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View Full Version : Tow Vehicle 2wd or 4wd?



0100
01-15-2004, 09:07 PM
So what is better for towing 4x2 or 4x4? What are the pros/cons?

This is also a daily driver that will never be offroad just to work and back and tow on the weekends.

eh_tony!!!
01-16-2004, 12:17 AM
I'd say it depends on the vehicle size for highway use.. Something like a explorer/4runner sized, I'd like to have the weight over the front wheels. If you're looking into F250/K2500 then I don't believe it matters.

That is, unless you happen to park at Sebring or in the mud at Atlanta and need to get a heavy trailer out. then it might be a nice thing to have.

Oh, one other thing. 4wd units usually come with higher numerical diffs. Sometimes this helps. In the Ford Diesels it kills mileage and higway cruising (IMHO. 3.55 for the 2wd, 4.11 for the 4wd)

Bill Miller
01-16-2004, 05:08 AM
It also depends on what part of the country you're in. Living in the NE, I couldn't see not having a 4WD truck. And while the higher rear end ratios may kill mileage, I believe they help w/ towing capacity, and overall w&t on the truck when towing.

The 4WD isn't going to do anything for you on the highway, but as Tony pointed out, it can help in the paddock. Paved paddock space is at a premium at Summit Point, and the 4WD has definately come in handy there. And if you race at Nelson Ledges...

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MARRS #25 ITB Rabbit GTI (sold) | MARRS #25 HProd Rabbit
SCCA 279608

joeg
01-16-2004, 08:46 AM
4X4 all the way!

We do not tow to (or race at) super pristine race facilities. Paddock rain and mud are usually a factor--especially this past year.

If you can afford it budget wise, opt for the 4X4 option.

Cheers.

0100
01-16-2004, 02:55 PM
4x4 it is I live in MA. Damn it's cold. I can't wait to see the next oil bill.

whenry
01-17-2004, 10:07 PM
after getting stranded in my own driveway due to snow(my 454 2x4 'Burb just spun the wheels), I swore that all my future tow vehicles would be 4x4. It is a help with the trailer in various paddocks and when it snows in East Tenn, I can get out and play with the rednecks. Just got a bunch of brownie points last week when I took my wife to mtns after fresh snow so that she could chase deer and elk with camera. My only disapointment was that Exc did so well in 3" snow that I never had to use 4x4. Oh well....

racercosmo
01-24-2004, 03:47 AM
If you are interested in a Ford Super Duty, get the 4wd. I have an F350 2wd dually and my friend has a 4wd dually. The solid axle in the 4wd definitely helps steady the truck and enhances ride quality when towing.

Bill Miller
01-24-2004, 10:24 AM
If anybody's intersted, I have a friend that's selling a '96 or '97 Ford F350 SuperDuty. It's a standard cab w/ an 8' bed w/ a cap. It's 4x4 w/ a 5-spd and a 460 engine. Truck is located in Va. I was actually going to buy it, but really needed an extra cab. It's black, if that's important. Email me at [email protected] if you want pics/more info.

------------------
MARRS #25 ITB Rabbit GTI (sold) | MARRS #25 HProd Rabbit
SCCA 279608