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

[demodogg]

So I'm looking to trade up to a Gen III. This time I want to make it the last truck I'll buy for a very long time. What I'm leaning towards is a 3500 QC 8' bed and 6-speed. I'm undecided on whether to stick with the 4X2 or go with a 4X4. Also up in the air is to go with DRW or SRW.



Future plans call for a 5'ver camper trailer sometime in the next 2-3 years or so. The two times a years it really snows here doesn't justify a need for 4X4. In fact my last 4X4 was a brand new 88 F350 which I used off-road. I've since out grown those days



Signature shows what I have now. About the only two things I wish I had on the present truck was a 6-speed and a 8 ft bed.



Your thoughts?

 

[klenger]

The 6 speed is sweet. If at all interested in a manual transmission, get it. I really wondered hard about 4x2 vs 4x4. It never snows here in Tucson, but I finally decided on the 4x4 in case I ever relocated back to Colorado. The 4x2 has many advantages: lower cost, lower truck heigth (easier to tow 5er), less maintenance (fluid changes), & better handling. As to DRW or SRW, that depends on how much 5er you are looking at. With my combo, I'm about 400 lbs under GVWR, but would go over GVWR if I got into a 32' class 5er

 

[Sarge]

Ken's right on a lot of points about the 4X2. I thought long and hard about the choice also. But one thing is for sure, I don't use it a lot, but I tend to tow often and like the rustic out of the way places. And when you need to push that fiver up a incline, or through some gravel, nothing else will do. Translation, you don't need to off road all the time to justify the need. Really, if you can afford it, do it. You won't regret it. And as a side note, if you ever do decide to sell it down the road, just remember, 70% of the big trucks DC sells are 4X4... ... ...



I had an 01' 2500 I sold to move up to the current ride, and several calls I got on it first wanted to know if it was a 4X4. This was my first 4X4 big truck, and I have loved the versatility. And Ken is also right on about the six speed. As for the DRW as opposed to the SRW, I would say it's a guess about the future. I got tired of up grading trucks when I got the itch for a new fiver, and NOT being over weight is very important to me. The 3rd Gen DRW rides better than my 01' ever did, and that was my biggest concern. My advice?? Buy your ultimate truck that you want to have for a long time, and equip it right. You will be much happier in the long run, and so will the wife because you wont be window shopping for a new truck next year... . ;-)

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

For trailering or a heavy camper, 4x2 dually is best. For mountain trails, single rear wheel (SRW) 4x4. For town and highway, 4x2 SRW is best for mileage, etc. I like to buy more capability than I usualy need (that is, 4x4) because when I need it, it is too late to get it. However, I had no plans for a heavy trailer, so I went with SRW.

 

[GerryDrake]

Choices

You are right on with the 8', QC, and 3500 for towing. As to 2 or 4WD, there is the difference in height to be considered with a 5'er. Depends a lot on the 5'er. I've got 4WD and I tow ever so slightly nose up, but wish I had more clearance over the bed rails. The 2WD would be lower, lighter, and less $$, but there have been a few instances in either grassy or muddy campgrounds where I pull it into 4WD to get out of a campsite. On rare occasions, the 4 wheel low is handy too. It all depends on what campsites you will be using, but getting stuck just ONCE... . well ???



As to DRW or SRW, get the DRW. If you are at all typical, you will likely upgrade (read as longer, heavier) your selection of RV, and with the DRW, you won't be nearly as limited. The stability of our DRW makes towing a dream...



Now, 4. 10 or 3. 73 ????? ... I am still torn on that one...

 

[macdaddy]

Demo

Having towed with both single and DRW I'll try to help out a little. If you have never towed with a DRW equiped truck you will never notice what you are missing. I used to tow my toy hauler (30' TT that tips the scale at 11K) with a GMC 2500 2WD SRW and upgraded to a 4X4 DRW and the stability that the DRW affords is with out a question the most comforting feeling I have ever experienced. In hilly or mountain terrian,side winds and all out traction it is the best.

Now as you can see I really dont need the DRW but once I bought the 99 3500 4X4 I'm hooked and could never go back, not to mention that when your wife gets behind the wheel you'll be able to relax that in itself makes the extra cost worth it. Now when it comes to 2WD or 4WD go for the 4X4 and be done with it as Sarge says it will pay off when it comes time to sell it. My four wheel drive hardly ever gets used but the times that I have used the cost to get unstuck out here in the desert south west would have paid the extra cost and all the maint costs that go along with maintaining it. I opted for a 6 spd DRW 4:10's this way I have way more truck than I need it gets rid if the white knuckle syndrome.



hope I did'nt get you confused.



05 3500 4X4 Laramie DRW 325/610 6 spd 4:10's new 10/30/05.

Sold 99 3500 4X4 SLT DRW ATS trans edge, AFE Auto Meter mag high teah 53 block ( thats wht she had to go ).

 

[Buffalo]

If you do any remote camping, (in the woods), having the 4X4 is a real advantage. If it's wet, your tires will slip easily while trying to drag the trailer on grass. You will have much more traction with 4X4. I've tried backing the trailer on leveling blocks when the grass was wet and the tires would just spin. Put it in 4X4 and it would easily get the trailer on the blocks with out spinning the tires. 4X4 is much easier on the terrain. Here in AZ. , in the forests, if you get caught tearing up the turf it's supposed to be a $100. 00 fine. I've pulled quite a few vehicles out of the mud, here. Hope this helps. Lot's of good ideas and advice, here. Joe F. (Buffalo).

