2WD vs 4WD?

It depends where you live and where you use it. I have no problems with my 2WD truck but it stays on the driveway when it is snowy or icy. I don't boondock or go off road. Inclement weather or rough terrain definitely 4WD. 2WD on a used truck could offer some advantages: Definitely a lower price up front. Not getting a rig that has been beat up off road. Generally don't have to filter out lifted and modified 4WD trucks which seems to be obligatory. Can only speak of 3rd generation Rams, the 2WD trucks had rack and pinion steering and seem to track better than 4WD counterparts. Lower bed rail height if you end up with an older trailer.

More reasons to consider 2WD:
- You will get stuck more often in 4WD because you will be testing situations you wouldn't attempt with 2WD. Up here there are plenty of 4WD drive trucks in the road ditches when it snows. Owners think they handle curves and stop faster than 2WD.
- Better fuel economy - Less weight, fewer moving parts, sits lower so less under body turbulence, less aggressive tires.
- Less weight more payload capacity.
- Better ingress/egress, especially important if you are older. No need for payload robbing running boards or nerf bars.
- Easier bed access due to lower height. Easier to access under hood components.
- Less maintenance. Less expensive gear changeout.

When I bought my truck I bought a good set of chains that I carry. Figure I will pay myself $4,000 the first time I install them. Hasn't happened yet.

Good luck with your search.

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As long as your not close to the GCWR I'd go 4wd.

DaveF-250SD wrote:
It is worth it, both for resale value, and for the added traction when the need arises. Also, they sell faster as used trucks. I have one of each 2wd and 4wd. I prefer the solid front axle of the Ford and Dodge trucks, and would never own an ifs 4wd.

Definitely!!! Personally I don’t worry about resale because I keep my vehicles for a loooong time. My old TV was 2WD. It worked fine and towed what I needed. But the frustration of getting stuck on wet grass, boat ramps, etc got the best of me. I don’t go off roading, but I’ve been stuck towing my camper where the back wheels spun in mud as the front wheels sat on firm gravel and could do nothing. My current is now 4x4 and that’s all I will have from now on. These HD trucks are really heavy up front and must have 4x4 to move in low traction conditions.

I guess that rules out the GMC/Chevys then?

It is worth it, both for resale value, and for the added traction when the need arises. Also, they sell faster as used trucks. I have one of each 2wd and 4wd. I prefer the solid front axle of the Ford and Dodge trucks, and would never own an ifs 4wd.