Two wheel drive or 4x4?

How do you know that the vehicle the OP is looking at isn't a dedicated tow vehicle? He does, in fact, say "Looking at purchasing a new tow vehicle". He doesn't say it's going to be a daily driver, he says it's a "tow vehicle", and asks for opinions about a "tow vehicle". Maybe he doesn't use his "tow vehicle" when the weather turns nasty, because he has a vehicle for that. Sheesh.

If he lives in North Dakota one would assume that he knows what it is like in the winter and hardly needs any advice about a winter driving vehicle.

Folks:

please step back, take a deep breath, and THINK!

The OP here is NOT asking about four wheel drive where you live.

The question being asked is does the OP need four wheel drive for winter in North Dakota.

I repeat, WINTER CONDITIONS IN NORTH DAKOTA!

So I suspect that most all have NOT experienced a North Dakota winter. And have absolutely no room to talk or offer advice here.

Not trying to be mean, crude, or impolite.

But being a native North Dakotan, and having lived through way, way too many of those brutal winters in North Dakota, you folks in other states offering advice AGAINST four wheel drive are really doing this fellow a disservice.

You have no winter experience in North Dakota, yet propose that since you in Illinois, Louisiana or where-ever don't need it, then this fellow does not either.

You cannot imagine how terribly brutal winter conditions in North Dakota can become. Winters in Illinois are nothing compared to North Dakota. Winters where I am now are nothing compared to North Dakota.

I have seen instances where local governmental authorities had to go to extraordinary means to get an injured person from a small town to the nearest hospital. Calling out the National Guard to use bulldozers to clear snow drifts off roads. That failing (it was storming that badly) volunteers on snowmobiles finally got this person to a hospital.

Trains get stuck. As big, heavy and powerful as a railroad locomotive is, the railroads get shut down by snow.

For those that do not live there, and have never experienced the worst winter can deal out in North Dakota, it is almost beyond comprehension.

And I for one, am really glad to be away from it.

The OP here is going to work up there, in oil fields I assume. The OP needs four wheel drive. Its not a choice of needs versus wants. Need only.

I purchased my truck new with 4WD. I've only used 4WD a few times in the past 6 years but during those episodes I was glad I had it. I had other reasons for wanting 4WD: It may help when it comes time to sell the truck (especially in some parts of the country where 4WD is a necessity), and the truck sits a bit higher, which I like.

It can probably be said that 4WD isn't a necessity for many folks but having it available can make the difference between easily getting out of a situation or having to be towed out.

Have never been without it on both vehicles for years. Would not replace any vehicle without.

2wd here, never needed 4wd. I stay away from snow, mud, sand and wet grass. :)

The money I saved by not getting a 4wd, I could pay for a lot of tows. I do have some nice big factory tow hooks :)

Where is Supercharged when you need him? :h:S

You gotta have a 4 x 4 because the manufacturers and dealers are in cahoots and load the lots with them. Along with Z71 and every gadget one can imagine to jack up the cost and profits. Three dealers told me that 4 x 2 were not available within 200 miles and that included the Houston metro area. They found me a 4 x 2 in Dallas.

I use 4x4 regularly for all sorts of things- including getting the trailer into areas I could not get into without 4x4.

Would never consider a truck without 4x4.

Never needed 4WD for camping.

Have used 4WD a good bit for snow, loading canoes at rivers edge, agricultural work.

So THAT is why we have 4WD- NOT for towing the camper.

Plus, I'd assume someone mentioned resale value.

~DJ~ wrote:
I guess I don't NEED 4X4 but sure is FUN!!!! :B

I'm going to have to agree.