2 wheel drive vs 4 wheel

[DKGA]

All my tow vehicles have been 4x4. I have a steep driveway and enjoy exploring backcountry forest service roads.

[Thiss]

With 4x4 you also get whole new set of gears; Low range.

If you have auto front hubs, you may not be able to use Low on all descents and ascents, but for those non paved steep roads 4x4 Low is sure nice.

My in-laws have a rediculas driveway, one I wouldn’t want, and I need Low to come down their drive more safely when I have my Airstream or a trailer of wood.

[GM Airstream]

Originally Posted by mikeinca

The disadvantages of 4WD compared to 2WD are initial cost, a slight reduction in fuel economy even when disengaged, and added weight which will effect maximum payload.

With regard to actual driving situations, however, 4WD gives you options which 2WD, even with limited slip, can't provide. I've been in situations as mundane as sandy soil with the trailer where I would have been totally stuck without 4WD.

Even backing up the steep driveway at my house puts a lot of strain on the transmission unless I shift into 4WD in low range.

4WD is highly desirable in a TV and well worth the disadvantages, IMHO.

In reguards to putting strain on the transmission... its still their and multiplied by the 4x4 low range gearing... so don't think that your driveline is any less by going their.. its actually more...

I have always towed now with the PU 4x4 after watching people get stuck boondocking. We went to BLM campout... nice high camping spot... but a light rainstorm came through... didn't think much of it.. till we started out... got to a spot in the road... where the rain has flooded and made a wash... those with 4x4 made it through towing the trailer... others didnt.. and had to unhook and borrow the guys 4x4 to make it through... which took lots of time. But, everyone made it out .... Now I have 4x4 pu... with a 12,000 lb wench on the front.. never used it for me.. but have pulled a few out of slipery spots...

Is 4x4 worth it... indeed... also having the hitch on the front is the second best idea for the TV and trailer...

[Doc Foster]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Con's
Tend to want to explore more, and if you don't have lockers, watch out.

I always purchase a 4WD truck so that I can explore more -that is the main idea!
Been 4 wheeling for 40 years and have never stuck and have never had lockers, limited slip rear, or once had an electronic locker, and only used it once in snow. I have explored many a back road and trail in the Four Corners states, often never seeing another vehicle that day, and am sometimes 10-20 miles or more from pavement. I use my trailer as a basecamp and explore in my 4WD, usually heading to a remote trailhead. As others have mentioned it has been a lifesaver when towing the trailer just in grassy or dirt areas. There definitely have been times when I have used it when moving or parking the trailer and would have been stuck without.

[Rovin Raven]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

My favorite use is on wet grass, snow, or soft sand at the bottom of the slope out of the campground toward the paved street...

Then it's 4WD low range, and the rear differential lock set while the TV and AS slowly climb out without digging in...just above idle...and in as straight a line as possible.

At that point, the 4WD system becomes 'priceless' unless someone friendly is along with a big winch and a very long cable...

I will never go without 4 wheel drive. I live in the mountainous rain forest part of the country (SW Virginia) where we have mud, ice and snow and steep terrain....and sooo much rain. I need 4x4 just to get up our driveway when pulling the Airstream when the driveway is a little wet, and don’t get me started on the massive mudslide 2 weeks ago that dumped backhoe buckets full of mud on our parking lot. Everyone also just assumes you have it. “We’re camping down that big hill in the field down by the creek. The field’ s a little soggy, but you have 4-wheel drive on that thing, right?” Every place involves going up and down hills and mountains around here. Some campground entrances require you to ford a stream. Some are up a long, long, steep, narrow “gravel” (well, maybe just a little gravel still counts as gravel) road, and don’t you dare slip off if you don’t have 4x4. So, no way we would go without. The stress of just wondering if we are about to get stuck would probably kill us.

[Firemanharry]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

“Its better to have what you don't need when you need it, than not to have it when you don’t.”
RLC

True story

[perri]

Originally Posted by Kevinshortnh

We often shift into 4-wheel drive in campgrounds while parking our Airstream. The grounds are often soft and the tires just slip in the dirt and grass until we switch from 2 to 4-wheel.

This. We’ve also towed our AS on some very winding, steep roads. Engaging the low-4 keeps us going, avoided over-heating brakes.

[mwodzinski]

This YouTube video shows the limitations of 2WD TVs:
https://youtu.be/1biZz7lhZcE

Or you can keep a tow strap/chain or portable winch in your TV.

Another big advantage of 4WD or AWD is that when all wheels are coupled, you gain a significant amount of control. Not just pulling but braking as well. Vehicles with “trailer aware” 4WD/AWD systems are best since these systems use different stability control parameters when towing trailers. For example, such systems can provide significant control when you hit “black ice” (frozen pavement) or hydroplaning and may keep you out of the ditch.

