2WD vs. 4WD

Other comments aside, DW & I will never get a 2WD TV again. It's not often you need 4WD, but on those rare occasions you do it's worth its weight in gold.

99% of our camping is done at a lake. More than once after a day on the water we've tried to pull the boat trailer up a wet ramp and started sliding backwards. If not for 4WD...
It's also invaluable around the farm, especially when it's wet.

LANShark42 wrote:
Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their input. Yesterday, I purchased a 2015 Ford, F250XLT, 4WD, 6.2l gas V8, crew cab. Drove it to Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers KY for dinner last night (125 miles or so one way). Couldn't be happier with the way it drives and rides. Had 2 6'+ gentlemen (son and nephew) in the back seat and they were comfortable too.

Excellent choice. Congrats. Pics?
In the snow, 4-wheel drive doesn't mean 4-wheel stop. That's one reason people get in trouble/crashes. I've had 4WD for decades, but I know it's safest to stay home in cruddy weather. However, when it's dry, whether towing or not, when you stomp on the brakes, you'll be impressed with the Super Duty 4x4 considering all that it's doing/carrying (at least, I am).
The trick to 4-wheel drive is to put it in 4-wheel before you get stuck (assessing the situation all the while, of course).

LANShark42 wrote:
Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their input. Yesterday, I purchased a 2015 Ford, F250XLT, 4WD, 6.2l gas V8, crew cab. Drove it to Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers KY for dinner last night (125 miles or so one way). Couldn't be happier with the way it drives and rides. Had 2 6'+ gentlemen (son and nephew) in the back seat and they were comfortable too.

My truck is a 2014 F 250 4x4 crew with the 6.2.I really like how my truck preforms,it pulls my 10k tt well.Don't be afraid to let it wind when you get in the hills that is what the 6.2 is designed to do,you will not hurt it.I normally use tow haul and sometimes lock out 6th gear and let the truck do it's thing.

I would get a 3/4 ton and 4 wheel drive. Trucks do not have good traction to start with. You will probably not need 4 wheel drive very often, but when you need it, you really need it. I purchased one truck without 4 wheel drive and lived to regret it. I also like a truck that can pull more than the trailer I am pulling. It makes for a much more pleasant experience when the truck is not working so hard.

GoPackGo wrote:
Patti's - What a great place. Hope you got pie !!!

Always! :)

Patti's - What a great place. Hope you got pie !!!

Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their input. Yesterday, I purchased a 2015 Ford, F250XLT, 4WD, 6.2l gas V8, crew cab. Drove it to Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers KY for dinner last night (125 miles or so one way). Couldn't be happier with the way it drives and rides. Had 2 6'+ gentlemen (son and nephew) in the back seat and they were comfortable too.

I had one 4x2 truck years ago,I was always hauling extra weight in the winter for improved traction and still had problems at times. I have had 4x4 trucks ever since.I will never own another 4x2.Not to mention 4x4's are easier to resell.

LANShark42 wrote:
First, I'd like to thank everyone for weighing in. To try to answer questions or comments:

I DO have a Stihl chainsaw. I like to buy good stuff. Problem is, I don't think I can afford top end in this case. I can't spend $50k on a TV, even though it will be my daily driver. For those familiar with Indiana, we are in the extreme SW part of the state, near the Ohio river. The Ohio really modifies out weather. We don't get near the snow cities an hour north of us get, much less Indy or farther north. But I've had 4WD in the past and enjoy the peace of mind it gives me that if/when we DO get snow, I can go pretty well anywhere I need to. Doubt that we'll camp in the snow, but I know better than to say "never". I like the though of being able to back up a slick incline without worrying about it.

Someone asked how I got the tongue weight. I copied it straight from the manufacturer's website. As for make - I have a slight preference for the F350 because I previously owned an F150 I was VERY happy with. But I'm really looking hard at the cost on this one. Cheapest truck with adequate features will likely take this one.

Thanks again for all your help!

I'm in the same neck of the woods as you are. I'm just outside Evansville and my house is about 2 miles from the Ohio river. I have a class B so I don't tow it. However, I do tow at times and have a 3/4 ton 4X4. The extra weight in the nose does sometimes make a difference in our weather around here. Especially the mud season (right now). I have the heavy duty commercial chassis on my 3/4 ton and it's basically a 1 ton with single rear wheels.

I ran about 1000 miles over the New Years Holiday hauling cars and parts. On the highway, 2 wheel drive would have been fine. Moving around my yard and the field at the other end, I did need 4X4. I even had to use 4 low in the field down in Kentucky.

Every one was talking back around Christmas about the snow we had 10 years ago. My old truck was also 4X4 and I was one of the few people going through the two feet we got in a short period of time. Maybe 2 feet isn't much up by the lakes, when we normally get 5 or 6 inches at most, 4X4 is your friend. When you NEED it, it's too late to get it.

Feel free to PM me if you have any region specific questions.