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We are close to ordering a FOrd 350 to pull our 37' Coachman Brookstone 5th wheel and have received different opinions on whether we should get a 4 wheel drive or a 2 wheel drive. Can anyone offer suggestions?
I'd say 4wd.. But I only used 4wd i the NE maybe 6 times.. and most in winter.. Been in Vegas for 6 years .. Never used it.. Unless you count off roading in our rubicon..
4wd does increase weight capacity.. if that is a issue, which I don't think it is for a 37 footer..
Can't recall.. but the option is like what 1500 ? Kinda like a gun.. Rather have it , and not use it, than not have and need it ? You can always call a tow truck or a neighbor for a tug if you are stuck. Does not take much for a light rear end truck to get stuck in mud or sand... if you are a extreme boondocker, I would think it is a must have..
My truck have always been 4wd.. and always will.
-- Edited by The Junkman on Wednesday 13th of August 2014 08:31:32 AM
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"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss
In eighth year of fulltiming. Had a 2008 F-450 2WD and a 2012 F-350 4WD. In eight years we have never used the 4WD. Before fulltiming we have owned some 4WD and used 4WD very occasionally in deep snow. We try not to fulltime in snow areas as much as possible. Some say 4WD is useful on wet grass but we have never needed it.
One thing about 4 wheel drive is you get stuck 50' further in. LOL
I'm a 4 wheel drive guy, but I'm not going to take a $60k truck and go off-roading. There have been many cases on steeper gravel roads that I used it while pulling a 5th wheel. Did I need it...probably not, but I used it and didn't slip.
Actually while camping we really only needed it once. We were at a Larry Joe Taylor concert near Stephenville TX camping in the back of a pasture. Heavy rains came and it was a mud hole to say the least and we were able to drive right out. Most people had to be pulled out with a tractor, but they still got out.
Yes it costs more, but I choose to have it. Plus we like to sit up a little higher.
We actually used our 4 wheel drive in our current campground. They sent us around so we would be facing the right way to get into the site, the road was gravel and up-hill. We would have been stuck for sure. I was amazed with the difference it made when Bill switched it on. Go for it!
I only needed the four wheel drive once in 6 years of towing. However, if I lived in an area that gets snow on a regular basis I would have four wheel drive for those times when the snow required the use of a 4X4 to get in and out of the driveway towing or even when not towing.
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"Small House, Big Yard "
"May the FOREST be with you" Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
It adds a little bit more empty weight cutting your load capacity by as much. It does affect your mileage going down the highway but almost negligible. I have had 4x4 in my tow vehicles and used it seldom, maybe 2-4 times a year, but I would not be without. I have parked in soggy fields and sandy inclines where I had to use it to get level or just into the site. I would not be without it! You will be happy with it, when you need it.
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Bob and Lindy
2015 Mobile Suites 39RESB3 - 2013 F450 King Ranch
Class of 2014. Full timing started May 30, 2014, living the dream...
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