Considering a 4x4 or 2wd Pickup? Watch this first!
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- Опубликовано: 4 фев 2025
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another great video, agree 100% its best to own 4wd and not need it than not have it and be wanting for more cabability
BX BMBR some people don't have $5,000+ plus to have something they will never use. People don't understand that 2wd is fine in light off road applications.
Even better with a G80 or other locking rear diff.
Most people don't understand that most 4wd setups are still only 2wd or 3wd if you're lucky
BX BMBR 9I
John Umm. No. Locked 4x4 = basically static rotation ratios.
Awd = variable and/or fixed ratio
Passenger 4WD = part-time like ABS & t/c basically.
John is correct. A 2wd truck with an open differential is actually one wheel, drive since only one wheel transmits power to the ground at a time. Once a wheel becomes loose (in the air, snow, sand, etc), then the free wheel gets the power because it has the least resistance and just spins. This means the wheel that actually has traction is not getting any power and you are stuck. Even in 4wd, front & back open diffs transmit power to only one wheel on each axle, thus still being only 2wd; one front & one back. Locking axles, like the G80, ensure the entire axle works as one unit. So, a locking rear and open front would be 3wd, both rear and one front wheels. To expand, the G80 is not a full-time locked diff. It is an open diff until spin is detected from one wheel. It then engages the axle and locks the entire unit together, transmitting power to both wheels equally regardless of wheel orientation.
I split the difference and settled on 3wd...couldn't be happier!
@KeepMyNameOutYoMouf lol hahahahahah!
I WANT 5 doors
I only got the tailgate..but would consider swapping for two tires ...
Ha i went with a 10wd. I have to fill it up everyday but never been happier 😂😂😂. Imagine.
Lol
I bought a 2016 2wd Superduty by special order. After two years, still no regrets. I get what you're saying about it's better to have it and not need. But in my case, if I have what I don't need, I look for any excuse I can to use it. The first 4wd I had, I felt the need to find a muddy trail or go driving for no reason whenever it snowed. And doing so got me into all kinds of troubles. Having a 2wd keeps me more disciplined. And with the 4500 lb camper I haul around, getting through the snow is never an issue. As far as trade-in value goes, I made the purchase well aware that I'll never be able to sell it. And so I plan on keeping it for 20 years (18 to go). By then, it won't matter if it's 2wd or 4wd, gas or diesel, XL or Lariat. Because either way, it's just going to be old junk.
There's two more advantages of owning a 2wd that you left out. 1) They sit lower, therefore having a lower center of gravity, which makes for better handling. 2) The tires on the front axle don't have to match the tires on the rear, which is especially beneficial with a dually considering the rotation pattern. When my original tires wear out, I can replace the front tires with tires that are best for steering and the rears with tires better suited for traction.
crashed my 4x4 Jeep Wrangler , I got a new Silverado but i went for the 2wd .totally agreed with you.
case closed 💯💪🏾
You go as far as you can in 2wd then put it in 4wd to back out lol!! The four wheel drive is good to a point but some folks thinks it gives them super powers or soemthing. I drive a semi and see all sorts of goofy stuff done by 4x4 drivers!!
I like my 2wd truck for the reasons you said in the video. I'm glad to see a video where someone uses facts on this topic not just there opinion.
Great video, agree with everything you said. You don't need the 4x4 feature until you really need it!!! Saved my butt a few times.
Down south I image you can get away with 2WD but up here in Canada with our winters, 4X4 is certainly the safest choice.
Totally agree. I have run 2wd in snow and ice and it is hairy. You just don't have nearly the ability to get around as with a 4 x 4.
Down South in the red clay along with snow at higher elevations makes me have zero use for a 2WD. I don't care how good you are if its red clay and especially if it is not flat land you are in trouble when you go off the road.
I live down south& it's true that we seldom need 4wd to navigate snow.But a 2wd truck is about as handy as a Prius when we need to travel an unpaved road after one of our frequent rains.I will never buy another 2wd truck.
Especially when your all-terrain treads get clogged with the clay and your spinning all 4 wheels.
