Sabluka
Ak
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Joined: 05/10/2008
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Hey Folks,
I've decided to buy a used diesel 3/4 ton PU for towing trailer or possible a 5th wheel. Dry weight for trailer wld be ard 2600 lbs so I fig Ford or GMC 3/4 ton would easily do the job.
My question is this - Would you folk with experience recommend I get a 4wd or a 2wd? 2wds are a good bit cheaper..
thanks
Rick
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txtaco
Richmond, Texas
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Joined: 11/13/2004
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Many will say no need.....I have a 4x4 and will say that 95% of the time I do not need it. That being said, Have been in campsites (all dirt) that when trying to leave (after a night of rain) needed my 4x4 to get out, as it was just slippery enough. For the most part a 4x4 lets you get stuck further and deeper that a 2wd.
2004 GMC 2500HD CC 6.0/4.10 4x4
2008 Jayco G2 32BHDS
Pro-Pride Hitch
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sonicsix
Jemison, AL
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Joined: 10/11/2008
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The lady that I pulled out with my 4WD while she was hitched to her camper and stuck in the sand thinks it's good to have. YMMV
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Sabluka
Ak
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txt,
As you can imagine, all my vehicles here in Ak are 4wd mostly because of the snow. And the silt/sands here can even make a 4wd truck get stuck. Mostly by the rivers and on the beaches.
Just not sure about the rest of the US tho..
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Sabluka
Ak
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Yeah sonic I kwym.  I've saved several trucks/jeeps from getting destroyed by the high tides of Cook inlet..That was with my '88 GMC 3500 Crew Cab..454 CI power Monster.
Well this discussion had pretty much made up my mind. I was ready to spring for 2006 diesel 2wd but think I'll give it some more thought by-gum..
thanks
Rick
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My2500HDTruck
Contra Costa County
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Joined: 11/16/2003
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If you are within the weight of your trailer towing capacity, then go with the 4x4. I have used it multiple times when I had to back into sand or loose gravel. You only need 4x4 when you get stuck and that one time will determine if you need 4x4 or not.
2004 Silverado 2500HD: LT, Crew Cab, Duramax/Allison, 4x4
2000 Coleman Timberlake Popup
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oakmandan
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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In all the time I had my 4 wheel drive pick-up, I only needed to use the 4 wheel drive one time (while camping). So when I ordered my new Super Duty in 1999, I ordered a 2 wheel drive with limited slip. This was back in my Travel Trailer towing days.
* This post was
edited 07/19/09 04:43pm by oakmandan *
Dan and Janelle
Lily and Sherman the smelly Bassets
2005 Ford Escape XLT, AWD, V-6
1994 Skamper 22C Plan D
Nights camped in 2008 .... 16
Nights camped in 2009 .... 26
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smkettner
Southern California
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Since you ask you probably do not need 4wd. There is always one around willing to help if you need it. Then again if you wander off road by yourself to fairly remote areas then you need it. Don't forget tow strap, shovel, pull pal, tire chains, high lift jack, hand winch, snatch block, gloves, etc.
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
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xaugievike
Chicagoland
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Joined: 03/02/2009
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I'm with the "haven't used it 99%" of the time club.....but that 1% of the time when i did need it, I was darn glad I had it.....
2006 Chevy Silverado 2500hd w/ 6.0l (4spd)
Pulling Keystone Laredo 284bhs
Equalizer Hitch
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Since you're in Alaska, I would say, yes, get the 4wd. 
I would have to agree, any brand 3/4-ton truck will have 'no problem' pulling that 2500-lb trailer!
92F350 CrewCab 4x4 351/C6
LoadNGo service body
69Bronco ATC250R CR500
20' BigTex flatbed carhauler
B&W TurnoverBall g-neck Curt Magnum rr DrawTite ft
HD springs Rancho9000s Bilsteins poly sway bushings
285/75-16E BFG AT on 16x8 Stocktons
4.56's & Lock-Rite rear
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