 

[midlife crisis]

Dogg- I am right up the road from you near Mays landing. By all means 4X4. The Pocono's, hills of West VA, and my 400' driveway are no match for my truck when it snows. Not to mention Oregon Inlet or IB State Park on the sand. Its a decision you will not regret! Good Luck-

 

[Evan A. Beck]

With a 4x4, you just have to walk further when you get stuck.

 

[mfrost]

Demodogg, Bite the bullet an go with DRW and 4WD. If you are going to keep it for a long time it will be ready for anything. You can also see more of the world up there. My wife loves it

 

[CPittman]

When you're trying to ooch your 5'er into just the right spot - just slip that puppy into 4 low and idle it into place - sweet! Or backing it uphill on wet grass into your camp site - 4 low, now that's what I'm talkin' about.



You got a heavy 5'er and you're pulling in the hills... my 2 cents: 4. 10s

 

[Mad Bomber]

4x4

With a 4x4, you just have to walk further when you get stuck.

:-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[MikeKelley]

And as a side note, if you ever do decide to sell it down the road, just remember, 70% of the big trucks DC sells are 4X4... ... ...



;-)

That just tells me that the 4x2 should be worth more or easier to sell because it is rare.

The rack and pinion of the 4x2 makes this truck handle like 7000lb. sports car.

I always camp in some pretty remote and rugged places and have never needed 4x4. I do however usually camp with friends and they all have 4x4 to pull me out if ever the need arrives.

 

[Eric_77]

I don't buy the 70% being 4x4 trucks.



On the DRW vs SRW if you drive in town much or it will be a daily driver the DRW make parking spots difficult especially QC and 8' so unless you know you need the capacity I would leave the DRW out.



On the 4x2 vs 4x4 unless you need 4x4 on a regular basis (live on a gravel road on a farm, snow-plow, etc) you need my $50 4x2 "off road package" (come-along and 50' of chain) I have pulled more 4x4s out of the mud than I have needed it myself. I know I can't go certain places and don't try plus going into some of those places just totally messes up paint jobs, requires axles to be drained/refilled, and general abuse of the whole engine transmission and really the whole chassis itself. My Jeep never squeaked once till I took it off road/mudding then the dirt in the components you could never get rid of and it squeaked and groaned until the day it died in amassive transmission failure with hot transmission fluid get blown onto the exhaust. :{

 

[TCrawley]

If I was getting my last CTD I would get the 6 spd 4X4 dually. You never know where the road will take you.

 

[RustyJC]

I've towed 5th wheels with 4x2 duallies since 1996. I've never come close to getting stuck or had any need for 4WD. Meanwhile, I've benefitted from the lower initial cost, better handling, lower maintenance requirements, better ride, easier entry/exit (my wife has rheumatoid arthritis, so that's a big deal), better fuel consumption, easier matching of 5th wheel heights, etc.



Horses for courses!



Rusty

 

[GerryDrake]

If I was getting my last CTD I would get the 6 spd 4X4 dually. You never know where the road will take you.

My sentiments exactly, with the addition of it being a 4. 10 with anti-spin rear end.



That is what I have, and I don't go 'mudding' and don't have a problem in parking lots. I don't go through drive-in lanes, but never did anyway.



A bit of overkill on any of the aspects is a whole lot better than cutting a corner or two.

 

[MFalkinham]

Right now I own a 4wd dually 1st Gen, but when I buy a 3rd Gen someday I'm leaning towards getting a 2wd SRW. I just don't tow large enough loads to justify the dually, even though it does make for a very stable ride. And the few times I use 4wd in the winter is more for my piece of mind than a real need. But if the snow/ice is so bad that only 4wd's can make it, I stay home (of course not everyone has that luxury).



Probably the biggest reason I'd want 2wd is for better fuel economy, and to avoid the ball-joint problems of the current 4wd's.



- Mike

 

[demodogg]

Thanks for the input guys! Been shopping around this weekend. I can't find a six-speed anywhere . Here's what I found so far:



05' 4X4 2500 QC 8' bed Auto. It's an SLT but not very optioned out. Lists at 40,800. And no LSD



05' 4X4 3500 QC DRW Auto. It's an ST listed at 41,500. Sweet looking truck, too bad it's not an SLT. :{



Called some other dealers they have some 2500's but no 3500's. And of course no six-speeds. So the quest continues.



I'm half tempted to order from Tomeygun, but I think that option is out as I still have my truck which I was going to use as a trade.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Whoa, go to a dealer who will do some serious looking all over for you. They are out there you just need someone who is hungry enough.



I paid $31,700 for my 04 3500 DRW 4x4 ST in October 03, so it sounds to me like you should have some dealing room also.



IMHO, get the top truck you think you will need. I made the mistake of not getting a 1 ton DRW and toss away a bunch of money upgrading. If only I would have bought a 3500 QC DRW 4x4 in 98. Oh well, you know what they say about a fool and his money. :-laf