4x4 vs 2x4

[97winger]

My wife and I was out window shopping duallys when I come across a 2010 f350 crew cab w 8ft box with the 6.4 diesel. The kicker is it only has 9,000 miles on it. But it's two wheel drive. We are planning going full time in the spring with a 5th wheel probably 37 ft 14,000 lb rig. My original thought was a 4x4 but now thinking why not 2x4. We not expecting to be driving in snow ever again (hopefully). Any average of either.

[Crabbypatty]

We camp on the outer beach so 4x4 is mandatory. Living in the North East 4x4 is mandatory with the snow. That being said if you dont live in the snowy regions and do not ever want to camp off road, you think that you might not need it. However we camped in the WHite Mountains and our site was just a little off grade. It rained the noght before departure. I couldnt drive out of the gravel site in 2 wd. I pressed the button to 4wd and we were on our way. Thing I backed into the site and it looked fine. That very slight grade change didnt even click unitl we tried to leave. I would have needed a tow without it.

[bud121156]

I have had to use 4x4 several times to get our TT out of the grassy incline in the backyard, when it has rained. Rear wheel only,just spin the tires.

[Halmfamily]

We've owned one 2 wheel drive truck and got it stuck twice, will always own a 4x4. We live in the country and use it on our property and used it once getting into a campsight. It was raining and I had to back up a hill into the site and two wheel drive wasn't going to make it.



On the 6.4 I would not touch it unless you have a big bank roll to get repairs done. My UPS driver has put over $15000 in engine work in his 2010 F350. Its a beautiful truck but he's put more money into than its worth. Lots on major issues with that engine along with the 6.0. Stick the proven 6.7 or one of the other brands.

[jerseyjim]

The first couple responders blasted the 6.4 diesel. Why?

[Tom_Barb]

I've never seen the need to have a 4X for towing the RVs. we don't normally need the traction. work trucks going places we never take RVs do need the clearance and traction for off road work.

[darsben1]

To the OP;
Guess it depends on what kind of full timing you will do.
All paved roads and commercial campgrounds to the other extreme Rutted road, boondocking in the middle of no where out west.
Your use should be the deciding factor on 4x2 or 4x4

[Grit_dog]

rhagfo wrote:

Atlee wrote:
For me, I'd rather have 4x4 and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

I have used my 4x4 a couple of times.

I have also loved it when I needed it. Coming home from the Oregon Coast 1st week of January 2011.

The other plus is if you don't lock the front hubs, you can put the transfer case in low range for backing into a space. I find this very nice as one host site we use, is backing uphill to the blind side.

Well now I have covered the 4X4, thoughts, I would not own a Ford/IH 6.x diesel. They just all had too many issues.

Except there's not a single 4wd HD pickup with true manual hubs anymore, unless you get a free spin kit. Even the super duty hubs are kind of for show. There's auto lockers behind the manual hubs. The manual hubs are just bling until the auto locking hubs malfunction. Although idk if there's a way to disable th auto and run with just manual hubs. That would be great for a factory 2lo setup!

[rhagfo]

Atlee wrote:
For me, I'd rather have 4x4 and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

I have used my 4x4 a couple of times.

I have also loved it when I needed it. Coming home from the Oregon Coast 1st week of January 2011.

The other plus is if you don't lock the front hubs, you can put the transfer case in low range for backing into a space. I find this very nice as one host site we use, is backing uphill to the blind side.

Well now I have covered the 4X4, thoughts, I would not own a Ford/IH 6.x diesel. They just all had too many issues.

[coolbreeze01]

I engage the front end enough to justify having 4x4. However, I wouldn't buy a Ford. Good luck.

[Searching_Ut]

My thinking is that if you don't know whether you need 4 wheel drive or not, you don't need it. Personally I tow quite often in the snow wouldn't be without it there. When empty, the handling on dirt roads, snow etc is considerably better with the 4 wheel drive when engaged, provided you remember while you have better controllability, it doesn't help with braking.

On the downside, when you get stuck in the sand or mud with a diesel 4X4 you tend to really be stuck and are going to have a heck of a hard time getting out. The newer 4X4 pickups also tend to have a ton of expensive stuff underneath that is easy to hit or damage, and they tend to be very long so they aren't really a good choice for off-roading. The other downside is that the suspension on 1 ton trucks are terrible when it comes to travel, and ability to keep the tires planted on rough roads when empty. They ride and handle terrible on dirt roads, especially the washboarded ones. I wouldn't be without 4X4, but they aren't necessarily for everyone.

[Tom_Barb]

IndyCamp wrote:


I've also seen a lot of motorhomes, especially out west, towing 4x4 Jeeps behind them.

Is there another kind ?

[DakotaDad]

When towing, I've only needed 4x4 twice in 8+ years. Both times after a heavy rain, once on grass, once on dirt. I could live without it for summer towing, but I'm more comfortable with it there.

The rest of the time the truck is my daily driver. 4x4 gets used far more often in that role out here. Prairie blizzards and a steep driveway make it a good investment.

[Atlee]

For me, I'd rather have 4x4 and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

I have used my 4x4 a couple of times.

[stickdog]

I use mine maybe once a year but then I go some places that I wouldn't if I didn't have it.

[Nutinelse2do]

We have been on the road for almost 2 years, and have never needed 4x4. If you are in a dually, you are not going to be doing a lot of 4 wheeling anyway.

4x2 gives you more carrying capacity, and less maintenance. 4x4 has better resale value by a little bit.

Personal preference, but we haven't missed having a 4x4.