What are your opinions of 2wd versus 4wd? I now have a 4wd 2nd gen with anti-spin diff and am contemplating the purchase of a new 3rd gen. How well does the 2wd handle towing or in wet weather? I have rarely used my 4wd and do very little off pavement. I assume the fuel economy would be better with 2wd also. I just wonder whether the 4wd is worth the extra money.
-
TDR Magazine subscribers receive more than the magazine! You also gain additional forum privileges!
Details here: TDR Privileges
Subscribe to TDR Magazine here: https://www.tdr-online.com/
2wd versus 4wd
- Thread starter StevenJ
- Start Date
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.
Thanks, TDR Staff
- Status
That's always a personal choice. I feel you get the initial cost back when you sell the vehicle if you get a 4x4. The 2wd's get better fuel mileage. I've used my 4x4 mostly in winter weather. Sometimes I would have had big problems in a snow covered parking lot but that could have been overcome by some snow tires in the rear. I guess it boils down to whether you think the increase in fuel mileage is worth the embarrassment of a tug.
I owned a 4wd once and never really needed it. I live in SE pa and yes we get some slippery snow here. the problem is when it snows all the cars get stuck and nobody moves anyway so I just stay home. Besides, I have a 20% grade driveway, if I can't get I just stay home.
I have a set of Cooper M/S ready for this winter, with the limited slip and some weight in the back I should be OK if it snows while I am at work.
I have a set of Cooper M/S ready for this winter, with the limited slip and some weight in the back I should be OK if it snows while I am at work.
I had to get the 4x4. I dont need it too often but when i need it i NEED it. I have plans to eventually switch to manual locking hubs which should help with the mpg. I have never heard someone say "I wish I bought the 4x2" just because of mileage. I heard plenty of people say "i wish i bought the 4x4" trying to leave a grass parking lot after a state fair.
I went through this whole ordeal a month ago, and nearly bought the 4x4.
I stuck with my order on the 4x2, which I'll be picking up from the dealer next week. I've never needed a 4x4 when pulling my gooseneck trailer on ANY terrain. I've needed it once with a half ton pickup with bald rear tires when trying to pull a bumper pull horse trailer uphill on a gravel road.
Frankly, resale doesn't matter to me--this is my last big pickup for another 10 years. Fuel economy, tire wear, driveline and suspension wear, and extra maintenance costs matter a great deal to me. 4x2 was the right choice.
Mike
I stuck with my order on the 4x2, which I'll be picking up from the dealer next week. I've never needed a 4x4 when pulling my gooseneck trailer on ANY terrain. I've needed it once with a half ton pickup with bald rear tires when trying to pull a bumper pull horse trailer uphill on a gravel road.
Frankly, resale doesn't matter to me--this is my last big pickup for another 10 years. Fuel economy, tire wear, driveline and suspension wear, and extra maintenance costs matter a great deal to me. 4x2 was the right choice.
Mike
I need 4X4 just to get out of my driveway in the winter. (Sad thing is I'm not making this up. ) But in the end the way I look at it is, even if you use it once during the trucks entire life you still had to use it. Hate the tought of being stuck some where and thinking "ya but I saved money", and you can use that saved money for the tow truck. :-laf
Tow with both. You'll see. 2wd handles better pulling/not pulling,sits lower etc. Its pretty obvious if you try pulling same load/trailer with both down the interstate or two lane. Everthing is a trade off. 2wd pulls better,rides better,little better fuel mpg etc. 4wd if like me you pull into wet grass areas,sand,minor mud,wet clay rural roads,heavy gravel etc.
JWChessell
TDR MEMBER
In turn I've owned a 1-ton International 4X4 pickup manual trans (15 yrs), a Chevy 1-ton 4-dr 4X2 DRW long-bed pickup auto trans & posi-trac (14 yrs), and since 2003 my '03 Dodge QC 3500 LB SRW 48RE & LS.
With the 4X4 I only used 4WD 3 times: Once to play in the snow; once front-wheel-drive only, to get home about 100 miles when the rear U-joints failed; and one summer to make extra money pulling tourists out of deep sand along the beach.
The DRW Chevy crew-cab 4X2 pulled well, but the fuel mileage was miserable, and for my purposes the dual-rear-wheels were merely an added expense, while the stability they offered was not often used. And, little noted: DRWs are hard to balance in synch; there's always some extra vibration. Twice I became stuck in soft ground (sand) in that vehicle, but a load of rocks on one occasion and load of small children on the second occasion got me going again.
To date I've towed an enclosed 2-axle cargo trailer a total of approx 8,100 miles with my 03 Dodge. This mileage was six 1,350-mile trips on the interstate, each lasting 2-1/2 days. My experiences on those 6 occasions were uneventful; the truck ran smoothly at a steady 65 MPH, and the trailer -- loaded to a total gross weight of around 8,000 lbs each time -- followed along smoothly with little effect on driving. Miles-per-gallon were affected more by air/wind resistance on the front of the trailer than by the weight; MPG readings were only about 1/4 mile-per-gallon (. 25 MPG) different between loaded (8,000 lbs) and unloaded (2,500 lbs). I did not notice any difference in stability between towing with the Chevy DRW and the Dodge SRW; and the Chevy with its 454 cu in gas engine was MUCH more affected by the weight of the tow than the Dodge diesel.
