2 wheel or 4 wheel drive for towing

[RAMN4EVR]

My sister is looking to buy a used truck & 5th wheel. Just needing some advice on 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive. 3/4 ton or 1 ton. I guessing probably around a 34 ft 5th wheel.



thanks all for you help

Gary.

 

[ndurbin]

2wd 1 ton

 

[amillstream]

I don't tow 5th wheels but do regularly tow a 20ft gooseneck stock trailer and a 25ft gooseneck flatbed. I would think a 34ft anything would definatly warrent a 1 ton. The duals make all the difference in the world when towing. You can do it with single wheels but it won't handle near as well. Those training wheels really shine when loaded coming around a turn in the road.

From what I understand a 2wd will fit better with a fifth wheel (sits lower) but I couldn't do half as much with a 2wd as I do with my 4wd but we are talking about a totaly different application too.

 

[VicR]

If she is looking for a package deal, there is a nice truck and 5th wheel combo for sale in Reno at Private Party Cars



Private Party Cars







5th wheel



Truck (only has 16k miles)



-Vic

 

[RustyJC]

See my signature. We pull a 13,500 lb, 36' 5th wheel. I've pulled 5th wheels with nothing but 2WD 1-ton duallies.



Rusty

 

[y-knot]

I will always go with the 4WD, over the 2WD. For some the extra height might make a difference, but that is the only disadvantage I can see. The front end on a Dodge/Cummins truck is so heavy it tends to sink in damp grass or anything other then blacktop, the addition of front wheel drive gives it an advantage over the 2WD. Obviously it works better in winter conditions, but also in the summers sand, where weight and low speeds make for slippery starts. I also like the fact that I can put my transfer case in LOW range (2Wlow kit to disengage the front axle) and have extra power for steep or rough conditions, or back the trailer slow with little effort and stress on the truck.

Some will not like the taller truck because it might ride a little high for some trailer types. This is a valid point, but like anything else it can be over come, just depends on how much effort you are willing to put forth. Also some will contend that the 4WD trucks cost more to maintain, this isn't an issue in my book, they are about equal.

Mileage, this I don't know. We have members that get as high as 28 and as low as 8, just depends on who you ask, and how much BS they contain?



It will always come down to the individual, I am sure most that ask a question have 90% already made their choice, they are just looking for some back-up. People seem to be polar, they are either auto or stick, pick-up or car, diesel or gas, 4WD or 2WD. So I guess the question is, What are you? Since you will be the one paying for the truck, you should get the one that fits your style.

 

[LDPetersen]

I agree with Y-Knot. I could not live with 2wd. I pull a 38 ft horse trailer with living quarters. Usaually about 13-15k lbs. I live in the snow belt but use 4wd all year around. Wet grass or any mud will stop you in your tracks. Depends if you plan to stay on blacktop roads only. Good luck.

 

[RMcCulloch]

If she's looking at a 34' or larger fiver, she'll be better off with a DRW 3500 due to the pin weight.



Especially in snow country, she'll be happier with 4WD (even if she rarely uses it) since it adds that "margin for error" that provides "Peace of Mind".



She'll also find 4WD more than slightly useful on soft/wet surfaces [snow, wet grass, etc. ] and for improved control when backing.



Here's what a similar rig looks like:

#ad




Yeah, it's mine.

 

[Casey Balvert]

While there are advantages to the 4WD, the 2WD will give you more trailer to box rail clearance without getting into lowering kits for the truck or flipping axles, etc. with the trailer. Some trailers now come with adjustable springs that allow you to raise or lower the trailer to match the height of the truck box, but there are limits. If your camping is primarily on soft earth or grass, then consider the 4WD but be prepared to do what it takes to level the trailer. Nose high will put extra weight on the back axle. If your camping is primarily on paved pads, gravel etc. then you will be fine with 2WD. In all my years of camping, I probably average about once a year that I wished I had 4WD but it would have created a problem with clearance on my fiver. I have about 8 inches of clearance on mine and my trailer is just a tad nose high. I just bought an adjustable rocker arm for my hitch to lower it an inch. That will make me level but with a bit less clearance than I would like. With a 4WD it would have been a problem. Good luck. Casey



#ad

 

[The Adjuster]

2WD 1Ton

I tow for a living all over the USA (2000 - 3000 mile per week) with gooseneck trailers and 5th wheelers delivering cars and RV's and use a 2WD 1 Ton for clearance issues and the fact they get slightly better MPG, plus there is less to breakdown and service.

