2X or 4X ?

[musclefixer]

Here again folks.

Just got approved for a loan for the new dualie. :-laf

Here in lies the question.

Since looking on the Dodge website for towing capacities, the 2X and the 4X have the same numbers (didn't used to be that way as I remember) for the dualie.

I know it's personal preference, but what do you guys think the pros and cons are about 2 or 4 by for a big camper?

I'm thinking 2500 Bigfoot 10. 6 model or equivalent.

I've had 4X4's for about 20 years. Isn't the reason for getting a camper, instead of a big TT or 5er so you can get away from it all?

The wife and I may be thinking about a large 5er later on down the road (much).

Another consideration. Will a larger camper sway ALOT more on a 4X than a 2X?

Sorry for all the questions, but you know how it is when you know all you got to do is sign papers

 

[parcher]

I got my CTD to tow my drag car, a fair weather activity. I drove both 2wd and 4wd and perosonally think the 2wd tracks straighter on the highway. Take a 4wd out on the 405 and see if you can deal with all the little steering corrections (driver inputs)that are needed to keep it between the stripes, then drive a 2wd dowmn the same section of raod. In SO-CAL I fail to see the need for 4wd.

 

[klenger]

The 2WD weights less, leaving more weight for the camper. It's also lower, making it easier to get into and easier to hook up a 5er to. Also cheaper to buy and gets better milage.

 

[keimmmo]

What you are saying is true, but if you ever need to move a heavy load in tight quarters, there is nothing like the low gears of a 4X4!!! Where I live, I would have a difficult time moving my trailer in and out without 4-wheel drive!



Steve

 

[dresslered]

What you are saying is true, but if you ever need to move a heavy load in tight quarters, there is nothing like the low gears of a 4X4!!! Where I live, I would have a difficult time moving my trailer in and out without 4-wheel drive!

What Steve says! I have the Bigfoot 3000, and backing it up my driveway would be impossible without the low gears. Add a 2WD LO kit and then you are really set.



As you've probably read, the LSD is extremely minimal on the Ram. There have been times that I have had to go to 4WD just to keep the rear wheel from spinning.

 

[klenger]

Agreed, see sig.



I just wanted to point out the advandages of the 2WD. The 4WD really has only one advantage (traction), maybe two (low range), although they are important.

 

[RustyJC]

We've towed large 5th wheels since 1996 with 2WD 3500's and have never been stuck or had a campsite we couldn't get into. They're fine for on-road use, and have a number of significant advantages (as Ken pointed out) for towing 5th wheels.



If, as you say, your intent is to take a slide-in camper out in the boonies, 4WD would probably be justified.



Rusty

 

[DPelletier]

Everybody's right!

Depends on usage. IF I were living somewhere where it didn't snow alot in the winter and IF I was going to go from paved campground to paved campground, then I would seriously consider the advantages that Klenger has noted, especially the lower height for the slide in and (likely) better steering as well as a lower center of gravity. That having been said, I will always have 4X4. We camp off road more often than not. Have been in 4 wheel drive for 100's of miles at a time. I need 4wd in the winter even without a camper on, and past experience has shown me that it is a lot easier to get rid of a used 4x4 than a 2x4 (up here anyway).

My 2 cents.

Dave

 

[DPelletier]

Musclefixer,

ps. my buddy has a Bigfoot 2500 10. 6 on his 97 3500 ext cab 4x4 and says it handles like a sportscar! He may be exaggerating slightly though!!



Dave

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

4x4

I wholeheartedly agree with David Dressler's earlier comments in this thread. When you weigh up all the pros and cons, the 4x4 will always deliver the goods in marginal conditions. I have found in some campsites in Europe, after having dismounted my Lance Slide-in, the 4x4 low/High ratios to be invaluable in severe winter conditions and also in very wet conditions too.

You have to ask yourself is it better to have it and not need it, or to need it and not have it... ...

 

[dresslered]

You have to ask yourself is it better to have it and not need it, or to need it and not have it... ...

I have often found that this general rule applies to umbrellas as well.

 

[bighammer]

I've heard 4wd defined as a necessary option for those who need to get another 100 yards further before getting stuck.