Over the years I decided that I didn't need 4WD, and that I didn't need DRWs. The fellow that mentioned all the extra running gear of a 4WD and its associated expense, including merely hauling the extra machinery around while not engaging it is correct, IMO. About five months after buying the Dodge I did become stuck in a snowy, smooth driveway in a rural area. 4 adults sitting on the open tailgate got me going again. In February of '05 I became imobile on an ice-glazed rural road while ascending a gentle hill; but the 4WDs were also having a great deal of trouble. After that experience I bought two Cooper mud-and-snow tires, mounted them on extra wheels and keep them covered up in the garage. So far, I haven't had to mount them. But this coming winter I'll be back in the colder, rural area and will install them for two or three months, along with about 1,000 lbs of concrete blocks in the bed.
With the 4X4 I only used 4WD 3 times: Once to play in the snow; once front-wheel-drive only, to get home about 100 miles when the rear U-joints failed; and one summer to make extra money pulling tourists out of deep sand along the beach.
The DRW Chevy crew-cab 4X2 pulled well, but the fuel mileage was miserable, and for my purposes the dual-rear-wheels were merely an added expense, while the stability they offered was not often used. And, little noted: DRWs are hard to balance in synch; there's always some extra vibration. Twice I became stuck in soft ground (sand) in that vehicle, but a load of rocks on one occasion and load of small children on the second occasion got me going again.
To date I've towed an enclosed 2-axle cargo trailer a total of approx 8,100 miles with my 03 Dodge. This mileage was six 1,350-mile trips on the interstate, each lasting 2-1/2 days. My experiences on those 6 occasions were uneventful; the truck ran smoothly at a steady 65 MPH, and the trailer -- loaded to a total gross weight of around 8,000 lbs each time -- followed along smoothly with little effect on driving. Miles-per-gallon were affected more by air/wind resistance on the front of the trailer than by the weight; MPG readings were only about 1/4 mile-per-gallon (. 25 MPG) different between loaded (8,000 lbs) and unloaded (2,500 lbs). I did not notice any difference in stability between towing with the Chevy DRW and the Dodge SRW; and the Chevy with its 454 cu in gas engine was MUCH more affected by the weight of the tow than the Dodge diesel.
Over the years I decided that I didn't need 4WD, and that I didn't need DRWs. The fellow that mentioned all the extra running gear of a 4WD and its associated expense, including merely hauling the extra machinery around while not engaging it is correct, IMO. About five months after buying the Dodge I did become stuck in a snowy, smooth driveway in a rural area. 4 adults sitting on the open tailgate got me going again. In February of '05 I became imobile on an ice-glazed rural road while ascending a gentle hill; but the 4WDs were also having a great deal of trouble. After that experience I bought two Cooper mud-and-snow tires, mounted them on extra wheels and keep them covered up in the garage. So far, I haven't had to mount them. But this coming winter I'll be back in the colder, rural area and will install them for two or three months, along with about 1,000 lbs of concrete blocks in the bed.
Backing up a wet or snowy driveway cut into a steep hill is about the only time I think 4x4 can make a big difference.
When I have had 2wd stuff I always had a posi and paid attention to tires. I always got everything done that I wanted to get done.
I consider 4x4 a luxury for how I use the truck and this also applies because of where I live.
I don't use mine very often. But now and then it lets me do what I want to do and do so in a controlled manner.
When I have had 2wd stuff I always had a posi and paid attention to tires. I always got everything done that I wanted to get done.
I consider 4x4 a luxury for how I use the truck and this also applies because of where I live.
I don't use mine very often. But now and then it lets me do what I want to do and do so in a controlled manner.
In the summer, I remote-camp in the Apache-Sitgraves Nat'l. Forest in Eastern AZ. In July, Aug. & the beginning of Sept. , we have a monsoon that drops rain, in that area, almost on a daily basis.
I have found that 4X4 makes leveling the trailer on pieces of wood, much easier. In 4X2, the rear tires just spin, tearing up the grass & turf (I have limited-slip on both trucks). Lock-up the front wheels & you move easily with no tire spin. That bit of extra traction makes quite a bit of difference.
If the Forest Service catches you tearing up the turf, it's a $100. 00 fine, also.
The last week in Jan. , I go to Quartsite, AZ for a huge RV show. They have over one million people come through the show in 8 days. Parking is a problem. Many of us park in a dried up river bed (wash) that is made up of gravel & sand. Where it is packed down, it's not too bad. But, if you get into the soft stuff, you will be down to the axles in no time. I've had to pull & push people many times. With 4X4, there is no problem getting through.
Where I go, 4X4 is a necessity. If you never will get into situations like me, then 4X2 should work.
At the very least, I would get limited-slip. It's less than $300. 00, new & should help in many circumstances. More agressive rear tires (snow) in snowy weather should help, also, along with the extra weight in the rear.
