Is 4wd neccessary?

[KrayzKajun]

i know i ask alot of questions. i take value yalls opions greatly.

everyone knows im buyin a new truck in the next couple of days. ive found some great deals.

now for the question.
mainly for the guys down south.... how often do you use 4wd when working??

ive been in business 3years now and have never needed 4wd. and tht is using my 1/2ton to pull trailers to the dump and so on..

all opinons welcome!!!

[dura to the max]

i have 4x4, but not on my work truck. the only time i used 4x4 for work was going up and down the hill behind my house to dump trash on the burn pile.

my philosophy if buying a new truck though, your talking mega money...the extra 2-3k to add 4x4 is not a whole lot in the long run if your making payments. if your paying cash then 2-3k shouldnt be that big of a deal.

i would get it just to have it, it wont cost that much more....and it sure is convenient when you do need it.

[dura to the max]

i will add that if you plan on getting more into the landscape side of things then 4x4 is nice when going into new developments...

[rfed32]

i use it to plow...or sometimes towing machines i shouldnt be in my truck lol

[dura to the max]

he aint gonna be doing much plowing in Louisiana...:hammerhead::hammerhead::hammerhead::hammerhead:

[Matts lawn care]

also 4x4s have better resale value if you are worried about that.

[TPLawnPro]

Go for it! The chicks dig it! :drinkup:

[KrayzKajun]

Go for it! The chicks dig it! :drinkup:

my fiance could care less about 4x4.

[KrayzKajun]

i have 4x4, but not on my work truck. the only time i used 4x4 for work was going up and down the hill behind my house to dump trash on the burn pile.

my philosophy if buying a new truck though, your talking mega money...the extra 2-3k to add 4x4 is not a whole lot in the long run if your making payments. if your paying cash then 2-3k shouldnt be that big of a deal.

i would get it just to have it, it wont cost that much more....and it sure is convenient when you do need it.

we dont have any hills around here!! only reason im asking is because getting 4wd is goin about 2-3grand over what i wanted to spend on a truck.

[TXNSLighting]

Its good to have. The front end is stronger on a 4x4 than 2wd, and resale is much better with 4x4. They also look so much cooler.

[TPLawnPro]

Then, in your case KKajun, it is clearly a personal descision. 4WD will sure come in handy if you ever need it; and you just never know when you might need it?

Living in Metairie, Louisiana, I don't get to use mine all that much. But, whenever I travel north during the winter, it gets used in the snow and icy conditions up there.

However, when we go fishing, sometimes we get into some slushy conditions using 4WD while accessing some of the boat launches in S. Louisiana. (Notice I didn't say, 'Trying to access'') So, unless you are towing a boat, occaisionally off-roading, or foresee sloppy conditions that might compromise traction, then I say save your duckey$ and get yourself a good ole 2WD.

[coolluv]

I was recently going through the same thing. I ended up getting the 2wd. With 4wd you have more weight and less fuel mileage. You can haul more with a 2wd.Gas mileage is better with a 2wd.

I used to live in PA. and always had a 4wd. I don't think it is really necessary here in the south, unless you are going off road. 4wd is nice to have when you need it. But with todays locking diff. its almost not necessary unless you live where the snow flies.

Get the 2wd, and save some money up front and on fuel down the road. You won't need 4wd in Louisiana.

Dave...

[TXNSLighting]

I was recently going through the same thing. I ended up getting the 2wd. With 4wd you have more weight and less fuel mileage. You can haul more with a 2wd.Gas mileage is better with a 2wd.

I used to live in PA. and always had a 4wd. I don't think it is really necessary here in the south, unless you are going off road. 4wd is nice to have when you need it. But with todays locking diff. its almost not necessary unless you live where the snow flies.

Get the 2wd, and save some money up front and on fuel down the road. You won't need 4wd in Louisiana.

Dave...

Ok that whole 2wd's get better mpg is crap! Mine is a 2wd and gets the same or worse then 4x4 counterparts!! I so regret passing the 4x4 up now.

[dura to the max]

my 4x4 gasser gets better mileage than my 2wd gasser.

