4x2 vs. 4x4 towing

[Lunchbox]

O.K. so here's the debate... I'm looking at new (and used) trucks (probably the Nissan Armada) and I'm curious to know if I need 4wd or is 4x2 sufficient? I know that if I go to the mountains I'd like to have 4wd but they're hard to come by in the surface of the sun, I mean the valley of the sun, Phoenix... The dealers simply don't carry a surplus of them. If I want a new Armada I can't go the dealer and choose between 5 or 6 4x4 versions but I can with the 4x2 version... Bottom line, what do I gain by going 4x4?

Thx in advance...

LBX

[Timmy!]

What have you been towing with? 4x2 or 4x4? Do you have steep slippery ramps at the lakes you go to? Out of 9 trucks that I've owned, only 3 have been 4x4 and I live in Colorado. I only get 4x4 now for the convenience when it snows. I would go 4x2 if you can because it will get better fuel mileage and cost less up front.

[chpthril]

Basically, the 4x4 will have a lower tow rating by about the net weight of the added components i.e. transfer case, front diff. Usually only 3-5 hundred pounds. Other then that, no difference in the engine, trans, brakes, rear end gear, suspension.

As far as towing the only advantage of the 4wd is on a slick ramp, or stuck in a ditch or something.

Me personally, I wont but a SUV/truck with out 4wd.

[time2kyl]

I've towed with a 2wd S-10, it towed my old Supra, it would spin the tires a little on slippery ramps. Then I got 2wd Trailblazer and had no problems with that. I towed my Tige with that until Sep when I bought my 4wd Sierra. I would occasionally spin the tires on the gravel at Callville Bay with the Trailblazer, but letting off the gas would stop that and I would keep going. I bought the Sierra because I wanted something new not due to any towing problems with the Trailblazer. Like Chp said if you aren't going to be on any slick ramps a 2wd is perfectly fine in my book. my

[ragboy]

4x2 will always be better for towing, if all things are equal. 4x4 is needed only in cases where traction is paramount. I live in the mountains, and actually switch on 4x4 as needed, many times a year.

The thing about 4x4, is its one of those things, that you will kick yourself in the a$$ if you ever are on a slippery ramp, or need the traction, and you don't have it. Even if only once per year.

As far as ramps go, I know the new GM trucks, and maybe others have a locking differential. So when they sense a slippery condition, they auto lock, which will get you up a ramp 99% of the time without the need of 4wd. I think if I was going with 2wd, I would make sure I had that.

[chpthril]

Many Auto manufactures offer a cone style, centrifugal force, clutchless limited-slip diff. No need for frequent service using that stinky @$$ fish oil additive

[tessa]

I don't have mountains to deal with but do deal with slippery ramps and at times gravel roads with fairly steep hills to climb. Over the years my only 4x2 did fine but would aggrvate me more on the Ozark gravel and dirt roads when it started spinning it tires and throwing gravel When I replaced that vehicle I went with a Jeep 4x4 shift on the fly. I only went into 4x4 when needed so the affect on mileage was a bit but not as bad as my next Jeep which has full time 4x4. It normally runs in 4x2 mode but you can't keep it from shifting into 4x4.

My Expedition people hauler is the vehicle we use for long 1000 mile trips.It also is 4x4 but is lockable in 4x2, part time AWD and locked 4WD. It handles anything I throw at it and got 18+mpg when towing on long trips in the flat lands of IL in 4x2. When I needed the extra traction Al I do is flip a switch on the dash and I am good to go. Although 4x2 is normally sufficient it is nice to go into 4x4 mode when needed. Make sure the 4x4 mode can lock the differentials on real slippery pavement or muddy roads.

[turbonine]

I have a 2WD Excusrion with a full floating differential and I have pulled out fine on all ramps in AZ. Even pulled the RZ4 with eight people out from the shore launch when Bartletts was real low in April. Did get me a little puckered thought.

Bottom line is you should need 4WD to pull the boat on on any AZ ramp. Drivers abilities can get the job done 99% of the time. Take it slow, don't spin the tires and ride the brake just a little so you don't lose ground.

[time2kyl]

As far as ramps go, I know the new GM trucks, and maybe others have a locking differential. So when they sense a slippery condition, they auto lock, which will get you up a ramp 99% of the time without the need of 4wd. I think if I was going with 2wd, I would make sure I had that.

I was thinking about that while I was on my way back from Lowes. I didn't have it in my 2wd Trailblazer, and would spin at Lake Mead occasionally. When I got my Sierra it has a locking differential and even in 2wd the diff stops the wheel spin. A great item to have if you are only going with a 2wd.

[eks]

I agree, 99% of the time you won't use a 4X4, but I am sure once you buy a 4X2 you will get stuck in some mossy ramp. Murphy's Law

[chpthril]

Me personally, I wont but a SUV/truck with out 4wd.

I agree, 99% of the time you won't use a 4X4, but I am sure once you buy a 4X2 you will get stuck in some mossy ramp. Murphy's Law

That's my feelings, better have and not need

[mtnsmith]

I hear ya about trying to find a 4x4 in a state where "you'll never need it". That is the statement I kept getting from dealers when I was trying to find a 4x4 titan. I have needed 4x4 only on a handful of ramps but when I have needed it, boy have I needed it! I would really have to say it depends on the ramps you will be using. Or if you plan to go to the mtns to ski or take up some other hobby that 4x4 will come in handy. Good finding what you want.

[Dan and Christy]

Lunchbox - At the boat ramp it is extra piece of mind to have 4X4. We use ours everytime we pull the boat out as I don't want any chance of spinning the tires on the gravel and throwing rocks at the front of the boat. You also need to think about your non-lake activities. I have to put it in 4HI to get way back in the dunes at Dumont or Amargosa. My vote would be to definitely get 4x4.

[spharis]

I have a ramp that will make you wish you had 4x4. I hate using it and usually opt to use a ramp 3 miles north and burn the gas.

[Big Wave]

Due to the low water on lake Mead this summer we needed 4WD every time we pulled the boat out. The concrete ended so NPS put down some slick steel over the mud to keep the ramp open.
It would have been a real drag not to have 4WD last season.
My point is you don't always know when you might need it but it sure is nice to have when you do.