Only people who live where it snows think 2wd is all anyone needs where it doesn't. It's not all about snow. In the south, the roads are made of many different types of materials, some of which become very slippery when it gets wet. Also, after it rains, all the oils deposited by thousands of vehicles driving on the roads come right to the surface. So, even if it's 90 outside, it can be like driving on ice. Plus, there's slick boat ramps, muddy fields, dirt and gravel roads, sand, clay, caliche, loam and other types of ground surfaces to consider.
I’ve got a 2WD pre-runner with a locker. I’m in suburbia most of the time but I have to say that I’ve never been stuck in mud or snow over the 20 years I’ve owned it… maybe I’m not trying hard enough. 😂
I don't plan on towing or doing heavy loads. I just need a lot of space to load things. Which is why I don't need a 4wd truck. A 2wd is fine.
2wd tows and hauls more than 4wd so if you did tow you would be better off
People will always say "if you get a truck you must get 4wd" but I've never been stuck in mud or snow with my 2wd. In my opinion, if you have good quality tires you have less chance in geting stuck but if you were pulling a trailer with a heavy load in the mud then that's when you will need 4x4.
Even a rear locking diff is better value
@@wickedleeloopy2115 So true, the newer 2wd super duty with the locking rear diff makes me consider one. MY last 4x4 SD (1999) had an open rear diff and it got stuck in a driveway because I got the right side off the stone and into some mud...there I sat, stuck. Would not have happened with a locker on the rear of a 2wd.
I thought 2wd is better for hauling
2wd is best - if you need 4 it's better to be parked, 4 is if your in the field of roadside response business.
If your in freight - then lease a 4x4 for winter service. Drive you 2wd the rest of the year...
When you do get stuck, I will just drive past you in my 4x4
4wd is like a condom, it's better to have it & not need it, then to need it & not have it.
Jose Lozano true
Jack Azz no need for a long bed if you know how to "use it".......
All Natural All The Way.
Been watching any predator movies lately
You say that like there’s no downside to 4x4s. They cost more initially, cost more to maintain, offer less gvwr and towing capacity. Unless you do all your own servicing, its much more expensive to service a 4x4. Maintaining a 2wd is much easier
Thanks so much for the video, very informative for a newbie. Just retired from a Ford dealership, and never had any of the mechanics/ salesmen explain the difference as well as you have. Thanks so much.✌️ Brother.
The thing I like about the 4 wheel drive is you can put in low and 1st gear to be able to crawl out in field picking up bails or spreading feed. Don't even need to touch the gas petal.
You stated people buy 4x4 for "in-case you need it". Living near Chicago.... That statement needs to change to "When you need it." Because trust me. You are going to need it every winter here if you want to get to work in the mornings confidently.
Nicea Trya I never needed 4x4 in Chicago. It comes down to driving my skill. If you can't drive we'll get a 4x4. If you have good driving skills a 2wd is fine.
Andrew, I don't care who you are, or how good you "think" your skills are. If you want to drive through unplowed roads that are a foot and a half or more deep of snow, you need 4x4. So...sorry dude... I'm callin BS.
Nicea Trya very rare to get 18 inches of snow at once in. Chicago I mean your talking the top 10 biggest snow storms plus their is so much traffic that it is always packed down. So like I've said I've driven through everything here and never once got stuck or had an issue in 2wd
2wd is alright. You learn quick when your employer gives you a 2wd truck and driving in rural canada. Snow tires do wonders.
I like having a 2 solid axles and 4 wheel drive on my truck. Feels good to have it and it’s higher than stock 2wd.
I work construction and I used to use a 2wd company truck and I got stuck so many times I have lost count I bought my own truck and I got a 4X4 and I drive it everyday
it's nice to have 4x4 in Michigan not just for the snow but if you get stuck in our massive pot holes and need some added traction
Deep sand, mud, and snow 4x4 is a must. Dirt trails 4x2 is just fine.
Made my living driving on ice and snow from 1984-2002 as a cabby. Front wheel drive Chrysler cars and minivans. Nobody could touch me because I got so damn good at it. In 2012 I found a California 1997 F150 XLT with sweet campershell, perfect body and paint, 118,000 miles 2WD. Couple moved near Lake Tahoe, she was convinced she needed 4WD. She paid $30,000 counting shell. I paid her $4,700. I don't use it anywhere I need 4WD we are both getting old. But what a sweet ride!
