Dually, 4X4 or 4X2?

[Captain_Skip]

Me again....

You've got me convinced that for the size of the camper that I want (AF992/EC990/Lance1050S) that for safety and handling I should go with a dually not a SRW truck.

Now, my next question - 4X4 (I guess on a dually it's 4X6?) or 4X2?

I don't see myself mounting a snowplow on the front of it for winter use. If I'm using the truck and camper in the winter it's going to be somewhere that's above freezing with no snow. When not hauling the camper it will be used for trips to the lumber yard, towing my boat/ATV, going to the dump, etc. With the size of a dually I won't be going off road with it - I've got a Toyota FJ for that. Is 4 wheel drive really necessary on a dually? Ford offers a limited slip differential option and I'm sure Chevy and Ram do too, so I thought that would be sufficient for slippery conditions.

My initial research has me leaning towards a 4X2 dually with a gas engine, not diesel. I don't think the extra $8k for the diesel is worth it and according to what I've found on the Ford website the cargo capacity of the 2 wheel drive truck is higher than the 4X4 version.
I know that resale for a 4X4/diesel will be higher, but I'm the type to keep a vehicle for 8 to 10 years so resale isn't something I'm concerned with.

You guys were a big help on the SRW vs DRW question for the campers I like, what do you think about the 4X4 vs 4X2 question?

Thanks!

[JumboJet]

I live in the Ozark Mountains and our winters are mostly without snow. BUT, the times we have had snow (up to 16" for one) I loved my 4x4. I haven't had a 2WD since 1993.

[rottidawg]

You live in New England and your questioning getting a 4x4 ????

[allygerry]

Another vote for the 4x4 here, wet grass is almost as slick as ice on a dually. Four tires in the rear just seem to float when trying to level the TC. Trying to back up under the TC when on wet grass to load is not fun. Gerry

[Buzzcut1]

You could not get me to own a non 4x4 truck. Too many times in mud, wet grass, pulling a horse trailer. Not to mention getting snowed on in the Sierras while winter camping and out in the old FS Roads

[ISBRAM]

4x4 sure is great to have on a slick boat ramp.
Here in Colorado a 10 year old pickup with 4 wheel drive is selling for at least double what a 2 wheel would if you could even sell it.

[Artum_Snowbird]

4 by 4 without a doubt! With that heavy camper you will want it to be level when you park. To do that you will need to get up on blocks.

It is infinitely easier to climb up on a double or triple set of blocks when in low range and that only comes with 4 by 4. The first time it is raining and slippery out, and you want to get set up and level, you will appreciate it so much.

I have also used mine to climb up to the upper view sites that only campers can get to in some campsites, and often I put it into low range to back up under the camper to load as well.

Don't even think of going 4 by 2!

[Grandpere]

Great decision going for the DRW truck, it will make the camper handle much better. As for 4WD or 2WD that is really up to you. If you plan on going into remote areas I would say go with the 4WD. If your camping is in developed areas then a 2WD is more than sufficient. As for slippery conditions, if you need 4WD then you have no business being on the road in the first place. Anyway, decide your primary form of camping and let that guide you into what drive train to go with. BTW I would also go with the gas engine, one gets to the destination just not as fast. But then speed kills and those speeding by cannot enjoy the scenery.

[Gooding__R]

Sounds like you have answered your own questions. The 4X2 is for the most part all you will ever need. The MPG will be a lot better then the 4x4. I prefer the diesel but they make some strong gas engines now. With the dually you will get stability while towing. Happy camping