2WD vs. 4WD tow vehicle

[Greg Amy]

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.

[rsportvolvo]

Thanks for the feedback. Confirms my hunch. Now to find THE deal.

[CRallo]

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.

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.

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!

[Matt93SE]

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.

[joeg]

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.

[Matt93SE]

With a diesel P/U, I think 4WD is important for muddy paddocks-it is especially nose heavy.

I haven't been to a track yet that I needed to park in the mud.
Maybe it's different in Algeria though.

[CRallo]

I haven't been to a track yet that I needed to park in the mud.
Maybe it's different in Algeria though.

[erlrich]

I'm one of those "if it ain't a 4X4, it ain't a real truck" people; but then I do use my truck for way more than just towing; like getting around in the snow, or getting to the top of mountains on dirt trails maybe 2' wider than the truck. So, my perspective may be a little skewed.

I will say, I have had to use 4WD once or twice in the paddock at Summit - back in the grassy areas in the woods, or back near working camping it can get pretty slick after a rain. But in general if I were buying a truck only for towing I probably wouldn't worry about 4WD. I would just avoid those areas where I might get stuck.

[rsportvolvo]

I haven't been to a track yet that I needed to park in the mud.
Maybe it's different in Algeria though.

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.