I asked this question on another forum but didn't really get a definitive answer. It seemed most were talking weekend/vacation camping. We won't be boondocking per say, and are currently Resorts of Distinction members so will be utilizing this a lot. We're looking at a Mobile Suites in the 36 or 38' model. Being a mechanic I'm versed in the wear and tear and lower fuel mpg issues with a 4x4 p/u and don't want to go that route if possible. So how many fulltimes have 2x4 P/U's and wish they'd bought a 4x4 P/U
Racerguy said
04:57 PM Dec 4, 2011
Had a 2x4 single rear wheel then traded for a 4x4 Dually, will never tow again with 2 wheel drive.If you are looking at Mobile Suites you are going to need a 1 ton dually or preferably a F450 at minimum.Dually's have little grip in wet grass or sand so you will need 4 wheel drive.4wheel drive pickups have higher resale value and the newer ones aren't that much worse on fuel than the 2 wheel drive ones.My opinion and mine only.You will get preferences on both sides.
-- Edited by Racerguy on Sunday 4th of December 2011 04:58:39 PM
Delaine and Lindy said
07:05 PM Dec 4, 2011
I have owned a Freightliner and the Chevy Kodiak 4500 both weren't a 4x4. The none 4x4 Trucks are fine unless you do off roading. I have never use the 4x4 option on any of the 4x4 GM 3500HD's. Don't know about the Fords or Dodges but all GM HD trucks will have a limit slip rear differential and in every RV Park I have been in the last 6 years, we travel about 8 months a year we aren't full timing but I never needed the 4x4 option. My Trucks all cost to much to do any off roading.
I admit I now have a 2012 Chevy 3500HD DRWs 4x4. I really shouldn't have ordered the 4x4 option but didn't even think about it until it was to late to change the order. But in my opinion there is no need for a 4x4 option on todays GM Trucks, unless you off road. Just the cost alone doesn't justify the 4x4 option for the few times if ever you will need the 4x4. And if your stuck a tow is very cheap. I for one will not put my 2012 Chevy 3500HD and 2010 Mobile Suites in a position were I need a 4x4. Also I have never been in any RV park were there wasn't another 4x4. And a $50.00 bill will get many offers to give you a pull and in most cases it probably want be over 20'.
Also I will tell you the time your ready to sell or trade the 4x4 option will give you more money if selling and a little more if trading... Really its a choice or preference. I will never order another 4x4 DRW truck again..
As for towing the Mobile Suites I have no problem towing the 2010 Mobile Suites 38 RSSB 3 with the vanity slide at the max weight of the Mobile Suites which is 18,500 lbs. and the Elite Suites is 20,500 lbs. However if you want a 2 wheel drive you most likely will have to order, very few are on a dealership lot. The reason is most think they have to have 4x4, really only Ranchers and Farmers need a 4x4 option... The dealerships like the extra money in the. Happy Trails..
P.S. We stay South in the winter and never in Snow....
-- Edited by Delaine and Lindy on Sunday 4th of December 2011 07:08:22 PM
-- Edited by Delaine and Lindy on Sunday 4th of December 2011 07:12:01 PM
igotjam said
07:51 PM Dec 4, 2011
Have fulltimed for 5 years with 2WD F-450. (had Elite Suite then Escalade). Never needed 4 wheel drive. From Canada and been in lots of snow as well. Thought about getting 4WD but figured for the one or 2 times I might need it, I could call my roadside assistance provider. Like I said:...have not needed it yet.
Waggin Tails said
09:30 PM Dec 4, 2011
I opted for a 2WD because of the cost difference. I did not feel the need for 4WD was sufficient to change my mind. Do I wish I had selected a 4WD drive option? No. Do I wish I had selected single rear wheel drive instead of duals? No. In my mind it is more about what can a person afford and what let's them sleep at night. Good luck in your decision
Terry and Jo said
09:37 PM Dec 4, 2011
I believe that Lindy has explained the 4X4 options very well. In my case I did live and work on a farm. Since we also ran roughly from 750 to 1500 head of cattle every years, so we had the absolute need in winter to feed them. Only a four wheel drive would get that job done.
Now, having said that, a 4X4 dually would be absolutely useless on a farm as the extra wheels would only be of real value in the case of hauling heavy trailers. After we moved off of the farm and I became a city-slicker, I have seldom ever even felt the need for 4X4.
While we also tow a Mobile Suites with our Ford F450, I chose it because of its better ability to pull that heavy of a trailer. Ours is even a 2008, so I still have the 19.5" wheels with supposed bigger brakes plus the 4:88 rear differential ratio.
While I've heard of the issue of the dually's slipping on wet grass, I have to say that I currently live where I park on grass and wet grass hasn't stopped me from moving our F450, in spite of having to back up a slight incline.
