GM HD Trucks Many with AWD instead of 4WD

[RobWNY]

Where snow and mud isn't an issue, you can have a 4X2 truck as your tow vehicle, but here in the Northeast, 4X4 trucks are the norm. Now GM is offering AWD instead of 4WD in many of their HD trucks. At least up here, I'm seeing most HD trucks with the AWD option. I'm not so sure that's a good idea in my neck of the woods. What are your thoughts?

[Groover]

If you tow near capacity on many of the new trucks your trailer will weigh twice as much as the truck and traction can become a serious issue, even on the road. There AWD can help more than 4WD.

[valhalla360]

RobWNY wrote:
I've never been in the midwest during the winter so I don't know but I'm in the snowbelt off Lake Erie. It's not uncommon to wake up to a fresh 2 feet of snow (Think Buffalo NY area, Blizzard of 1977 as examples) I've also had to pull my RV out of pretty muddy conditions at State parks after it rained for several days. You're right though. 99.9% of the time it's no problem. It's that .1% that worries me.

So basically no different (the western tip of NY is part of the midwest).

Only time we've ever had any issues was once while purposely playing with the 4x4 on a prior truck.

[rjstractor]

RobWNY wrote:
Where snow and mud isn't an issue, you can have a 4X2 truck as your tow vehicle, but here in the Northeast, 4X4 trucks are the norm. Now GM is offering AWD instead of 4WD in many of their HD trucks. At least up here, I'm seeing most HD trucks with the AWD option. I'm not so sure that's a good idea in my neck of the woods. What are your thoughts?

I would think that in many cases AWD would be superior to conventional 4WD. If the rear tires start to spin, the fronts kick in seamlessly. They only exception would be extreme conditions, such as true off-road conditions, launching on a very steep grade with a heavy trailer or abuse such as trying to pull stumps. (file that under "getting the right tool for the job") Most truck users, even HD truck users don't need low range, especially with the abundant torque that modern diesels provide.

[miltvill]

I have always had a 2wd with locking rear axel. I never had a problem in Florida with 2wd. My new GMC 3500HD is 4wd. It has 2wd, 4wd high, 4wd low and auto. I played with all modes but I don't have any dirt roads where I live to really try the modes out. All modes work great on pavement.

[Sjm9911]

I just got a 2020 hd silverado, i have 4 wd?????? I dont have awd like i did on my 10 yo sierra?

[ferndaleflyer]

I did away with the 4X4 F350 when I moved South. If it snows here it can sit but I do have a 4X4 F150 if I need to go that has got used very little. I agree it that 1% of the time when you need it

[Grit_dog]

RobWNY wrote:
Where snow and mud isn't an issue, you can have a 4X2 truck as your tow vehicle, but here in the Northeast, 4X4 trucks are the norm. Now GM is offering AWD instead of 4WD in many of their HD trucks.

You're saying the HD's now have single speed t- cases too?
I haven't seen, heard, nor read that yet. All the new 2020 GM HD's I've seen have been 2 speed.
The 1500s have had single speed T case since last year. Agree, not sure how I feel about that, however, aside from the convenience of creeping up or down very rough terrain very slowly, I can probably count on 1 hand how many times I've used 4low on any truck in the last 20 years. And I use 4wd more than alot of people and in many different scenarios.
Agree, though I'm not happy to see it leave some of the half ton models.

[RobWNY]

kellem wrote:
If your scared, get front and rear lockers. Lol

I'm too old to get scared over anything. I do however laugh hysterically quite often.

[kellem]

If your scared, get front and rear lockers. Lol

[RobWNY]

bukhrn wrote:
If you can't drive, it makes no difference how many wheel drive you have, when i lived in Northern NY, I've seen quite a few people get 4WD vehicles buried because they thought they knew all about winter driving.

I'm not sure what the point is you're making. Are you saying 4WD is a worse option that AWD in bad conditions?

[bukhrn]

If you can't drive, it makes no difference how many wheel drive you have, when i lived in Northern NY, I've seen quite a few people get 4WD vehicles buried because they thought they knew all about winter driving.

[RobWNY]

valhalla360 wrote:

RobWNY wrote:
Where snow and mud isn't an issue, you can have a 4X2 truck as your tow vehicle, but here in the Northeast, 4X4 trucks are the norm. Now GM is offering AWD instead of 4WD in many of their HD trucks. At least up here, I'm seeing most HD trucks with the AWD option. I'm not so sure that's a good idea in my neck of the woods. What are your thoughts?

Is Northeast snow worse the Midwest snow? Have done fine for years with 4x2.

3/4 and 1 ton trucks are horrid off road vehicles anyway, so a little extra traction from AWD will take care of 99.9% of drivers.

I've never been in the midwest during the winter so I don't know but I'm in the snowbelt off Lake Erie. It's not uncommon to wake up to a fresh 2 feet of snow (Think Buffalo NY area, Blizzard of 1977 as examples) I've also had to pull my RV out of pretty muddy conditions at State parks after it rained for several days. You're right though. 99.9% of the time it's no problem. It's that .1% that worries me.

[time2roll]

RobWNY wrote:
What are your thoughts?

Get the proper drivetrain based upon your needs. Do some research to know exactly what the options include.

[valhalla360]

RobWNY wrote:
Where snow and mud isn't an issue, you can have a 4X2 truck as your tow vehicle, but here in the Northeast, 4X4 trucks are the norm. Now GM is offering AWD instead of 4WD in many of their HD trucks. At least up here, I'm seeing most HD trucks with the AWD option. I'm not so sure that's a good idea in my neck of the woods. What are your thoughts?

Is Northeast snow worse the Midwest snow? Have done fine for years with 4x2.

3/4 and 1 ton trucks are horrid off road vehicles anyway, so a little extra traction from AWD will take care of 99.9% of drivers.

[K_Charles]

Gramps said never get stuck in 4 wheel drive. Go in the woods in 2 wheel drive and if you get in trouble 4 wheel drive will get you out.