Choosing a toad: is 4wd a good idea?
We are getting ready for our first cross country trip in a 35 ft DP and plan to tow a car. We are not likely to plan any off roading adventures but as some have told us, weather can always become a fa...
Forum Discussion
We often are in Yellowstone in the winter and no problems with our friend's Subaru. Our last trip we had to rent a car and it had 2WD and we missed out on half the places we wanted to go. I have found the same on many dirt roads where there are hills and 2WD results in a lot of wheel slip and I have had places where I did not go for fear of not getting back out. This includes places in Colorado, California, Idaho, and Montana.
Going 20 miles up a road and getting stuck is not a trivial problem. Odds are that you will not have cell coverage and be able to call for help. Good luck finding a tow service in the area who will come and tow you out or some fellow traveler with 4WD and a snatch strap or winch.
Lots of places at the beach or on the highway where there is a soft shoulder and when the right rear drive wheel loses traction there is no power going to the left drive wheel with 2WD so you are stuck.
I see 4WD as insurance that you can go almost anywhere and return safely and on schedule. For the extra $400 cost it is worth it to me.
The Honda CRV is one of the top 5 vehicles of all types in terms of reliability and it has a very low total cost of ownership. It along with the Subaru would be at the top of my list. The Suzuki wagons with the V-6 and 2-speed range transfer cases are fantastic offroad vehicles but it is harder to find dealers and repair shops. Jeeps are the worst value of any vehicle I can think of in terms of their antiquated design.
Going 20 miles up a road and getting stuck is not a trivial problem. Odds are that you will not have cell coverage and be able to call for help. Good luck finding a tow service in the area who will come and tow you out or some fellow traveler with 4WD and a snatch strap or winch.
Lots of places at the beach or on the highway where there is a soft shoulder and when the right rear drive wheel loses traction there is no power going to the left drive wheel with 2WD so you are stuck.
I see 4WD as insurance that you can go almost anywhere and return safely and on schedule. For the extra $400 cost it is worth it to me.
The Honda CRV is one of the top 5 vehicles of all types in terms of reliability and it has a very low total cost of ownership. It along with the Subaru would be at the top of my list. The Suzuki wagons with the V-6 and 2-speed range transfer cases are fantastic offroad vehicles but it is harder to find dealers and repair shops. Jeeps are the worst value of any vehicle I can think of in terms of their antiquated design.
