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Old 08-04-2015, 09:40 AM   #1
FlyingChief
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4x2 or 4x4?

Although I suspect that this is one of those questions for which there is no 'right' answer, I am curious to hear what people are actually doing and what they've found the pros and cons to be.

I'm getting ready to order a new tow vehicle. The brand doesn't really matter. Instead, I am wondering about whether I should spec a 4x2 or 4x4. I understand the price differential, so I am more focused on bang for the buck. As someone who not too long ago came from snow country, I tend to gravitate toward 4x4. But as I think about the mission of my tow vehicle, I now live in Southern California. I have no plans at all to be hauling my Raptor around in bad road conditions (I'll stay parked and wait it out!). The only 'off-road' driving I plan to do will be unpaved camp sites. I know for some brands, 4x4 adds a bit of towing/carrying capacity, but with a weight trade-off.

So....what is the experience of the group?
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Old 08-04-2015, 09:47 AM   #2
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I've never needed it RV'ing... to-date. However, there are a few places here where it's dusty and a good rain could make 4x4 a necessity. In the grand scheme of what it costs to get a vehicle that will tow a Raptor, that 4wd option isn't particularly significant... We got it.
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Old 08-04-2015, 09:57 AM   #3
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When we lived in Louisiana I got "stuck" on wet grassy campsites more than once. Shifted into 4x4 and didn't tear the campsite up trying to get out. Now that we live in northern Michigan, I wouldn't even consider a 4x2 truck.

For me, having 4 wheel drive is "insurance" against damp, grassy conditions, against "slightly muddy conditions" and with the transfer case, adds a significant "maneuverability" advantage in some situations like backing onto blocks and pulling up a steep grade.

As you said, there's probably no "right/wrong" answer as both have advantages and potential disadvantages. For me, having the versatility of being able to "choose 4 wheel drive if needed" is a significant plus. Most of "today's" 4WD products don't have the MPG disadvantages of previous technology, so there isn't a significant savings in operating costs as there was with 2WD years ago. In "my way of thinking" if the 200-300 pound weight increase with 4WD is a "limiting factor" in towability, then you're probably "too close" to your limit with a 2WD as well, so that shouldn't be a deciding factor. Remember that many "wet boat ramps" are tough to use with a heavy boat and 2WD, if boating may be in your future.

Either choice will work (with the appropriate truck ratings), so it pretty much boils down to whether or not you want the option of having 4WD if you need it.
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Old 08-04-2015, 10:17 AM   #4
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We have a 4x4 and have used that feature for putting and pulling our boat in and out of the water, for occasional times in wintry snow conditions but very seldom used for any towing situations. It has been used when backing into sites that have an initial incline or steep inclines on gravel roads but that is about it. These instances have been the exception rather than the norm.

So yes, we have "needed it" when towing the 5th wheel but those times have been few and far between.

Given your particular circumstances, I might lean towards a 4x2.
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Old 08-04-2015, 10:31 AM   #5
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Having owned both, and now living in a desert, I have no need of a 4X4. My current tow vehicle has the positrack (or whatever they call them now) rear end and even on the few occasions I have been on ice or snow, it was sufficient. Other than the extra weight and expense, most 4X4s are taller than the 2bys so that could make a difference as well. Mostly a matter of personal preference, I guess.
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Old 08-04-2015, 10:34 AM   #6
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4x4 for me, for all the usual reasons, towing or not. Since I have a manual transmission, I like being able to select low in the transfer case for those times that I need an assist for backing really slow or while on a grade. Easier on the clutch...

Either way, make sure you get limited slip in the rear diff.
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Old 08-04-2015, 11:14 AM   #7
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4X4 for me as well, I dont use it all the time but when I do... glad I have it. I do go to the mountains during winter, cabin and snow skiing, so the 4X4 come in handy.
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Old 08-04-2015, 11:36 AM   #8
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Very simple decision for me, better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
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Old 08-04-2015, 12:02 PM   #9
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4x4 here as well. Having a truck without a front axle is kind of like concealed carry with no bullets.
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Old 08-04-2015, 01:01 PM   #10
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Thanks, JRTJH. I appreciate your insights. When I mentioned the weight tradeoff, I was just acknowledging that some folks have tried to make a case that many 4x4s come with higher weight ratings. When I have investigated, it seems like it is pretty much a wash. The small increase in weight capacity is offset by an increase in vehicle weight. I'm not going to be anywhere close to the margins.....just trying to head off someone making the weight argument!
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Old 08-04-2015, 04:01 PM   #11
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I always buy 4x4 everything, but, that's primarily due to our vacation home here in the mountains at 9000ft. We can get LOTS of snow.

