Deciding if I should purchase a 2WD or 4WD SWR 3500 but need a little advice from those of you who have a 2WD or have had both. Total 5th wheel weight loaded is around 13,500 so do not need a dually and the SWR fits in my garage The other factor is the price. Can buy a 2WD this time of year for 5-6 thousand less than a 4WD.

Can't imagine buying a 350/3500 truck with 2 wheel drive.Probably the good price is a reflection of the fact that no one wants one and they can't get rid of it...and then there is the re-sale factor to consider. Good luck with that.

It depends. You'll have those who say that a 4WD is an absolute necessity to tow a 5th wheel, but I've towed 5th wheels with 2WD duallies since 1996 and never needed a 4WD at all. I've never been stuck or been unable to get anywhere I want to go.Having said that, I don't go back in the boonies or offroad. I also don't have to deal with ice and snow down here in SE Texas. If you do, then 4WD makes sense.As the old saying goes, "horses for courses". For our use, 2WD works just fine.Rusty

In new Ram 2500 + trucks the 2wd front is a tube axle with what looks like the same suspension as 4wd trucks. The ride is the same... can't say for other brands.

Started towing my 13,500 scaled fiver with a 4X4. In three years I never pulled it anywhere I felt a need for it. Went to 4X2 dually and have not looked back. Reduced towing capacity with 4X4, increased maintenance with 4X4, reduced fuel economy with 4X4, reduced ROI when you sell it with 4X2, lower initial purchase price all played a part in my decision. My truck is 8 years old, and it will likely be the last tow vehicle I will ever buy, so resale value is irrevelant to me.

I had a 2012 GMC 3500 srw with 2wd. When I upgraded to the dually I felt it necessary go with 4X4 because in our area it might be difficult to peddle when the time comes. I wound up selling the 2012 within a few days of ordering our new one. It was a word or mouth thing and I got $2500 more than I was offered on trade. This is my first 4X4 anything so really never felt a need for it but it is there if I do ever need to use it.

SRW 3500 2WD vs 4WD | Good Sam Community

noteven
Explorer III
Dec 10, 2015
In new Ram 2500 + trucks the 2wd front is a tube axle with what looks like the same suspension as 4wd trucks. The ride is the same... can't say for other brands.
RustyJC
Explorer
Dec 10, 2015
It depends. You'll have those who say that a 4WD is an absolute necessity to tow a 5th wheel, but I've towed 5th wheels with 2WD duallies since 1996 and never needed a 4WD at all. I've never been stuck or been unable to get anywhere I want to go.

Having said that, I don't go back in the boonies or offroad. I also don't have to deal with ice and snow down here in SE Texas. If you do, then 4WD makes sense.

As the old saying goes, "horses for courses". For our use, 2WD works just fine.

Rusty
downtheroad
Explorer
Dec 10, 2015
Can't imagine buying a 350/3500 truck with 2 wheel drive.
Probably the good price is a reflection of the fact that no one wants one and they can't get rid of it.

..and then there is the re-sale factor to consider. Good luck with that.

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