[nosparkplugs]

I have owned both, living in a state that regularly gets snow 4x4 is a must. Since I have moved to the midsouth, no snow:) 4x4 is a waste of money. 4x2 trucks are lighter, not weaker; which allows them to tow or haul more weight. If your serious about towing & hauling the added 4x4 component weight is a penatly, and does reduce your GTWR. 4x2 will out tow a 4x4 daily

[coolluv]

I have owned both, living in a state that regularly gets snow 4x4 is a must. Since I have moved to the midsouth, no snow:) 4x4 is a waste of money. 4x2 trucks are lighter, not weaker; which allows them to tow or haul more weight. If your serious about towing & hauling the added 4x4 component weight is a penatly, and does reduce your GTWR. 4x2 will out tow a 4x4 daily

Exactly. What is so hard to figure out that more weight equals less Mpg. This is not directed at you nosparkplugs, but the other post.

Dave...

[topsites]

I have never in 7 years engaged my 4wd, then again none of my trucks ever had it.

[coolluv]

my 4x4 gasser gets better mileage than my 2wd gasser.

If it is the same engine and year model truck, how can that be. The weight difference on the 4x4 would ultimately make for less fuel mileage. More weight equals less fuel mileage.

Maybe I'm missing something here.

Dave...

[coolluv]

I have never in 7 years engaged my 4wd, then again none of my trucks ever had it.

There was one time I recall where that might have saved me a couple of hours,
but 2-3 thousand buys a whole lot of tow truck time in my neck of the woods :p

So that's it, save yourself the 2-3 grand and put it in a special savings account
to be used only for 'tow truck time' used specifically for when you get stuck LOL

And you'll probably come out ahead, just don't take the truck into the swamp lands.

Could not agree more topsites.

Dave...

[dura to the max]

they are two different trucks, but the 4x4 has a bigger engine. they have the same gears too.

[TXNSLighting]

Exactly. What is so hard to figure out that more weight equals less Mpg. This is not directed at you nosparkplugs, but the other post.

Dave...

Is this directed twoards me then? My 2wd gets 17-19 mpg's. Most all 4x4's with the same exact features as mine get 18-20. not very hard.

[TXNSLighting]

I have owned both, living in a state that regularly gets snow 4x4 is a must. Since I have moved to the midsouth, no snow:) 4x4 is a waste of money. 4x2 trucks are lighter, not weaker; which allows them to tow or haul more weight. If your serious about towing & hauling the added 4x4 component weight is a penatly, and does reduce your GTWR. 4x2 will out tow a 4x4 daily

The weight of a 4x4 vs a 4x2 isnt but a 3-500 hundred pounds. thats not enough to make a huge difference.

[coolluv]

Another thing that I will add to this is, Driving habits have alot to do with fuel mileage. If you drive like a clown, you will get bad MPG. If you keep your shifts down to below 2000 RPMs. then you will get better MPGs.

Go to the truck forums on the web, and you will see MPGs all over the board. I get really great MPGs from my Duramax. But I don't drive like a clown. How can the same truck get such a variation in MPGs. Driving Habits.

Dave...

[TXNSLighting]

I just posted my mpgs and i dont drive bad. I cant cause its lettered. It just appears a myth to me.

[KrayzKajun]

thanks guys!!!!

[TXNSLighting]

yeh...Look what you started.

[KrayzKajun]

yeh...Look what you started.

i love it! gives me sumthin to read while at the firestation!!!

[TXNSLighting]

Ha thats for sure! Your lookin at maybe, maybe a 1 mpg difference with a 4x4..i think its a no brainer...