Terry
The Bear II said
10:37 AM Dec 5, 2011
I only needed a 4X4 once in the 16 years that we have had the nearly 15000 pound 5th wheel. That was in a campground above 5000 ft and I had a non-fuel injected engine so I was down power due to the altitude. There was a steep hill in the campground with loose gravel on asphalt. I couldn't get enough go or traction to make it up the hill. A friend hooked on to my trailer with his Dodge Diesel 4X4 (he was in 2 wheel drive) and got us into our spot.
95% of our camping is on paved road or hard pack dirt roads. We do spend time in the deserts on dirt roads, but avoid any road that is too soft for our two wheel drive while towing the 5th wheel.
I had 4X4s for most of our RV'ing over the past 40 years and used the four wheel drive about 10 percent of the time and usually that was while not towing.
Bill and Linda said
07:35 PM Dec 5, 2011
Well, I’m in the minority, but I have and will always have 4x4 unless there is no option.I have used it many times and have needed it many times to better handle situation.Now, we don’t go “off road.”However, we do travel a lot and the 4x4 has gotten me out of several situations where the “big trucks” with their rigs were slipping and sliding in the grass, sand and mud due to rain and having to be pulled out by the 4x4’s.Gravel inclines in the campgrounds can also present some rear wheel spinning issues even with a light trailer.Gravel just does that; has nothing to do with weight or truck manufacture.A push of the button and that issue goes away.
I do not agree, in a towing situation, that the 4x4 has any measureable MPG difference with the 2 wheel drive. I have owned 4x4’s for 30+ years and comparing them to the 2x2’s the MPG’s were the same. But my experience is all Chevy, don’t know about the Fords or Dodges as to MPG differences, if any. (Fleet type operation 4x4 vs. 2 wheel drive)There is a small weight penalty with 4x4 but, IMO, not enough to lose sleep over.If those 200lbs GVW is going to make the difference between being within specs, then you need, again IMO, a bigger truck.
In 30 years I have never had a mechanical issue with the Chevy 4x4 system.Maybe just luck.But we’ve had a lot of trucks over those years, personal and company; all 4x4.(DW’s Chevy truck is a 4x4 – 10 years old, no mechanical 4x4 issues either.)
4x4 is like a spare tire, hadn’t needed one for years, then this year I needed 3 spare tires.So, there you go.It’s just a personal choice.No totally right or wrong answer. Butfor me, because we do and have traveled more miles than perhaps some I like the added capability and self-security when needed including in US campgrounds that have nothing to do with boondocking.(Worst case was in a KOA right off the Interstate after a terrible storm. Things happen. {Grin})
Safe travels - enjoy the experience
Bill
James and Cindy said
08:28 PM Dec 5, 2011
I have to agree with Bill. I like having a 4x4. I used it this weekend backing my camper into its shed. If you come to Louisiana in a normal spring you may use it in a campground. Our ground gets really soggy and the people who get off the pavement have problems. If you don't want 4 wheel drive at least carry a tow strap so if someone comes to help, you will be ready.
James
Racerguy said
09:04 PM Dec 5, 2011
Thanks Bill and James,I was beginning to feel like the Lone Ranger.:)
Delaine and Lindy said
07:41 AM Dec 6, 2011
As ask by the OP "Is the 4x4 needed", I think he got some good comments. Now its up to the OP to make his decision! The OP knows his wants and needs.. I also believe the question was excellent, during this time of high Diesel prices and the will continue to go up. Good Luck on your Decision.. Happy Trails.....
I asked this question on another forum but didn't really get a definitive answer. It seemed most were talking weekend/vacation camping. We won't be boondocking per say, and are currently Resorts of Distinction members so will be utilizing this a lot. We're looking at a Mobile Suites in the 36 or 38' model. Being a mechanic I'm versed in the wear and tear and lower fuel mpg issues with a 4x4 p/u and don't want to go that route if possible. So how many fulltimes have 2x4 P/U's and wish they'd bought a 4x4 P/U
Had a 2x4 single rear wheel then traded for a 4x4 Dually, will never tow again with 2 wheel drive.If you are looking at Mobile Suites you are going to need a 1 ton dually or preferably a F450 at minimum.Dually's have little grip in wet grass or sand so you will need 4 wheel drive.4wheel drive pickups have higher resale value and the newer ones aren't that much worse on fuel than the 2 wheel drive ones.My opinion and mine only.You will get preferences on both sides.
-- Edited by Racerguy on Sunday 4th of December 2011 04:58:39 PM
I have owned a Freightliner and the Chevy Kodiak 4500 both weren't a 4x4. The none 4x4 Trucks are fine unless you do off roading. I have never use the 4x4 option on any of the 4x4 GM 3500HD's. Don't know about the Fords or Dodges but all GM HD trucks will have a limit slip rear differential and in every RV Park I have been in the last 6 years, we travel about 8 months a year we aren't full timing but I never needed the 4x4 option. My Trucks all cost to much to do any off roading.
