For the .0004 times you'll use the 4x4,I'd be looking at fuel mileage, but that's just me.My buddy just bought a 4x4 pimped out Dmax,and he gets 16mpg to my 22-23 highway, he's crying big time.
I have been towing with 4X2 for years and have never been in a situation requiring 4X4. I currently have a 36ft 5er towing with a 2008 F-350 SRW 4X2. Previous was a Silverado. Depends on where you tow and where you go.
I've always had 4x4 TVs. I can count on one hand the times I REALLY needed it. Each of those could have otherwise turned into a huge expensive hassle rather than just pulling a lever.
The main reason our TV is 4x4 is due to snow; we have a long winter, and it's one of our daily drivers. No advantage in towing to have a 4x4 unless you need it for snow, sand or off-roading, IMO.
The only reason my TV is 4x4 is that is that the various local Chevy dealers only had CC 4x4's in stock when I purchased. I could have special ordered a 4x2 CC, but that would have meant getting a 2007.5 LLM with the DPF.
I have not needed 4x4 when towing. However, it did come in handy last summer when exploring remote FS logging roads while checking out some remote trout streams.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
'07 Chevy 2500HD Silverado "Classic" CC D/A 4x4
'07 Komfort Trailblazer T252FS fifth wheel
Reese Signature 18K Slider and other stuff.....some useful.....some not
Even since my dad got his 4X2 '73 F-350 stuck on a goopy dirt road while boondocking, I have been a fan of 4x4's. When I lived in So Cal, we often took trips where it was nice to have 4x4. Getting in and out of camp sites, I used it in Calico, Oceano (Pismo), Glamis, even once at Hungry Valley (it rained). Now that I live in Colorado, I use it all the time. My father-in-law moved out here and bought a 4x2 about 3 months before the move. He knew better than I did. He regrets that desision every time he has to go up his driveway in the snow. Sometimes you don't know what the future holds for you.
As many others have said it all depends on how you are going to use the vehicle. For me, I prefer the 4x2 for several reasons.
1. Lower purchase price
2. Better MPG
3. Higher tow rating
4. Less vehicle maintenance
I agree that the 4x4 may have some advantage in certain situations (snow, sand, very steep grades, etc) and if you are going to be using the vehicle in these situations it is probably the better choice. But after working 30+ years in the woods it appeared to me that the 4x4 was able to go about a 1/4 mile further before getting stuck.
As you can see, lots of people like the 4X4. It does offer some advantages in situations where more traction is needed.
Generally speaking, mpg is less with 4X4. Some say they don't notice the difference. Some say it is significant. The cost of ownership for a 4X4 is higher.
As the price of gas/diesel continues to increase, the cost diffenetial will also.
I have towed with a 4x2 for years with no issues, but have seen many people have issues that would have been made easier with a 4x4. When I traded this time I opted for the 4x4 with a diesel. Experience has shown that the deisel is enough heavier than a gasoline engine that you can end up sinking the front end when not expecting it in things that you didn't suspect would be that soft.
My dad agreed with azwildcat - 4x4's allow you to get stuck in more remote locations.
2008 Jayco Jay Feather 311
2008 Ford F-250 Lariat, Crew Cab, 6.4L Diesel, Automatic, Trailer Tow Package
As shown in my sig., my TV is a 4X2, with REAL traction tires (yes, they are a little noisy, but it is worth it), and a Limited Slip differential. No, I do not get stuck on wet grass. No, I do not get stuck on a wet leaf. Yes, I live in snow country, and don't have any problems in winter (a little weight in the bed does wonders). I have a small farm, and haul hay for the horses with my 4X2 truck, no problems. Yes, I enjoy off-roading, that's what the Jeep Rubicon is for. I certainly am NOT going to attempt off-roading in a Ram 3500 dually.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. I bet you will get a 4X4, because a 4X2 is just too hard to find these days!
As for gas or diesel, with the price of diesel now, there are times I wish I didn't have two of them!
Have fun shopping,
and good luck.
EDIT: As for Pismo Dunes, or any other ocean beach, I could never understand why anyone would pay forty or fifty thousand dollars for a truck, upwards of sixty thousand dollars for a trailer, and then go park in salt. After a couple days of offshore winds, no matter how much you wash and rinse you will NEVER get all the salt (and sand) out of the nooks and crannies of your rig.
However, if it trips YOUR trigger, go for it. It is, after all, YOUR rig, not mine. Enjoy.
* This post was
edited 05/09/08 09:24am by mowermech *
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He regrets that desision every time he has to go up his driveway in the snow. Sometimes you don't know what the future holds for you.
