Just bought a TT and don't have a TV for it yet. One friend, who tows a lot of heavy things, recommends nothing less than 3/4 ton P/U. A mechanic friend, who we will be camping with, says his 1/2 ton is plenty, although he admits he had to do some work on it (programming it and dual exhaust etc). I'm inclined to go with a 3/4 ton, in case we might buy a larger TT at some point in the future.I'm wondering whether having 4WD will help in towing capacity and/or handling. Dealer has thrown in a 10K E2 Equalizer hitch and will install towing brakes on whatever vehicle we get.I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments.Thanks,Michael

4wd adds a bit of weight and this weight may even reduce the tow rating accordingly. As for handling, you can't run conventional 4WD on dry pavement, so it can't help your handling. All wheel drive (full time 4WD) can help with handling when one hits somewhat slippery surfaces (icy patches, for example), but I know of no pickups with AWD offhand.4WD will be handy when you have to move your trailer on slippery inclines at low speeds, stuff like that.

What are the specs on your TT? 4x4 may lower the towing specs a small amount but it looks like you are in a snow area even when not towing. 4x4 is nice when parking rig in some tough areas.

I would go with the 3/4 ton truck. my last truck was 2 wheel drive and I never needed it when we camped, we camp at state parks. welcome to the forum

Hoosier Welcome. While I have a 2x4, my next truck will probably be a 4x4. I have gotten stuck in a wet grass field where we store our 5er. Also the 4x4 makes life in the snow a little nicer if you plan to drive it during the winter. Is it needed, no, might it come in handy, yes. I'd look for the largest capacity truck I could find in my budget. Since the 10,000 GVWR is not a real issue in IN, I'd look at possibly a F350/3500 since insurance wise, my agent says I'm ok will 14,000# GVWR. If you make the move to a 5er you'll be glad for the cargo capacity. Cost of a F250 vs F350 SRW is minor. Not all trucks are created equal. Need to check each individual truck's specs.

If you have plans to take your TT off road to remote campsites or on the beach camping, 4WD might be a good idea. Other than that, you decrease your tow rating and mpg.

2WD vs. 4WD | Good Sam Community

nomad297
Explorer
Jan 14, 2015
Dandy Dan wrote:
Just make sure it is spec'ed with the tow package.

And, more importantly, the Max Payload Package.

Bruce
nomad297
Explorer
Jan 14, 2015
rjxj wrote:
Sorry if anyone has a craftsman saw. :)

You get what you pay for.

Bruce
tenbear
Explorer
Jan 14, 2015
A 2wd pickup probably works better as a TV than otherwise. The tongue weight puts considerable weight on the rear wheels, improving the traction. Same idea as putting a lot of weight in the pickup bed to improve the traction
PRodacy
Explorer
Jan 14, 2015
rav wrote:
I would go with the 3/4 ton truck. my last truck was 2 wheel drive and I never needed it when we camped, we camp at state parks. welcome to the forum

You never needed 2 wheel drive? Really?
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Jan 14, 2015
Buy a 3/4 or 1-ton 4x4. You won't regret it.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 14, 2015
The decision is personal choice. I chose to have 4X4 and have used it. There is better resale value also, but more costly maintenance if needed.
mdamerell
Explorer
Jan 14, 2015
dave54 wrote:

I am curious why the earlier responder commented insurance is higher. My insurance would be exactly the same whether 2wd or 4wd model. That is not used in the rate setting according to our insurance. Costs more to buy, get slightly less MPG, and slightly lowers towing capacity, but insurance is a non factor.

In some states if you go over 10,000# GVWR you move to commercial tags and higher insurance. Indiana is not one of them. Since many F250/2500 trucks are 9,900 - 10,000# GVWR to avoid this, some people shy away from the F350/3500 models. Hence that whole the only difference between a 2500 and a 3500 is a leaf spring. Since you can go to 14,000# GVWR in Indiana without a tax or insurance "penalty", why not just get the 3500 and be done with it.

Just a thought....
Veebyes
Explorer II
Jan 14, 2015
The vast majority have 4WD. Do they really need it? For most, no, not really.

It is the more is better, bigger is better mentality.

8 years & over 150,000 miles with a 2WD dually here. Could have used 4WD maybe 6 times. Got stuck with trailer a few times. Got out without assistance each time. Got stuck without trailer a few times. Got out each time without asistance then too.

Used brains over brawn each time to get out.

I carry a tow rope in the truck. Never needed it but nice to have. Somebody with 4WD is always nearby & itching to have a reason to use it.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jan 14, 2015
3 yrs on our first 4x4. Used it once but that was because I did something stupid...because...I had 4x4. Only got it because it was about the same price as the 4x2 but in better condition.

If you don't go off roaing or need it now, you won't need it with the trailer. Indiana isn't horrible snow belt area. We have had 2wd trucks in Michigan for decades and the only times we've been stuck, 4wd wouldn't have helped.

For the trailer you mention, a 1/2 ton should be fine. A 3/4 ton would be nice if you plan to move up to a bigger trailer (or even a srw 1 ton).
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jan 14, 2015
I Belong to the Tim Taylor school of tow vehicles "MORE POWER, MORE POWER"

Seriously... If you go with the larger truck, you will find the ride is better, and the tow is easier.. If you go with the smaller truck, Well, you may be ok but you will always wonder

And if you do not want to EVER ask "Can my truck tow this"

http://www.trail-hauler.com

(Just now they have server problems but I confirmed the URL)

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