why are so many buying 4x4 TV?

[lwcdg]

OK, I'm also looking at the new TV's. But why are so many buying the TV's with 4x4 if we are all concerned with mileage?

I've had very few instances of needing a 4x4 with my '95 350 so why would I buy one today with the price of diesel 3 times higher than in 1995. I don't get it.

Yes if it fits the needs get it. I just don't see a lot of need driving with a 5th behind.

please explain everyones' thoughts to me.
Maybe I'm missing something!

thanks

Chuck

[Ozz]

Hi Chuck,
Fair question. Myself, probably like many others have a TV for a split duty. My TV serves as a service truck for some occasional work around town, I have had 4x4 service trucks for many years and have used the traction in some instances, so I like it. For thew Montana's use, I have had to put the truck in the 4x4 mode maybe 3 times. I was glad I had it, could I have done without the 4x4, yes.
Ozz

[lawrenceb42106]

Have been to a few campgrounds after it rained I needed it to get out. Plus if you get a dually the rear end is real light. Have got stuck on wet grass. I like it for the Peace of mind to me. Have had 4 wheel drives for over 20 years. Like Ozz I used it for service calls. Was glad to have it on icy & snowy days.

[bncinwv]

Our reason is pretty simple. It snows in WV and we live on a hill. Actually, counting work truck, have three 4WD's sitting out front of the house. As for my usual disclaimer, this is not my opinion but rather a statement of fact.
Bingo

[rogue]

Some of the same reasons as others above, and here in Oregon we live between two mountains, which get snow once and a while in the winter. Don't want to be limited on when I can leave on a trip. Also when I purchased out TV, did not think aboout our driveway. Its gravel and slops down slightly from the house to the street maybe 10-12 ft down over 150 length. Well it was just enough to start to spin the tires in 2wd. Works fine in 4 low.

[SAndreasen]

It also snows a lot here in Iowa. Also, our pole building is in a hay field and I have to use 4x4 all the time to get in and out of the place. I would be without it. Just what I need around here.

[Sunshine]

We have a 4x4 because of where we live - snow in winter, we do go off road some in summer, and extra traction comes in handy in campgrounds when grass is wet, or there is mud, etc. The F350 gets good mileage, even when towing, we drive sensibly and have a gasoline powered vehicle for errands, etc. when diesel is higher than gasoline. Bottom line, it's a matter of need and personal choice, but those are our reasons.

[Mudchief]

If you are alway on a hard surface and no snow and ice you don't need it. But I have been to a lot of camp grounds where I would not have been able to get in our out because of wet ground conditions. I also use my truck as a daily driver and like to go off road a lot. Unlike the 4 wheel drive in the pass those today allow the front wheels to free wheel like a 2 wheel drive. Therefore the difference in miles per gallon is pretty much the same. And the few time a year that I need it in a camp ground it is priceless.

[Countryfolks]

Just happened to be on the truck when we traded.

Skip

[Chuck and Carol]

We live in Central NY. Gets nasty in the winter.

[bsmeaton]

The girls just wont dance with you here in Colorado unless its a 4X4.

[Eagle Man]

I guess I'm the lone dissenter.

We don't get snow, and don't go where it snows. As for campgrounds, once I drop the Montana's pin on the hitch and add a ton and a half to the rear end, never have a problem. This truck is number eight, never had a 4x4, never wanted one, never needed one, never thought it was worth the extra $4k or extra maintenance or reduction is gas mileage/tow rating/cargo capacity. But that's just my 2 cents worth, to each his/her own.

[bsmeaton]

Eagle Man - certainly nothing wrong with that! 4X4s are over-rated. My Dad, who lives in the next town, drove a pickup everyday but refused to drive a 4X4. He said it was just too much extra junk to go wrong. In 70 years of snow, I don't think it ever slowed him down.

Ironically, my Dad says in 1950 it snowed just like it does now and nobody ever heard of four wheel drive on a pickup, let alone on a station wagon.

[bncinwv]

Brad,
So in essence you are saying that your Dad never danced with any of the girls of Colorado????????????
Bingo

[richfaa]

We have never had a 4X4 and never needed one..How-some-ever after spending the winter in Arizona and Helen turning into a rock hound we have spent much time out in the desert riding in someones elses 4X4 because our 4X2 dually did not measure up. So it is simple..How we use a truck has changed.IF we get another truck it WILL be a 4X4

[OntMont]

Snow and mud mostly. We do a little off road camping in a hilly area, and we do sometimes have to travel through snow, although it is something we have tried to avoid in recent years. There have been a few times when we really appreciated having it though. Another thing is that you can put it in low range and move really slowly if conditions warrant that. I suppose it helps the re-sale value too. It all depends on how you use your truck and trailer.

[Delaine and Lindy]

Four out of the last 5 Trucks we have owned have been 4x4. The exception was the Chevy Kodiak 4500 it wasn't a 4x4 but it did have the locking differential. Which I think is a must on any Truck. However the problem is its hard to find a GM Truck HD type that isn't a 4x4, unless you order the Truck most are 4x4. GM makes more money on the 4x4. I also agree that a 4x4 isn't needed for most Rver's. Most will say they are needed for snow or to get in and out of RV parks. I haven't seen many RV parks that a 4x4 is needed, but I must admit I never boondock and very seldom use State parks. I quit camping when I retired from the Army, I'm just a RV park type person, I like all the hook-ups and so forth. When we got the Kodiak I said I wouldn't have another 4x4, as usual I was wrong. We are looking at going to a 2009 Chevy/GMC 3500 DRW 1 ton. But we don't know for sure, it will depend on what kind of Transmission GM will be using.... Good Luck on what ever choice you make... GBY....

[Dave Nowlin]

Towing an RV isn't the only thing I do with my truck. I am an avid hunter and also like to fish. I've launched my 20 ft. bassboat in some places where you won't get back out without a 4x4. I live in the country and use my truck for work around the place also. Some times I use the 4x4 to keep from spinning tires and tearing the place up.
Dave Nowlin

[snfexpress]

As has been said, a dually gets squirrely when it doesn't have weight over the rear axle. A friend of mine has always owned 4x4 duallies and he even puts sand bags in the back of his truck in the winter. With a SRW, never had a problem.

We went with the dually for other reasons, but also wanted 4x4 for the above as well as resale value - we're from Reno where it snows and everyone wants a 4x4.

[Ozzie]

Split duty here too...during work I pull a 16 ft work trailer fully loaded. In Minnesota you are out of luck without a 4X4 in the winter.

Even pulling our TT, we encounter times when the four wheel drive is handy to keep from throwing rocks or tearing up grass in tight quarters.
I will never own a truck without it...unless I retire in the sun belt possibly.

...and my 4X4 diesel just got 19 average mpg empty and only has 5000 miles on it. My gasser got 10...period.