Joe F. (Buffalo)
I have found that 4X4 makes leveling the trailer on pieces of wood, much easier. In 4X2, the rear tires just spin, tearing up the grass & turf (I have limited-slip on both trucks). Lock-up the front wheels & you move easily with no tire spin. That bit of extra traction makes quite a bit of difference.
If the Forest Service catches you tearing up the turf, it's a $100. 00 fine, also.
The last week in Jan. , I go to Quartsite, AZ for a huge RV show. They have over one million people come through the show in 8 days. Parking is a problem. Many of us park in a dried up river bed (wash) that is made up of gravel & sand. Where it is packed down, it's not too bad. But, if you get into the soft stuff, you will be down to the axles in no time. I've had to pull & push people many times. With 4X4, there is no problem getting through.
Where I go, 4X4 is a necessity. If you never will get into situations like me, then 4X2 should work.
At the very least, I would get limited-slip. It's less than $300. 00, new & should help in many circumstances. More agressive rear tires (snow) in snowy weather should help, also, along with the extra weight in the rear.
Joe F. (Buffalo)
Well I've been STUCK a BUNCH with 2wd single and DRW. With 10k of gooesneck and horses I've been in WET grass and DEAD in the water a LOT. Have pulled into a DRY fields in thick grass and no issues,stayed past dark and when the DEW settle could not move 3 feet. Been TEN feet from payment on a SLIGHT incline and strandard for HOURS. Could back some but NOT go forward. Last two trucks have been 4x4 for this reason. Had a friend once say once you pull with a dually you'll never go back. I poo pooed this UNTIL I bought one. He was RIGHT. BUT towing with a DUALLY 2WD its obvious how MUCH better it handles/drives at high speeds over a 4x4. Like I said its a trade off.
Last edited:
I don't use 4wd on my truck a ton, but it's there when I need it. Also I have low range for when I need the gearing. Like this weekend I was pulling my trailer down dirt roads with some steep hills. I would have killed the transmission trying to pull in high range and I'm not sure I could have done it in 2wd.
I won't own a 2wd truck. Even with the factory no-spin or whatever they call it rear differential, in just about any snow (bobtail) it's dead in the water. I guess it'd help a little to add weight to the rear but it's much more convenient just to be able to put the lever in 4wd. In a few campsites just trying to get up a short and not extremely steep hill I would've been dead in the water with my boat trailer on without 4wd. Perhaps the factory BFG's just aren't worth much on slick surfaces, I'm not sure, but I'd guess upgraded tires might help a little, but not nearly as much as 4wd.
ehh, any truck with a bunch of torque and nothing in the bed will have wet traction issues...
i love my 2wd though. i get a bit better mileage than the 4wd guys, i have a slightly higher towing rating and i have less parts to worry about. it is also a bit less of a toy though, so that tends to keep cash in my pocket.
as for towing, it does just fine and dandy with a 22klbsgoose behind it. only regret i have is not getting a dually.
grant
i love my 2wd though. i get a bit better mileage than the 4wd guys, i have a slightly higher towing rating and i have less parts to worry about. it is also a bit less of a toy though, so that tends to keep cash in my pocket.
as for towing, it does just fine and dandy with a 22klbsgoose behind it. only regret i have is not getting a dually.
grant
I would recommend the 2wd. My brother has a truck just like mine, only his is 4wd - 5 speed. He has spent more in front end maintenace in his 101K miles than I have in my trucks 280Kmiles. I get better fuel economy, (remember, I have an Auto & he has a manual) & what Very Little Off-Road driving I do, there is always a farm tractor available, if I do need some help getting through a sticky spot.
As always, this comes down to preference. For me, the extra 2 MPG (guessing) is well worth having to get pulled by a tractor once in a while. If you do alot of off-roading, or don't have someone/something available to pull you out, then 4x4 becomes much more valuable. It is all in how you use your truck, & what you expect it to do. P.
As always, this comes down to preference. For me, the extra 2 MPG (guessing) is well worth having to get pulled by a tractor once in a while. If you do alot of off-roading, or don't have someone/something available to pull you out, then 4x4 becomes much more valuable. It is all in how you use your truck, & what you expect it to do. P.
My previous 3 trucks were all 4wd, but I hardly ever used it so I switched to 2wd on this truck and have not regretted it for a minute. I really like how the 2wd sits lower making it easier to climb in an out of the cab and bed, and I can reach over the bed side rails to move things around. Plus, I just came back from a 1,000 mile road-trip and averaged 21mpg at 72mph with the A/C on.
Since I drive on paved roads 99. 9% of the time it would have been hard for me to justify getting a 4wd, even in Wisconsin. Having anti-spin, better rear tires, and some extra weight in the bed gets me through the winters just fine.
Since I drive on paved roads 99. 9% of the time it would have been hard for me to justify getting a 4wd, even in Wisconsin. Having anti-spin, better rear tires, and some extra weight in the bed gets me through the winters just fine.
- Status
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
Turbo Diesel Register
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
