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?

[time2roll]

Big difference between off-pavement, off-road, overland, rock hopping, or plowing through sand or mud. For towing I would expect the OP is talking off-pavement but still on established dirt roads and probably does not need 4WD for towing.

I did not read anything about wandering down some Jeep trails where you may encounter actual 4WD conditions. Even those beautiful pictures above all look 2WD to me.

[RPreeb]

Terryallan wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

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.

For a guy with so many opinions, you musnt get out much!
Contrary to your belief, there are many locations and situations where no 4wd is a no-go period. Just not the trips to the local state park on a nice summer day....

Been camping for 30 plus years, and towing for 40+ years. Have NEVER needed 4x4 while towing, and I camp at the beach on sand, in the mountains on dirt, grass, what ever. Cross country thru the Rockies, down the Coast highway, thru the Blue Ridge

Could be. That since 4x4 vehicles were virtually nonexistent when I started driving. I learned to drive with out it. There are many DRIVERS that learned to drive with out 4x4. And we went EVERYWHERE we wanted to go with out it. Even out on the beach in heavy sand.

I guess what I'm saying is. It could be a skill thing. Example. A few years ago we had to park the busses in a wet muddy field. I followed the first buss into the field. He made the turn hit some soft mud, and got stuck. I had to suddenly steer around him, and I drove on until I found some hard ground, and stopped there. Why did he get stuck, and not me?? Same field, same mud. It's a skill thing. Its how we were taught.

I did the same as far as growing up and learning to drive with just 2 rear wheels doing the work. In Montana we hunted the Missouri River breaks in my '63 Impala or my buddy's '64 Buick Skylark - crossing range land for a mile or more off road (both had lift kits for better clearance - but we did get the Skylark stuck crossing a small creek one time). I can do 2wd just fine.

But that doesn't mean that there is no reason to upgrade. 4x4 is just more fun. I need it more for exploring when the TT is unhitched than I do for towing. I'm not remotely a hard core 4 wheeler, but I love getting as far back as I'm willing to risk on mountain jeep trails, and there is some beautiful back country that I would never have seen without 4x4 capability.

[Terryallan]

Grit dog wrote:

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.

For a guy with so many opinions, you musnt get out much!
Contrary to your belief, there are many locations and situations where no 4wd is a no-go period. Just not the trips to the local state park on a nice summer day....

Been camping for 30 plus years, and towing for 40+ years. Have NEVER needed 4x4 while towing, and I camp at the beach on sand, in the mountains on dirt, grass, what ever. Cross country thru the Rockies, down the Coast highway, thru the Blue Ridge

Could be. That since 4x4 vehicles were virtually nonexistent when I started driving. I learned to drive with out it. There are many DRIVERS that learned to drive with out 4x4. And we went EVERYWHERE we wanted to go with out it. Even out on the beach in heavy sand.

I guess what I'm saying is. It could be a skill thing. Example. A few years ago we had to park the busses in a wet muddy field. I followed the first buss into the field. He made the turn hit some soft mud, and got stuck. I had to suddenly steer around him, and I drove on until I found some hard ground, and stopped there. Why did he get stuck, and not me?? Same field, same mud. It's a skill thing. Its how we were taught.

[tinner12002]

I've pretty much always had a 4x4 and will probably always get one if buying another truck. I'd rather be prepared to get myself going rather than having to rely on someone else or having to call a tow truck to get out of a sticky situation. Also if your towing any on snowy roads the 4x4 may come in handy there also despite what another poster said about not being able to use 4x4 on the hiway. Trucks these days are quite capable of engaging 4x4 on snow covered roads at 50-55mph.

[PatrickA51]

JnJnKatiebug wrote:
Life is too short to eat stale potato chips or drive a 2wd. I like to go down the road less traveled and like to be prepared. I had rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Maybe that's one reason I also bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 ?

