Bunklash
Crestview, FL Panhandle
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Joined: 04/19/2004
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A search turned up only one post, but here's my query. It's already decided (orders from headquarters) that our new truck will NOT be a DRW, but I DO WANT a 1 ton. Since I don't necessarily want 4WD, the selection of available used trucks is slim. If I include 4WD in the selection pool, it gets a LITTLE better. My question is how much does the extra 2 drive wheels affect gas mileage, ride, and "hitchability" given the higher bed? I don't need to be told to "go ahead and get 4wd, ya never know......" Or that "it's better to have it and not need it....". I just want to have solid facts on mileage, ride and any hitch/leveling issues. Our intended fifth wheel is a 34 foot 2006 or newer Cameo.
As always, thanks for any help.
USAF retired
'98 F-150, 5.4L, 3.55 gears, tow package
2004 Jayco Jay Feather 26S, 4500 Lbs dry
One terrific wife
Frost, the RooRoo
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/14/2003
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Gas mileage difference is negligable, if you operate the 4wd in 2wd mode.
The 4wd trucks are higher, about 2", sometimes more. Whether that creates a problem for you depends on your trailer the particular truck you choose.
Maintenance cost difference is negligable.
Purchase cost difference is $1000 to $2000 more. Registration and taxes are based on cost of the vehicle so figure that in.
Weight difference is about 300 to 400 lbs more.
I can't believe you can't find a suitable 2wd truck in Florida??
92F350 CrewCab 4x4 351/C6
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Bunklash
Crestview, FL Panhandle
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Joined: 04/19/2004
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Socaldesertrider wrote: "I can't believe you can't find a suitable 2wd truck in Florida??"
Tell me about it! Tons of 3/4 ton units, but 1 ton SRW, especially 2wd is fairly hard to find. I forgot to mention, it's got to be a diesel. There's a beauty only 40 miles away, but he's asking a lot, plus I've heard the 2004 engine may have some issues?????? It's got 93,000 miles on it, but he's asking $18,000> It's a lariat in good looking shape, what do you think?
BTW, in FL, tax is based on sale price, and registration on weight.
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drewnick
Greenville, SC
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Joined: 09/08/2007
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I've always preferred 2WD since I live in SC and don't need 4x4 - the insurance is usually cheaper on 2WD and of course the truck itself cheaper. I just bought a 4x4 and am also worried about hitching with it sitting so tall.
Drew & Delia
2008 BABY Just Born Sep 8, 2008!
2008 Jayco Eagle 328 RLS
2005 RAM 3500 4x4 DRW CTD <-- New Truck!
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RVN'S 4 US
On the Road
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Joined: 12/09/2004
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We have only used 4x in the F-250 once while towing. Rain the day before we left our S Texas CG trapped two who wanted to leave until help could arrive. 4x low got us out with no drama. The CG tractor was waiting for us and just had to watch. The guy trying to leave earlier waited something close to an hour.
No trouble (or mods needed) with truck bed being to0 high. 4x uses little more gas than that caused by the couple hundred pound weight of the equipment.
Cost of option is mostly recovered with higher resale at sale time
Plan for tomorrow. Live for today. Learn from yesterday.
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Rubiranch
Salt Lake City, UT
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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"2wd vs 4wd"
 
TV: Mint 1972 Ford F-250 XLT
TT: 1969 19' Excel; entertains 6, feeds 4, sleeps 2
You don't shoot to kill, you shoot to stay alive.
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Vulcanmars
Naples, FL
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Joined: 10/18/2004
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2wd vs 4 wd
Weight:400~800lbs
MPG 1~1.5 less on 4wd
Height 2.5 inches most trucks
Maint: min. if not spinning wheels often
I have used the 4wd several times. I frequent ONF, up hill with 10k TH in tow, that red dirt can be an sob when it's real wet or real dry.
Mars
06 Rage'n FA3005
04 V10 F250 SDCC 4X4
Pullrite SG 16K
1st TH 02 Keystone Tailgator
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Terryallan
NC
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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Here at least. Used 4x4s, and used 2x4s are not all that different in price. I don't now have a 4x4, and don't need one, but, IMOP. If you can get a good deal on a 4x4 take it. They ain't really all that bad.
However. IMOP 93,000 miles is too much for that much money. Yeah, Yeah. Diesels last forever. But the rest of the truck, seats, paint, radio, head liner, drive shaft, rotors, whatever, also have 93,000 on them too. And that's alot.
Terry & Shay
Pioneer 23T6
04 F150, 5.4, Lariat SuperCab
Lazy Campers
NC
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McDonoughDawg
Peachtree City, GA, USA
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Joined: 04/08/2004
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Yep, time for this topic again. It's 3 weeks into August. Time to hash it out ALL over again. Oh well, just buy a Smart Car.
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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Joined: 08/08/2003
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With my various Dodges I never saw any difference in mpg. If a diesel has been properly maintained there's no reason to be afraid of 93,000 miles. We don't use our 4wd often but when we need it we really need it. I can tell you from experience that a 4x2 dually is just about worthless on anything the least bit slippery, be it wet grass or snow, etc. A 4x2 srw should be a little better but still subject to not going very well in those conditions.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
1997 Holiday Rambler 29FK travel trailer
2006 Summit 22RB travel trailer
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
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Camped in 49 states. Missing Hawaii.
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