4x2 or 4x4?

[Keywestparrothead]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

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."

Thanks John, after I posted, i wondered if you meant 4x2's. I was just hoping I got, from Ford, what I had paid for!

[Alpine]

I have yet to have my truck "off road" but have used the 4X4 more that a few times with the 5vr attached to get into an rv spot! Otherwise I would have been rocking back and forth spinning the tires and quit possibly digging myself into a hole!

[bsmith0404]

One other aspect that has not been mentioned that I think is worth consideration (at least it was for me) When I had a 4x2 I had an AT tire just to make sure I had a little extra traction if I ever needed it. With the 4x4 I run more of a highway tire (Michelin LTX M/S2), I can get nearly double the mileage out of these tires, around 100k. For AT tires I've run BFG A/T, Goodyear Wrangler, Yokohama Geolander, Michelin LTX A/T2, and Firestone Destination, the most I've gotten out of any of them was with the Michelin which I changed out at about 65k. So for me 4x4 saves money on tires as well.

[FlyingChief]

Lots of great opinions and experiences from everyone - thanks!

[EricLynnAllison]

I agree with a lot of above. Wet grass with a heavy toyhauler will slip without 4x4.

[440justin]

Another thing to think about is the resale value of the truck. Here in the Midwest 4x4 tend to hold value better than the 4x2. If your are buying new and going to keep the truck for a long time then get what you want, but if you only plan to keep it for a few years I would go 4x4 just got resale value.

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[Larry1013]

Never had any need for a 4x4. Only a few times over the years have I ever needed a push or pull even when I was living in Canada a few winters. Granted, most times the 4x4 is more desirable to many but not to me.

I did order the limited slip diff in the 2015 F350 CCLB DRW with 3.73 gears. I have not had any problems on wet grass with one side hopping nor tearing up the grass in the yard.

The Ford Electronic Locking rear is set to open up about 35mph and above if you forget to turn it off.

Buy for your needs now, not what you can get for it when you trade or sell it. If you feel you need the 4x4, for sure, go for it.

[arturob]

I drove a suburban for 30 years, 2wheel dr, only wished for 4x4 a couple of times. Friend of mine used to say a 4x4 only gets you stuck a mile further down the road you shouldnt have tried. We camped out of the suburban and loved it. Now I have a 32ft Cougar 5er and a 3500HD diesel and have used 4x4 number of times. We went down to telephone cove in Nevada on Mohave Lake and would have been badly stuck going in after a dusty downhill suddenly became a an even dustier uphill. I was in 2wd and he wheels started spinning. Had to switch to 4x4 to get out. Needless to say we came back out a few days later in full 4x4 all the way. BTW I have heard it said that 4x4 get poorer mileage - we get 11.5 to the gallon overall which sees reasonable.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by FlyingChief

Lots of great opinions and experiences from everyone - thanks!

Well what was the final decision??

[Pmedic4]

Well, I'm chuckling as I think about this. Just bought a new truck, and I knew I wanted a 4x2, didn't need 4x4, and really have only needed it one time in the 4 years I owned my last truck, and even then I got out of the problem; in hindsight, not safely, but didn't need towing.

Since this is the end of the model year, at least for my RAM, couldn't order one, and the dealer(s) looked online for a 4x2 2500, and there were none to be had close, and only found one 'All Black" about 600 miles away. I felt I got a good deal, ending up with a 4x4, and it's Black. Guess I could have waited for a 2016, but probably wouldn't have got the same type of deal. Plus the '15s gas still has the 5 year - 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

[Pmedic4]

Well, I'm chuckling as I think about this. Just bought a new truck, and I knew I wanted a 4x2, didn't need 4x4, and really have only needed it one time in the 4 years I owned my last truck, and even then I got out of the problem; in hindsight, not safely, but didn't need towing.

When looking this past month, and since this is the end of the model year, at least for my RAM, couldn't order one, and the dealer(s) looked online for a 4x2 2500, and there were none to be had close, and only found one 'All Black" about 600 miles away. Bought one, and I felt I got a good deal, ending up with a 4x4, and it's Black. Guess I could have waited for a 2016, but probably wouldn't have got the same type of deal. Plus the '15s gas still has the 5 year - 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. (Diesels in '16 still have the 5 x 100,000 warranty).

[81SHOVELHEAD]

My RV sits on side of our Garage in the Grass,
Had 3 days of rain prior to our last camping trip .
Back the truck up to trailer, Locked it up in 4L and never even tried to spin a tire .
For the difference in price& MPG in todays trucks its 4X4 for me .
Plus I am notorious for wanting to check out new area of the beach & on several occasions had to pay someone to tow my 4x2 off the beach.