I live in California. I had a 4X4 8 yrs used 4X4 about 3 times Had a Tacoma for 12 yrs 2X2. Never felt a need for 4X4. Just brought a 2018 Sierra Denali 1500 with 4X4. Used it three times so far. Silty sand. Lots of dirt roads where I’m at now.
Tire selection is a major factor as well. I live in NW Indiana, we get a LOT of snow and having the right tires keeps me from needing the four wheel drive generally, but I'm not hitting the trails in a 2wd so have the 4wd for when I need it. Also you can have the best 4wd in the world but you aren't stopping any faster in snow and ice.
I saw a study years ago that concluded that the most important thing is having winter tires, not 4WD.
I live in Michigan and in the winter 4wd is practically a must. I drive a 2wd Silverado and the snow gets really bad. my family never owned a 4x4 until my dad got a 4x4 envoy and he is the only one that can get down the back roads we live on in the winter when the snow starts flying
So how did you get around before the 4x4 was purchased? Did the snow all of a sudden get deeper after the 4x4 was purchased?
We had to wait until the plows went through even then we would only have a 30 minute window. I live on a road with farm fields on both sides of the road. When the snow was really bad and the plows hadn't been through we would just have to wait it out.
Wait what? You might want to learn how to drive or get better tires.
Trucks@69 with snow drifts that are 2 to 3 feet deep with rear wheel drive does not work well. It does matter how good your tires are was the begin to slip your done. I've almost gotten stuck with fresh tires in 8 inches of snow because I almost lost what traction I have.
It sounds like you buy the cheepest tires on the market and hit the gas as hard as you can and have no idea how to drive in snow. In return it would cause you to lose traction.
Thank you for the great video. I just bought a 2WD truck because the 4WD version of the truck I wanted was a good 6k higher in price. Thinking back on how many times I needed the 4X4 on my last truck I could not come up with a time when I just had to have it. I think it might be a better investment to through a winch on the front if I ever do get in trouble.
My one pickup is a 1994 2wd Silverado and I put new tires (expensive ones) and I put 800lbs of sand bags in the box with air bags last winter and I didn't get stuck once was unstoppable in the snow.
I have lived in Pennsylvania my whole life and yes there are places in PA where you very well at some point or another need 4x4. We have had lots of rain this past year which made everything where I live that wasn't paved a mud pit. We're also getting more snowy winters where we get some very deep snow from time to time. And if you want to go over certain mountains or get into some good hunting areas or get through some farm fields or just get over some snow covered roads on the hills, 4x4 is almost a necessity.
But you can still get stuck in a 4x4 as you can in a 2wd.
I just discovered your videos and like what I've seen so far. I'm a proud owner of a 2004 Nissan Titan and I love my truck.
2wd with an Eaton G80 auto locking differential is a great compromise solution. GM offers these from the factory under code G80. In ways it's superior to just a 4wd truck because if for example a rear wheel is off the ground it will lock the differential as opposed to supplying power to the wheel that is off the ground in a 4wd.
I agree with what you said. Like where I live it can flood, Sometimes get's snow. And for me going on some trails every now and then but you can still have just a 2wd truck and still have as much fun on the trails, just gotta make sure you know what you're doing or have a friend who can pull you out.
Very happy we found your site. Very educational, great videos.
Ask someone that owns a pickup if they ever use it. Its not necessary. Roads are cleared of snow almost immediately. Insurance on a 4x4 is more than 2wd because statistically 4x4's are the vehicles found on their roof in snow storms. And rolling over while going off road. Real trucks (transport trucks) are only rear wheel drive. And most cars are 2wd and somehow dont get stuck.
It would be interesting to calculate the cost over 5 years between the two. I live in Canada and most construction guys don't work during winter and you'd be unlucky or careless to get stuck in the summer to the point where you need 4x4. I've had 2wd trucks and cars and it's seriously not that bad during winter.
My RAM 2500 Hemi 4x4 was the only gas truck in dealer inventory so it was immediately available and I was a good fit for it. I have used 4WD only once in my front yard, not intending to hang up but it got me going again. It came as part of the package of options.
I own a 2006 Dodge 1500 crew cab 2wd with limited slip and I have never gotten stuck going down Fire trails and power line service trails. The only issue I have every come across is ground clearance. It's all in how you drive it. 4x4 does offer I bit more peace of mind and just in case.