For RVing I would still get the 4x4 simply due to the fact that you don't know what kind of environment you will be in when you get to your "spot". I too have been stuck on wet grass in a 4x2 and made a real mess spinning all over the place to get out. Also, past the towing/campsite experience, we use our tow vehicle to look and go when we get somewhere. Sand on the beaches around the coasts, mud/snow when we are in CO, mud in central TX, etc. I like places off the beaten path and getting out in the backwoods so I like to be prepared and have that ability. As bsmith0404 said, "it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it"; that is a fact. No matter which way you go get the limited slip axle and a decent axle ratio.
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Old 08-04-2015, 04:16 PM   #12
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FlyingChief, Howdy;

Just be sure that when you decide, wither or not it is a 4X2 or 4X4 that
the rear differential is a limited slip (Not a Posi-trac, that will cause the
rear end to hop when you make tight turns think parking lots and such which
will eat up your tires). That way when you experience any kind of wet grass
or loose sandy soils both rear wheels will be putting effort into motivating you
and your rig.
Don't count on a vehicle being equipped with one just because it's a 4X4.
I had to swap mine (an "open rear end"), when I discovered I had a 4X3!
,

hankaye

Ps. Bought mine used, or I'd have made sure, had I ordered it.
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Old 08-04-2015, 05:17 PM   #13
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I like to go to the mountains in the winter and I hate putting on snow chains. I make a couple trips to Yosemite every time it snows there. Had to go 4x4.
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Old 08-04-2015, 05:17 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bsmith0404 View Post
Very simple decision for me, better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
This. Mud is not hard to come by. Wet grass is not difficult to find. A sllight grade out of a spot is common. 4x4 makes them all easier, and is worth it to us. Only you know where you will camp and if those situations may arise.
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Old 08-04-2015, 05:39 PM   #15
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Thanks, Hankaye. I have found that the "limited slip" is an option - not that expensive. The axle without limited slip is standard. You definitely need to pay attention to these little details and the fine print!
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Old 08-04-2015, 06:00 PM   #16
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I have had 4X4 on almost all of my trucks over the last 20 years. The main reason for me is that my work/employment dictates its need. No matter what the weather, I have to be there. I have found that it's been nice added insurance while towing over the last twenty years too. With the slick boat ramps, the grassy field, as in the in-laws where I now store my TT and other trailers. Even this last weekend while backing the TT up a rather steep gravel incline into our camping space. It was good to finish the maneuver with no other drama.

In the end it will come down to what the budget dictates and what your really wanting to spend. Once your purchase is made about the only up keep is the fluid changes in the transfer case and the front axle.
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Old 08-04-2015, 07:25 PM   #17
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I can't speak for GM or Chrysler products, but Ford Superduty 4x2 models come with a "non-limited slip" differential. There is no option for "positrac" or for "limited slip" the only option is an electronic locking rear differential. It is activated by pulling a knob on the dash.

The F150 4x2 models come with a choice of either a "non-limited slip" or "electronic locking" axle as well.

The axle ratio is determined by options such as engine type/size, trailer packages, tire/wheel packages. However there is no "limited slip axle" available in 2015/2016 Ford trucks.

http://bp3.ford.com/2016-Ford-SuperD...LAT.~F-350.%5D
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Old 08-05-2015, 04:50 AM   #18
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I just did 3800 miles over 10 days and used 4x4 low range twice, makes backing in to uphill sites much easier. Now back in FL after 17" of rain in a week I need 4x4 just to get off my property. It can be done with 2wd but 4wd takes a lot of worry out of the equation.
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Old 08-05-2015, 05:40 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by JRTJH View Post
I can't speak for GM or Chrysler products, but Ford Superduty 4x2 models come with a "non-limited slip" differential. There is no option for "positrac" or for "limited slip" the only option is an electronic locking rear differential. It is activated by pulling a knob on the dash.

The F150 4x2 models come with a choice of either a "non-limited slip" or "electronic locking" axle as well.

The axle ratio is determined by options such as engine type/size, trailer packages, tire/wheel packages. However there is no "limited slip axle" available in 2015/2016 Ford trucks.

http://bp3.ford.com/2016-Ford-SuperD...LAT.~F-350.%5D
Hi John, not sure if because mine was a F450 and has the 4.30, but my build sheet does show "limited Slip" and was a requirement for me.

FWIW - I just used my 4x4 backing into a sandy spot at the beach last weekend. Wouldn't be without it.

2015 Ford F-450 King Ranch® Crew Cab, 4x4, DRW, 8' Box, 6.7L Power Stroke® 4V Diesel V8 Engine, TorqShift® 6-Speed Auto, O/D w/6.7L, 4.30 Limited Slip Axle Ratio
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Old 08-05-2015, 06:41 AM   #20
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Originally Posted by Keywestparrothead View Post
Hi John, not sure if because mine was a F450 and has the 4.30, but my build sheet does show "limited Slip" and was a requirement for me.

FWIW - I just used my 4x4 backing into a sandy spot at the beach last weekend. Wouldn't be without it.

2015 Ford F-450 King Ranch® Crew Cab, 4x4, DRW, 8' Box, 6.7L Power Stroke® 4V Diesel V8 Engine, TorqShift® 6-Speed Auto, O/D w/6.7L, 4.30 Limited Slip Axle Ratio
You're right, however the F-450 is only available in 4WD, diesel, long bed version. There is no 2WD option available. I believe the only available option in the F-450 is the 4.30 limited slip axle. Based on the tow/payload ratings, I don't know if Ford's electronic locking axle would even hold up with that kind of use. Essentially, most RV'ers are in the "light use" category, even with heavy fifth wheels and heavy pin weights. Imagine a dump body, oil field cargo load or a wrecker bed added to your truck and the increased demand on the rear axle over how you use it.

Maybe I should have clarified my last sentence by stating "There is no limited slip differential available in 2015/2016 Ford Superduty SRW 2WD trucks."
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