fuel economy 4WD vs 2WD - Montana Owners Club

Freeda II · 11-24-2007, 03:26 AM

What type of fuel difference can I possibly expect if I was to purchase a 1 ton dually diesel 2WD vs a 4WD. In my search for a GMC 2006/2007 model there are a lot more 4WD to pick from and should I be patient in finding a 2WD which would give me better mileage or is there not enough variance to worry about

ols1932 · 11-24-2007, 04:00 AM

It's not enough to be concerned about. If mileage is of big concern then I wouldn't be pulling this rig around the USA full time, only stopping for short times when we want to sightsee.

Orv

bsmeaton · 11-24-2007, 06:20 AM

With that big truck and the low fuel mileage numbers anyway, I think the differences would be undetectable.

Realistically, other than weight and some additional drag through the transfer case, the running gear on a 2WD pickup and a 4WD pickup in 2WD are nearly the same.

Delaine and Lindy · 11-24-2007, 06:49 AM

You will have to look very hard to find a 2 wheel drive 1 ton dually. Reason is resale most all Ranchers, Farmers and Horse people use the 3500 4x4. Most of us pulling Rv's don't really need a 4x4, yes I know some camping areas you might need a 4x4. But if you don't plan on boondocking or a lot of State parks you want need a 4x4. As for fuel mileage it will be a small difference due to the weight of the 4 wheel drive. The last 2 wheel drive we owned was the Chevy Kodiak 4500. We never had a need for the 4x4 and I said at that time I really wouldn't buy another 4x4, oh well since then we have owned 2 4x4 3500's. I don't mind the fuel mileage so much as the wear on the front tires. You really have to keep them rotated or they will wear the fronts quickly. You will more than likely have to order a two wheel drive they are hard to find at a GM store. Good Luck on your choice... GBY....

stiles watson · 11-24-2007, 07:39 AM

Obviously, the 4X4 will suffer a loss of mileage to the 2X4 because it is heavier. Additional weight reduces mileage, a simple equation. Having said that, and my having owned both, the advantages of 4X4 out weigh the loss of mileage. At least three times during my ownership of a SRW 2X4 3/4-ton, I found myself unable to overcome initial inercia to get the rig rolling simply because of slick grass. All three times, another truck hooked on to my tow loop to help get us started. Once started, it was easy. Remembering those experiences, when I bought the new truck, Dianna insisted it be a 4X4.

There is such a thing called "foolish economy". This might apply here. There are others who disagree with me about 4X4. So would I have 6 months ago, but not now.

TLightning · 11-24-2007, 08:15 AM

Dragging these heavy trailers around, the 4wd will cost a little mpg due to the extra weight and extra drag...however, not enough to make much of a difference.
Obviously lots of different opinions here on purchasing a 4wd. I've been RVing since the early 70s, never had a 4wd and have never had a use for one. With that track record, I'll keep taking my chances with 2wd and saving the $3500 GM wants for a 4wd...that's just my 2 cents worth.

tjuhl · 11-24-2007, 09:44 AM

Most people will say it's good to have it if you ever need it. I purchased a 4X4 because I couldn't find a 4x2 on '06 closeout models. In 12,000 miles of towing the last year I've never needed it. I don't think the extra 350# or so would hurt the milage much but the drag of the front wheels constantly driving the front axles, differental and front drive shaft is bound to hurt a little. As I see so often here, it's up to you.

clutch · 11-24-2007, 09:51 AM

Where I live it's hard to even trade in a two wheel drive truck. 4x4 lo range is also nice for backing up hill.

Glenn and Lorraine · 11-24-2007, 09:52 AM

The following is my response to having a 4X4 vs a 2X4.

I will say one thing, "Any one that pulls a 5th wheel on a regular basis that does not have 4X4 is kidding himself." In over 4 years I have used my 4X4 more times than I care to remember. On everything from mud,loose gravel, sand, wet grass, etc. There were a few times I'd still be stuck had it not been for my 4X4. Even when entering and exiting the Oregon drive-on beaches and I wasn't pulling the 5er. There's even an MOCer with a 2X4 dually who can vouch for the Oregon beaches. Even on some mountain roads with some beautiful vistas you are required to have a 4X4 or stay out. I also use 4X4 Low whenever I have to back up or pull out the 5er on even the slighest of inclines. This puts muchless strain on the tranny and also keeps the tranny running much cooler.

BTW=When I purchased my 4X4 MPG never entered into my thoughts. Like ols1932 had said.."If mileage is of big concern then I wouldn't be pulling this rig around the USA full time,...." Go for the 4X4 now rather than beating yourself up later for not having gotten that 4X4 in the first place.

bsmeaton · 11-24-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by tjuhl

I don't think the extra 350# or so would hurt the milage much but the drag of the front wheels constantly driving the front axles, differental and front drive shaft is bound to hurt a little.

Unless you are driving one of the classics from the 80s, I don't believe any of the front drive train is turning when in 2WD. The drag would be insignificant.

If you can detect a fuel mileage difference between a 2WD and 4WD truck going down the highway that weighs 8,000 lbs empty (22,000 lbs hitched up) and averages 10 mpg, you are spending way too much time meausuring your fuel with a beaker and trying to calculate it.

tjuhl · 11-24-2007, 05:06 PM

bsmeaton
I believe you're mistaken. There is no disconnect at the front wheels on any of the newer big three 4wd trucks. Front axles, diff and DS are always being driven in 2WD. Only disconnect is at the transfer case. Help folks, which is it?

bigmurf · 11-24-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by tjuhl

bsmeaton
I believe you're mistaken. There is no disconnect at the front wheels on any of the newer big three 4wd trucks. Front axles, diff and DS are always being driven in 2WD. Only disconnect is at the transfer case. Help folks, which is it?

My 04.5 Dodge turns all the time

bsmeaton · 11-24-2007, 08:51 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by tjuhl

bsmeaton
I believe you're mistaken. There is no disconnect at the front wheels on any of the newer big three 4wd trucks. Front axles, diff and DS are always being driven in 2WD. Only disconnect is at the transfer case.

No mistake here.

Automatic hubs and hub clutches have been around for decades and are used by all the big three. They are mechanical, vacuum, and electric.

My front driveshaft on my 2006 freely spins sitting here in the garage. So does my son-in-laws Chev outside. I think you will find yours does too unless you really have the basic model truck.

SlickWillie · 11-25-2007, 01:07 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by tjuhl

bsmeaton
I believe you're mistaken. There is no disconnect at the front wheels on any of the newer big three 4wd trucks. Front axles, diff and DS are always being driven in 2WD. Only disconnect is at the transfer case. Help folks, which is it?

I think Brad is correct. I know GM 4 X 4 trucks disengage the axles from the front differential, and the prop shaft does not turn when in 2 WD. I'll let others speak for the other brands though.

Freeda II · 11-25-2007, 01:23 AM

Thanks to everyones reply. It has been hard trying to find a 2WD. Now I can leave my options opened for a 4WD

bigmurf · 11-25-2007, 07:12 AM

Just crawled under the Dodge. Front drive shaft does NOT turn.

bsmeaton · 11-25-2007, 06:06 PM

Bigmurf, I can't speak for Dodge, but it seems odd they didn't put auto hubs or a hub clutch on. Sorry to hear that. Something to consider at the next trade.

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