2wd or 4x4?

[West6550]

Wife and I are in the process of buying a 26-30' fifth wheel and truck to pull it for fulltime use.

We plan on doing a lot of boondocking and hitting BLM spots and are wondering if 2WD is enough or is 4x4 the way to go.

We have found a great deal on a 2wd Dodge dually, I personally want a 4x4 but the cost difference to buy a new one compared to the like new 2wd we found is significant.

So how often is 4wd actually needed? Are the majority of places accessible by 2wd?

[West6550]

06Fargo wrote:
These folks full time and boondock lots pulling a 5th wheel with a 2WD dual rear wheel truck: Click on these blue words

A dual rear wheel truck with weight is pretty capable. Carry a good portable air compressor like a ViAir so you can air tires way down for flotation if the need arises.

You don't normally "Wheel" a 5th wheel RV over jeep trails to boondock, at least not without your repair shop along to put the trailer back together once you get there...:D

Funny, I actually posted on one of Ray's youtube video to ask him. He said they don't chance it like a lot are saying.


Having a 2wd now I understand the wet grass and other things. I guess the wife and I will just have to just see.

Oh and to the person carrying chains, do your self a favor and carry carpet. Sounds crazy but it works. Toss the carpet down under the tire and pow. You would be amazed how it works.

[Bumpyroad]

06Fargo wrote:


You don't normally "Wheel" a 5th wheel RV over jeep trails to boondock, at least not without your repair shop along to put the trailer back together once you get there...:D

yep, you don't drag that 26-32 ft 5er down these scenic roads shown in this thread.
bumpy

[rhagfo]

Terryallan wrote:
No you don't need 4x4 to tow. it actually hurts the tow capacity. In 30+ years of towing campers, and boats. I have NEVER needed 4x4, and haven't been stuck, anywhere. even on wet grass. Which I don't understand how that happens, but folks complain about it so I guess it could happen. And you can't use 4x4 on the road any way.
However. IF you want 4x4 then get it. It's your money. and you are the only one you have to please. The only time you would need it is after you unhook, and go play in the sand or something. But running up, and down the road . Nah.

That is an incorrect statement, you can't use on DRY pavement, snowy, icy and very wet it works just fine. You do need to a a little careful on wet, as you need enough to be a bit slippery.
I have towed from Butte to Coeur d'Alene, ID in 4X4 with an 89 F250 pulling a horse trailer.

[LIKE2BUILD]

Terryallan wrote:
No you don't need 4x4 to tow. .....haven't been stuck, anywhere. even on wet grass. Which I don't understand how that happens,......

Terry, you're exactly right, 4X4 isn't necessary for towing and can limit towing capacity. But for the times you need it, that feature is priceless.

How do you get stuck on wet grass? I've done it in my back yard. My yard has slopes in every direction and is mostly clay under the grass. Not terrible inclines, but I don't have a flat spot in any direction. I was building a shed a few years ago and backed the truck down to unload wood. It was a little damp after a rain and as I tried to drive out the back the wheels started spinning. I tried to stop immediately when they spun but the damage was done. I had stripped the grass, gotten into the clay, and filled all the grooves in my tires. From that point on I had nothing but racing slicks to drive the truck. I had to use a tow strap and the wife's 4X4 Yukon XL to pull me up the hill and back onto the driveway. I was being careful trying not to break traction but it was game over once that happened.

I've also been stuck in my RAM in 2WD. I had to get my friend's 20' flat bed trailer that was down a hill at the back of his property. After I hooked on I tried to pull up the hill and my back wheels spun immediately on the dampness from the evening dew. Thankfully now owning the 4X4 Ram I just turned a switch, engaged the front axle, and crawled up the hill and back onto pavement.

None of that should prevent the OP from taking the great deal he has available on the 2WD RAM he mentioned. If you watch your conditions and play it right a 2WD truck can be just fine. The main thing is to just know what you have and to watch conditions where you KNOW there is a high certainty you can get stuck.