[nosparkplugs]

4x4 higher off the ground, more wind resistance, trailer or not=less mpg. 4x4, front solid axle = no free axle spin:laugh:, unless you install the aftermarket "Spin Doctor" free axle kit GM IS 4x4 is slightly better on MPG, but does lack the strength of a solid 4x4 axle, without the SD 4x4 creates more friction=less mpg. Ditto the 4x2 limited slip solves many of the 4x2 traction issues. Since I have been managing the Pipe line right of way, lots of fire trails, and many places you would "think" a 4x2 would get stuck 4x2 does just fine. If your wanting to go "balls" out a 4x4 will get you in more trouble. With the price of these trucks 4x2 or 4x4, I only saw myself in a 4x4, saying "watch this as I came up to a mud hole":laugh: speaking for myself 4x2 keeps me honest, and focused on making money not what can I add to my truck next. I would purchase a POS beater 4x4 if I wanted to get a 4x4 muddy.

Both 4x2 or 4x4 have advantages and disadvantages. To just randomly say the 4x4 is superior is incorrect, it boils down to daily application.

[coolluv]

If you go to the Chevy forums you will here guys on there saying that they get Mpgs really low,and Mpgs really high. Like I said, Driving habits make a huge difference in Mpgs.

You will see guys say they put programmers on their trucks to get better Mpgs. But it is not necessary. I get 20 to 23 Mpgs on the highway, and 15 to 17 around town. I have a 2007 Crew Cab Duramax Diesel. I get 13 to 14 Mpgs pulling a 5000# trailer. I had a 4x4 Dodge that got 9 to 10 pulling the same trailer.

I don't want to argue, but it is what it is.

Dave...

[KrayzKajun]

4x4 higher off the ground, more wind resistance, trailer or not=less mpg. 4x4, front solid axle = no free axle spin:laugh:, unless you install the aftermarket "Spin Doctor" free axle kit GM IS 4x4 is slightly better on MPG, but does lack the strength of a solid 4x4 axle, without the SD 4x4 creates more friction=less mpg. Ditto the 4x2 limited slip solves many of the 4x2 traction issues. Since I have been managing the Pipe line right of way, lots of fire trails, and many places you would "think" a 4x2 would get stuck 4x2 does just fine. If your wanting to go "balls" out a 4x4 will get you in more trouble. With the price of these trucks 4x2 or 4x4, I only saw myself in a 4x4, saying "watch this as I came up to a mud hole":laugh: speaking for myself 4x2 keeps me honest, and focused on making money not what can I add to my truck next. I would purchase a POS beater 4x4 if I wanted to get a 4x4 muddy.

Both 4x2 or 4x4 have advantages and disadvantages. To just randomly say the 4x4 is superior is incorrect, it boils down to daily application.

to be honest... i think 4x4 will get me in trouble,,,, ( i didnt earn the nick name KRAYZ KAJUN being safe LOL.) having my 1/2ton being 2wd drive has saved me from doin sum dumb $h!t at the hunting camp!

[nosparkplugs]

to be honest... i think 4x4 will get me in trouble,,,, ( i didnt earn the nick name KRAYZ KAJUN being safe LOL.) having my 1/2ton being 2wd drive has saved me from doin sum dumb $h!t at the hunting camp!

Ditto:laugh:, Think you have answered your own question?, get a Kubota RTV or JD Gator, or quad to go 4x4 mudding. The 4x2 truck will get you close enough, works for me.:cool2:

[KCfireman]

i think really you only need a 4x4 if you live in the Midwest like me or in the northeast due to the nasty winter's we have. Lots of snow and ice. I think if you live in Kansas City and you don't have 4x4 during the winter then your crazy!

[Junior M]

Imo if you hunt and your hunt club, is anything like mine, and the places I hunt I would get 4wheel drive, things can get slick getting into the stand and you never know when you might just get bored and get the urge (<spelling?) to go play in the mud.. So if I were you I would just go ahead and get it...

[coolluv]

I will add one more thing to this discussion. My first truck was a 76 Dodge 3 speed on the column. I lived in the Northeast most of my life and have driven in snow and ice so many times its not even funny. Knowing how to drive in mud and snow and ice means more than having a 4x4.

I have driven in **** and gone up and down power line trails with a 2wd more times than I could count. Knowing how to drive is more important than having a 4x4. I have seen guys get stuck in a 4x4 and I would go the same places with my 4x2 and not have any problems.

Nothing beats experience,and common sense.

Dave...

