In my case it means it wont do the job. It works fine from yard to yard. Customer delivery, nope. I live in the blow sand. A 6k lbs 4x2 is not going to pull an 8 ton dump trailer. Especially in reverse, that is geared for 20 mph, never mind no traction.
I know you are proud of your 4x2, Airstream and big trucks. Different application.
We used 2WD in South Texas oilfield. Many miles back on terrifically bad lease roads. 32K gross with 30’ flatbed not uncommon. 5-miles or 70-miles.
Getting started from a stop is the thing.
4WD is primarily convenience.
That it took Gramps longer to get it done — and was more labor — still didn’t stop him.
This country was fully built out per capital projects before 4WD was generally available.
My Grandad delivering nitro & glycerin on the same run up to Colorado mining camps in Model T based trucks after the first war is but one example.
Today’s norm is quite different. It’s more expensive to spec 4WD, but not necessarily “better” unless it actually pays. That last part is what’s all-too-often missing.
CPM always matters over the useful life of the vehicle.
24/7/365 was how oilfield hotshot worked. 2WD got it done at lower initial price, lower overhead, and less downtime. Can’t deliver, then just lost the customer.
Sorta like calling a short-bed, “a pickup truck”, when it can’t even carry 4x8 plywood. Pretending.
Close examination in business is the difference between success & failure. No pretending.
That’s single point made about vehicle spec. 4WD ain’t an automatic check-off if one expects to both wear out and pay for the eventual replacement vehicle
Most truck operators go further into the hole and don’t get back out. Doesn’t matter what class.
(And, not Airstream. That’s saying a CTD is a 6.0 powerjoke).
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