If you have experience in driving a pickup, and haven't needed it, my thoughts are you don't need it. Myself, wouldn't be without it, and have gotten every 4X4 I've owned stuck, so while it helps, you still can find stuff you can't get through. For towing, on snow and ice, or mud and sand, besides the traction to keep going, steering and handling are significantly improved with 4 wheel drive. I prefer not to tow through snow, but end up doing it on mountain passes if nothing else at least once a year, generally quite a bit more. Can't see not heading south for a little camping in warmer climates a few times a year during the winter.