How important is 4x4

I've lived in KY for over 10 years now (moved here from mid west Ohio) and have only needed a four wheel drive vehicle once. Oddly enough it was this past February's snow storm and my wifes Grand Cherokee got us out of the drive way.

Anyway - I tow my 19 foot Pro Craft with a 1999 F-250 without four wheel drive and have never had an issue at the ramps. Granted, I might get 10 miles to the gallon...going downhill...but it gets the job done. I simply avoid the "dirt" ramps and stick to the well paved ones.

Get it. I drive an 02 Dodge 2500. Never use four wheel to pull out my boat but I use it quite often in muddy fields and pastures. Without 4low the other day I would have needed a tractor to get out. I was loading some straw from a barn into the back of the truck and the area right in front of the barn was a lot softer than it looked. I sunk up to the hubs on the front wheels. Spun in 2wd, rolled right out in 4L.

I forgot to add I am getting 16 mpg (diesel).

It all depends on what you're doing. If you fish the major lakes with good ramps 2wd is fine. I've seen people pull 17ft. Lunds with a Crown Victoria and pull it out of Lake Cumberland. (it was interesting, but it worked) If you are putting into places where the ramps aren't built well, are gravel, or if you fish the river and have to get into it you will want a 4x4.

I fish the river and I go places on other adventures that require a 4x4, but if I didn't have too I wouldn't have one. It's just one more piece of equipment to break on you.

I have both, my driveway is down hill. sometimes it's nice to have, when we get a big snow. but I never use mine to tow my boat. the cumberland ramps are as steep as any around, and my two wheel gmc never has any trouble. it's a 5.3 vortech auto with towing package. it gets 17mpg without my boat behind it. and 13 mpg pulling my boat. my friend has a 2007 gmc 4x4 with same engine and trans. and he gets 8 mpg on I-75

very!! 2wd u can get hung up in wet grass

F.O.R.D. Found on road dead! Thats what my old man used to say. #1 selling truck and cheapest too! You get what you pay for. Not to start on that, but the 4x4 thing is a must if you use the ramps in KY. They are slick and a 4x4 comes in handy. Good luck it seems like buying a vehicle these days is a crap shoot.:confused:

Had a F-150 and had nothing but trouble...replacement of plugs and coils on left side after a rain storms. I have a Dodge and it simple runs and out pulls the Ford. Would not do without the 4X4.

Well, this wasn't supposed to turn into a Ford, Chevy, Dodge debate. I know guys who own all three and all pledge their loyalty to thier rides. I will not mention what I drive, but will highly recommend purchasing a truck with 4WD. If your spending 22k you should be able to find a good used crew cab 4WD in that price range. I purchased an 06, Crew Cab 4X4 with 28,000 miles for 19,900. It has leather interior and rides like a cadi. I shopped around a lot, and bought it at the end of the year in 2008. If you recall, we hadn't recovered fully from the high gas price saga and this truck had been on the lot for nearly two months.

All that being said, 4WD the few times you do need it, you'll be so glad you have it. I have gotten stuck on wet grass with a 2WD truck before....talk about frustrating. And if you fish much in the winter, the icy boat ramps are a lot easier to negotiate with 4WD. Good luck, hope you find a good truck whatever you decide on.

real important if you decide to run over your fat girlfriend. hard to back up over her if hubs aint locked.

[QUOTE=mybentrod;404758]I am in the market for an F150. I am looking to spend around 22K. What I am finding is that alot of deals don't have exactly what I want. I want a super crew 4x4 since I have a family of 5 to take to the lake while I also need a towing package to take my 20 ft Nitro. However, one of the things I think I need is 4x4. Around here is that really neccessary? I am currently using my 98 Ranger which has 4x4 and I know I couldn't have done alot that I have done without 4x4. I have owned this truck for ten years and I dont wanna regret not getting 4x4. What are EVERYONEs thoughts here on 4x4 needs in Ky?[/QUOTE]


I bought a brand new F-150 from Star Ford...it is not a 4+4. Even though I have a small tracker TX 17...I've pulled my buddys 20ft trition all over the USA...the largest Bass Cat they make all over the place...in the snow / rain / ramps with ice on them; and haven't had one problem!!!...I have saved so much money....with insurance prices and gas it is unreal.. it isn't funny. It will smoke a 4+4 and leave it in it's dust...flat out hot rod power with just the two wheel drive...yet drives like a caddie. But that is just my 2-cents worth. I spent just what you mentioned...I spent around 22 grand for it, and it had all he bells and whisles;...but not the 4+4. I go hunting up dirt roads and mud...I haven't regreated it one bit! It has the towing package and all is great. I have 3 kids...and they all fit just fine! I just like the power and the get up and go...pulls boats just fine and dandy.

It's not important at all until you need it. Even if you only use it once or twice a year. When you need it you'll wish you'll had had it. I will never own a truck without 4x4. And when you have it, use it. that is very important. Just to make sure it is in working order. Vacuum lines can break and you not know it. Happened to a friend during deer season. Nothing worse than sittin in a 4x4 stuck and wishing it worked!

I've had a F150 for 6 years. It's two wheel drive. I have never had a problem. Even with the snow this year. Just my 2 cents.