2WD or 4X4 for a truck camper

When I read Ralph’s post it sounds like he didn’t have 4x4. His rear diff high centered but no mention of the front which looked to be on smoother ground. I’m guessing it would have walked right out with the front end powered, kind of blowing your case.

Did you read something different?

You may be right,it just looks like a 4X4 but I could be wrong..There is no case,I am just saying to the new owner of a TC looking for a pickup,he has choices..4WD is not for everyone with a truck camper..

This person say's it much better than I can..

“I do not currently have a four-wheel drive truck for my camper rig, but I have two other four-wheel drive vehicles and many years of experience off-roading. I believe four-wheel drive could be very useful for certain truck camping situations, but there are some significant factors that anyone new to four-wheel drive trucks should consider before loading on a very large truck camper.

1. As mentioned, payload differences are often significantly different due to the weight and configuration of the four-wheel drive options.

2. A four-wheel drive truck is usually taller than its two wheel drive counterpart, even when loaded. That puts the rig center of gravity higher, and thus affects handling more than a two-wheel drive truck.

3. The typical off-road style aggressive tires are often not high load range tires, and may wear very quickly when carrying a truck camper. For highway driving with maximum payload, regular load range E tires are usually a better solution.

4. People who are experienced with four-wheel drive may be lulled into complacency by their unloaded experience and take a truck loaded with a camper into situations where it encounters what they would consider a minor amount of side slope. But, with a camper loaded, the truck’s center of gravity is now much higher than it was before, and a hill or rut that caused no problem unloaded could cause a tip over of the loaded truck.

5. Trying to go off-road with one of the larger campers and encountering dips or frame twist situations could result in damage to the truck or camper before you know it. In the case of my Bigfoot, the most likely source of damage would be the rear overhang which greatly changes the departure angle. It would be very easy to drag it on a transition or dip that, in unloaded form, you would never think twice about crossing.

6. Getting stuck in an off-road scenario could be much more interesting with an extra 4,000 pounds in the bed of the truck. Creative jacking and tow strap solutions could be required. The camper jacks themselves have been used successfully by some folks in these situations, but you have to have a strong camper.

7. Finally, the height of the rig can be a major impediment to off-roading. In forested areas some of the trails will not have clearance for 11+ foot tall rigs. On many four-wheel drive trails I have driven, it would be possible to get into spots where you could not go forward due to height obstruction, and could not turn around due to trail width. This could result in backing up a long way in the worst case scenario. ??For happy off-roading with a truck camper, the owner would probably be best off with a lighter and smaller rig that has minimal rear projection. One of the pop-up types is probably ideal. I would not hesitate to off-road with one and, in fact, my next truck camper will probably be a four-wheel drive truck with that type of rig.” – XXXX, 1997 Dodge Ram 3500, two-wheel drive truck, 1997 Bigfoot 2500 10.6