4x4 helpful for towing?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
I have heard on this forum and read in other places that the 4WD set up gives you a smaller turning radius than the 2WD.
You have the option to use the low 4WD gear to back up and pull out.
If you need it you have it.
Personally I like having a solid front axle and coil springs up front.
You have the option to use the low 4WD gear to back up and pull out.
If you need it you have it.
Personally I like having a solid front axle and coil springs up front.
If you aren't going to be in anything nasty, then dont get it. If you get bad rains or snow there in Harker, then get it. 2WD will save fuel and less parts to deal with. 4x4 is great to have when the snow falls big or you are going to rain soaked dirt roads that turn to mud.
So depending on what you are going to be driving through should determine if you get it or not.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage, Alaska
I agree with most people here. I can't imagine owning a truck that wasn't 4WD. But I use my truck for a lot of stuff besides towing on the highway.
If all you will EVER do is tow on the highway in decent weather (no snow, etc), then 2WD is probably OK. If you're going to encounter snow, or ever go off the pavement, then the one time you need 4WD will pay for it.
Using low range (disconnect the auto-locking vacuum solenoid so the front hubs don't lock) can really help with trying to back into difficult places.
Having 4WD will have no effect on your fuel economy, as long as you're in 2WD with your hubs unlocked.
Also, if you have 4WD, it's good to use it occasionally. Manually lock and unlock the hubs every now and then. It keep's stuff from freezing up and failing when you need it.
If all you will EVER do is tow on the highway in decent weather (no snow, etc), then 2WD is probably OK. If you're going to encounter snow, or ever go off the pavement, then the one time you need 4WD will pay for it.
Using low range (disconnect the auto-locking vacuum solenoid so the front hubs don't lock) can really help with trying to back into difficult places.
Having 4WD will have no effect on your fuel economy, as long as you're in 2WD with your hubs unlocked.
Also, if you have 4WD, it's good to use it occasionally. Manually lock and unlock the hubs every now and then. It keep's stuff from freezing up and failing when you need it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 817
Likes: 23
I don't think there is a mechanicle advantage having a 4x4 for towing. Only if you are off-road, hills, mud etc. I also think you would save on MPG's with a 2wd, being the truck is lighter, not having the 4x4 componets such as transfer case, drive shafts etc.
If I were towing daily or several times a month just on the HWY a 2wd would be the way to go. I prefer I 4x4 myself for what I use my truck for. Everyone has a different purpose for their 2wd or 4x4.
If I were towing daily or several times a month just on the HWY a 2wd would be the way to go. I prefer I 4x4 myself for what I use my truck for. Everyone has a different purpose for their 2wd or 4x4.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
It is only helpful when you have bad traction (snow, mud, and boat ramps). In some areas like WA state few people will buy a 2wd because of snow etc.
Also, the 2wd with an open diff can be a pretty big wuss if in the wrong spot. My wife had to put the truck in 4x4 to get moving where she had parked on the side of the road in a slight ditch. Most of the weight was on the tire in the ditch and that combined with the slick surface on the road meant there was only 1 spinning wheel on the road going nowhere. She probably could have gotten out with some burnt rubber, but these tires are expensive!
Also, the 2wd with an open diff can be a pretty big wuss if in the wrong spot. My wife had to put the truck in 4x4 to get moving where she had parked on the side of the road in a slight ditch. Most of the weight was on the tire in the ditch and that combined with the slick surface on the road meant there was only 1 spinning wheel on the road going nowhere. She probably could have gotten out with some burnt rubber, but these tires are expensive!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 2
From: Juneau, ALASKA
NOPE the 4x4 has a smaller turning radius than the 2WD.
F-250/350/450 Dimensions and Capacities
Regular Cab SuperCab Crew Cab
8-ft 6.75-ft 8-ft 6.75-ft 8-ft
4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4
47.7 46.1 49.1 47.5 54.1 52.3 53.6 51.8 58.5 56.6
2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Specs .: Articles
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 4
From: Denver, Co
As other have stated, it is NICE to have the low range for backing up large trailers in tight quarters, but that is not a necessity. Ford has done a pretty good job of putting pretty low 1st & reverse gears in their transmissions.
It really comes down to where you travel & park your trailer. If you frequently park in camp sites, off-road recreational areas, or similar places with little or no pavement, having four-wheel drive can provide that extra little bit of traction necessary to get the trailer out of ruts (especially if your camper's tires sink into the ground a little bit) or over humps.
If you find yourself in snowy areas from time-to-time, four-wheel drive can be a your best friend.
If you only frequent maintained trailer parks and rarely if ever see anything resembling snow, four-wheel drive is going to go to waste.