I live in Texas where it's almost never snowing or slippery and I pull an 13-14,000lb RV regularly. A couple years ago I got into a situation where I had to go up a gravel hill to get out of the RV park I was in. For some reason I needed to stop on the hill and couldn't move forward again with 2wd because the hill had too much sand on it. Stuck it in 4wd and pulled right up the hill. (This is with a 2500 mind you).
The other main reason I'll always have 4wd is because when you're backing an 5th wheel into a gravel spot it's good to put it into 4wd-Low if you are doing a lot of jockying around. The reason is that it puts into a lower gear and keeps the RPMs up on the truck to help cool the engine and not put as much strain on the transmission. I almost found this out the hard way on a tricky campsite. Once I put it in 4-low, the engine didn't have to work so hard to move the rig and it cooled right off.
Those are my main reasons for 4wd. I seriously hope I never drive in the snow to need 4WD for traction!
Nice video. Yes for large heavy boats 4x4 is the way to go. Otherwise you could asking someone to pull you boat up the ramp, if you can find someone willing to do it.
I've lived in Michigan and West Virginia. Never needed 4WD in the worst of weather. A lot of guys just want to get the biggest most badass Truck they can get financed for but truth is all most people need is a 2WD Tacoma or F150
I've owned 4x4 vehicles my entire life until 2 years when I purchased a 4x2 pickup and wouldn't you know it, this last winter in Portland was the worst winter in 20 years. Many snow and ice storms. Long story short, I purchased a 4x4 Frontier a couple weeks ago. Lol.
4x4 is a must in the north east. A winch is nice also . I love mine.
I've had several F;-150s and am now driving my 2008 and I've never owned one in 4x4 configuration. In winter weather I secure 4 bags of tube sand in the bed and keep good all weather tires on it and had no problems getting around. Good informative video, thanks
You said it all! Answered all my questions. Big thanks for your video
I really like your videos your not like other RUclips truck pages that say you should by this I like this company so you should to. your more of a here are my opinions these are some facts and common Sense take from it what you want and I hope this helped. that's why I keep coming back to your channel!
I've had both and what I learned is that 4WD gets you in farther before you get stuck.
go in 2wd then use 4wd to get out
I put a set of Cooper STT pros on my 2wd truck and haven't had an issue in the snow.
4WD is a 4 to 5 grand option on most trucks. I live in New England and went with a RWD Ford F150 SuperCab. Am I nuts?? Not at all. I just know what my needs and requirements are. For one, I don't do any off road driving. Secondly, I stay off the roads when conditions are not safe. And I will never agree with anyone who thinks that having 4WD suddenly makes dangerous road conditions safe to drive on. I have the luxury of staying off the roads when conditions are unsafe because I work from my home office. If I don't want to drive then I don't drive. So I took the close to five grand that I would have spent on 4WD and put it into engine and other options that provided far more driving pleasure for me personally. Rather than compromising on the power plant and settling for a 4 Cylinder turbo or scaling down to something like a Ford Ranger I could go with a F150 SuperCab or SuperCrew, with the engine and options that I wanted. For me the math was very simple and went something like this: Number of days in the last 5 years I drove = 1802, Number of days over the same period of time where 4WD would have been required = 0. Now all bets are off for those who have very deep pockets. But not everyone can afford or even wants to blow $75K to $100K on a truck. If I want to go have fun on the road that is what my Camaro ZL1 Convertible is for. Do I think a lot of people buy 4WD trucks who don't really need 4WD? Yes, I do. But sometimes we do things not because we need them but because we want them or because we can. No one "needs" a massively tweaked and tuned Camaro ZL1 Convertible that is good for 760 horsepower...but I own one. 😎
With the exception of snow use, I think 4x4 trucks should be old and beat up so you can take them places that require 4x4 and not care about the damaged incurred. . I'd never take a half decent truck someplace where I'd really need 4x4.
Truer words have never been spoken
Yes sir, This comment should be pinned
yep I tend to think 4x4 as farm trucks/country trucks. Some can not afford to wait for roads to clear in north climates in the country. Also more gravel roads in the country too.
Living in the northeast 4x4 is a must. Beach it's a must and in the snow it's a nice to have
Here in California you don't really need a 4x4 unless you're a Rancher or work outdoors where's is muddy or just for the fun of off-roading.