KJ

[noteven]

These folks full time and boondock lots pulling a 5th wheel with a 2WD dual rear wheel truck: Click on these blue words

A dual rear wheel truck with weight is pretty capable. Carry a good portable air compressor like a ViAir so you can air tires way down for flotation if the need arises.

You don't normally "Wheel" a 5th wheel RV over jeep trails to boondock, at least not without your repair shop along to put the trailer back together once you get there...:D

[azrving]

After camp is set up you may want to wheel a little.

Goblin Valley/Utah




Goblin Valley/Utah




Gemini Bridges/Moab




Padre Island




Indian Pass/Picacho Peak/Socal




Socal




Socal/Picacho Peak




La Sal Mountains/Moab



La Sal Mt/Moab

[joegray]

Backing up a dual rear wheel seem to have less traction than a single rear wheel truck. I was told it's because you have less pounds per square inch on the tires. Four tires vs two.
I have a 4x4 and the only time I have used it, was when I had to back up onto some rather high leveling blocks. It takes a lot of strain off the transmission being able to shift into low range.
Having said that, where I live I would never buy a vehicle without 4x4.

[stickdog]

Our F350 DRW 4x4 is my first 4x4 only use it about once a year, it's worth it. the cost of the 4x4 option is only the up front cost you will have lower fuel mileage but again you have it when you need it. Try calling a tow in the middle of nowhere with no cell service to even call a tow. Boondocking get the 4x4. I'm thinking about trading up and the next truck will have it as well.

[GordonThree]

Durb wrote:

Had a buddy that said he never got stuck until he got 4WD; trying too much dumb stuff. I see the advantages of 4WD but 2WD with limited slip will work for most circumstances.

I'll raise my hand for this one. Found myself hung up down a two track I'd never have attempted with 2wd. Mud bog machines had dug pits well too deep for my factory lift.

Irony of it all, it was a guy who had taken his 2wd van down the same trail that spotted for me to get out.

[christopherglen]

The first time you get stuck without cell coverage, and without something large enough to drag you out (winch, another truck, etc), the cost difference becomes meaningless. What most people don't realize is once you are not in flat country, snow and ice actually becomes a PITA. Having actually put chains on and off in the Sierra's in slush, I can tell you it is money well spent. If you are never going to get more then a few truck lengths off dry pavement, it is a near total waste. If you plan of covering the sides of the trailer in mud from time to time - or tow on a beach, 4 go tires are better then 2.

[JnJnKatiebug]

When I had a 2wd it was fine going down the highway. I would think if I had a 4x4 I could camp anywhere instead of a paved parking lot. Now I have a 4x4 and I was right. You will not regret it.

[Terryallan]

No you don't need 4x4 to tow. it actually hurts the tow capacity. In 30+ years of towing campers, and boats. I have NEVER needed 4x4, and haven't been stuck, anywhere. even on wet grass. Which I don't understand how that happens, but folks complain about it so I guess it could happen. And you can't use 4x4 on the road any way.
However. IF you want 4x4 then get it. It's your money. and you are the only one you have to please. The only time you would need it is after you unhook, and go play in the sand or something. But running up, and down the road . Nah.

[GMH]

Do you NEED 4wd? No, you just have to be more careful where you go. If you did want to keep the 2wd you could outfit it with a winch pretty cheaply which would give you chance if you did get stuck.

[Durb]

Like you, I got a good deal on a 2WD truck so I went with it. At the outset I bought a good set of chains figuring I would be paying myself $3,000 the first time I had to put them on. They are still unused in the bag. However, I do not boon dock.

Had a buddy that said he never got stuck until he got 4WD; trying too much dumb stuff. I see the advantages of 4WD but 2WD with limited slip will work for most circumstances.

[Brisk]

AngryBert-63 wrote:
I'd never own a 2WD truck. Too many unexpected uses for 4WD over the last 20+ years of towing RVs.

I couldn't have said it better myself. It is not the expected uses that get you, it is the unexpected ones. I would have to be towed out several times a year if it weren't for 4x4