Why 4 X 4

[Usnthedog]

Every place you look, every dealer it's all 4 X 4's. I have a 4 X 4 and never use it. Why is it so popular? Is there anyone out there that has a 2 X 4 and is unhappy with the truck? How about with a 4 X 4? My first 2 trucks I bought off the lot hence the 4 X 4. I'm looking to order and almost feel ashamed to consider a 2 X 4. I pull a 12,000# 5th wheel. No mud holes and backroads. Thanks.

And diesel, but that is another post.

[humblerb]

Houston, TX checking in. Recently bought my first RAM 2500 to go with our first FW.
There are a few (heavy emphasis on "few") 4X2 3/4-ton trucks around.
But I would guess they are outnumbered about 100 to 1 in NE Houston.
Went to a large volume dealer on the NE side of town and they did not have one 3/4 ton 4X2 on the lot.
There is no need for a 4X4 here other than status, in my opinion.
I wanted a 4X2 for a variety of reasons - less money, less trans-axle to break down, more towing capacity, more cargo capacity....
In order to get the rear-end I wanted and towing/cargo capacity, I ended up with a 4X4.
Not sure what the attraction is in a region where winter is typically from 9 PM to 7:30 AM on January 17th/18th each year.
???

[bpounds]

Never needed it to pull into a Walmart. Or to pull out either.

[ReneeG]

All I could afford wrote:
Four-wheel-drive just let you get stuck further into the woods then the 2 Wheel Dr. trucks do

True, if you're not careful. With 4x2, you're not going in at all.

[Scott16]

If you are going to camp off pavement in the grass, Driving a F-350 with the 4X4 and a 15,000 lbs, 5th Wheel in State or Federal Parks. If it rains you have a good chance getting out of the wet grass and on the road when you leave.
Not the a 2x4 Truck.

[All_I_could_aff]

Four-wheel-drive just let you get stuck further into the woods then the 2 Wheel Dr. trucks do

[BarneyS]

irishtom29 wrote:
I would want 4wd only for traction on roads or in campgrounds and I wish a stock 4wd truck was available that sat low, as low as 2wd Chevys used to sit. Even 2wd trucks sit high now.

You need to take a look at the new Rams with complete air suspension. My truck automatically lowers when driving over 35mph and you can raise it 6 inches for off road travel if you wish. It also auto lowers when you shut it off to make entry and exit easier. Works like a charm and rides like my wifes' former Mercury Grand Marquis! 🙂 🙂
I don't know if it comes on 2500 or 3500 trucks however.
Barney

[irishtom29]

I would want 4wd only for traction on roads or in campgrounds and I wish a stock 4wd truck was available that sat low, as low as 2wd Chevys used to sit. Even 2wd trucks sit high now.

[Lynnmor]

I didn’t read all of this thread but I’ll just comment on my current situation. I am camped in an older campground in central PA where the grass and silt has overtaken the stoned parking areas of most sites. With previous rain and continuous downpour for the predicted future, I might have a fun day tomorrow when I tow out of here. The last two days required 4WD to just get the truck off the site that had only a little slope.

[allen8106]

I had a 4X2 GMC 2500 and was very unhappy. Had to take my daughter to school during a snow day and couldn't drive through the snow. Snow was no more than 8-12 inches deep. Had to dig the snow out from in front of and behind the tires and get a running start to get through. Vowed then and there my next truck would be a 4X4.

We live out in the county where the nearest paved road is 3 miles away. That three miles seems like 50 when you are stuck in the mud or snow.

[fj12ryder]

laknox wrote:


That's because those same guys would be in the ditch with 2wd, only they can't get 'em, so now have 4wd. :B:B:B

Lyle

:B

[laknox]

FWIW, my brother's '04 F350 dually 4x4 is about 4" shorter than my '02 D'max 4x4. (shrug)

Lyle

[laknox]

fj12ryder wrote:

ReneeG wrote:

Super_Dave wrote:
All the guys defending 4 X 4 use it. It appears that the OP never has and likely never will. I think he is safe ordering the smoother riding 4 X 2.

Then let the 4x4 pull him out when he gets stuck.

Now there's a bunch of bull. Never has happened in over 55 years of driving in the midwest winters, and likely never will. But over the years the number of 4WD vehicles in the ditches during the winter has increased.

That's because those same guys would be in the ditch with 2wd, only they can't get 'em, so now have 4wd. :B:B:B

Lyle

[kohai]

In Utah, I've needed 4x4 while towing once when trying to back up a slight incline that was rocky/gravel. When driving without the trailer, I've used it a lot. The back end bounces and wheels spin all the time on the dirt roads I get on just because there's no weight back there.

[mr__ed]

Michelle.S wrote:
You just can't beat 4 Low for backing into the perfect camping spot when you're off the beaten path, or some times in State or Local parks. Just put it in 4 Low and just let the engine idle while backing in.

X2. My tow vehicle was a Dodge 3500 diesel 4X4 with manual shift. Backing my fiver into a site was a lot easier on the clutch using 4X4 low. Maybe that would be easier on an auto tranny, too.