2WD vs 4WD: Which Ford Truck is Right for You?
Should you spend the extra cash on a four wheel drive truck, or will two wheel drive suit you just fine? We explore the pros and cons of each.
The question of 2WD vs 4WD has been hotly debated since the days when four wheel drive trucks became more than just third party conversions. The rise of off-roading shortly thereafter turned America into a 4WD crazed nation. But many folks who spend the cash on four wheel drive trucks simply don’t need it, nor do they ever actually use it.
Obviously, if you live in Florida and never go off-road, opting for 2WD is an easy choice. Unless you want to build a mall crawler, that is. But there are many more important factors to consider. So popular YouTube channel Big Truck Big RV put it all together in this nifty video. And the truck experts make some interesting points about why you might or might not want to opt for those extra drivetrain bits.
One point that might surprise you is that four wheel drive trucks generally can’t match the towing capacity of two wheel drive models. The combination of a lower curb weight and similar gross vehicle weight makes for both a higher payload and towing capacity. This is why many car haulers and trucks that haul large gooseneck trailers are 2WD dually models. But these vehicles obviously spend their time mostly on paved surfaces where 4WD isn’t really needed.
That’s not to say that 2WD trucks can’t go just about anywhere off-road, however. It’s just easier to get through mud and slippery conditions with 4WD. Plus, the lighter weight of a 2WD pickup and reduced rolling resistance from the lack of extra components means that fuel economy is up to 30% better. Less components also means there is less stuff that can break or require maintenance, which saves money. And you’ll save $2000-$2,500 in initial cost over a 4WD pickup as well.
Opting for a 4WD truck obviously gives you a extra little piece of mind, even if you don’t use it all the time. If you want to travel off-road or need better traction in the snow, it’s there and ready. The popularity of 4WD also means that your resale value is going to be greater when it’s time to sell or trade it in. Plus, there are times, like when you’re towing a boat or an RV, when you might need 4WD to get out of a sticky situation.
Overall, BTBRV prefers 4WD over 2WD for these very reasons. Trucks like the F-150 and Super Duty range are available with so many different packages, you can buy one for any type of load you might need to haul. This sort of eliminates the advantage 2WD trucks enjoy in payload and towing capacity. And your initial investment generally pays off as the truck will undoubtedly be easier to sell and carry more residual value over time. So unless money up front is a major concern, you can’t really go wrong by opting for 4WD.
