I think 2wd vs 4x4 appriciation is noticed most by the original owner. Getting it used he'll get the discounted price already.

On a higher mile truck it can be said I'd prefer the 2wd if it was a work truck living on the pavement around here. Less maintenance and downtime. Downtime and dealing with the extra junk that can break isn't a good deal for me and cost me money. I've already taken off 2 days this month to work on my front end and I still need new ball joints. Annoying.

2wd is rated to tow more too. Check out a SRW 3500 quad cab auto 4.10 and it might even exceed his needs. I believe my 2500 4x4 auto 3.73 short bed is rated at 12,750. Going 2wd, long bed, 3500 with 4.10 gears should do much better and be more stable.

No can do 2wd if you get off the hardpack much though. Buy a comealong is what I'd do just incase.

 

Another thing on the duallies is that with their weight ratings and even a medium sized gooseneck can possibly put you over 26000 total weight rating. It is the reason I'll probably never own a dually unless it was a farm truck.

So if his trailer total weight rating is 14000 and his truck is 9900 he would be under by a couple thousand pounds. I think the dually is 13000 rated so that pushes him into cdl territory with that trailer which causes liablity issues. That is why duallies sometimes require commercial insurance.

Just my take on what I've been told by someone who has been popped before.