4x4 3500hd or just 2wheel drive?

[Eagleback]

I don't use 4 wheel drive normally, but i did need it twice and glad i had it.

[mtlakejim]

CaptnJohn would be right on the trade in value. Based on discussions with fleet management of two major oil field companies I can tell you there is a significant difference between two wheel and 4x4 trade in and resale values! Both of the companies I have worked for will not buy or lease ANY two wheel drive trucks period (even for upper management) for that reason.

[Dennis Percival]

I run A 2500 HD 4x4 to pull my 3710 Montana. I use airbags and that works fine. I have never needed the four wheel drive but it has given me peace of mind.
I know this doesn't answer your question but maybe it will help you decide.

[hrlyrdr]

Originally Posted by Dennis Percival

I run A 2500 HD 4x4 to pull my 3710 Montana. I use airbags and that works fine. I have never needed the four wheel drive but it has given me peace of mind.
I know this doesn't answer your question but maybe it will help you decide.

My truck has bags and I have been playing with the air pressure. Last time out I had no air and the truck bottomed out bad a couple times. On return trip I had 15psi and it really felt better than last time when I had 30psi in the bags. I am just getting a feel for the setup and think a dual wheel truck would make the seat of my pants feel better. Guess it's an age thing.

[mtlakejim]

My last personal truck was a 3/4 ton gas ford. My work truck and most of our fleet here in Arkansas are all gas 3/4 tons (both chevy and ford). I recently moved up to a Ram 1 ton diesel dually for my personal truck. The difference is HUGH!


I strongly, highly, majorly recommend going with the diesel dually for towing. It isn't that a 3/4 ton can't PULL a 5th wheel, its what happens when you need to STOP that 5th wheel especially in a hurry! The dual wheels give you a lot more stability when cornering and that diesel exhaust brake makes downhill runs relatively easy.


BTW with the Ram you can get their factory (curt built) 25K 4 point 5th wheel hitch which is a beast and when you remove it from the bed you have a completely flat bed (IE: no rails) which is really great when you want to haul plywood and such. Don't let them talk you into the short bed get the long bed!


We got the Tradesman package in plain white and dressed it up a bit with some chrome. I strongly prefer cloth seats and rubber floors anyway and I am all about function first good looks second. The ONLY thing I wish I had that I could not get on the Tradesman was the cargo camera but I am not so old that I can't turn around and look at the hitch as we latch up....It does have the back up camera though.


If you can at all afford the 1 ton diesel dually you won't regret it!

[AZ Traveler]

4WD is the only way to go unless you don't leave Florida in the wintertime and never boondock.

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by AZ Traveler

4WD is the only way to go unless you don't leave Florida in the wintertime and never boondock.

Like I said, I needed 4WD to move in my wet storage lot in FL, and yes, I had new truck tires!

[Slufoot733]

The difference in initial cost between 4x2 and 4x4 is about $2800 on a new Ford. I suspect GM and Ram prices are about the same. When considering the overall cost of a new tow vehicle $2800 isn't that much.
For me the 4x4 is a no brainer because I live in western PA and we do get our share of winter weather. Plus, I have used 4x4 for positioning our fiver several times over the years.
That being said, if your weather isn't a factor, and you don't use your tow vehicle for anything else then the 4x4 option may not be for you. I've been told that 4x2 vehicles do ride a little smoother.

[RoadRunnerTR21]

My reason for a 4X4 is not for snow but more for rain. In Texas we have long periods with no rain. The road accumulates oil and other fluids that become very slick when it rains for the first time in a long time. Many years ago I bought my last 2X4 diesel. One time in particular I was on a incline and need to pull out onto a very busy street with no weight in the truck bed. My back tires spun and spun. I couldn't get any traction. That was it for me and 2X4 diesel trucks. Now when it rains for the first time in a while I go into 4X4 and have never had a problem. As for DRW vs. SRW, if you have a heavy 5th wheel you will not regret the stability of the DRW.

