4x2 vs 4x4

[Dennis and Susan Daley]

Is a 4x4 absolutely necessary?

[mtlakejim]

Here we go again......

[cpaulsen]

Would not have a truck without 4x4.

[mtlakejim]

Originally Posted by Dennis and Susan Daley

Is a 4x4 absolutely necessary?

This topic has been debated several times on here since I joined just a couple months ago. You just opened the classic can of worms! My answer which is absolutely sure to be countered is: No, it isn’t a requirement but there are a lot of very good (and as you will see debatable) reasons to go with it.

The additional cost is very small
Resale is exceptionally good
No difference in maintainence costs
No difference in ride on NEW models
4x4 does NOT sit any higher that 2x4 on NEW models. Yeah 20 years ago they did.
In many areas of the country (certainly in the South and around oilfield or farming country) there simply are not a lot of 2x4 trucks at the new car dealerships. It is often the case that you will have to special order a 2x4 and that will end up costing you more. That's especially true if you want the higher end trim packages and almost a certainty if you want a tow package.
Likewise, they can be a little more difficult to sell in areas where 4x4s are king (there will definitely be folks argue that point but remember I said in "certain areas").
Like a parachute, great to have if you need it but you will regret if you don’t



Your gonna hear a worn out old adage from the detractors that 4x4 will only get you stuck deeper in the woods. That is only true if your a redneck mudhogger. Used wisely, 4x4 can in many cases can get you out of a bind!


There will be those that will also argue that you will never need 4x4 if you don't got into areas where you typically expect to use it (IE: muddy roads, the woods, ice/snow etc...). I will counter that there have been times when it was handy to have 4x4 just to help pull out of a given area (like say a soft gravel camping spot after an unexpected rain, just to pull up a steep hill, or launch a boat or something). You don't have to be a wild mud runner to occasionally use 4x4. There have been a lot of times when I would have had to have someone else pull me out of an UNEXPECTED situation if it hadn't been for that shift on the fly knob on the dash!

I have worked for two major oilfield companies. The fleet managers for both (who bought thousands of vehicles) would not even consider 2x2 for ANY vehicle that had a4x4 option! Not because of the rough duty but because of resale value. I’ll defer to that level of expertise any day of the year!


In the end it is your money and no one knows your situation better than you but I can't think of single good reason NOT to get a 4x4. I for one will never ever buy a truck without it because of those UNEXPECTED situations that crop up more often than you might think!

[scottz]

Originally Posted by Dennis and Susan Daley

Is a 4x4 absolutely necessary?

It is for me; there are winters I can't get to the pavement without it. You will have to make your own decision.

[mlh]

Is 4x4 absolutely necessary? Nice but necessary no. I drove trucks for 40 years without it. If you don’t wont 4x4 don’t buy it. It’s yo money.
Lynwood

[DQDick]

It really depends on what you intend to do. We go places with the possibility with mud, loose sand and wet grass as well as the occasional ice and we want to do so. We have also used our truck to four wheel on jeep trails and have the dents and Arizona pin stripes to prove it. If you don't intend to do what we do then resale value would be the only reason for a 4X4. For us, it's a necessity.

[JABURKHOLDER]

Originally Posted by mtlakejim

Here we go again......

X2 getting my popcorn ready again.

[BB_TX]

I have stated numerous times. I bought 4x4 because it is very difficult to find 4x2 trucks in the higher trim levels on the dealer’s lots. I have never needed or used 4 wheel drive while towing. And we have stayed at an RV park in Colorado numerous times where the sites are grass and/or hard packed native soil. And frequent afternoon mountain rains. However I am not unhappy with the 4x4 as I have used it crossing muddy pastures on some land I used to own. And getting to/from our hunting cabin on a “road” that is little more than a cow path.

[scottz]

Yeah, it's kind of like asking what is the best tasting fruit; an apple or an orange.

Here's your popcorn Jerry.

[BuilderBob]

Are we going down that same dirt road agen without a 4x4?

Bob & Carol
Washington St
2017 352RL 2008 Dodge 3500 DRW CC LB 4x4 6.7L

[Dennis and Susan Daley]

We have ordered a 4x2 ..It is difficult to find one especially with an eight ft. Bed.
We were glad the person moving our 5th wheel for US had 4 wheel drive.
This is such a great dight THANK YOU ALL

[beeje]

All I will say is that in the right situation a 2x4 truck can get stuck in wet grass etc., I don't think there is anyone alive that has not done that. The choice is all yours.

[1retired06]

Would not be without 4WD capability

[WeBeFulltime]

[mlh]

What did you order? I ordered a new truck on December 8. It is in production now a F150.
Lynwood

[richfaa]

You only need 4X4 when you need it, It is just another device to make RV'ing easier.

[Texan]

I've used my 4x4 twice.Once driving in and out of an rv spot with snow. The other time just needing the low range for backing up a hill to park the rv. The low range takes a lot of strain off the engine and transmission. You might not ever need the 4 wheel drive but the peace of mind means something.

[jeffba]

Okay for years I had 4x2 saw no needs for it. You will hear all the reasons why it is not needed. Shoot I made and used most of them. Just got a 4x4 F350 CCLB PSD. I have towed my camper less than 100 miles. No Snow or Mud. But I did use it to my surprise. Was backing trailer in driveway. I used 4 Low to walk the rear truck wheel up the curb. Could I have done it without? Sure, but it was easier and smoother with it.

Call me a convert or traitor

[coachgrowl]

We have been camping in Bloomington IN since November. If we didn't have 4 wheel drive we could not have reached or left out trailer. My previous truck was a 4x2 and served me well for 10 years. I was stuck twice turning around in a wet field (my bad). Will I ever go back NO the peace of mind is worth the price. BTW I stay in 2 wheel drive 95% of the time.