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Old 10-18-2017, 02:54 PM   #1
hrlyrdr
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4x4 3500hd or just 2wheel drive?

I am thinking about getting a 3500hd to pull my 3625 Big Sky. I have a 2500hd 4X4 But the 3500hd I am interested in is 2 wheel drive. Comments welcome
 
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Old 10-18-2017, 03:12 PM   #2
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The only time I've needed a 4 WD pulling my camper is going up Union Pass in Wy. I put the truck in 4 WD to keep the RPMs up to cool the transmission. I do a lot of boondocking off road way off and have never needed 4 WD.
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Old 10-18-2017, 04:08 PM   #3
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I have never regretted the purchase of my 3500 Dodge 4WD. True, i only engage 4 WD to turn around in a large soft grassy area when pulling in or pulling out, but the extra spring leaf on the 3500 makes a lot of diff (IMO) between a nose-up attitude going down the road and an investment in air rides. I guess to each his own, but I have been really pleased with the 3500 series performance
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Old 10-18-2017, 04:15 PM   #4
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Been in campgrounds multiple times over the years where without 4WD, I would have been in trouble. Would not tow without.
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Old 10-18-2017, 04:24 PM   #5
DadsHemi
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It's really a personal preference, depends on your type of travel, where you live etc.... my truck is also my daily driver so I use the 4wd a few times a year because of weather. Also tow our 5th with it so it it nice having it if needed.
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Old 10-18-2017, 04:39 PM   #6
hrlyrdr
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Originally Posted by DadsHemi View Post
It's really a personal preference, depends on your type of travel, where you live etc.... my truck is also my daily driver so I use the 4wd a few times a year because of weather. Also tow our 5th with it so it it nice having it if needed.
I would also have to use it as a daily driver if I trade for a newer 3500. Not really wanting to give up my truck and 25k for a new WORK TRUCK. I only have 61k on my '11 2500hd but I'm really thinking I would prefer a 3500 for towing.
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Old 10-18-2017, 04:55 PM   #7
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I may be wrong but I believe the power train in the 2500’s and 3500’s is basically the same. The 3500’s have more suspension. I had a 2012 2500 and pulled a 10,800 lb Bighorn. I added a set of Helwig air bags and had no issues at all. Loved the Duramax Allison combo!! Hope our new F350 will be as good.
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Old 10-18-2017, 06:39 PM   #8
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4WD all the way. Never heard anybody say I which I had 2WD . You never know what you will encounter.
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Old 10-18-2017, 06:51 PM   #9
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I have a 4x4. I have used 4x4 in muddy pastures on land I used to own. I have used 4x4 getting to and from our hunting cabin thru muddy pastures. And I have used 4x4 a few times in ice/snow. But I have never used 4x4 when towing. Normally stay at sites that are paved or graveled . But have stayed a few times at sites that were grass or hard packed native soil.
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Old 10-18-2017, 06:52 PM   #10
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Most people are not a big fan of 4x4's until they need them as i was. When traveling in Wyoming a couple of years ago in May i got caught in a late spring snowstorm. I needed the 4 wheel drive to pull in and out of my rv spot because of the 10 inches of snow i encountered. This was unplanned but it happened. I also needed the 4 wheel drive for the low range feature when backing into a camping spot that was very steep.I know that 95% of the time or more you won't need it but you just might find yourself in a position where you do.As for as the 3500 the power train is the same . On the 3500 i believe you have 1 extra leaf spring but the biggest advantage is the 2 extra tires for load and stability. My hitch weight is 3480# plus the weight of the air bag hitch so i know i need the dually. If you weigh your 5th wheel you might be surprised by your weight as i was.
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Old 10-18-2017, 06:58 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by happy camper x2 View Post
4WD all the way. Never heard anybody say I which I had 2WD . You never know what you will encounter.
Neither have I heard that - but I have heard the adage that “having a 4WD means that you will get stuck farther off the road!”
But I still would not be without it.
Max
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Old 10-18-2017, 07:15 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_TX View Post
I have a 4x4. I have used 4x4 in muddy pastures on land I used to own. I have used 4x4 getting to and from our hunting cabin thru muddy pastures. And I have used 4x4 a few times in ice/snow. But I have never used 4x4 when towing. Normally stay at sites that are paved or graveled . But have stayed a few times at sites that were grass or hard packed native soil.
From one country boy to another Ive used my 4 WD for the exact same reasons.
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Old 10-18-2017, 07:38 PM   #13
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I would rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Just my 4 cents.
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Old 10-18-2017, 08:09 PM   #14
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On average we use the 4x4 with the camper about once a year, but when we need it, we need it. We also use the truck to off road, however, and we couldn't do that with a 2x.
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Old 10-18-2017, 10:01 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by 1retired06 View Post
Been in campgrounds multiple times over the years where without 4WD, I would have been in trouble. Would not tow without.
What kind of campgrounds require 4WD? Just curious.
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Old 10-18-2017, 10:05 PM   #16
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So is the 4WD milage much worse than 2WD? If so (even .5 MPG) it might be cheaper to hire a tow truck for that once every year or so; than to spend the money on 4WD and poor mpg.
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Old 10-19-2017, 09:09 AM   #17
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I have had 4x4 trucks since 1978 and would not be with out it. Have used them in wet weather to many times to count. Also have used them in dry weather when backing a trailer up hill when traction was a problem.
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Old 10-19-2017, 10:15 AM   #18
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I wouldn't be without it, I have been stuck on wet grass on a slight up hill with a 2 wd dually.
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Old 10-19-2017, 11:09 AM   #19
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I wouldn't be without it, I have been stuck on wet grass on a slight up hill with a 2 wd dually.
Me too. However try finding a 2wd RAM 3500 DRW truck. Plus when you go to sell it, a 4x4 will sell better than a 2wd.
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Old 10-19-2017, 12:17 PM   #20
richfaa
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We have a 2008 F350 4X4.We are long timers. We travel a lot. We have used the 4X4 perhaps 15 or so times over the years and when we used it we really needed it. Muddy fields at rallies. Muddy campgrounds . We have been unable to get the rig moving on very wet grass 2X2. We have pulled 2x2 trucks and Rvs out of muddy fields.


Our previous truck was 2005 F-350 2x2 gasser. We soon realized the need for a diesel and a 4X4. In our travel mode.
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