[Carl n Susan]

I too started with 2WD and after getting stuck on my side yard (3 times) moving the Monty into the back yard storage and in the wash at Quartzsite and depending on friends to pull me out, I learned. 4WD for me. One advantage of 4WD that hasn't been mentioned is the capability for slow speed maneuvering. If you have ever tried to back into one of those steep access, slippery, off camber sites where you need blocks to get close to level, just shift to 4WD Low range. That eliminates the heavy throttle needed to get moving. You can move at low speed and maneuver without spinning tires and greater control. 2WD drive doesn't have this option.

[mtlakejim]

I am with all of you. There simply isn't much difference in the initial cost between 2x4 and 4x4. 4x4s hold their value much better and personally I can't tell the difference in fuel economy or ride between the two. I just can't think of a good reason not to get the 4x4 and if the need ever arises for it you have it.

[jfaberna]

i ordered my RAM 3500 DRW 2x4 (or should it be 4x6) the 4x4 option was $4,000 more and it lowered my towing capability and fuel mileage. I also knew that I'd never get into a situation where I was on grass or dirt. Paved or gravel is all I've drive on. I do have limited slip differential. The few times I found myself on grass it solved my problems.

That being said, I'd buy 4x4 (6x6) next time due to resell.

[Phil P]

Hi

I never consider resale value I haven’t ever traded in a used vehicle I keep them until they are scrap or give them away.

The last 2 vehicles 1 car and 1 truck I gave away.

Phil P

[mazboy]

getting off the question, but why would you trade in you '11 anyway? the one ton is basically the same configuration of what you have now.
just keep the '11. when you go fulltime get a one ton.

[TLightning]

Originally Posted by jfaberna

....
That being said, I'd buy 4x4 (6x6) next time due to resell....

I've had all 2wds, 3/4 tons and 1 ton duallys, never had a problem selling any of them. Keep them cleaned and maintained they'll sell very easily. That you can't sell a 2wd truck is a myth the salesmen like to talk about so you will buy the $4,000 4wd option.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by TLightning

I've had all 2wds, 3/4 tons and 1 ton duallys, never had a problem selling any of them. Keep them cleaned and maintained they'll sell very easily. That you can't sell a 2wd truck is a myth the salesmen like to talk about so you will buy the $4,000 4wd option.

Could be in your location. However, where I came from 15 years ago (snow country) and even here at the beach you about have to give a 2 wheel drive truck away. Contractors are buying fewer of them now as well.

[L0veless]

getting in here late ,
didn't see where he was on Rear wheels.
would never get a DRW with out 4X4 they get stuck on a snowflake
Srw with the 5th hooked should get you going in most places.
Drw has so much more stability towing , not even close
mileage ? really that's not in the picture if you ask me.
Drw are a lot more healthy for you (have to walk a little further when parking)
the list can go on and on I love my DRW my buddy loves his SRW

[beeje]

After towing my heavy Montana with a 2011 chevy 3500 SWR and then trading for a 2014 gmc DRW, all I can tell you is that the difference is night and day. Way more stabil. I will never go back to a SWR truck while towing a heavy trailer.

I do understand all of you that use your truck as a daily driver and want to get it in the garage/park closer/go thought drive ins etc but the piece of mine knowing you are towing within your trucks limits and the stability they provide is more that enough for me to stay in a dually

[Loneoak]

Consider the resale value. If it’s not 4WD it is harder to sell.

Our first truck was 2WD gas. Our next (current) truck is 4WD diesel. Got it wrong the first time. We have used the 4WD several times. If it rains a lot, sometimes it’s the difference between getting out and not getting out.

[DadsHemi]

Or at least if you do get a Gas ⛽️ truck get the 4wd, resale is much better. Full time Diesel 4x4all day long but if your a few times a year and depending on the region you live in nothing wrong with a big gas HD Engine.