Forum Discussion

West6550's avatar
West6550
Explorer
Mar 13, 2017

2wd or 4x4?

Wife and I are in the process of buying a 26-30' fifth wheel and truck to pull it for fulltime use.

We plan on doing a lot of boondocking and hitting BLM spots and are wondering if 2WD is enough or is 4x4 the way to go.

We have found a great deal on a 2wd Dodge dually, I personally want a 4x4 but the cost difference to buy a new one compared to the like new 2wd we found is significant.

So how often is 4wd actually needed? Are the majority of places accessible by 2wd?
Tow Vehicles
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    accessible towing a 30 ft fifth wheel? 2 wd is adequate. if you get into a bind, have a tow chain and somebody will pull you out or the tow will be less than a 4wd
    bumpy
  • JaredWPhillips's avatar
    JaredWPhillips
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    Even if you avoid mud and snow... 4x4 can be very handy. I use it quite often for backing trailers up a hill, or on wet grass...4-LOW is a great tool for saving your transmission and giving you better control when maneuvering in a tight spot. There's also been may times when I couldn't back a trailer on a gravel incline without 4x4. I would never buy a 2WD truck if I intend to use it as a truck.
  • Farmerjon's avatar
    Farmerjon
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    "the cost difference to buy a new one compared to the like new 2wd we found is significant."
    Not a fair comparison. Why not search for a like new 4x4?
    I think the 4x4 would be the way to go.
  • falconbrother's avatar
    falconbrother
    Explorer II
    Mar 13, 2017
    Only 4x4 for me. Been in a couple of tight spots without it. Not worth it unless you know you're always going to be on pavement with no snow.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    Look at it this way... if you get the 2WD, the first time you get stuck, you'll be kicking yourself until you are black and blue!

    See my signature line below. It was intended for engine size, BUT ... it REALLY applies to all parts of the vehicle when you think about it.

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