in 4wd on washboards. Even towing my FW, the rear can step out a bit. Can also be a lot safer. You come upon some washboards unexpectedly and have to slow down quick, you =can= swap ends when the rear tires decide to bounce. BTDT, at about 20-25 mph.
Lyle
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Lightning55
Pleasanton, CA
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Joined: 04/30/2019
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I've always felt that I needed a 4x4 but I have to admit in all my years camping I have never needed it. Like others have said, resale on a 4x4 is much better and will sell much faster.
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ppine
Northern Nevada
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Two wheel drive is great if you
Live in the flat lands
Live where there is no snow
Never leave the pavement
Don't travel much
Otherwise you need 4wd. Then you can get stuck in worse places.
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hotpepperkid
Kingman AZ
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ppine wrote:Two wheel drive is great if you
Live in the flat lands
Live where there is no snow
Never leave the pavement
Don't travel much
Otherwise you need 4wd. Then you can get stuck in worse places.
I wouldnt have a 2WD so I always tell people, like you said a 4WD will just get you stuck farther from the the highway
2019 Ford F-350 long bed SRW 4X4 6.4 PSD Grand Designs Reflection 295RL 5th wheel
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Ron3rd
Upland, CA USA
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Guessing about 80% of the Ram CTDS in my area are 4x4. I've never needed or wanted 4x4 in my geographical area. That actually made my truck harder to find because most on the lots are 4x4. If you think you need it then by all means go for.
2016 6.7 CTD 2500 BIG HORN MEGA CAB
2013 Forest River 3001W Windjammer
Equilizer Hitch
Honda EU2000
"I have this plan to live forever; so far my plan is working"
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