I special ordered my Ram 3500 yet I didn't even bother to check AWD box.
Reasons;
Insurance
Mpg
Cost of maintenance
And better ride.
I love my 4x4 for creeping around in mall parking lots. Never know when I might need to jump a curb for parking. Heheheheee, love my 4x4. On other hand, my '02 F150 with limited slip got me out if some sticky places a few times.
I agree. I always follow the it's better to have something you never need than to need it and not have it. And you know what snow is a lot easier with 4wd when coming from a dead stop
When I bought my 2wd F-150 with open diff I had no knowledge of trucks, but boy do I wish I had 4x4. Since buying my truck I bought a farm and moved to the country, and pretty much instantly realized why 4wd is so nice. I put Firestone Destination ATs on it (275/70/r17), installed a leveling kit for more ground clearance but it really doesn't help that much down here in the South. With wet clay ground on any type of incline you will spin your tires. It's not that you probably can avoid getting stuck and learn to drive with a 2wd truck, it's how much destruction do you want to ensue while driving off road. I can climb the hills in wet grassy pastures if I keep the truck moving and don't stop, but many times you have to gun it and sling mud everywhere to avoid losing momentum and really getting stuck. Or driving a stock/hay trailer on someones pastures can make a mess. Sometimes It's not even about getting stuck as it is turning everything into a mud pit simply from driving over it. Which leads me to my ultimate point: if you farm or live in a rural area buy a 4x4 regardless of snow because mud is a b***h. Otherwise you will really hate yourself.
in trucks 4wd is better for resale but if u never leave the pavement 2wd is fine
That $2000 premium for 4x4 will pay off more than $2000 in resale. I wish i lived in florida and didn't need a 4x4... a winter coat, snow tires, wood stove, or a whole lot of other crap I have because I live in Canada!
I've never been to Canada, I would love to visit that country just once in my lifetime
@@williamgrey7422 yah, and I wish you would all g back to where you come from. Lol
dynomax666 lol
Florida flip cars with just rain lol imagine snow 🤣😂
I live in Florida and trust me you guys are right...it’s a shithole. Even here tho I would get 4 wheel drive just to have it.
Talking about snow, drives down a street with palm trees, awesome.
Another advantage of a 4wd is the high and low range gearing of the transfer case. Yes, you will be using high range 99.99999% of the time but when you need the low rang gear to say pull a heavy load up a very steep incline, you have the added advantage of the low range, putting a lot less stress on the engine and transmission as well as the torque output is multiplied.
You're not supposed to be in 4wd on pavement anyway
I found my favorite channel. Great informative videos.
Good common sense views. Thank you for this video!
Bob
Suffolk, NY
A fair comparison and sound advice. Whether or not it will influence any one....well, I say it usually comes down to affordability.
I bought a 2 WD Pickup as the only time I drive it off road is on my farm. I have a 4WD tractor to pull it out if it was to ever get stuck. I am in Thailand and the 2WD Toyota Hilux Double Cab is US$28,000 and the 4WD is US32,000. Cannot justify the US$6,000 for 4WD when the vehicle is 95% on roads.
With a 4 x 4 truck you have to remember you either use it or you lose it. This comes from experience, you must put your vehicle in four-wheel-drive every now and then I had a 1987 Ford F350, that the front universals on the axles froze up solid from no use and I had to use a torch to take them apart
You know the definitio of 4wd right? Gets u stuck in more remote places. 😋
what’s the definition of definitio?
I bought a 2018 Ram Tradesman 2500 Crew Cab 6.7l Cummins 2WD to be able to tow a 5th wheel. I don’t have the need for 4wd and didn’t want to spend the extra money which in my area is between $4000-$5000, I can only assume this is because of the additional upgrades the manufacturer assumes most people want. Maybe I could have ordered the truck and paid $2000 for 4WD but didn’t want to wait for it. Plus as you mentioned I wanted the most towing capacity and the best fuel milage I could get.
I was lucky to find the exact truck we were looking for. Vinyl seats, rubber floor, mid range stereo, chrome package, 5th wheel towing package with trailer break, 18” wheel/tire steel wheel up grade. I didn’t want to pay the manufacturers ridiculous prices for options I could add after the purchase for half the cost and in most cases less than that. An example of that is running boards. The dealer wanted $1000 for the steel OEM boards. I installed a much nicer set of 6” wide aluminum I-boards for $247.
