One thing that hasnt been mentioned is the use of a low range. My truck is a 4wd 06 f250. It has the manual/auto lock hubs. I actually disconnected the vacuum line to the hubs, so I had to lock them. Most would think im crazy, but, essentially it gives me a 2wd low rnage, with the ability get out and lock my hubs for 4wd.
I use 2wd low everytime I come home from camping. The road in front of my driveway is steep, and I have to stop and back up itto get into my driveway. A GREAT way to burn up a transmission is trying to back up a heavy load up a steep hill. I put it in low range and back 10k up without even touching the gas.
Im not as old as many of you here, im 28, but ive been pulling trailers since I was12yo and always driven a 4wd truckand always needed to use it many times.