Truck decision help

[clintv]

Hi All
We learned a whole lot at our first Montana Rally. Most importantly, we had our truck and trailer weighed (Thank you David). We learned we are overloaded and looking to purchase a dually because of this. We found a great deal on a new Ford F350. The only problem is it is only a 2x4. Is it a deal breaker that it is not 4Wd?

We currently have a 2019 Ram 2500 with 5,000lb air bags. We have always had a 4WD and use that feature sparingly.
Any input would sure be helpful.

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by clintv

Hi All
We learned a whole lot at our first Montana Rally. Most importantly, we had our truck and trailer weighed (Thank you David). We learned we are overloaded and looking to purchase a dually because of this. We found a great deal on a new Ford F350. The only problem is it is only a 2x4. Is it a deal breaker that it is not 4Wd?

We currently have a 2019 Ram 2500 with 5,000lb air bags. We have always had a 4WD and use that feature sparingly.
Any input would sure be helpful.

You're fine with a 2X4. Doesn't need to be a 4 wheel drive for stability. I'm curious, exactly how much over weight were you? That concerns me since I tow a similar weight rig with a 2020 GMC 2500. I know I'm over weight but haven't experienced anything to make me overthink and upgrade.

[clintv]

Thank you for getting back to us.

Our bed weight is 3,400lbs over and the overall combined weight is 600lbs over. In discussing this issue, we were advised that we really should be hauling with a dually. Now to decide if we need a 4WD dually or a 2WD dually.

[BB_TX]

If you do winter camping, off road camping, or camping in campgrounds where access roads and sites are not paved then you may want to consider 4x4. But if you don’t do any of those then 4x2 should be fine. I have had 4x4 for many years primarily because finding higher trim level 4x2 trucks is not easy. At least not around here. And our winters are typically not bad. But in all the years I never once used 4x4 while towing the trailer. We did not do winter camping or off road camping. But we did often stay in a campground that paved roads but the sites were native hard pack soil. But had no problem getting in or out.

[jeffba]

When looking for a dually I wanted a 4x2. couldn't find one. went with 4x4. I have actually used the 4x4 3 times. Also was told that for resale 4x2 really takes a hit

[Rotnjonny]

As mentioned above, at the time of resale is when you will really see the difference. The super duty market for 2 wheel drive is very small. I had some personal experience with that when I sold my 2 wheel drive F250.

[1retired06]

There have been several times I would have been in trouble except for 4X4.

[mlh]

What Bill said. I too always had a 4X2. Now I have a 4X4 because Ford doesn’t make a 4X2 King Ranch.
Lynwood

[jsb5717]

4x4 all the way. I don't need it often but so glad to have it when I do. It's like a lot of things you rarely use...you don't need it until you do. It's just added peace of mind for me. We travel with friends who have a 4x2. He has often wished he had a 4x4...someday. Sometimes even loose grave in some of the parks can be troublesome.

Many people mistakenly think that a 3/4 ton truck is enough truck for most 5th wheels. Often they have the truck before buying the 5er. Then...oops...not enough truck. A lot of our folks here have learned that the hard, expensive way. Since most of us are not made of money it's a challenge to figure out what to do once the mistake is made.

Like many problems, admitting you have one is the first step. Good luck with correcting your setup for increased safety.

[Diesel guy]

Both of my tow vehicles have been 4X4. I have been to a few campgrounds with stone or sandy roads were I had to use 4WD to get my camper up the road. Most 3/4 ton trucks have a very low payload to tow a fifth wheel. Montanas are heavy fifth wheels. My 3781RL weighs in a 15700 lbs and 3800 lbs pin weight to go camping. Empty it was 14500 lbs and 3200 lbs of pin weight ( weight it on the way home from the dealer). That weight basically outguns and SRW truck. My 17 F350 DRW tows it great and plenty of payload left

[Cat320]

I've had five pick ups, all 4 x 2 never had a problem, just be careful where you go. Or as noted by one RVer, "a 4 x 4 will just get you stuck farther off the hard surface than a 4 x 2 will."

[mhs4771]

Back in 2005 we were planning on a 5th Wheel, so went looking for a 2500. Couldn't find one to my likeing so started an order with local dealer. Got most of the way thru and Salesman says, "I got a Dually with everything you want, I'll make you a better deal on it". I was a 4x4 (4x6 really) and on my third now. Don't use 4x4 a lot, mostly when backing into a tight spot, 4 wheel Low Range and you can just crawl at an idle.

[JTINNEL2336]

Clintv, I’m new to the RV community and was 1000lbs overweight in our new F250 SD. Once I realized my newby mistake , I added airbags and even put lower gears in the diffs from 3.11 to 3.55 to make up the difference. I called my local Ford dealer to see about upgraded axels and was told that no matter what upgrades I did, the sticker on the drivers door frame will not change. So the search started for a new truck, I drove 5 hours to a Ford dealership in NC to look at a F350 DRW and drove away in a F450 DRW 4x4. I took the rig out camping this past weekend and can’t believe the difference between SRW and DRW. From this point forward, I will only own a DRW for towing a 5th wheel. I did have to use my 4x4 in the F250 once while towing, but again, rookie mistake, but I’m very thankful I had the option.

[clintv]

Thank you everyone for your great advise. I think we have made the decision to get a 4x4 dually for our safety and the safety of others on the road. We think we have found the best truck right here in Elkhart. We are so thankful that we came to the MOC Rally and learned what we didn't even think we needed to ask. We are already making plans to come back to next year's Rally.

[pyoung47]

I would never own a 2 wheel drive. Pickups ate virtually helpless in any type of poor traction, and a dually is much worse. Also resale value on a 2 WD is going to be much less.

[firestation12]

4 wheel drive is like an insurance policy. If you have it and don’t need it, no regrets, but the opposite is not true. Being stuck is no fun

[rpkittle1]

in a Ford a F250 and a F350 are the same truck except for the rear springs (check the parts catolgue). I upgraded my rear and have no problems.







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[David Leak]

Originally Posted by firestation12

4 wheel drive is like an insurance policy. If you have it and don’t need it, no regrets, but the opposite is not true. Being stuck is no fun

Just remember to get out and lock your front hubs and your rear axle with the knob on the dash, or you aren’t going anywhere if the ground is a little slick.

[Hortense]

Be careful with Ford. They dropped my cargo capacity by 500 lbs as a recall. The recall simply changed the placards to reduce the cargo capacity. No attempt to make the truck into what I paid for, not even an apology.
I don't think they standby their products any more. Be careful.
If you want more info on the recall, just ask.

[firestation12]

Originally Posted by Hortense

Be careful with Ford. They dropped my cargo capacity by 500 lbs as a recall. The recall simply changed the placards to reduce the cargo capacity. No attempt to make the truck into what I paid for, not even an apology.
I don't think they standby their products any more. Be careful.
If you want more info on the recall, just ask.

What year and model and trim level did this involve? Our business operates 14 superduty trucks ranging in years 2017-2022 including F-250 and F-350 crew cab all with 4wd and 6.7 diesel. First I’ve heard of this. What was the amended capacity you ended up with?