New slant on an old post

[Arizonacouple]

With all the celebrating going on with new TVs, I decided to take a look at what is available at my local dealerships and based on previous (excellent btw) posts I have a question.

If you could only afford one or the other options on a new 3500 which one would be your priority.

3500 4x4 SRW or a 3500 4x2 DRW

[waynemoore]

ALWAYS buy a 4X4. SRW or DRW.

[drsmart]

Just my thoughts on this. I'd go with the 3500 4X4 SRW. From What I've read on the forums, the dual rear wheels can create a plowing affect in snow or mud because of the wide tire cross section. I'd want some pull from the front wheels to help.
I can't argue that a dually offers more stability and payload but we pulled two different fivers with a 2004 Ram 3500 SRW. Our rear axle rating was on the line but the payloads have climbed over the years thanks to the competition raising the bar several times. Our new 3500 SRW has a payload of 4000 lbs. About a 1500 lb increase in 10 years. For our pin on the Monty, we have quite a safety margin now. For some heavier fivers, there is a definite need for a dually. In some cases a 4500 would be recommended.

Good luck in your research.

Dave

[davidaf]

DRW hands down. I had a 4x2 DRW Ram for 10 years and a SRW 4x4 Ram (my first ever tow vehicle) for one year prior. For the towing I do the benefit of DRW far out weighed the 4WD benefit thus the reason I was willing to take a bath when I bought the DRW. I only needed 4WD once when of course I didn't have it. This time I got both 4WD and DRW and several tons more towing capacity than I needed but I intend to keep this truck through at least two more 5ers and one more truck camper. I won't have to worry about much with this truck (except sand and Jeep trails but that's what the Jeep is for) though I did go back and forth on the need for 4x4. I never even went back and forth on the need for DRW.

[DarMar]

I would never buy a 3500 4 x 2 DRW because of the traction problems with a dually in snow and wet/soft conditions. Also it is my opinion that a dually without 4 wheel drive will depreciate substantially more when it comes to trading or selling as not than many people want a 4 x 2 dually. JMHO

[bigskyjimmy]

Another vote for 4X4 and Dually preferably but SRW are fine and will d0 the job but Dually's are Awesome towing these big rigs But Duallies without 4X4 NOT TOO GOOD ,I have had both and while I like the simplicity of 2 wheel drive, better gas milage etc,,,, I have traveled and been in spots where you need the traction and piece of mind

[mhs4771]

4X4 is nice to have, but if I was pulling around a 3402 I'd go with the Dually and with our SOB it would have to be Dually hands down because of the weight. But in our case we have both 4X4 or is that 6X6 and Dually.

[Arizonacouple]

I have an appointment on the 10th (Dodge Ram) and will try for both. If they really want to sell me new maybe they will figure a way to get me both 4x4 and drw. However, I need a second opinion from you guys. The sales rep wanted me to come in to the dealership tomorrow and I said sorry no can do because I'm using my TV and Montana on the 31st and if I buy new I read here on this forum there is a 1,000 mile break in period before you pull a heavy load. Sales rep says the trucks come factory ready to tow big loads. I told him I gotta check with you guys.

[Tom S.]

I've been driving 4x4's since 1973 and have no plans on changing now, so I guess you know what my answer is.

[Hooker]

I've had five pick ups, never had a 4wd, never had an occasion to use one. If the weather is bad, I don't go (or don't come home) and I don't go where there is not easy in and easy out. JMHO of course, but never could justify the cost of a 4wd.

[twindman]

Where the heck do you people tow??
You must boondock a lot. The only reason I could see for duallys is stability and perhaps a higher pin weight. If I can't go with my Monty and a SRW I am NOT going there!!! I occasionally boon dock up in Wyoming and I can still pull in with a little rain, but would abort if it was muddy and coming down buckets.

[sambam]

I'd hate to have to make that choice, but since you asked..although all my trucks have been 4WD, I'd prefer the dually if I had to choose one or the other.
For me, the towing stability trumps all? We get our share of winter weather here, but I think I'd be OK one way or another without 4WD. After towing with both, no doubts for me...dually is my choice.

[1retired06]

4WD. Dually

[7.3Ford]

I like 4X4, really helps when backing up hill into camping space.

The only difference between 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive is, 4 wheel drive gets stuck deeper.

[jfaberna]

I spent a lot of time thinking about this decision before I bought my TV. For the 4x4 part of the questions I asked myself how many 4x4 vehicles I've had that never every had the 4x4 engaged. Turns out I've never used 4x4 except to test it when it was new. I also asked if I would ever pull a 5th wheel into an area that wasn't either paved or packed gravel. The answer was a definite no.

I talked with the commercial dealer about 4x2 vs. 4x4 and he said that since he ordered all the trucks that were not custom orders and he always picked 4x4 because of it's popularity and the fact it's much easier for a salesman to sell up to 4x4 even if a customer didn't want it. When we examined my needs he agreed 4x4 was overkill for me and he saw no affect on my resell down the line as he has a lot of request for 4x2, but rarely has them to sell. I also saved $4,000 by not ordering it with 4x4. I also don't have the maintenance cost or repair cost to maintain a feature I will never used.

However, for me DRW was an absolute requirement. I'm not pulling a trailer that's the same height as an 18 wheeler without a dually.

[awaywego]

I think the 4x4 is a personal preference due to the area and climate you use it in. I ordered a 2001 F350 dully 4x2 as I did not feel I needed 4x4 in the area I live in and I do not plan to tow in snow. After 14 years with not having 4x4 and never needing it I bought another 4x2 F 350 dully. The only place around here to use a 4x4 is at the beach and I am not going to drive it in salt water or in the off road areas and I do not go off road. I had the other truck and covered the US and never needed 4x4. As I said it is a personal preference.

[CORattler]

quote:Originally posted by Arizonacouple

I have an appointment on the 10th (Dodge Ram) and will try for both. If they really want to sell me new maybe they will figure a way to get me both 4x4 and drw. However, I need a second opinion from you guys. The sales rep wanted me to come in to the dealership tomorrow and I said sorry no can do because I'm using my TV and Montana on the 31st and if I buy new I read here on this forum there is a 1,000 mile break in period before you pull a heavy load. Sales rep says the trucks come factory ready to tow big loads. I told him I gotta check with you guys.

My manual says no towing at all for the 1st 500 miles and then for the 1st 500 miles of towing, limit the speed to 50MPH. I advise youto ask your salesperson to see the manual for the the truck you want to buy BEFORE purchase.

[Tom S.]

The cost of the two options shouldn't be real comparable, I would think. Adding 4 wheel drive is a lot more expensive than adding the dual rear wheels. In any event, don't forget to figure in resale value to offset the additional cost of either option.

[ole dude]

With 4 wheel drive you are further from the house when you get stuck. :-)

[ckwizard]

quote:Originally posted by Hooker

I've had five pick ups, never had a 4wd, never had an occasion to use one. If the weather is bad, I don't go (or don't come home) and I don't go where there is not easy in and easy out. JMHO of course, but never could justify the cost of a 4wd.

X2
Never needed 4wd as long as I have the locking rear axle, And I do go off road and drive on the beach.