4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

[gtochris]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

Lets put it in perspective. You cant sell a 4x4 down here, and they are not available in most vehicles. Likely due to the first part of that statement. It uses a bit more gas. It cost more to buy. There is more maintanance involved. We dont have snow, so I doubt I am going to get stuck and freeze to death. Wife drives ours to work and back and it is only 5 years old with 100k and no issues at all. So 4x4 makes no sense. Never in 5 years have I had an issue on any ramp. So again, why incurr any more expense??
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Having replaced the 4x4 module/ controler at nearly $1,000 I can definately vouch for the extra cost and if you dont need it, dont get it! With the demise of the tow car, the 2WD SUV is as car like as you can get while still maintaining a tow-capacity. You just need to know your capabilities! I used a ramp last week that I would likely not use with a 2WD vehicle as it was gravel/ VERY short, but it's as simple as that. Had my only option been a 2WD I wouldnt have backed in very far and likely done ALOT more winching.

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

Just like you cannot sell a 4X4 in sunny south. Glad you have 72K on a 10 year old. My 2X is 37 months old with 81K, what difference does it make? Actually, unless in mud or snot there is no reason for a 4X4. Had them from 1976 until I wised up and moved south 10 years ago.

no difference, im saying in ten years and 72k ive had no 4x4 related expenses, as people here think they are so expensive to keep up. i wont move south, anything past 80 is too damn hot and i need snow. i refuse to put that many miles on a vehicle, i work close to home and my truck never leaves the state. got the cobalt for putting miles on.

 

[americaneagler77]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

Sounds to me like you are the only one ranting. Trying to justify what you have. Give me one reason for me to pay extra for the vehicle, insurance and gas of a 4x4. I know its not much but it does add up. You have an extra axle to lug around and take care of.

Lets put it in perspective. You cant sell a 4x4 down here, and they are not available in most vehicles. Likely due to the first part of that statement. It uses a bit more gas. It cost more to buy. There is more maintanance involved. We dont have snow, so I doubt I am going to get stuck and freeze to death. Wife drives ours to work and back and it is only 5 years old with 100k and no issues at all. So 4x4 makes no sense. Never in 5 years have I had an issue on any ramp. So again, why incurr any more expense??

I never said they are any more maintainance, and I have stated that I have a 4x4 for playing off road. Just cant see paying a premium for a vehicle I wont be able to sell, so my wife can drive it 75 miles a day on the highway. Jeep is too small to tow the boat, but will go through anything. So I have both. One to play, one for work and wife to dd and tow our boat. I have a company car, so I take what they give me. Thats all.

So as I said, your primary use will have to dictate which you get. Plain and simple.

i dont need to justify what i have for any dipstick on the internet, (and i dont mean you) i know you live in florida and dont need a 4x4. but its amazing how many people fart around on here and say a 2wd is just as capable, blah blah blah....its annoying....ive broken more parts in my 2wd trucks trying to get unstuck or around in bad conditions than ive ever broke in a 4x4 (nothing) i agree everything has its place but the false info on here is sickening, along with a lot of other things that get said around here that burn a hole in my rear.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

i dont need to justify what i have for any dipstick on the internet, (and i dont mean you) i know you live in florida and dont need a 4x4. but its amazing how many people fart around on here and say a 2wd is just as capable, blah blah blah....its annoying....ive broken more parts in my 2wd trucks trying to get unstuck or around in bad conditions than ive ever broke in a 4x4 (nothing) i agree everything has its place but the false info on here is sickening, along with a lot of other things that get said around here that burn a hole in my rear.

Well OK. I do have a 4x4. I just dont tow with it, it is a toy. I beat on it in the woods, mud, rocks, etc etc. Like you, I have a dd. One of our dd is our tow vehicles. The other is my work car. No, its not a lot of extra to take on or take care of a 4x4, but no sense wasting it on the wife's dd and the tow vehicle that we have yet to need a 4x4 for. I spend that extra money on my boat and my Jeep.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

You guys don't get your rear tires wet on the launch ramp? My ramp I need to have my front tires a good 2' or more into the water before the jet skis will come off the trailer. Not only that, but the ramp is narrow concrete, with large rocks on the side opposite the dock, and rocks/mud off the end of it. I know 2wd trucks pull up this ramp, but I assure when I am launching or retreiving, I'm in 4wd.

Along with the living in the north, 2wd won't make it up my driveway in the winter, so I am glad to have the 4wd truck for those snowy days! Even the fiances car is AWD...

I'm not saying everyone needs 4wd, as I went many years without one. It is just something nice to have, and you need to weigh the pros and cons of having it before you decide.

 

[firepro86]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

I tow with a '98 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab 4X4 with the 5.9L V-8 with 245hp. Ive never met a launch ramp dirt or concrete that Ive had an issue with. I was actually at a fishing tournament where I pulled a guy out because he got his rear wheels wet and was just spinning and kept slipping back into the water which was already high enough to flood the bed of his truck. Alot of it has to do with the drivers skill. My dad has a 2 wheel drive truck with a winch on the front and has never had a problem and he launches in the ozarks and the everglades. I prefer the 4X4 because I dont want to be the guy that owns a Dodge submarine. But then again its all about the experience of the driver and where youre going to be launching from.

 

[Volphin]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

In SC, I watched a Dodge Hemi try to pull a 22' sailboat out of the water. with no weight on the back tires, the truck simply spun the tires. We hooked a $500 Ford Taurus up to the trailer, and pulled it out. (that ultimatly killed the Taurus).

