Southwind85
Nomad
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Joined: 01/31/2007
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Doug and Cassi Glass wrote:4 X 4 is nice to have, but nobody has mentioned the single biggest difference between 4 wheel and 2 wheel drive. In a 4 x 4 when you're stuck you're really stuck.
The trick, usually, well sometimes, is to put it in 4WD until after you get stuck. 4WD before that just means you go further into the mess than you would without it.
The Good Life
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mockturtle
Northwest
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Joined: 05/31/2005
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Let's put it this way: If you already have the 2WD truck, stick with it. You don't NEED 4WD. But if you're buying a tow vehicle, it's probably best to get 4WD. I wouldn't be without it. My parents, though, who lived in Colorado, towed their fiver for many problem-free years with a 2WD truck.
Husband: Derek
Dog: Bucky
RV: 2000 Aerolite 19RB TT
TV: 1996 Chevrolet Blazer 6 cyl. 4WD
This car used to be our toad, now is our TV!
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Since you ask, No you do not need 4x4. If you needed it you would not ask.
Besides there is always a 4x4 around to help, carry a tow strap and you are set.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
12K SuperGlide, KGE3000Ti 2.3kw rated 2.6kw max
Frank's voltage booster, Prosine 1800 powered by 4 GC2 batteries
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thomasinnv
where ever i stop
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Joined: 06/28/2008
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aside from the issue of having the additional traction with a 4x4, the low range is great to have when backing into tight spots or uphill. backing will heat up an auto tranny much quicker than climbing 8% grades going down the interstate. i use low range often when backing, i just leave the hubs locked out.
2000 F-350 Extra Cab SD 4X4 7.3 PSD
2000 Wildwood 28RKSS2S 31' 5ver
Derrick, Michelle, Michaela, Riona and "Bones" (K-9 companion)
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my website
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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Joined: 06/28/2003
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I towed a fifth wheel around the West for three years without four wheel drive. Never got stuck. I have taken my 4X2 dually off road, onto old skid trails in the mountains. I didn't get stuck, but I will NEVER do it again, that thing is just TOO BIG for such fooling around!
I have taken the same 4X2 truck, with a Caribou M11KX camper on it, to some back country Forest Service campgrounds, over dirt, gravel, and rocky roads, No problem.
How many motorhomes (A, B, or C) do you see in back country campgrounds? VERY few of them are 4X4.
Some will say that if you live in "snow country", 4X4 is a MUST HAVE. nice to have, perhaps, but not an absolute necessity. Real traction tires, and half a dozen 70 pound sandbags between the wheel wells and the tailgate, and you are ready for any icy, snowy road. Besides, these days they close the roads, and you have to stay home anyway!
The big truck is for hauling hay and towing. The Jeeps are for off-road play. Yes, they are both 4X4.
CM1, USN (RET)
'94 Dodge 3500 4X2 CTD, Std. cab, LB, 5 speed, 4.10 LS diff., Jacobs Rambrake, 273,000 Miles
'99 Monaco McKenzie 32' triple slide
'95 Tioga 29H Ford-based Class C
Daily driver: '06 Jeep Liberty CRD
Towed: '06 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited
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dbbls
Missouri
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Joined: 09/29/2005
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I you get stuck their will be enough macho guys around with 4X4's who will be ticked to death to pull you out. Gives them a chance to use it, if they can figure out how.
1999 F250 Superduty, V10 with Banks Power Pack
2004 Colorado 29RL 5th wheel with 3600 watt Onan
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goodcruisin
Greenwood, IN
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Joined: 04/17/2007
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thomasinnv wrote:aside from the issue of having the additional traction with a 4x4, the low range is great to have when backing into tight spots or uphill. backing will heat up an auto tranny much quicker than climbing 8% grades going down the interstate. i use low range often when backing, i just leave the hubs locked out.
I would also use 4L on my old Excursion when backing into sites. If you have manual hubs you can leave them unlocked. Even if you have auto hubs you can still use 4L.
I echo most others. It's not necessary, but it adds resale and I've had to use it on wet grass getting out of CGs when the grass is wet from rain or dew.
John (USN Ret) and Debbie
The Paw Pack (Freckles, Stinky & Ranger)
'96 Monaco Windsor 36' DP 8.3L Cummins
Ready Brake w/ Demco Excali-bar
'03 Ford Explorer (Toad)
'04 Honda Insight
'04 Volvo S80 AWD
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14' Boat 9.9 Mercury
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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If you are talking about a tow vehicle.. 2wd is just fine
I would not wish to tow a trailer anyplace where 4wd was needed
How to tell a FWD from a RWD from a 4wd in Michigan in the winter using a remote controlled camera
Front end in ditch, rear on cleared pavement FWD
Reverse that RWD
Spot the tracks, spin the camera around and hit zoom to the max to find the ride a quarter mile out in the field behind the camera (And winching is 3.00/foot) 4wd
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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PopBeavers
San Jose, CA
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Joined: 03/19/2005
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As long as the following are true you will likely never use 4wd:
1) have limited slip differential
2) always keep all wheels on dry hard pavement (no rain, no snow, no mud)
3) never stop or slow down on excessively steep uphill terrain
Some campgrounds are not fully paved, especially where you park at your site.
You can always call a tow truck. I once saw a truck and camper get so stuck that a backhoe got stuck trying to get them out. This resulted in bringing in the largest tow truck I have ever seen. The tuck with camper and the backhoe had sunk until the frame and axles were in the mud. Campground management told the guy to turn around in the open field. Campground management ate the cost of that one.
April in Monterrey.
Wayne in San Jose
TV1:2002 Chevy 1500HD 4wd Crew Cab,Valley Odyssey brake ctlr,McKesh mirrors
TV2:2008 GMC 2500HD long bed 4wd Crew Cab,GMC brake ctlr,GMC mirrors
TT:Trailmanor 2720
Honda 2000
Yamaha WR250R,Polaris Sportsman 700 X2,Polaris Scrambler 500
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Hornet28BHDS
Parker, PA
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Joined: 01/29/2007
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I wouldn't buy a truck without 4WD!
2006 Hornet 28BHDS-Bunk House, Dual Slides
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 HD
5.7L Hemi, Factory Towing Package
Reese Brake Controller, WD Hitch and Sway Bar
Life is short, why not spend it in an RV!
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
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