Hey Gang.

I'm looking at all my options for a hauler for the Skater I have being built. I really like Sport Chassis'. My question is, is 4WD necessary? I know my local ramps, Powell, Havasu and a few other but don't know the ramps at locations we will go to. There are some really slippery snotty ramps out there and don't want a problem when one doesn't exist. However, the P2XL come with a locking diff.

If the Sport Chassis isn't a reality, I'll get a F450.

All opinions welcome.

Steve

Thats what I think as well. If I choose to buy new, its a significant difference in price or I'd just do a 4WD. These things seem hold value really well, depreciation shouldn't be nearly what a F450 would be.

An apples to orange comparision: a few years back I was with a friend towing a 47 Fountain with a drw f350. When I was pulling the boat up the ramp in 4wd low the tires were spinning and hopping pretty bad. I was going as slow as I could without the truck stopping because I was afraid i was going to break a driveshaft or axle. After that I would always lean toward the 4wd purchase.

"Necessary" ? Probably not.

Just my .02 but I personally wouldn't be without 4x4 if it all possible.

Yes, the initial investment is more, insurance is more, maintenance is more, fuel costs are more and in years and years of hauling I've only had to use 4 wheel maybe a dozen times.

HOWEVER...every single time I had to use it I was really glad I had it. Or, more correctly, Really, Really glad I had it.

There's also the intangible value of the extra confidence it gives knowing that after hauling a significant distance you aren't going to find the ramp too slippery to use or have to spin the tires (and slide sideways?) when pulling out.

As far as resale goes, I think 4x helps; a guy looking for a used 2wd might by a 4x4, but a guy looking for a 4x probably isn't going to buy 2wd. I think the pool of potential buyers is larger for the 4wd.

Does the resale offset the extra costs associated ? If you really do the math, probably not but it's a good thing we aren't limited to only buying what we "need" instead of what we want....

Good Luck, Congrats on the new build, & Cheers.

d

Excellent and thank you. Lots of wisdom there.

Steve

the 2wd vs. 4wd equates about the same as opting for a diesel in a p/u vs. a gas.... once you get over the sticker shock, you can run in confidence and there is always going to be someone on the flip side looking for your rig to haul in the same manner...

peace of mind running long distance is wonderful knowing you can handle pretty much anything vs. being at the mercy of finding someone to give you a pull that you need to get out with a 2wd

Had 4x in my F350 and used it.
Had 2x in my F650 and never felt like I needed 4x.
The differential and the truck weight seemed to be key. I do know the 4x 650 ride is harsh.

My 650 had DRW but I have heard the singles don't grip nearly as well FYI

I hauled my Cigarette all over the country with a sport chassis 2wd and never had one time that i needed 4wd, i also had a F450 4wd, No comparison the Sport chassis is way better hands down,