In Florida, I watched an F350 dually diesel just spin the tires trying to pull a Grady White out of the water on Anna Marie Island. there was not enough weight on the rear axles, and the algae/weeds on the ramp just greased the situation. I pulled down the ramp with the boat still on, hooked on to his frame and backed my boat and truck while pulling his boat and truck out with my lowly Durango 4.7 4X4. This is not the first, nor will it be my last rescue at a ramp with my truck.

so, with the question of "is 4x4 worth the extra expense" - YES!

Now Scott, our Durangos are not "lowly". Mine is an 01 4x4 with the 5.9L. I've pulled more buddies out on the trail than anyone in our little off road group. Oh, and I've pulled that ramp rescue before too. (She was hot!) Smile and wave boys, smile and wave!

V

 

[Volphin]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

I did have a problem once with my dad's Mazda PU, 2WD. Tried to pull his 86 Winner out of the lake with it for the winter and lost traction. !!! FWIW, that is one light boat. The Mazda was a 5 speed and I had to rock her quite a bit to get her out. I told him if we are yanking his boat out in the future, we are doing it with the Durango. Never had an issue since.

V

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

I did have a problem once with my dad's Mazda PU, 2WD. Tried to pull his 86 Winner out of the lake with it for the winter and lost traction. !!! FWIW, that is one light boat. The Mazda was a 5 speed and I had to rock her quite a bit to get her out. I told him if we are yanking his boat out in the future, we are doing it with the Durango. Never had an issue since.

V

My father had a Mazda B4000, and other than being grosely underpowered, he never had an issue pulling his Tahoe 215 out. His ramp is slick as hell too. It did have a limited slip diff though. It was scary getting on the highway though. He has a Navigator Mark LT 4x4 now, but it feels underpowered too. No problems yanking the boat out of the water though. The Dodge Ram 2wd 4.8 V8 I rented when my work car was in the shop seemed to have more power towing. Still seemed underpowered though. I have never been a fan of Dodge, but I was mildly impressed. I bet with the Hemi it would be a decent tow vehicle.

 

[Volphin]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

My father had a Mazda B4000, and other than being grosely underpowered, he never had an issue pulling his Tahoe 215 out. His ramp is slick as hell too. It did have a limited slip diff though. It was scary getting on the highway though. He has a Navigator Mark LT 4x4 now, but it feels underpowered too. No problems yanking the boat out of the water though. The Dodge Ram 2wd 4.8 V8 I rented when my work car was in the shop seemed to have more power towing. Still seemed underpowered though. I have never been a fan of Dodge, but I was mildly impressed. I bet with the Hemi it would be a decent tow vehicle.

Dad's was the V6 Mazda, I'm not sure what model or diff, but it would pull OK. Just OK mind you. LOL
I think the contributing factor was the wheel depth and the composition of the ramp, which was a mixture of river silt and gravel. If it had 4x4 it probably would have been easier to extract.

Oh, and don't put too much stock in those Hemis. With my engine mods, I far surpass their HP & TQ on this old 360. But I can't stop tinkering. It is a disease.

V

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

Dad's was the V6 Mazda, I'm not sure what model or diff, but it would pull OK. Just OK mind you. LOL
I think the contributing factor was the wheel depth and the composition of the ramp, which was a mixture of river silt and gravel. If it had 4x4 it probably would have been easier to extract.

Oh, and don't put too much stock in those Hemis. With my engine mods, I far surpass their HP & TQ on this old 360. But I can't stop tinkering. It is a disease.

V

For a stock 4.8, it had more towing power than my Dad's Navigator Mark LT with the 5.4, so the Hemi has to be decent. I had a Grand Cherokee 5.9l that towed ok, but the short wheelbase made for a scary highway ride. I still like my 5.3l Trailblazer for all around towing and people hauling. I can haul 7 people to the water in comfort and plenty of power for pulling. Like I said, I have yet to find a ramp I cant get down and back up. Maybe the extra weight in the rear being an SUV rather than a pickup helps, or maybe I have just been doing this so long that it is just easy. Of course I have put my 21ft boat in the water with a 74 Jeep CJ5, and a 95 Wrangler without issue. Many years ago, We used to tow a double jetski trailer with a Triumph TR8 and a Honda Del Slo and didnt have any issues either. Had a 96 Isuzu pickup with a 4.3l 2wd we towed our 20 foot ski boat back then too. Have had many boats and many tow vehicles, and where we boat, and live 4x4 is really a complete waste.

Of course where we go offroading, it is a must. But that is what the Jeep is for. I do like my toys.

 

[alexr254]

Re: 4 vs. 2 WD and Tow Vehicle Recommendations

Once you get above 6000 pounds of towing, I would go no less than 3/4 ton.
Remember it is not that a lighter truck could'nt pull it, its that coming to an abrupt stop were the bigger brakes come in handy (even if the trailer has brakes)

As for 2wd or 4wd, go 4x4, limited slip rear, Check out if the clutch packs are worn out and replace if required.

(remember the side walls on the tires, the more plys the less dancing they do)

I 100% agree with this. I pull my 26ft express cruiser (mini yacht) which weights roughly 9000lbs with the trailer, with my 1999 4WD Land Rover Discovery, its pulls it with absiolutely no issues, uphill,highway, etc... BUT stopping is the issue, need to begin my stop waaaay in advance to be safe. The breaks are not made for such weight.