We are really happy with the truck and so far haven’t had a single issue. Our issue is with the state of the service departments at our local dealers. Completely inept and unprofessional. I haven’t talked to anyone that has been happy with them. My sales women even told me that they had a horrible service department, now thats bad.
hey my name is Nathan, I noticed that your videos are filmed here in Corpus Christi. I automatically recognize the streets when I see your vids. that's cool! I got a 2017 6.7 cummins megacab with man modifications. maybe you've seen me driving around. ha
Maybe. What's it look like?
Always go for 4x4 if it works for what you need for payload and towing. The resale value is much better and it may not be something you need to us all the time but it is worth it in my experience.
I live in AZ and figured if I ever need 4x4 to pull my camper out of somewhere, there won't be much of a trailer left. I do have a dually with a limited slip (4 black lines on the ground ;) so it's not exactly a one wheel peel wonder. For the purpose of the truck - pulling my camper and taking my yard trash to the dump, it does everything I need just fine. For the camping I do the only way I would see any benefit from a 4x4 truck would be having a lifted truck AND a lifted trailer - often enough even with the lowrider 2wd, the trailer is still the limiting factor as to where in the woods I can go.
Last but not least, if I do want to get crazy offroad, I have an F150 reg cab 4x4, and an XJ. I just don't see a giant crewcab dually doing anything remotely useful with 4x4 (in terms of camping and such). Maybe beach camping, and maybe launching a boat would be it - though I don't have a boat or a beach nearby (and no desire to drive my truck and camper through california traffic).
To me it's much cheaper and comfortable in the long run - between the fuel economy and initial price - to just get a dedicated 5-10k offroad toy for venturing further than a forest road...
I got a used truck it happened to be a 4x4..cant wait to see how it does in the snow..my first one..i dont tow ...i think it will be okay.i dont want to go off road..its a colorado w/t with 4 cyd..i dont like going fast and gwt 27 mph on the highway i know alot of people need lots of power.but 200 horse power is fine wirh me..everyone is different...i needed for bicycles and camping gear.6 foot bed....extented cab.
Yo did forget one other thing, duallies are great.....until the going gets loose!! Those beautiful duallies pack mud and snow in between and float over snow making them LESS able than a well equipped single tire pickup. I live in Idaho and have worked outside year around for 30 years, smart people buy four wheel drives and park their duallies when snow flies and stay far away from the mud in them!
I always bought the 4 wheel drive and never needed it for years. Low and behold I decided to buy 2 wheel drive and...yep you guessed it... pulled on the side of the road early in the morning onto the damp grass. I was stuck on the hard grass and was so wishing I had 4 wheel drive at that moment. Needless to say as soon as I got unstuck I took it to the dealership and have had 4 wheel drive again ever since. This is my experience and opinion on 2 wheel drive vs 4 wheel drive. If you can afford it 4 wheel drive all of the way period.
winter driving with snow and ice, the #1 reason for buying a 4 wheel drive equipped vehicle in my opinion
Greater towing capacity? That's all I needed to know. I'm getting a truck and I'm a scrapper so I'll be hauling a lot of stuff all the time. The more I can carry, the better.
In New England, you'll have a difficult time finding 2WD half-ton trucks (aside from some base model work trucks), so the decision is usually made for you.
A RWD truck in the snow is terrible
Just subscribed. Great content & info.
Also, I liked the pop-up pics that demonstrates what you're talking about [scenario wise].
There are parts of the north east, especially hill country, where a two wheel truck will sit on the lot for months. Another advantage ,left out of the discussion,is the granny gear (4 low) that is on 4wd trucks. It makes not spinning the tires in a tough situation far easier and is probably easier on the transmission.....or clutch.
I like that you don't push your ideas as being the correct thing.
Another great video, but there is another advantage of a 4wd. I was trying to decide 2wd vs 4wd and found that the 4wd trucks have tighter turning radius and where I need to drive my truck that made the choice for me to go with 4wd. It shaved a few feet off of the curb to curb turning requirements.
