I've been a reader here quite some time, getting info on trucks and trailers. The time has come that I am able to get a new truck and a toyhauler. 99% of my driving is hwy/ small dirt roads, I've never needed a 4wd.

I will be looking at getting a 3500 quad cab dually. Is there any reason why I shouldn't just go with a 2wd, since I've never needed one. Any info would be gladly appreciated.

MY local dealer has good deals on 07's and 08's right now. My toyhayler is going to be a Keystone Raptor 3600RL

 

WIth a heavy toyhauler like that, any little bit of sand, mud, or even gravel can get that thing stuck. I have the 3712 and use 4Lo for backing it up. I have had to use 4wd a few times with it out at the campsites. I vote 4x4. Plus resale is better and they look nicer IMO.

 

Towing what I assume is a 36 ft. trailer, you will certainly benefit from the advantage of 4wd plus low range for backing up and manuevering. It will certainly make life better for your tranny, or clutch, whitchever you choose.

 

Well, I guess I have to disagree a little bit. I now have about 55,000 miles towing a 16000 pound fiver all over with a dually 2WD. I have been on just about every road you can think of and some I wish I had never seen. Newfoundland, Alaska, Mexico (yep, even the Baja) and never once have I needed 4WD. I have 6 speed stick.

Some things to think about with 4WD. They sit higher making it more difficult to find a trailer that will fit over the bed giving you your minimum 6 or 7 inches bed clearance and still run level without messing with the suspension of the trailer. 4WD is more maintenance and some feel less fuel economy. 4WD does not drive as easy as 2WD. Having had both, I much prefer the 2WD. Now, if I lived up north and used it in the snow, I might change that opinion. I have been in snow while towing in both Alaska and Canada and had no problems.
Bob

 

I know as far as resale goes around here, you can't hardly give a 2 wheel drive away. The 4 wheel drive looks better too.

 

More things in favor of 2wd:

Higher load limit. The truck weighs less, you you can spend that GVWR on tongue weight or hauling capacity.

Lower cost-- to buy and ESPECIALLY to operate. MPG and maintenance of the 2wd will be much easier on your wallet.

Stability. The 2wd will be more stable with a heavy load because the front end has a lot less play in it, and the truck (sitting lower) won't be as affected by crosswinds.


The *only* reason I bought a 4x4 is because I move around a lot (military) and will almost certainly end up somewhere where I'd need the 4x4. Even so, I haven't used 4x4 all that much, even in Wyoming. But I don't regret getting it.

If I towed regularly, though I'd certainly have a 2wd.

JMO

 

I went 4wd.

Getting caught in a freak snowstorm on the highway is no fun w/ 2wd.

I only go camping on dirt forest roads, sand, and desert terrain that requires 15 miles of dirt sometimes. 4wd is a plus.

Low range is great for those slow times and backing.

Resale in this area. You will get all you spent on 4wd back and the some when you sell.

It's just plain cool

Eveybody else does it?

Do what is right for you. I like having 4wd and almost never needing it. It has saved me from a towtruck a few times....so it's paid for itself already.

 

I don't tow a 5er but I have been stuck in wet grass several times. Keeps my Daddy entertained pulling my big bad Dodge out with his Mitsubishi Montero.

Scott

 

Here's why I went with a 2WD: less expensive, better fuel economy, lower ride height, independent front suspension with much less unsprung weight, more even weight distribution, rack and pinion steering and less to go wrong. Unless you have a real need for 4WD such as plowing snow or driving offroad, I think 4WD is more grief than it's worth.

 

Thanks for the comments, I'm still doing a little research on the matter. Most places I am going to go the roads are not that bad. There might be a little mud, but 3000lbs on the rear axle should give plenty of traction.

 

hmmm, guess I'll go to SD and pick up all the free 2wds, can sell them here for a bundle.

What city should I start in?

 

I have 321,000 miles on my 2wd and it has pulled everything from my 40 footer to snowmobiles. I have been stuck several times but there was no way around it (Ice). I have the solid front axle 2wd and will be converting to a 4wd in the next week or two (cuz I can). If it were me and I was just towing down decent roads I would stay 2wd. Nothing against 4x4 since this is the first truck I have owned that wasnt.

 

Buy a 2wd and save on gas and extra maintenance expenses. Resale is better on 4wd but I think cost is about 4 grand more than 2wd. I live in snow country and need a 4wd about 4 times a year. Thats why I have a 14 yr old 4wd Mazda in the yard. The rest of the year I'm getting 20 1/2mpg driving my 2wd back and forth to work crossing a river canyon twice a day. A buddy who lives where it never snows said to get a 4wd. His truck is 6 yrs old. He went to Tahoe once and it snowed and he had to use 4wd.to get home. I think once in 6 yrs I could chained up. Calif. is full of 4wds that have never been locked in.A dealer told me he asks people if the 4wd works on there trade ins and most say they don't know because they never used it. What a waste of money. I love my 4wd and when I need it ,it is for good reason. Slap a 4X4 sticker on each fender and a stiff decal on tail gate, that will pretty much give you what most people need. If you live in snow country or do lots of back road driving. Get a 4wd they are great in snow driving and slippery road conditions. Flat landers with 4wds what a joke. Sorry for rant just angry because I can't afford a dodge diesel 4wd to park in yard and drive a few times a year when it snows. Maybe some day.

 

For the situations i've been in sometimes 4wd couldn't help, only hurt. I've been through the 4wd thing and it cost too much $$$. That's why I got a 2wd. It keeps me from destroying my truck. I have hauled on very questionable terrain (oil pads in wet Texas weather) and have had no problems, it makes me drive safer.

A 2wd will meet your needs just fine.

 

I got 2wd (4 rear wheels) and big chains. I live in snow country and go anywhere with chains. Even some 4wd didn't make it last year. I fill up a double water bed and let it freeze in the bed...about 1600#... I go in snow