[Junior M]

I will add one more thing to this discussion. My first truck was a 76 Dodge 3 speed on the column. I lived in the Northeast most of my life and have driven in snow and ice so many times its not even funny. Knowing how to drive in mud and snow and ice means more than having a 4x4.

I have driven in **** and gone up and down power line trails with a 2wd more times than I could count. Knowing how to drive is more important than having a 4x4. I have seen guys get stuck in a 4x4 and I would go the same places with my 4x2 and not have any problems.

Nothing beats experience,and common sense.

Dave...
Thats true but when you get in slick sticky red clay, like where I hunt, and your just setting there spinning 4wheel drive helps, We rode around to check on everything this past weekend at the hunt club and we usually take the trucks but it was so slick and snotty nasty we took our fourwheelers. I was in 3rd gear most of time and I was doing more spinning than anything, I finally put the fourwheeler in 4wheel drive so I would quit throwing red clay all over my camoflauge...

[DLCS]

Most people don't need 4x4, even in the midwest or north east. I have 4x4 just cause I plow snow, if it wasn't for that I would stick with 2wd trucks. Hell, I don't always use 4 wheel drive while plowing snow. So many people buy 4x4's and never use 4 wheel drive and when they do and think they can drive 90mph in the snow. I laugh at some of these idiots around here, couple of inches of snow and they are using 4 wheel drive.:dizzy:

[Whitey4]

I'm getting ready to buy an F-150. 2 wheel drive. It isn't just the weight or gas milage, it's the cost of repairs too. I don't need the ground clearance, LI is flat, and we don't get all that much snow, which is why I don't do snow removal.

A limited slip differential actaully works BETTER than some 4WD systems. I had a Rodeo 4WD. Was launching a small boat on a dirt ramp, and don't ya know... one of the rear wheels is spinning, one of the front wheels is spinning, and I'm stuck. Lotta good the 4WD did me then. A limited slip differential would have gotten me out of there no problem.

The resale value is an issue, but I will keep this new truck until it's ready for the scrap heap. The 4X4 is sexier... but I need a work truck... I never got "lucky" because I had a hot looking vehicle.... I let my man-stud body act as bait. :weightlifter:







Problem is, the fish aren't biting..... now a '55 T-Bird.... THAT might make a guy "luckier".....

[shepoutside]

Just cost me $3,800.00 bucks to redo the front end, U-joints etc, in my 4WD. Don't forget maintenance cost too. And yes, I plow with mine too.

[flatlander42]

this should help the MPG discussion

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm


THERE TAKE THAT!!!haha

i usually look at that site when im thinking about buying a car



Nathan

[KrayzKajun]

i bought 4wd!!! pics comin soon!!!

[dura to the max]

i bought 4wd!!! pics comin soon!!!

GOOD FOR YOU!!! southern firefighters shouldnt have 2wd...besides, how crazy are you really apt to get in a new truck?

[TXNSLighting]

Hey yay!! Get them pics up!!

[dura to the max]

start a new thread for it so we aint gotta wade through all this 4x4 crap...

[TXNSLighting]

start a new thread for it so we aint gotta wade through all this 4x4 crap...

Agreed! Im excited and it aint even my truck!

[dura to the max]

Agreed! Im excited and it aint even my truck!

i know...i love seeing people that aint poor like me and can afford nice stuff...then i can badmouth them...:laugh::laugh::laugh:

jk:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[NC Greenscaper]

what will you be doing with the truck? Don't spend extra money on something you won't need. If it's for your business, then get what you need. If you dont' need it. Why waste the extra expense. If business is lawn mowing, then spend the money on things that will make you money. 2k spent on a piece of gear that will make you money is better spent than 2k on a towing machine.

[NC Greenscaper]

what will you be doing with the truck? Don't spend extra money on something you won't need. If it's for your business, then get what you need. If you dont' need it. Why waste the extra expense. If business is lawn mowing, then spend the money on things that will make you money. 2k spent on a piece of gear that will make you money is better spent than 2k on a towing machine.

