2 wheel or 4 wheel drive for towing

[merryman]

I have the 4X4 2500 and an '01 Artic Fox 29'

The trailer hooks up quite level with no changes from the way it came from the factory.



I have towed with a 4X4 since '84, and would not be without it.



Just a year ago, I pulled into a nice RV park in central Ca,. and drove into the designated spot; very pretty, on grass under some large walnut trees.

Next AM as we started to pull out, the rear wheels just started digging holes--they had apparently let irrigations stay on a bit long. Pulling it into 4 wheel and easing out was a lot more convenient that calling a tow truck.

Last July I took a visiting relative on a sight seeing tour around the area; pulled into an Ocean overlook where it was slightly down hill--again on grass. When I started to back out, both rear wheels started spinning merrily, limited slip, performed, but it wasn't enough. I was right up next to the parking stope so rocking was not an option. Again, pulling it into 4 wheel was a lot more convenient than calling for help.



Vaughn

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by 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

Teton Homes is one manufacturer that will build up the trailer 3" for taller trucks. Axle manufacturers now offer 2"- 4" adjustable suspension and Mor-Ride has an adjustable model, Mor-Ride is awesome.



Dean

 

[RMcCulloch]

Most, if not necessarily all, of the various trailers can have the axles "flipped" (relocated below the springs instead of above them) to provide additional height.



My Montana had already had its axles "flipped" before I bought it and, as the picture in my earlier post shows, I've plenty of clearance between the trailer and the bed rails - including the slight additional height of the soft tonneau rails.



I'd been worried about this issue and, before plunking down the cash, insisted on testing the clearance by actually having it hitched.

 

[Cumminsman]

i don't pull a fifth wheel, i pull a gooseneck. i get 11-12 mpg with the tow truck listed below. i love the added comfort of knowing that i have 4wd. but sometimes you can still get stuck with the 4wd. now i own mud tires on it. hopefully that will take care of the getting stuck. i hope!

 

[SSage]

You can't get through my yard without 4wd with a loaded trailer. I learned the hard way, in 2wd. I use the 4 low every time I back my trailer into it's gravel parking place. Its all up hill too. 4wd makes it an easy task.



Camp sites are not always paved either, why limit yourself? More traction won't hurt an already big and heavy tow rig.

 

[djbobo]

2wd or 4wd? 3/4 or 1 ton?

I couldn't decide either.



Lets see I suggest a;



-3/4 2wd for motorcycles & wave runners



-1 ton 2wd for 5th wheel on highway & a



-1 ton 4wd for toy hauler w/sand toys or snowmobiles





there you go works for me





dj

 

[Ramtough]

I like the 4WD because I attend races and functions that require me go off the asphalt. With highway tires, you will not belive how easy it is to get hung even with the 4WD



I also like the 4 low for maneuvering in tight places.



If you never plan to be off asphalt, the 2WD is fine.



The trailer manufacturers are making 5th wheels that accommodate the higher truck beds. My trailer has never touched the rails mounted on the edges of my truck bed and I've been in some pretty wider attitudes off road with my 31 foot fifth wheel.



The bed clearance is much less of a problem with trailers with slides because the trailer coach has to be mounted about 6" higher on the trailer chassis to accommodative the slide mechanism.



Good luck

 

[OTRPU]

True thay can be flipped, you're already getting up there with a full height bedroom. Flipping really gets you in the wind as well as raising the C of G. And of course now wifey needs a step stool to reach the camper steps. Know one shorty used the same step she uses to get into the truck. Lots of youngins I know throw lift kits under a perfectly good pickup. Trouble is, I'm just out of step with what is cool anymore. It's a matter of preference. And youth has the agility to climb into their preference and broken limbs mend faster.



Cheers,

Steve J.