Talk me out of 2WD

[Gene]

I too have seen 4wd cars and trucks rolled or stuck during snow, but they are probably the people who passed me going far too fast. Another advantage of 4wd is you have four wheel engine braking which I consider safer than 2wd engine braking. But....

Finding a new vehicle can be hard. My neighbor got t-boned when someone ran a red light at 48 mph a couple of days ago. His Camry is probably totaled. So he checked at the local Ford and Toyota dealer (his son works there) about new vehicles—they only had seven on the lot. This is a big dealership. There is also a shortage of used cars. If you order a specific model just like you want it, you may be waiting months. You may find some 2wd trucks in states further north because they aren't popular there, but selections are poor all over the country, so this discussion may be moot.

[Dennis C]

Anyone who drives in snow and ice regularly knows that 4WD or AWD is only a tool to help you, but it doesn't allow you to defy the laws of physics. I'd typically choose a 2WD car with proper winter tires over a 4WD car with all-season tires (aka no-season tires). I'd say the most common cars that I see in the mountains of Colorado that end up in the ditch are Range Rovers, followed closely by Jeeps. Both of these are AWD or 4WD, but bad drivers or bad choices can't be overcome by 4WD.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Dennis C

Anyone who drives in snow and ice regularly knows that 4WD or AWD is only a tool to help you, but it doesn't allow you to defy the laws of physics. I'd typically choose a 2WD car with proper winter tires over a 4WD car with all-season tires (aka no-season tires). I'd say the most common cars that I see in the mountains of Colorado that end up in the ditch are Range Rovers, followed closely by Jeeps. Both of these are AWD or 4WD, but bad drivers or bad choices can't be overcome by 4WD.

Agreed.

Dennis I lived in Evergreen for 22 years, the last 11 in Marshdale in an old cabin that we remodeled and expanded. Got too busy and we moved west. Though I'd lived in Buffalo, NY, for 8 years, I never saw so much snow as in Evergreen where annual totals were 100" and up and up.....and up. Was beautiful, but snow and too much traffic means monstrous traffic jams.

[Dennis C]

We love Evergreen, and we definitely get lots of snow. I'm missing that snow right now as I look at the thermometer and it's still sitting at 90 degrees!

The Bistro at Marshdale is one of our "go to" restaurants!

[21Airstream]

Originally Posted by Gene

… Finding a new vehicle can be hard. My neighbor got t-boned when someone ran a red light at 48 mph a couple of days ago. His Camry is probably totaled. So he checked at the local Ford and Toyota dealer (his son works there) about new vehicles—they only had seven on the lot. This is a big dealership. There is also a shortage of used cars…

There is a shortage of computer chips holding up everything. A lot of new vehicles have already been assembled but are in storage waiting for the necessary computer chips.

[ROBERT CROSS]

“Its better to have what you don't need when you need it, than not to have it when you don’t.” or “you may think you don’t need it but when you do….you’ll have it.”
RLC

Bob
🇺🇸

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by 21Airstream

There is a shortage of computer chips holding up everything. A lot of new vehicles have already been assembled but are in storage waiting for the necessary computer chips.

Hi

Look a bit deeper and there's a shortage of chips in the auto industry because they all (except Toyota) canceled orders / dumped backup inventory like crazy last year. This year they didn't have the orders in to. handle a normal flow of vehicles ....

Yes, that's nuts, they did stay out of bankruptcy so maybe not totally nuts.

Whatever the reason, this a a fine time to sell your used vehicle (car/ truck/ RV ...). You will get top dollar for it. Some are going for what I would call insane prices. Oddly enough, if you shop a bit, you can still get a reasonable price on a new vehicle. The gotcha is that it will take a *long* time to get to you ....

Bob

[Etisdude]

ARGUMENT AGAINST
* Cost
* Reduces payload

ARGUMENT FOR
* Snow notwithstanding, if you travel, there will be times you need it.

I selected 4WD on both my trucks and never once regretted doing so.

[Capt who]

Just this week I had to back up to a steep site on gravel. 4 low and rear locker, didn't even need to give much gas, no wheel spin.

[TheCols]

Originally Posted by N95556

I’m building an order for a gas F250 to tow a 30’ FC since there are none available so I’m able to scrutinize every option.