Although current 4WD/AWD systems are quite “smart” (computer controlled), some training on the use of these systems can also be also helpful. A good dealer can provide such trailing. If you are new to towing RVs, you might want to check this out:
https://rvonlinetraining.com/p/rv-10...-towing-basics

- Botter

[Airtream]

4x4 = resale value

[istdoc]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

This Beetle talk is making me chuckle, as I remember living halfway up Grouse Mountain, in North Vancouver in the early 70's, (imagine the steep stepped streets of San Fransico covered in wet snow); my Dad's 72 Super Beetle was the only vehicle that would make it up......he would even give rides to the neighbours.

Not a lot of 4wd's back then. Infact, in our sub division, I don't recall anyone owning a truck at all.

Cheer
Sidekick Tony

I travelled a large hill (Gilmore Dome) in Alaska to and from work. My F250 would get stuck on big snow days...with or without a trailer. I used to chain it up...and hated it. In 1982 we bought our first 4wd...and never looked back. It is a very cheap Blood Pressure regulator.

I also had a 66 VW with Sunroof. No towing with it...but it NEVER got stuck ANYWHERE! Sure wish I still had it...

[Firemanharry]

My dad never owned a 4wd that I can remember but he’d tell me the difference between 2wd and 4wd was about 50 feet. The last time he told me this was when I bought my first 4wd vehicle, an 85 Bronco. My question back to him was “what if the mud hole is only 40 feet long?”

Only you can answer your question as everyone has their own opinions and only you know your specific needs. I prefer a 4wd but a 2wd would do the trick in most circumstances and there’s usually a work around for any kind of problem. In pretty much any poor traction situation a properly equipped 4wd will do the job of pushing or pulling better. As for stopping or any other maneuver where the throttle is not applied, 4wd is no help at all. I work on the roads and am a firemen, have found that most single vehicle accidents in the snow are 4wdrivers having the extra go power but losing control when they lift their foot off the gas. Their next natural reaction is to stay off the skinny pedal or hit the brakes, either one usually results in a less than intended outcome.
If anyone is asking this question just to get the Mrs approval then absolutely, 4wd is the ONLY way to go..much, much safer than 2wd vehicles because they’re made out of a special alloy and are 10 times safer for families

[GMFL]

A 2wd truck in my neck of the woods would be a special order at the dealership. No self respecting RedNeck would be caught dead in a 2wd, and any dealer with one of there lot would probably be out of business in 6 months.
We are all trying to figure out how to afford one of these.

[greenflag]

I got stuck once in wet muddy grass like a bog when hitched up. Couldn't move back or forward. After trying all the usual remedies, rocks under tires etc, I called a tow truck.
You don't need 4WD often. But when you need it you really need it. My next truck will be 4WD.

[pteck]

Originally Posted by GMFL

A 2wd truck in my neck of the woods would be a special order at the dealership. No self respecting RedNeck would be caught dead in a 2wd, and any dealer with one of there lot would probably be out of business in 6 months.
We are all trying to figure out how to afford one of these.

But does it have a locker? 5 lockers?

Too cool.

[Isuzusweet]

You Imperialistic Americanski's know nothing about 4wd........this will beat any mud truck through any mud hole....and it's RUSSIAN!

https://sherpatv.com

Go to 7:42 to see this Russian wonder go through a mud hole that no other truck made it through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNtZb4vWNLA

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[pteck]

This is how it's done down under. An Airstream may need more than a lift to survive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi-18xDxNk4

[Wdstatham]

More than a few times rally parking is on grass.

As anyone who has ever been to the Sugar Creek OH Rally can tell you, after a rain 2 wheel drive doesn't get it done.

Even though I have 4 x 4, I've been towed out by a tractor 2 out of 3 times. In spite of the mud, it's a great rally, wouldn't have been 3 times if it wasn't.

[Fair_Enough]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

You Imperialistic Americanski's know nothing about 4wd........this will beat any mud truck through any mud hole....and it's RUSSIAN!

Go to 7:42 to see this Russian wonder go through a mud hole that no other truck made it through.

Sidekick Tony

Wow, that's a real 'Sippi hole for sure.
Funny how mucho diesels trucks can't make it thru.
WW

[flyfshrmn]

I don't see the practicality in a 2WD tow vehicle unless you never drive in bad weather, or on bad roads. Even if you just park on the wet grass in a KOA, you may need all four pulling to get off of it. If you do any hunting or fishing that involves dirt roads or worse, then 4WD is essential. No one ever deliberately gets stuck, but Murphy's Law is always in effect. Yes, it costs more (returned in higher trade in value), sometimes it cuts your mileage, but the cost figured over the life of the vehicle is not that much more significant, if you keep your vehicle a long time. My average for trucks is about 17 years. Add in the benefits of not having to deal with chains, not getting stuck in places where a tow is $500, and the scale is clearly on the side of 4WD.

[Ray Eklund]

Four wheel drive advantages:

- When you are stuck +
- When your rear U Joint/s drop out, remove driveshaft and use front 4x4x...2 +
- Resale +
- Need traction towing UP or DOWN a steep dirt/gravel road +
- Front suspension is stronger +
- Extra decal on the side of you vehicle +