2-by or 4x4
 

What should I get ot pull a 42 footer, 2x4 or 4x4 dually? Thinking about 4:10 gears as there are a lot of hills in the area.

A 2 WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK IS THE SAME AS AN EL CAMINO WITH BIGGER TIRES.

DIESEL IS BEST FOR SOMETHING THAT BIG. THE BIGGER THE GEARS, THE BETTER.

My 2 wheel drive dulley is great for pulling around with, but just spins at the boat ramp.

Go with 4 x 4!

This is probably the best way to go:D

13 - 15 MPG

OG:cool:

I like 4wd cause you don't need huge gears too eat up fuel on the high way. When your pulling out of the water just throw it in low range and you have a taller gear than any 2wd ever offered.

We won't do anything but 4x4. You never know when it could come in handy.

The difference is at the ramps. A busy ramp is a wet ramp...
Nothing sucks more than not being able to drag your beauty out of the drink. 4x4 all the way on anything over 10000#.

(by the way, it's "total wheels x drive wheels" - 4x2)

If you go 4x4 examine the way the 4WD mechanism works. It is nice to use 4wd LOW but be able to disengage the front axle. Basically 2WD LOW. Older trucks with NP205 T-case had a 2WD LOW, 4WD LOW. Depending upon the design you can often get them to work as 2 LOW. Some of the Chevy trucks requires interrupting the power to the front axle by pulling a fuse or switching it. This gives you 2 LOW and 4 LOW. Really nice to pull out in 2 LOW, very easy on the transmission and the truck will turn nicely without the drive-line wrapping up.

I would buy NOTHING besides a 4X4. like Baddog said, the low range gears are really nice at times and with the front wheels being able to pull too with a 4x4, that helps out at time also. Dave

Brand new 2003 2500HD for sale. Will pull anything. 1st $30k gets it.

This topic has been around the OSO block SEVERAL times. 4x4 is always the clear winner.

I thought we were going to build something:D :D

4X4 dually pulls my 38SC w/ no problem. Usually forget it's back there.

How often do you need to swap to 4 wheel drive?

John, to be honest with you i've never, even on a wet ramp, had to put my truck in 4X4 to be able to get my boat out of the water and it weighs right around 10,000 lbs. I'm not saying you never will but i haven't and as far as towing down the road you'll only tow in 2 wheel drive anyway. I park my trailer in my yard next to the barn and there has been a few times where i've needed 4X4 after even a light rain to be able to get it out of the yard.

Any of the newer trucks that are of the GVWR that you need, will have a low range in 4X4. You will NOT have a 2wd low range in any of them.

I have an F350 PSD SRW 4X4 and wet ramps are a piece of cake as compared to a slimey ramp at low tide:rolleyes: . I only really need it maybe half dozen times a season , but it's worth every $:)

I have had to pull my 7K package out in 4WD before. Especially on slippery ramps, shallow ramps with no slope to them where even my front wheels were in the water. I have also towed in 4WD with my truck in heavy rain. (That was the Tahoe, and it just 'felt' a little less squirly).

I feel it is worth the investment rather than sitting there helplessly in your cab one day, slipping backwards down a ramp. With todays and the last couple years 4WD systems, the reliablilty and of the extra 4WD system has gone way up. The maintenance has gone way down. The last 4WD problem I had was on my '89 S-10 Blazer. They sell SO MANY 4WDs now, they have it down pretty much pact.

Think of all the extra fun you can have with a 4WD too. More bang for the truck IMHO.

4wd would be good, but I tow a 40 hustler with trips and a steel trailer with a 2003 2wd duramax gmc dually. had no trouble with it on the ramps, if I did throw the boat in gear and give it a push out. If the cost if of no concern a4wd would be good to have like they say think about the fun you could have:D

Ditto from me...I use 4wd more than I ever thought and if you ever need it just once you will be glad you have it:)

In my dually I have had to use 4wd just to get across wet grass. The heavy front end and light rear end makes the rear tires spin quite easily.

Even without the manual lockout hubs you can usually defeat the front axle from locking up. Often times you just need to interrupt an electrical circuit. On most late 90 Chevy trucks pull fuse # 24. Low range is often very nice especially if it is 2 WD. Ever try to turn on dry pavement in low lock?

4X4, no question!!!

All I can say if you don't get a 4x4 You will be sorry one day you didn't .

:eureka:

gee, I dont know...I pull a 357sr1 formula on an eagle galvanized tri axle trailer, total weight around 11,000 pounds with a 2wd CREW CAB GMC dually with an 8' bed and a 454 with an automatic 4L80E. Never even spun the tires at the ramp in low gear, just pull out slow and easy...

I think the difference is having the longer wheel base...what do you think?

4X4 :D Rag's

4x4 all the way!!!

Having four wheel drive is kind of like having a pistol. You don't really need it until you need it badly!

105......Your picture looks like you ran over someone!!!!Nice truck!!!:p

Go 4x4, the only way!!! If you get 2wd the resale will be considerably less. I use 4wd to pull the boat up the ramp everytime so I don't spin the tires and chuck a rock at the boat!!!!!;)

6X6, 6x4 or 4x4, Either way, nothing less.... ;)
When the snow hits, or I am at a bad ramp, I know I am coming out of it without a tow bill....:D :D :D

Thats in nice shape! What year?

OK, Since we're postin' Pics.............

2wd;)

Thanks, and he was a bum anyway;) :D

Nice Burb Rags! My 4X4. 89 3/4 ton 6" lift. Use 4wd all the time. Haven't been stuck yet.

Definately needed 4wd this day.