I admit I now have a 2012 Chevy 3500HD DRWs 4x4. I really shouldn't have ordered the 4x4 option but didn't even think about it until it was to late to change the order. But in my opinion there is no need for a 4x4 option on todays GM Trucks, unless you off road. Just the cost alone doesn't justify the 4x4 option for the few times if ever you will need the 4x4. And if your stuck a tow is very cheap. I for one will not put my 2012 Chevy 3500HD and 2010 Mobile Suites in a position were I need a 4x4. Also I have never been in any RV park were there wasn't another 4x4. And a $50.00 bill will get many offers to give you a pull and in most cases it probably want be over 20'.
Also I will tell you the time your ready to sell or trade the 4x4 option will give you more money if selling and a little more if trading...
Really its a choice or preference. I will never order another 4x4 DRW truck again..
As for towing the Mobile Suites I have no problem towing the 2010 Mobile Suites 38 RSSB 3 with the vanity slide at the max weight of the Mobile Suites which is 18,500 lbs. and the Elite Suites is 20,500 lbs. However if you want a 2 wheel drive you most likely will have to order, very few are on a dealership lot. The reason is most think they have to have 4x4, really only Ranchers and Farmers need a 4x4 option... The dealerships like the extra money in the. Happy Trails..
P.S. We stay South in the winter and never in Snow....
-- Edited by Delaine and Lindy on Sunday 4th of December 2011 07:08:22 PM
-- Edited by Delaine and Lindy on Sunday 4th of December 2011 07:12:01 PM
In my mind it is more about what can a person afford and what let's them sleep at night.
Good luck in your decision
I believe that Lindy has explained the 4X4 options very well. In my case I did live and work on a farm. Since we also ran roughly from 750 to 1500 head of cattle every years, so we had the absolute need in winter to feed them. Only a four wheel drive would get that job done.
Now, having said that, a 4X4 dually would be absolutely useless on a farm as the extra wheels would only be of real value in the case of hauling heavy trailers. After we moved off of the farm and I became a city-slicker, I have seldom ever even felt the need for 4X4.
While we also tow a Mobile Suites with our Ford F450, I chose it because of its better ability to pull that heavy of a trailer. Ours is even a 2008, so I still have the 19.5" wheels with supposed bigger brakes plus the 4:88 rear differential ratio.
While I've heard of the issue of the dually's slipping on wet grass, I have to say that I currently live where I park on grass and wet grass hasn't stopped me from moving our F450, in spite of having to back up a slight incline.
Terry
95% of our camping is on paved road or hard pack dirt roads. We do spend time in the deserts on dirt roads, but avoid any road that is too soft for our two wheel drive while towing the 5th wheel.
I had 4X4s for most of our RV'ing over the past 40 years and used the four wheel drive about 10 percent of the time and usually that was while not towing.
Well, I’m in the minority, but I have and will always have 4x4 unless there is no option. I have used it many times and have needed it many times to better handle situation. Now, we don’t go “off road.” However, we do travel a lot and the 4x4 has gotten me out of several situations where the “big trucks” with their rigs were slipping and sliding in the grass, sand and mud due to rain and having to be pulled out by the 4x4’s. Gravel inclines in the campgrounds can also present some rear wheel spinning issues even with a light trailer. Gravel just does that; has nothing to do with weight or truck manufacture. A push of the button and that issue goes away.
I do not agree, in a towing situation, that the 4x4 has any measureable MPG difference with the 2 wheel drive. I have owned 4x4’s for 30+ years and comparing them to the 2x2’s the MPG’s were the same. But my experience is all Chevy, don’t know about the Fords or Dodges as to MPG differences, if any. (Fleet type operation 4x4 vs. 2 wheel drive) There is a small weight penalty with 4x4 but, IMO, not enough to lose sleep over. If those 200lbs GVW is going to make the difference between being within specs, then you need, again IMO, a bigger truck.
In 30 years I have never had a mechanical issue with the Chevy 4x4 system. Maybe just luck. But we’ve had a lot of trucks over those years, personal and company; all 4x4. (DW’s Chevy truck is a 4x4 – 10 years old, no mechanical 4x4 issues either.)
4x4 is like a spare tire, hadn’t needed one for years, then this year I needed 3 spare tires. So, there you go. It’s just a personal choice. No totally right or wrong answer. Butfor me, because we do and have traveled more miles than perhaps some I like the added capability and self-security when needed including in US campgrounds that have nothing to do with boondocking. (Worst case was in a KOA right off the Interstate after a terrible storm. Things happen. {Grin})
Safe travels - enjoy the experience
Bill
I have to agree with Bill. I like having a 4x4. I used it this weekend backing my camper into its shed. If you come to Louisiana in a normal spring you may use it in a campground. Our ground gets really soggy and the people who get off the pavement have problems. If you don't want 4 wheel drive at least carry a tow strap so if someone comes to help, you will be ready.
James