2WD vs. 4WD

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.