4X4 vs 4X2, SRW vs DRW: opinions needed

[PatrickCampbell]

Demo,



You will probably have to look outside of NJ for a 6spd. In my opinion, don't get sucked into a 6spd with 4. 10 unless you're pulling a 25,000# trailer.



BUT, If you end up with an auto, definitely go with 4. 10!



Here is a question about 4x2 vs 4x4... where and when are you going with that camper?



If you plan on travelling during the winter, I would say get 4X4. I wouldn't have made it out of Pennsylvania alive going across the country in the winter without 4x4.



But if you will be going not too far away even in bad weather, then you can take it nice and easy. Good tires and chains in an emergency are fine with 2WD. Going to California and back I'd be in 4X4 sometimes half the time during the winter.

 

[Buffalo]

I know this doesn't help much but, I was just at Lou Grubb Dodge, here in Phoenix, AZ. , and they had a bunch of 2004's with the 6-speed. They had another lot full of 2005's. Didn't even look there. I was surprised to see so many 6-speeds. Joe F. (Buffalo). Their "no Bargaining" price seemed kind of high, though. I'd do my homework and then talk to the Fleet Mgr.

 

[tschwab]

IF you don't go off-road or have much snow in your area, go 2x4. Rack & pinion steering vs recirculating ball on the 4x4's, better fuel economy, lower center of gravity, better for towing (5th wheels - don't have to flip the axles), less maintinance and in my case, height wise, it fits in my garage! Oh-yeah - did I mention, BETTER FUEL ECONOMY??!! - Diesel just hit $2. 45 a gallon here.



As far as finding a truck that fits your needs... . just order one EXACTLEY how you want it. There are dealers all across the US that will sell at invoice, minus any rebates.

 

[LaxCummins]

4x4

I pull horses and since we get into slippery conditions up here in Wisconsin, 4x4 is mandatory. Countless times I've been unable to get moving without 4x4 (fields, mud, etc).



DRW vs SRW? Type of driving, load, and price should influence that. If you're doing city driving, the SRW would be a bit easier to drive in tight quarters. DRW costs more but would tend to be more stable for long trips with crosswinds pulling heavy/tall loads.



I love my SRW around town, wish I had a DRW when I'm hauling horseys.



LAXCummins

 

[roadbyte]

Turning

You should also think about the turning radius of 4X4 vs 4X2

 

[DaveMorris]

I know alot of guys say that 4X4 is a added cost, but look at the price differences in resale, you will easily get your added investment back out of it... . I wouldn't even consider a 2x4 truck if I lived anywhere that ever had the potential of snow or bad weather. Much less one of these WAY OFF balanced trucks, what is the balance like 2k on the rear and 4. 5k on the front, heck I would be concerned about backing up a slick wet hill with those odds



Not bashing any trucks out there, but look in the papers and see what is for sale (used), the 4X4 CTD owners basically name thier price in my area, heck I bought my 04 4X4 new for about the same price that one guy wanted for a 2001. 5 with 70K on the OD (and he sold the truck in 2 days) ...



Duallys are really nice, but there is some big money in tires when it comes time.



Good luck and have a blast shopping...

Dave

 

[demodogg]

Thanks everybody for your input, I really appreciate it.



Had a long talk with the wife last night. She is pushing me towards 4X4 and even said not worry about the added cost :--) (yeah, knock me over with a stick on that one) she reminded me that I had to use her expedition last year when it snowed. :-laf The only concern was the dually. She said she wouldn't be comfortable driving the truck with duals. Well thats ok with me.



So... I spec'd out a truck on my local dealers homepage. It listed invoice and MSRP. I made an offer and am now waiting to here from them. I also emailed Tomeygun. Since it looks like I'll probably end up ordering what I want, I put mine up for sale. (I'm really gonna miss that truck )



I'll let ya guys know how I make out. With any luck I'll be driving a 3500 QC LWB 4X4 SLT 6-spd in the next few months if not sooner.

 

[DPelletier]

Duallys are really nice, but there is some big money in tires when it comes time.

Not pickin' on you and I think your 4x4 argument has some merit, but I have a problem with the whole dually = extra $'s for tires argument. My truck cost me $47,000. 00 and change (Canadian) and I've spent a couple of thousand more on add on goodies: an extra $300. 00 for tires every 2 years is so insignificant to me it doesn't even register. I spend more on coffee! In fact, I spent $1,000. 00 on my SRW trying to make it more stable and it still didn't compare to the DRW truck. I just can't imagine someone making the DRW vs. SRW decision based on the cost of the extra 2 tires. If you don't need the GVWR or extra stability of a dually, then buy the SRW truck.



As far as the 4x4 vs. 4x2 argument goes, my signature indicates which I believe is best for my needs. I would also suggest that a 2wd being worth more because its rare is a bit of a stretch to say the least. I imagine it varies from place to place, but it's hard to sell a 2wd in my area.

Despite this, 2wd does offer some solid advantages;

- better steering

- lower weight

- better clearance for 5th wheels

- easier to load stuff in and out of the bed

- less potential maintenance and repair costs with no transfercase, front-end, front u-joints, drive shaft, etc. etc.

- better mileage

- lower initial cost



I would think that if the trucks primary job is to haul a 5th wheel and it spends 99% of its time on the pavement and is VERY seldom used in winter driving conditions, a very good argument can be made for a 2wd truck.



Cheers,

Dave

 

[opjohnny]

If you could get load rated E winter tires in a 17" it would help a bunch. Those winter tires work great. Winter tires on a 4x2 would help. Heck I would like to run the winter tires on my 4x4.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I just put on a set of Cooper Discover STs on which are E rated 17". The original Goodyear GSA are "M+S" which performed good last winter are also E rated 17". I prefer the Coops and there have some reports of cracks developing in the GYs.