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Thread: 2WD vs. 4WD tow vehicle

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Posts
    402

    Default 2WD vs. 4WD tow vehicle

    I'm looking at used diesel trucks for a tow vehicle and some friends say get 2WD for the higher towing capacity and lower vehicle weight while other friends say you never know when you'll need to use 4WD. Thoughts on this?
    David Russell
    IT Volvo 242

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Colchester, CT, USA
    Posts
    2,120

    Default

    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

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2001
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    7,381

    Default

    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.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Posts
    402

    Default

    Thanks for the feedback. Confirms my hunch. Now to find THE deal.
    David Russell
    IT Volvo 242

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    CT/NY/NJ
    Posts
    1,157

    Default

    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.


    Quote Originally Posted by Greg Amy View Post
    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!
    Chris Rallo "the kid"
    -- "wrenching and racing" -- "will race for food!" -- "Onward and Upward"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Houston-ish
    Posts
    932

    Default

    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

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    Buffalo, New York
    Posts
    2,942

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    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.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Belmont, CA USA
    Posts
    1,098

    Default

    David, it all depends where in the country you're towing in. I have a 1998.5 Dodge 2500 Turbo Diesel, 4x4, club cab, short bed, that I used to use to go skiing, and drove it in the snow. We don't ski anymore, so the 4x4 is just a waste of fuel now. Drove from the SF Bay Area to Seattle for the SCCA Major over the Memorial Day weekend, and got about 12 mpg towing an empty 24' enclosed trailer to Portland, picked up my rental Wabbit, and then went on to Seattle. I wish I had a 2wd dually now.
    Tim Linerud
    San Francisco Region SCCA
    #95 GTL Wabbit
    Convert from GP to GTL
    http://www.timlinerud.com/racing/index.html

    racer_tim @ yahoo dot com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Fredericksburg, VA
    Posts
    1,191

    Default

    Just wanted to point out, before someone else chimes in, that the original post is almost 3 years old. I'm guessing Dave has probably made up his mind by now
    Earl R.
    240SX
    ITA/ST5

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