4WD or 2WD

Only about 1/2" difference on a third gen Ram.

Better to have 4WD and not need it, than not have it and need it. I've rarely *needed* it, but it has saved me once at a campsite and once at a boat ramp, that I know of without a doubt.

The easiest question to answer in the last month. Do you ever travel outside of Florida?

We went from 2wd to 4wd to 2wd with the last 3 trucks. (In snow country)

Only got the 4wd because it happened to have it. Other than to turn it on and check it's working...never used it. Just a bit more maintenance.

So while I wouldn't turn down a 4wd, I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to get one and I wouldn't pay more for it (really didn't see a big price difference on used trucks).

I couldn't imagine towing without 4WD available. There are too many times where I'm camped on a slightly sloping grassy site where I'd be completely stuck wthout it. This wouldn't stop the truck by itself but with the trailer attached, forget it. Even If I did manage to get out I'd make a mess of the grass by spinning the wheels and the campground would be unhappy with me.

We've had two diesel RWD-only trucks and have had no issues... but we don't go off-road or boondock. I would, however, encourage you to look at SRW 1-ton diesel trucks. A 3/4-ton diesel with 4WD - especially in the model years you're considering - can be short on payload.

Rob

Times have changed... used too you had to pay extra for 4WD... None you have to pay extra for 2WD...

All my vehicles have been 4WD.... Was an avid Jeep guy back in the day so getting a 2WD was not an option…

I pulled off the road one time pulling my trailer and the gravel was just put down and I got stuck pretty good. Good to just push the 4WD button and pull out...

The only time I remember getting really stuck was with my truck only and followed some dudes out onto the beach at Nags head... I got stuck big time. The guy that helped me get out also got stuck big time but together we both final got out...

Now I am thinking about adding a front mounted winch to my truck haha..

This is my new JEEP dreams...

Google image

Roy Ken

When we moved up to a travel trailer in 2002, we purchased a used 4WD truck and replaced it with another 4WD truck in 2012, which was sold with our Minnie travel trailer when we bought our MH last year. There were a few occasions where the 4WD kept us from being stuck, and I can't say that having a 4WD truck created any big repairs. If I were to go back to a TT of fifth wheel trailer, I would want a 4WD truck. And, if you live where there is snow or encounter snow in your travels, you will be glad to have the 4WD option.

jshupe wrote:
Only about 1/2" difference on a third gen Ram.

Better to have 4WD and not need it, than not have it and need it. I've rarely *needed* it, but it has saved me once at a campsite and once at a boat ramp, that I know of without a doubt.

That’s a big 1/2”!!
Not sure where your comparison came from but 3rd gen rams are way taller 4wd than 2wd.
You must be thinking 1/2tons. They’re close in height on the ifs trucks.

I have had 4x4 on my last 3 trucks. Not because I particularly wanted it, but because it is near impossible to find a higher trim level truck with the options I wanted on dealer lots. I have never used 4x4 while towing. We occasionally get a little ice, sleet, or snow and when driving around I typically do not even engage it for that. I don't off road. And our RV trips are almost always at parks with paved, gravel, or rock pads. Only time I have ever actually NEEDED 4x4 is getting in/out of muddy pasture roads to our hunting cabin. And then only in those few times it was overly muddy.

I drive a Ford and the Ford F350 4x4 is quite a bit taller than the 4x2. The newest ones probably too tall for my 5er.

Most of my trucks have been 2WD. Everytime it came time to trade-in or sell the truck out-right, whether the truck was 2WD or 4WD usually became a bargaining issue---especially up north. Decided to spend a few thousand more and go 4WD with our last truck. Did this for the ease of selling and added resale value---not because we thought we'd ever use it.

Anyhow, as luck would have it--after owning our truck for over 3 years, 4WD saved our butt for the first time ever a couple nights ago. Had to make a u-turn on a 2-lane road in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere, with zero cell-phone coverage. All I did was back the rear of the truck off the pavement a few feet to make the u-turn. Put the truck in drive to pull forward and the rear tires started spinning. In just a second or two the rear tires sank down to the rims. I actually tried to get unstuck for about 30 seconds before I remembered our truck had 4WD--lol! Ala, put the truck in 4WD and all was good in the world. Nice!