My opinion, unless you're going to be using the 4x4 in the snow a lot I don't think it's worth the extra money (and weight, and gas mileage, etc.....)
In 15+ years of towing a race car I don;t think I've ever needed 4x4.
My opinion, unless you're going to be using the 4x4 in the snow a lot I don't think it's worth the extra money (and weight, and gas mileage, etc.....)
In 15+ years of towing a race car I don;t think I've ever needed 4x4.
Jeff L
ITA Miata
2010 NARRC Champion
2007 NERRC Championship, 2nd place
2008 NARRC Championship, 2nd place
2009 NARRC Championship, 2nd place
I've needed 4x4 in my tow vehicle once: to pull out an RV stuck in the mud at Pocono.
I'm with Jeff: unless I'm going to use it year-round I'd skip the extra expense.
Thanks for the feedback. Confirms my hunch. Now to find THE deal.
David Russell
IT Volvo 242
Depends a bit where you live and plan to tow... But 90 something percent of us won't need 4x4 while towing as long as we are smart about it LOL
I have a hilly yard I have to turn around in, but as long as I'm smart and gentle about it I don't need to engage my 4x4.
Try to find something with a limited slip/ posi / locking rearend if you are at all concerned.
THAT was awesome by the way!!!! And Greg is (for once ) being way too modest! It wasn't just any RV, it was a fracking BUS and the trailer was still hooked to the RV!!! 4WD Powerstroke Excursion FTW!
Chris Rallo "the kid"
-- "wrenching and racing" -- "will race for food!" -- "Onward and Upward"
I've "never needed" 4wd in my truck, but my yard gets pretty soggy in the rainy season and I've made the mistake of trying to turn the truck & trailer around in the yard before, getting it stuck in the mud.
I wound up having to wait until the wife got home and we used her Honda Element to pull my 7.3 and 24' enclosed out of the mud! That was 6 months ago and there are still ruts in the yard.
Anyway, if the truck is only going to be used for towing, I agree- 4wd is overkill. less gas mileage, more parts to break, etc etc.
If you're going to be using the truck for other stuff too, then the decision should weigh more on that. since 95% of the reason I bought my truck is to tow the race car and I live on flat land, there's no need for 4wd. I just need to pay attention and make sure I don't get off my gravel drive and stick it in the mud again.
Houston Region
STU Nissan 240SX
EProd RX7
With a diesel P/U, I think 4WD is important for muddy paddocks-it is especially nose heavy.
I wouldn't spring for one w/o 4WD.
Algeria for work only, otherwise Houston is my home base. My car is slowly (unfortunately) getting built at a friends shop in Florida while I'm overseas. Getting my car & parts back to Texas is the reason for the purchase now vs. later.
The sole purpose, at the moment, for this truck is towing. So no towing in snow & ice storms to get to the track. I've driven I95 around MD, VA & DC in snow & ice and more 4WD vehicles ended up in the ditches than 2WD (unlimited traction mentality due to 4WD). A limited-slip differential is the key along with a cautious and attentive driver based on my experience. I'll be sure to have a limited-slip differential in the tow vehicle.
David Russell
IT Volvo 242
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