Sorry, didn't read through all the post. Good luck with your 4wd :laugh:

[TXNSLighting]

what will you be doing with the truck? Don't spend extra money on something you won't need. If it's for your business, then get what you need. If you dont' need it. Why waste the extra expense. If business is lawn mowing, then spend the money on things that will make you money. 2k spent on a piece of gear that will make you money is better spent than 2k on a towing machine.

He already bought... pay attention. :laugh:

[TXNSLighting]

i know...i love seeing people that aint poor like me and can afford nice stuff...then i can badmouth them...:laugh::laugh::laugh:

jk:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

Dand right! Its good to be able to get what you WANT!

[dura to the max]

Dand right! Its good to be able to get what you WANT!

i'll have to take your word on that one....

[dura to the max]

we need pics.....

[Junior M]

i bought 4wd!!! pics comin soon!!!
:clapping: Awesome! now lets start a list of what to do with it when you get it!

1.Post pics on LS
2.Get it muddy
3.Get it stuck
4.Get pictures of it muddy and stuck
5.Post pictures of it muddy and stuck on LS

haha.. ok now seriously whatd you buy?

[CALandscapes]

Both of my trucks have 4wd. I use mine about 10 times per year, BUT, am very very thankful I have it.

I'll probably never buy a 2wd pick up again.

[CALandscapes]

Krazy, you should buy my 4wd F-250...

What are you getting?

[TXNSLighting]

Brand new v10 super duty we think.

[CALandscapes]

I have to say buying a 3/4 ton gasser would be a sin...

Spend the extra $$ and get the diesel!

[TXNSLighting]

Yeh but everyone convinced him he didnt need it....:(

[TXNSLighting]

Well Krazy i guess youre going to make us suffer...

[mike lane lawn care]

Well Krazy i guess youre going to make us suffer...

i'm debating if he finally signed the paperwork, he's been looking at every truck, and every configuration on the market for a while now.

[TXNSLighting]

i'm debating if he finally signed the paperwork, he's been looking at every truck, and every configuration on the market for a while now.

He bought one! Diesel!! Its in the pic thread

[Hawg City Lawns]

well i have a 2wd silverado to work with and a 4wd durango only thing i use 4wd for is hunting and if you know how to drive a 2wd you can get just about anywhere with them too but i have it just to say i have it pretty much ive used it once on the road and that was because it was snowing and i just wanted to see what it was like haha

[brucec32]

I didn't think so until my prerunner even with a locking differential almost got stuck when I towed a 3600 lb chipper a little into the woods on a slight grade after some weeks of rainfall that left the ground softer than usual even after a couple of dry days. I wound up having to cut down a small tree to get a clear path out that was pointed downhill enough to get some momentum going.

That said, in 16 years plus I've needed 4wd about five times.

Still, my next truck will have 4wd and be full sized. The added initial cost is offset mostly at resale time and the added fuel cost doesn't matter as much as I now drive a lot less than when I got the Taco. (7,000 vs 18,000 mi/year)

[skennedy04]

I would go with the 4x4,i use mine all the time......nice option to have.

[Junior M]

:dizzy: Do you see how old this thread is? He's already bought a truck, a 4x4 btw :weightlifter:

[brucec32]

:dizzy: Do you see how old this thread is? He's already bought a truck, a 4x4 btw :weightlifter:


Kind of like a call-in advice show, sometimes you're answering for general informational purposes rather than a specific person's question.

Example: I find it useful that if someone asks about a specific mower type that I get to search for threads and hear 20 opinions rather than just 1-2 who happened to reply before he went out and bought the thing anyway.

I for one would like to hear how many people use 4x4 vs how many never do.

Replying to older threads also prevents having to go to 36 different threads spaced over 5 years to find information on a topic.

[sandy creek]

If your work truck is your duck truck (like mine is) 4WD is the only way to go

[TandM]

I use mine whenever in dirt as a 2500 truck especially diesel has plenty of wheel hop in sand and dirt because of the immense amount of torque and low gearing. if you like hoppin along go for 2 wd if not I like my 4wd oh and it always comes in handy at the dump when its rained and is muddy.