[JnJnKatiebug]

Life is too short to eat stale potato chips or drive a 2wd. I like to go down the road less traveled and like to be prepared. I had rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[Bumpyroad]

PatrickA51 wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:

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

When I bought my Ram 2500 Laramie, I wanted a Power Wagon. The only reason I didn't buy a Power Wagon was I could not get a 6.7L IL-6 Cummins Turbo Diesel and a 8ft bed.
I ended up buying a 4x2 2500 LB/CC to me 4x4 was more of a want than a need. I still have second thoughts but the extra $6500.00 can buy a lot other equipment for my truck. Also as said above unless you have a complete mechanical shop with you then don't drag a 26-32 ft. 5er down sonic dirt roads. Good Luck

keep in mind, if you are financing that purchase, that $6500 will turn out to be what? $8,000?
bumpy

[PatrickA51]

Bumpyroad wrote:

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

When I bought my Ram 2500 Laramie, I wanted a Power Wagon. The only reason I didn't buy a Power Wagon was I could not get a 6.7L IL-6 Cummins Turbo Diesel and a 8ft bed.
I ended up buying a 4x2 2500 LB/CC to me 4x4 was more of a want than a need. I still have second thoughts but the extra $6500.00 can buy a lot other equipment for my truck. Also as said above unless you have a complete mechanical shop with you then don't drag a 26-32 ft. 5er down sonic dirt roads. Good Luck

[Grit_dog]

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.

For a guy with so many opinions, you musnt get out much!
Contrary to your belief, there are many locations and situations where no 4wd is a no-go period. Just not the trips to the local state park on a nice summer day....

[Grit_dog]

West6550 wrote:

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.

Carpet? Lol.
Not saying it doesn't work, but 2 different applications. Chains are for before you get stuck. Ever try to chain up after being buried in the snow?
Carpet is for after you're stuck but better not have to go far. Get plumb wore out running out and flopping those carpet pieces ahead every 10ft!!

[Farmerjon]

My 2000 and 2015 both have auto locking hubs, but once you put it in 4L you can get out turn the hubs to auto and you have unlocked the hubs for using low range for slow dry work. It' very useful.

[DSteiner51]

Jebby14 wrote:

JaredWPhillips wrote:
Even if you avoid mud and snow... 4x4 can be very handy. I use it quite often for backing trailers up a hill, or on wet grass...4-LOW is a great tool for saving your transmission and giving you better control when maneuvering in a tight spot. There's also been may times when I couldn't back a trailer on a gravel incline without 4x4. I would never buy a 2WD truck if I intend to use it as a truck.

this is terrible advice. 4lo is not intended for anything but low speed STRAIGHT LINE use unless the front tires are in a low traction situation so they can slip to accommodate being out of synchronization do to turning radius.

that said ill never own another 2wd truck even though I don't often need my 4x4.

Nope. It is very good advice if you have manual locking front hubs. I've put hundreds of hours on my 4x4s this way on the farm. I've used 4x4 low in campgrounds too. It gives much better/easier control.

Even the last 16 years without the manual front hubs I still use low range and my Ford trucks have never had need of any front end or drive repairs. I've often wondered how folks can damage so much but then I remember a saying my dad used to say... "there is nothing a sane man can build that an insane man can't destroy. "

[eluwak]

When I trade again in the future I will go back to 4wd. My Chevy with the auto locker got stuck less than 2 feet from dry pavement when I pulled onto wet grass and it sank in a little while sitting (not towing or hauling anything). Waiting for a tow with the family in the truck was ridiculous.

[azrving]

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

AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL
AFTER CAMP IS SET UP YOU MAY WANT TO WHEEL

🙂

[Jebby14]

JaredWPhillips wrote:
Even if you avoid mud and snow... 4x4 can be very handy. I use it quite often for backing trailers up a hill, or on wet grass...4-LOW is a great tool for saving your transmission and giving you better control when maneuvering in a tight spot. There's also been may times when I couldn't back a trailer on a gravel incline without 4x4. I would never buy a 2WD truck if I intend to use it as a truck.

this is terrible advice. 4lo is not intended for anything but low speed STRAIGHT LINE use unless the front tires are in a low traction situation so they can slip to accommodate being out of synchronization do to turning radius.

that said ill never own another 2wd truck even though I don't often need my 4x4.