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Danpaine's avatar
Danpaine
Explorer
Apr 29, 2015

4 wheel drive V6 vs. 2 wheel drive V8?

Hi, Folks. I currently tow my 2014 Jayco X17Z TT with a 2002 Nissan Frontier XE 4x4, V6. It does the job, but barely. It really can't get out of it's own way. It's hard on the truck, and it's driver. I now have an opportunity to pick up a 2006 Dodge Dakota 2wd V8, a little newer, bigger and the engine is bigger. Any thoughts on my downgrading from 4 wheel to 2 wheel, though? Looking at stats, it looks to me the towing capacity on both vehicles is pretty close, around 5,000 lbs., and I'm getting leery about this decision. Thanks for any input you may have.
Tow Vehicles

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  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Apr 29, 2015
    I wouldn't be without my four wheel drive, but then I'd use something larger than a Nissan Frontier. If all the budget will handle is the 2whl drive V8, then I think it's a better choice for power, just don't get in the mud or snow.

    Bill
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 29, 2015
    4WD contributes nothing to tow capacity, it actually reduces it over the same model with 2WD. That's because the extra weight of the transfer case and such is subtracted from the vehicle payload capacity. My F350 4WD has a lower payload than a F350 with 2WD.

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