4wd does not have a better turning radius. That would be 2wd
For diesel trucks, it's a toss up. For your gas trucks, you will usually find the lower gearsets (3:73/4:10) only on 4wd trucks at the dealer. You could order a truck with low gears, but you may be limited to base trims. In the used market 4wd trucks dominate the ads.
I was on a slight downhill grade with my truck downhill with a 9k lbs travel trailer behind me and I couldn’t move. F350 dulley. If I didn’t have 4 wheel drive, i would have been stuck in the silly slight down hill config! Locked it in and scooted right out!
That's why I have 4wd and traction bars to help when I need it.
One thing not mentioned in this video. Handling. A 2WD will handle significantly better, on road, than a 4WD. In our personal scenario, towing a TT to the mountains. Unhooking, then driving mountain hwys, 2WD is a much better option. With a Super Duty, opting for the camper package gains you a rear sway bar. It adds greatly to hwy handling. Mountain switch backs, and pigtails are as easy to navigate as in a car. The extra 4 MPG doesn't suck either.
I love this video, very helpful. I bought a 2012 tundra 4x2 for its towing capacity.
I agree with you on the fact that a two wheel drive truck has a higher GVW, but what stealership brings in two wheel drive trucks.When I've tried to purchase a new truck I'm always told that 4X4 is what 95% of truck that are made. Thats here in Canada.
I bought my F150 XLT brand new in 2004 right after the body change over from the heritages. I opted for 2 wheel drive because at the time I lived in North Carolina and the only 4X4s I could find were all Lariats and FX4s and I didn't want to pay all that extra money. I also liked the idea of the 4.6 vs the 5.4 for fuel economy. Fast forward a few years later and I found myself living in Boulder, Colorado . . . big mistake. For most of the winter the truck stayed in the driveway and we drove our 2001 Kia Sephia because it did so much better in the snow. I vowed from that day that I would never buy a 2 wheel drive tuck again.
A 2wd is fine for pretty much everything but a must have for 2wd trucks is to have a rear differential locker, with a locker you may never need a 4wd again
Jorge Lopez I have a 66 chevy with a locker and hav never had it stuck they are amazing
One thing you forgot to mention is for the people who live up north or in snow country for the winter months. Having the 4 wheel drive may allow you to get home due to road closures to vehicles with only 2 wheel drive. This has allowed me to get home several times living in northern Arizona. Plus it adds to the security of knowing the you have the capability if it is needed for on routine trips. And with the "lake effect" around the great lakes, regular trips like going to work or grocery shopping can turn into an ordeal.
I like to tell people, my pickup is by no means a pavement princess but I didn't buy a 4wd pickup to take off-road. I have a lifted Cherokee with body armor for that but it's not always practical to turn around and go get that Cherokee just because the roads are slick, it's a muddy county road in west Texas, it's snowing a bit, or it's practical to unload an ATV or UTV.
I totally agree with you i would rather own a 4WD then a 2WD better to be safe then sorry.
For our Canadian weather and needing a truck for farming 4 X 4 nothing but. Had a 2 WD once I could move around the barn yard loaded but soon as I unloaded I couldn’t get out in the snow and mud.
The biggest advantage to the 4wd is 4WD LOW. If you are backing up a trailer it can save your transmission... However, I never needed 4wd while towing anything because I never put myself in a situation where I needed it. I had it, but never actually needed it. I am considering a cheaper used 2wd truck now with a locking rear diff like the newer Super Duty offers.
Ive always thought of 4wd as something more that can break, and increase fuel compsuntion.
RWD GANG
Totally agree. Easier to fix, cheaper to fix, less to go wrong and better pricing all-round.
Maybe I missed it in the vid but another important difference in some trucks is the front suspension. 4x4 may mandate a solid front axle, locking hubs, different front suspension geometries, brake setups, etc. that may or may not be beneficial to your specific application. Paying for 4x4 and pushing around a solid front axle, accepting more maintenance on front end suspension components like ball joints, and having to get out and engage manual hubs, is a lot to take on for "just in case" applications. Ford and Dodge 3/4t+ trucks have much bigger differences/trade-offs than GM trucks or any of the 1/2t options.
Living in up state NY where we can get feet of snow over night 4x4 is the only way to go! I own a two wheel drive dually for only one winter. It was bad with snow on the road!!!