I would reccomend going with the dual rear wheels for anything over 30' just for the added stability in hilly or mountain roads or just those days you have a 40 MPH cross wind.

While I agree with y-not about getting a 4WD for the low range capabilty and added traction for those wet spots my driving is strictly blacktop so I do not need it, and when winter comes and the roads are icy or a snow/ice mix you have no business having a 34' trailer on the road anyhow.

Definately go with a 1 Ton (3500) and the 4WD or 2WD will be your choice depending on where you plan on towing and when.



Just my 0. 02 worth



Kevin

 

[RustyJC]

Just my experience - I've lived in both Ohio and Texas and towed with 2WD duallies in both areas since 1996. I've never been stuck, or anything even close to it.



Again, it depends where one is going to tow the 5th wheel, and in what weather. Personally, if it's snowy or icy, I'm not pulling a 5th wheel anywhere - I'll wait it out.



Rusty

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by LarryPetersen

I agree with Y-Knot. I could not live with 2wd. I pull a 38 ft horse trailer with living quarters. Usaually about 13-15k lbs. I live in the snow belt but use 4wd all year around. Wet grass or any mud will stop you in your tracks. Depends if you plan to stay on blacktop roads only. Good luck.

Me, too



Dean

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Originally posted by Casey Balvert

While there are advantages to the 4WD

If you decide to go with a 2wd make sure you get tow hooks for the front - right Casey? I had 2 guys with 2wd's get stuck in my 2nd lot with their trailers at the first GLTDR get together that I needed to pull out. I've also pulled out 2 other 2wd's with trailers at KOA's because it had rained and they couldn't pull the trailer across the wet grass. Bed clearance is definately an issue for a 5er but that can be solved. I personally would hate to get stuck.

 

[klenger]

I really wanted to get a 2WD when I ordered my new truck, but finally convinced myself that all the advantages of a 2WD (there are many) would not be worth it if I got into an accident becasue of poor traction on snow or ice while towing my 5th wheel. I still wish I could have gotten the 2WD, but know that I made the right decision. If you can assure yourself that you won't be going off road or traveling on snow or ice, then 2WD is the way to go.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by Steve St. Laurent

If you decide to go with a 2wd make sure you get tow hooks for the front - right Casey? I had 2 guys with 2wd's get stuck in my 2nd lot with their trailers at the first GLTDR get together that I needed to pull out. I've also pulled out 2 other 2wd's with trailers at KOA's because it had rained and they couldn't pull the trailer across the wet grass. Bed clearance is definately an issue for a 5er but that can be solved. I personally would hate to get stuck.

Ya know Steve; some guys just NEVER forget. :{

 

[Dean Upson]

4wd has saved my bacon on more than one occasion with the fiver. Sometimes just backing uphill can be a bit dicey and just putting it in 4wd can save making a mess out of the campsite. The height of our 4wd trucks are a big consideration and that should be taken into account when ordering the trailer and the truck. I had my trailer built up 3" at the factory. Many of the new trailers suspension allow for 2"-4" adjustment in the suspension.



Dean

 

[jbone]

Having owned a 98. 5 twd 2500 with the trailer listed below--take my word for it the 3500 4x4 makes all the difference in the world!! I gave up a little mileage, but the comfort factor coming down of hill with 90 degree turn at the bottom and those training wheels in the back--just feels so much better..... R, J. B.

 

[y-knot]

If it saved you only once, it was worth the price. The main thing is to ask yourself where you and the trailer united to go, and what you want to do? Or what you might want to do? I always go in the sand or on soft ground, so I always get a Tri-axle trailer, to spread the weight out over a wider area(and not sink). The dual rear wheels not only help on the highway with added stability, they also add me when off road as well. The 4WD is added insurance, I would not feel confidant in venturing off-Road with a heavy trailer in tow, without it. The ability to back with the low range is awesome, it allows safe, slow speed backing without overheating the transmission. Good Luck.

 

[PLaFrombois]

If you have a 4x4, is there a certain 5th wheel trailer manufacture that would have higher bed clearance over others? Are they pretty much universal height, and just pick one that you like?



Paul

 

[Sleeper]

Wish I had bought a 4WD! Snow, sand or wet grass; I've been stuck in them all. While I don't need it 99. 9% , that . 1 % is very frustrating.



Sleeper