It really comes down to where you travel & park your trailer. If you frequently park in camp sites, off-road recreational areas, or similar places with little or no pavement, having four-wheel drive can provide that extra little bit of traction necessary to get the trailer out of ruts (especially if your camper's tires sink into the ground a little bit) or over humps.
If you find yourself in snowy areas from time-to-time, four-wheel drive can be a your best friend.
If you only frequent maintained trailer parks and rarely if ever see anything resembling snow, four-wheel drive is going to go to waste.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 9
From: Mid Atlantic
I got my first pick up when I lived in TX. It was a 2WD and I never had a problem with it.
As others have said if you don't plan on going in deep snow or mud I would pass on a 4WD. If you are ordering it I would highly reccomend the locking rear differential. Throw a little weight on the back and you'll be suprised where you can go with it.
As others have said if you don't plan on going in deep snow or mud I would pass on a 4WD. If you are ordering it I would highly reccomend the locking rear differential. Throw a little weight on the back and you'll be suprised where you can go with it.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
+1 on this.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 196
Likes: 1
From: Central NY
If I'm going to be maneuvering into tight spots or up and down hill with a trailer a lot (at slow speeds), I'll put it in 4x4 low - with hubs unlocked -. Probably not good for the rear end but a lot easier on the clutch. 4:1 then 4.10:1.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage, Alaska
NOPE the 4x4 has a smaller turning radius than the 2WD.
F-250/350/450 Dimensions and Capacities
Regular Cab SuperCab Crew Cab
8-ft 6.75-ft 8-ft 6.75-ft 8-ft
4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4
47.7 46.1 49.1 47.5 54.1 52.3 53.6 51.8 58.5 56.6
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F-250/350/450 Dimensions and Capacities
Regular Cab SuperCab Crew Cab
8-ft 6.75-ft 8-ft 6.75-ft 8-ft
4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4 4x2 4x4
47.7 46.1 49.1 47.5 54.1 52.3 53.6 51.8 58.5 56.6
2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Specs .: Articles
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 2
From: Juneau, ALASKA
In the snow your tires are going to slid some.
You just need to take it out of 4WD turn the steering wheel to lock one side or the other and stand on the gas truck will turn on a dime.
Still a big turning radius no matter 2 or 4 WD. I would think this would be with out the 4WD engaged on dry pavement.
You just need to take it out of 4WD turn the steering wheel to lock one side or the other and stand on the gas truck will turn on a dime.
Still a big turning radius no matter 2 or 4 WD. I would think this would be with out the 4WD engaged on dry pavement.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,339
Likes: 0
From: Smithers, BC, Canada
Four weeks ago I put 20km on in 4Low with three horses in the trailer. 10k was both for traction and gearing advantage on 15%+ grades, the other 10k was to help with the braking on the way back down. All four trucks (3 fords and a dodge) that were on the ride spun out at some point, even in 4x4, and non of us had the conticraps on either.
I realize that you probably don't plan on going into places like that, but you never know when your plans will change.
I realize that you probably don't plan on going into places like that, but you never know when your plans will change.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
As stated in several ways, it depends on how and where you camp.
We do most of our camping on completely undeveloped NFS or BLM land (what most call boondocking). I'm going camping to get away from it all! An easy dirt road on the way in can turn sketchy on the way out with a good thunderstorm.
It's also confidence inspiring (albeit very unlikely to ever be needed on these trucks) to have the option to drive out from BFE in front wheel drive if something in the rear wheel drivetrain gets damaged or broken.
And having the 2Lo option is a tranny saver when having to push the trailer up a steep grade.
If you're a "mall" camper (RV parks or other paved and flat areas), 2WD is better. Lighter, higher load capacity, lower, better fuel economy.
We do most of our camping on completely undeveloped NFS or BLM land (what most call boondocking). I'm going camping to get away from it all! An easy dirt road on the way in can turn sketchy on the way out with a good thunderstorm.
It's also confidence inspiring (albeit very unlikely to ever be needed on these trucks) to have the option to drive out from BFE in front wheel drive if something in the rear wheel drivetrain gets damaged or broken.
And having the 2Lo option is a tranny saver when having to push the trailer up a steep grade.
If you're a "mall" camper (RV parks or other paved and flat areas), 2WD is better. Lighter, higher load capacity, lower, better fuel economy.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 0
From: Sunny, Snowy, CO
If you're going straight it's ok...if you're turning sharp you'll build uo That's why they say not to run them in 4X4 on pavement. You'll break something eventually if the tires don't slip.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...ml#post1932714
WheelMA1 (Super Mod) explains it best in his 3rd paragraph. It's specifically referring to the F150, but I'll assume the same consideration is given to most of the trucks.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...ml#post1932714
WheelMA1 (Super Mod) explains it best in his 3rd paragraph. It's specifically referring to the F150, but I'll assume the same consideration is given to most of the trucks.