I like your videos; impeccable logic, well done.
I love diesels. I got a f350. 6.0. Dually. 2 wheel all the way. BUT im a city boy. Its very rare i gotta go off road. 4x4 or 2wd diesel is the way to go in my book. Just my opinion.
It's simple as this if you live in an area where it snowing or icy get a 4 x 4 if you live in a place that is not snowing as often or slippery on the roads get a 2wd simple as that
I live in Minnesota and my 2wd truck works just fine. But 4wd would be nice at times. It more comes down to knowing how to drive in the snow not 4x4
i've driven rwd 4cyl ranger as rural carrier in minnesota winters for years and never got stuck while watching all the 4x4s sitting stuck in the ditch
Or if you own a boat that you plan on trailering. I've seen quite a few guys spin em' up at the boat ramp because it's wet, slick and steep.
Tires make a huge difference. Good tires can equal 4x4 traction without the added weight. I think a lot of 4x4 ditch problems come from overconfidence .4x4 can take off better in snow and ice, but it adds weight and there fore can't stop as good
Correct. Not that simple. I've lived "up north" and "down south", as well as many places in between. I have actually needed my 4x4 capability more in Texas than I ever did in New England. You don't really need 4x4 after the plows clear the snow. There's no such thing as sand, mud, rock or rain plows.
I don't know if I'll ever buy another 4x4. I had a 2006 Chevy and the 4wd crapped out two winters ago. It was hopping real bad on acceleration, and all of my gauges, and my radio would cut out intermittently, but only in 4x4. So I said screw it, and bought chains. I couldn't be happier. Five minutes a wheel, and I'm on my merry way. It's like driving a half-track. Exponentially more traction than 4wd.
By the way, I live in Northwestern PA, up by Lake Erie. I know ice and snow.
Take it from experience..
I bought my first diesel ('06 Duramax 2500) a year and half ago. At that point in time in my search, I didn't care if it was 2x4 or 4x4, as long as it had that LBZ under the hood and that Allison transmission.
Here I am now, biggest mistake I've ever made is getting a 2x4 diesel. They get stuck in anything unless it's concrete. In a half ton, I don't think it matters. But, I can promise you when I go to get my next Duramax in a few years, it WILL HAVE 4X4. Not that I need it all the time, but god is it embarrassing having a soccer mom Suburban pull my heavy duty diesel truck out of a grass rut..
Get a 2WD with a locking rear diff
One way to help someone with 2wd if they do get stuck is a front bumper replacement with a winch. I'm planning on with my truck to do that with.
I picked up a 2wd pickup just for the bed. I have a tahoe 4x4 for the winter up here in south dakota
True about 2WD if you know how to drive it my Sierra I was able to drive it in the snow and ice even pull someone that was stuck. But yeah it was a "am I going to get stuck" I thought of a lot
1skateblue just put weight in the bed and make sure to have decent tires and 2wd is fine in the snow.
Dodge 318 Cummins yeah that's what I did I had just bought new tires and put a bunch of bricks in the back and I didn't have a problem just the worry when going up and down hills
1skateblue going down hills is no different than 4wd. Just make sure you have momentum while going up hills and you're fine.
I love it. It has the power when you want it. Very good on gas getting almost 30 miles to the gallon I drive mostly hiway. I am not a young man so to me burning rubber is pointless but I could if I wanted to. This truck can go. I saw on you tube 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds. It's a Little higher than my old one .I am over 6 ft tall and I got running boards. And I use them. Lots of room inside .There is 1 thing I don't like it's the rearview mirror you can't change it for driving at night there is no flipper if you know what I mean the one on the mirror. The glass in the mirror go's dark.Its light sentive. I like the old way better. You can shut off the stop go if you want but it will reset to on the next time you start the engine.I don't mind it on as about 95% of my driveing is hiway. Have a bed liner came with the truck .(spray on) from Ford. Does not use reg. Oil filter and you must wait 15 to 20 minutes after engine is off to drain to oil. Why because most of the oil stayes on the top half of the engine after it is shut off.You MUST wait also for checking your oil .Don't check right after you shut engine off Wait .go have a coffee or something. Has to drain down..I live in Canada so the biggest test is coming. Yes it's coming but so far so good. No complaints so for.