Alternative to 4wd

I buy and own nothing but 2wd F250s, older ones made sure they were optioned with limited slip, new ones with Electronic Locking axles as Ford n longer offers Limited slip in pickups.

The factory Electronic locking axle is somewhat of an improvement over open or limited slip.

Does not and will not replace 4x4.

In other words, you still can get stuck on wet grass and mud if not careful.

Why not mount an electric winch on the front end? That way it's there if you need it, plus it just looks kinda cool! :C

RetiredRealtorRick wrote:
Why not mount an electric winch on the front end? That way it's there if you need it, plus it just looks kinda cool! :C

Derp...

I was happy with my Chevrolets that had 2WD limited slip differentials.

I changed my factory limited slip (F150) to an Eaton TrueTrac geared limited slip. Terrific improvement without the locker issues. Excellent for the situations described. Not as effective as a locker if a wheel is suspended from rock hopping etc. Still great with 100,000 miles on it.

It won't match 4x4 but it will certainly help. An electronic locker will beat a limited slip because the limited slip doesn't fully engage the 2nd wheel until the 1st wheel is already slipping (static friction is typically better than sliding friction)

The extra hitch weight will also help a lot when hooked up to the trailer.

If you are looking for heavy duty off roading, 4x4 is needed. If you just want to avoid getting stuck in slippery but otherwise non-challenging conditions, it can be a nice upgrade.

Your from MA , you know that in the snow and such rear wheel drive is the worst. Are you talking about getting to campsites? Or just in general. I dont think it will help that much. We have simmiler on fire engiens, in the snow mud and stuff we need chains. The traction control that would lock the back wheels dosen't help at all. At least I have never had 1 situation where it did. And yea, the weight dosen't matter in certain situations. How about pads, or a chain mat to put down after you get stuck?

my duramax has an auto locker rear, better than an open diff, but still easy to have issues on wet grass, mud etc. Even with traction control. shift to 4wd (really 3 wd) and what was marginal was easy peasy

Sjm9911 wrote:
Your from MA , you know that in the snow and such rear wheel drive is the worst. Are you talking about getting to campsites? Or just in general. I dont think it will help that much. We have simmiler on fire engiens, in the snow mud and stuff we need chains. The traction control that would lock the back wheels dosen't help at all. At least I have never had 1 situation where it did. And yea, the weight dosen't matter in certain situations. How about pads, or a chain mat to put down after you get stuck?

No need to be condescending on having 2wd in the north east, folks do have reasons as to why no 4x4 on a vehicle..

OP is talking a VAN chassis motor home, not saying they don't make 4x4 van chassis motor homes but in the whole realm of reality you most likely will find far fewer 4x4 van chassis motor homes built and sold than 4x2.

4x4 adds considerable weight and cost to the vehicle and you take a already heavy RV and drag another 800 lbs around and tacking on an extra $$$$ to the price tag in the hopes you might need it.

Price a 4x2 motor home and then a 4x4 motor home and see just how deep your pockets are..

Myself, have saved well over enough money over the yrs to buy a brand new 4x2 truck for cash just by not paying an extra $4K per vehicle..
Only can count on one hand the times it would have been nice to have 4x4 over the last 30 yrs and I live in the the north east.

Gdetrailer wrote:

Sjm9911 wrote:
Your from MA , you know that in the snow and such rear wheel drive is the worst. Are you talking about getting to campsites? Or just in general. I dont think it will help that much. We have simmiler on fire engiens, in the snow mud and stuff we need chains. The traction control that would lock the back wheels dosen't help at all. At least I have never had 1 situation where it did. And yea, the weight dosen't matter in certain situations. How about pads, or a chain mat to put down after you get stuck?

No need to be condescending on having 2wd in the north east, folks do have reasons as to why no 4x4 on a vehicle..

OP is talking a VAN chassis motor home, not saying they don't make 4x4 van chassis motor homes but in the whole realm of reality you most likely will find far fewer 4x4 van chassis motor homes built and sold than 4x2.

4x4 adds considerable weight and cost to the vehicle and you take a already heavy RV and drag another 800 lbs around and tacking on an extra $$$$ to the price tag in the hopes you might need it.

Price a 4x2 motor home and then a 4x4 motor home and see just how deep your pockets are..

Myself, have saved well over enough money over the yrs to buy a brand new 4x2 truck for cash just by not paying an extra $4K per vehicle..
Only can count on one hand the times it would have been nice to have 4x4 over the last 30 yrs and I live in the the north east.

Who was being condescending? I said rear wheel drive is bad for traction in the snow and mud. It is. That a fact. I still remember when most all cars where real wheel drive, lol. People would add weight to the rears and we used snow tires. I dont think the locking rear is going to help much. And may not be woth the $$$. You could also go with the studded tires. They make them for way up north. As far as being in the north, I'm in nj. If I have to travel in snow, its 4wd or front wheel drive. ( or AWD). You will not get anywhere with 2 wd.