2wd or 4wd for towing

Been using 4wd for about 20 years now. Never go offroad, intentionally. Use it maybe 2 -3 times per year. But it has saved me from calling a tow truck, probably 5 times or so, to get out of mud holes, etc. That alone has probably paid for the exta cost. It gives me peace of mind. You get some of the cost back on tradein.

Aside from a few base contractor trucks, there basically aren't any 2wd trucks or SUVs in Idaho. The few that do exist aren't worth much because nobody wants them. Not much of a decision to be made there - 4wd all the way.

I have 4x4 mainly because I could not find a truck I wanted that did not have 4x4. Almost all higher trim level Superdutys on dealer lots have 4x4. I have used the 4x4 a few times in muddy pasture on some land I used to own. And have used it a few times thru muddy pasture getting to/from our cabin where we hunt. But I have never used 4x4 while towing the 5er.

I use 4wd often, not just for snow. Loose sand or gravel, yep 4wd. Wet grass, yep 4wd. Low speed on a steep incline, yep 4LO.

BB_TX wrote:
I have 4x4 mainly because I could not find a truck I wanted that did not have 4x4. Almost all higher trim level Superdutys on dealer lots have 4x4. I have used the 4x4 a few times in muddy pasture on some land I used to own. And have used it a few times thru muddy pasture getting to/from our cabin where we hunt. But I have never used 4x4 while towing the 5er.

Yep, that is exactly what I found when I went shopping for a diesel truck. There are very few 4X2 diesel trucks on the used lots!
Years ago, I had a 4X2 Dodge Ram 3500 dually that I bought specifically for towing a fifth wheel. After we retired from full-timing, I used it to haul horse hay. 35 bales on the truck, and about 100 bales on a flatbed trailer. I drove it across pastures, in hay fields, on skid trails in the mountains (dumb idea, too big!), on gravel, on wet grass, in snow, etc, even over Donner Pass in a blizzard! Never got stuck.
So, now I have had a 4X4 for a couple of years. I think I have put it in four wheel drive a couple of times; once or twice just to test it for operation, and once on snow (it doesn't have a limited slip differential).
So, does the OP really NEED a 4X4? Probably not. Can he find a 4X2 without special ordering it? Again, probably not.
The best bet is to find a truck that meets his needs, and buy it whether it is 4X4 or 4X2. That is how I ended up with a 4X4!

We prefer to boondock and dry camp when RVing, having 4x4 has saved our butt too many times to be very glad we have that option on our HD truck. If I was only intending to go from one RV park to another utilizing only paved roads I would probably opt for the non 4x4 version, although the extra cost for 4x4 would only make a slight difference in the monthly payment. Your money your choice.

If you need to ask... 2WD is fine.
Those that need or want 4WD just get it.

Tow ratings are generally higher on 2WD if that matters.

Carry a tow strap as there are plenty of 4WDs around if needed for a few yards.

Frame, brakes, chassis is just as capable as a 4wd. Actually a bit more because the whole thing weighs less and less parts to wear out/break.
Get a 2 wheeler if you want one. Most don't and thats why no matter where you're at, 4wd out number 2wd by a huge margin.
Save some $ too. Just don't reach for the get out of jail free lever because you won't have one when you're stuck in the mud,grass, cow sht , etc.

And make sure you get a good deal on it because resale is not great on 2 wheelers.

My last four trucks have been 2wd. I have enjoyed the lower price and better fuel economy.

I still hunt and fish so bla on that as a reason. Lol

I did have to get pulled out once, no biggie.

I do stick to gravel roads and that sort of thing. Just be sensible and it will be okay. It’s not like you are going to have to abandon your truck in the RV park forever if you get stuck.

Thanks!

Jeremiah