How important is 4x4

[twise7]

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.

[smashdn]

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).

[troutcrazy]

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.

[waterdog101]

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

[badbrad]

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.

[slowride]

Although you may not use the 4 wheel, you need it for one main reason.............resell value!!!

[raporter]

It's like an insurance policy. You hope you don't have to use it but sure are glad to have it when you do. Wouldn't own a truck without it.

[Dakota Kid]

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!

[Todd2]

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.

[Todd2]

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.

I know this is a post from over a month ago. But I would like to officially change my answer after getting stuck at Bacon Creek Ramp on Barkley last week after that storm rolled through. My buddy pulled my F150 and boat up the ramp with his Dodge Ram 4x4 while other buddies laughed and took pictures. So I only needed it once in 6 years but wish I had it then, lol.

[noodledancer77]

It depends on what you do with your truck. To me, having four wheel is a luxury. If you are launchin a bigger lakes with good ramps, no problem with two wheel. If your duck huntin and fishin in small rivers launch off mud, then you have to have it. IMHO paying 5 grand more for four wheel when you might use it once a year is a waste. Whatever you decide, know your limitations and you'll do ok.

[mybentrod]

TO ALL: I appreciate your feedback and it seems to read like a tennis match. Each has a GOOD tid bit to throw out there. AND WOW I have never known as much about the ttroubles a Ford will lgive you....which I am sure everyone has their own experiences with each make of Truck. However, riding down Dixie I saw a GEM singing to me....J.....come test drive me...lol SO, without further adue...I am the proud owner of a 06 Lariat ....and yes with 4x4. I bought it reading this report because of the resell value of 4x4...and THATS IT!. It'll be nice when I need it to have it. Just hope I have no issues. The good truck Gods blessed me with a Ranger that gave me 200K on a V6 4.0 and is still asking for more everytime I turn the key. So, hopefully with the proper maintenance and care the F150 will give me more than that. Thanks for all the responses and opinions. They were all filled with good info. Bent rods all around!

Jason