One option I’m planning on getting is 2 wheel drive and my rationale is below:

-I live in the south and don’t need the ability to drive in the snow. Also I never plan to take the AS in the snow due to road salt.
-The 4x4 option is $3000 and in researching used car values, it only adds at most $2000 in resale value.
-I plan on doing some boondocking out west but these locations are generally extremely dry. I plan on the occasional Harvest Host too but by far most camping will be in campgrounds.
-I will have a roadside service, usually coachnet in case I get stuck. I will also have 2x8s onboard for leveling that can also be used to provide traction

As of right now I can’t justify the extra cost, weight, and complexity. Am I analyzing this correctly?

4WD is like insurance, or a good backup of your data. You hate paying for it, but the first time you need it and don’t have it, you’re screwed.

When might you need it…. how about that steep uphill gravel road or driveway, or perhaps that muddy boondock location that was dry when you went in and that darn weatherman did not tell you about that storm that came in over night.

My .02 cents.

[DoublTrouble]

out west = sand. We just upgraded to 4x4 after 20 years of 4x2 F250s. We got stuck once in a Anza Borrego SP in the campground. I wanted to have 4x4 just in case and I want to be able to confidently explore a little...

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Capt who

Just this week I had to back up to a steep site on gravel. 4 low and rear locker, didn't even need to give much gas, no wheel spin.

Hi

What a lot of folks don't consider is that you can get that rear locker *without* the 4x4 (at least on most trucks / SUV's). It alone will go a long way towards getting you unstuck. Cost and weight wise it is much lower impact than full up 4x4.

( Yes, I have both a rear locker and 4x4. If I could also get a front locker, I would.)

Bob

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by DoublTrouble

out west = sand. We just upgraded to 4x4 after 20 years of 4x2 F250s. We got stuck once in a Anza Borrego SP in the campground. I wanted to have 4x4 just in case and I want to be able to confidently explore a little...

Anza Borrego SP- same thing happened to us...but we just turned the knob to 4wd; no more issues. Like many of us say, you don't need it till you need it...then your glad you have it..no cell service, no help around to pull you out. Don't leave home without it! Sand or dirt camping situations do happen...even wet grass can give you issues from time to time.

There have been times, even without towing the AS, in West Texas, OK, WY, MT when the highways were iced over, semi's and cars in the ditch, sometimes on their sides...we had planned a trip, weather moved in while we were traveling...I flipped into 4x4, slowed down and kept going while the others were stranded or wrecked. Just saying...if this type situation is "unlikely" for you, by all means, go with your gut!

[21Airstream]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

… There have been times, even without towing the AS, in West Texas, OK, WY, MT when the highways were iced over, semi's and cars in the ditch, sometimes on their sides...we had planned a trip, weather moved in while we were traveling...I flipped into 4x4, slowed down and kept going while the others were stranded or wrecked. Just saying...if this type situation is "unlikely" for you, by all means, go with your gut![emoji41]

In WA, when tire chains are required to be used when crossing one of the mountain passes, 4WD & AWD are not required to chain up (about 99% of the time anyway. They’re required to carry chains but they’re usually not required to be installed). I run winter tires (3PMSF) 24/7/365 to avoid the inevitable unexpected snowstorms.

[pteck]

On the subject having but not needing..

Don't leave home without the 4WD, 4x4, lockers, crawl control, low-range, 35s, AT tires, 5" lift, and traction boards. Then again, this is probably taking it too far. Really more about combining the hobby of Airstreaming and Overlanding.

At least it won't be a matter of don't have but need.

[JonDNC]

I’m feeling inadequate with 33s no lift on the truck and a 3” lift on the Airstream.

[TouringDan]

I bought my Tundra 5.7 brand new in 2008. I wanted 2wd because it was about 4K cheaper, 1 mpg better fuel economy, marginally better payload, lower maintenance costs and it had electronic limited slip. After 13 years and 125k miles I have learned that the electronic limited slip really doesn’t work, but I have never gotten into a situation where I have gotten stuck. Now if and when that happens sometime, I do have a set of tire chains in the truck bed that should allow me to get unstuck. I am glad that I bought 2wd and I would do it again, but I would like to have a locking differential for the rear end.

Dan.