I'm in snow country and wouldn't be without it. Tougher decision for you in CA.

 

[damon]

I got stuck one time in my 2x Ford at midnight in the Sierra's after watching fireworks at lake Crowley. After all the sh** I heard from the wife and daughter in the back seat, I paid for the 4x just to be sure that would never happen again.



And to rub it in, after 2 hours of waiting, some little Nissan 4x came along and pulled us out - my decision was made right then and there that the next truck would be 4x

 

[merryman]

fireworks!!

I too needed the 4X4 feature last July 4th. Nothing to do with off roading or such.

We went down in the afternoon to check out a parking spot for the evening. I turned off the road at a 45% angle onto a lush-grassy shoulder; it was so slightly down hill that I did not give it a thought. When I started to back out, the rear wheels (both, I also have limited slip) just sat there a turned. I was against a parking block, so could not move forward at all to try to rock it. With out 4X, I was stuck!

Reach down, pull lever, back out as if on pavement :>)

I won't consider a truck without it.



Vaughn

 

[VicR]

Tough Question: Blondes or brunettes?

Just like blondes or brunettes, 2x and 4x is a very personal decision. I've got one of each (trucks, not women), so I might have a slightly different perspective. The 99 rides much better, handles better and gets better MPG. The 4 inches lower is nice too when loading the camper. On the flip side, one of the reasons we got the 4x4 as a second vehicle was so we could do some winter camping and take the slide-in when we go snowshoeing, etc. That and I just wanted it to play with, but I have yet to put it in 4wd.



On thing to consider is, 4 or 2 wd, how far off of pavement are you really going to take that RV? How tall is it and how big of an overhang?



If you are only staying on or near the pavement, I would give the nod to 2wd and get a set of chains. I've never done it, but I imagine chaining up a dually would be pretty easy - just pull the inner tire up on a small 2x4 of wood. On the other hand, what you save buying a 2wd up front you'll pay for when you go to sell it, although dually 2wd's are probably more popular with the RV crowd. Most of the trucks I see driving solo are 4x4, most I see towing large 5'ers are 2x4.



Bottom line, get what you like and enjoy!



-Vic

 

[Turbo Horseman]

2X is a waste of a good truck platform. Least little bit of slick... even the mention of it and you're likely to get stuck. Been there and #%^%^@( done that #^^*



4X is the only way to go.

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by Turbo Horseman

2X is a waste of a good truck platform... . 4X is the only way to go.

I really don't think it serves any purpose to make such broad brush statements. Here in Texas, we have a saying - "Horses for courses. " Something that fits your application may or may not be right for my application. For towing an RV (and that's basically all we use our truck for), 2WD does have a number of legitimate benefits, and those of us who purchase 2WD trucks for that purpose are not stupid or ignorant for doing so.



Rusty

 

[Mike Ellis]

For 4WD purposes, I have my '72 GMC Jimmy. What a blast to drive. . !



When I bought the CTD though, I wanted the max towing / payload and the 2wd gave more bang for the buck. After some time spent towing our horse trailer, I soon formed the impression that the 4wd would have been the better purchase simply for the ability to have lower gearing in reverse. I have a 3. 54 rear end and with my 5-spd, the reverse gear is appropriate for running backwards down the road at 55 mph and little else.



Never have understood the NV logic of gearing reverse so high. Makes backing the trailer in tight quarters kind of exciting. Bet you guys with the non-slippy competition clutches have a real ball in those situations



If I were buying a truck today, I'd get 4wd. But for normal towing and pulling duty, my 2wd does just fine.

 

[Dean Upson]

I haven't needed the 4x4 very many times towing my fiver or when I had a pickup camper, BUT when I needed it I really needed it . Some campgrounds can be pretty nasty after a rain or just getting into a site.



Dean

 

[Turbo Thom]

Just to add my part, the 4x4, or with my truck, 6X6, is the way to go. I have been in spots with out it I would probably still be there. For work I tow 14K lb trailer. Off road and in the dirt. It has really saved me there. Now I know for some folks the 2x works but for me the extra amount of relief I feel is worth the $ and extra upkeep.



. . PT. .