4WD vs 2WD?

[NStates]

I presently tow a fifth wheel that requires a duel wheel RAM 3500. I am downsizing the fifth wheel to one that I can tow with single rear wheels. I then plan to sell my present truck and purchase a new RAM 3500 single wheel, and would like some input on 4WD vs 2WD for towing.



Would a 4WD make a better tow rig over a 2WD? Living in Florida I have very few times that I really need a 4WD due to road conditions.

 

[DPKetchum]

No! They don't handel as well towing,less towing capacity,more moving parts,less fuel mileage,sits up higher. If you don't need a 4x4 don't get one.

 

[klenger]

I considered a 2WD very seriously when I bought my current truck. All the ones before this one have been 4WD. I finally decided to get the 4WD "just in case". Now, I wish I'd gotten the 2WD as I just don't need 4WD here. 4WD sure is nice for towing in Colorado in the colder months though.

 

[JWChessell]

I've owned a 3/4-ton 4X4 (gas), a 1-ton crewcab dual-wheel 4X2 (gas) and my current '03 3500 QC SRW 4X2 (see sig). After having the 4X4 10 years I knew I didn't need another one; after having the dual-wheel truck about 13 years I knew I didn't need another one of those either.



I've towed heavy loads with all of them; in the past 10 months I towed a 16' dbl-axle enclosed cargo trailer about 11,000 miles. Maximum trailer weight has been about 10,000 lbs; I've had tongue weights as high as around 1,400 lbs. It has been, in a word, easy. Better mileage with an SRW vs a DRW (less rolling resistance) and although I've seen comments about less sway and better control with a DRW, I have not experienced sway and have always felt the whole rig was completely under control -- and this has included steep down-grades, heavy winds and heavy traffic/truck congestion. With the addition of a wind deflector I've managed to get the fuel mileage up to between 13. 5 and 14. 3 MPG, depending on terrain.



I'd have NO hesitation of using an SRW, if I was in your situation.

 

[abdiver]

I considered a 2WD very seriously when I bought my current truck. All the ones before this one have been 4WD. I finally decided to get the 4WD "just in case". Now, I wish I'd gotten the 2WD as I just don't need 4WD here. 4WD sure is nice for towing in Colorado in the colder months though.

Ditto, Though it is good to have the low range when backing the trailer if you with a manual transmission better than slipping the clutch

 

[barbwire]

Backing up with low range is the only thing I miss about not getting a 4x4. Otherwise, I carry triple A (AAA) insurance, to get me out of the few pickles I get into each year. Much cheaper than 4x4. Plus I am not dragging all the extra weight around that I seldom use.

 

[olznut]

The only reason I thought I would regret me selling my '03 Hemi 2500 4x4 was our annual trip to Pismo Beach. It turned out to be nothing, as all I had to do was drop the air pressure in all 8 tires to 12 psi (truck and trailer) and I was able to go into the soft sand, while towing my 6500 lb trailer!! Here's a pic of me at the camp site. #ad
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