Is it a mistake to not take the 4WD option?

[DakotaGuy]

2WD is clearly better for towing, initial cost, maintenance, economy and driveability.

While it’s true that 2WD is better for initial cost, maintenance and economy I disagree about it being “clearly better” when it comes to towing or drivability. Try towing a weighted trailer up hills and mountain passes when the roads are covered in snow and ice then tell me with a straight face that 2WD is clearly better. The same goes for drivability. I’d argue that the 4WD is better for drivability because it offers better driving ability in all sorts of conditions on and off road. The difference between a modern 4WD system freewheeling in 2WD vs a 2WD only vehicle on dry pavement is so slight you’d have to see the 4WD selector to think you can feel the difference. It isn’t the 1960s or 70s anymore when it comes to these systems creating drag or binding when unlocked. There is no perceivable difference unless road conditions change then switching into 4WD can definitely improve drivability.

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[NickTheEnforcer]

IllAnnoy is a little shy on mountains, and most of the steep back road hills are way south.
I tow an RV and other trailers on pavement, and now go South when the snow flies. For me, buying 4WD for my truck would be like adding A/C to a Racecar.

You are correct, 4WD is a sacrifice which should be made for certain lifestyles or the beauty and joy of living in rural mountain areas...4WD trucks do have their place,but it isn't here.

Ranger is marketed as a "lifestyle" truck, and like so many here, Marketing thinks that all lifestyles include offroad capability.
While that makes for exciting and ADventurous looking commercials... It just ain't so!

nw corner of IL by galena, jo davies county pretty rugged as the last ice age didnt flatten it out..still we do travel to a lot of places i would never take a 2wd..
personal choice.

 

[Floyd]

This could be the "song that never ends" so I will leave it at this...

Those who want or need 4WD can not conceive of a truck without 4WD
ALL Ranger marketing is geared toward 4WD .
There are lots of options and aftermarket kits geared toward 4WD or offroad.
Almost nothing aimed at street driving and no enthusiasm for it.

So be it.

 

[Snorebaby]

nw corner of IL by galena, jo davies county pretty rugged as the last ice age didnt flatten it out..still we do travel to a lot of places i would never take a 2wd..
personal choice.

@NickTheEnforcer The wife and I were in Galena in June. Stayed a week. Didn't bring the Ranger but had the Goldwing. Nice little touristy town. Great food. Good roads. But them damn gnats!!

 

[Floyd]

@NickTheEnforcer The wife and I were in Galena in June. Stayed a week. Didn't bring the Ranger but had the Goldwing. Nice little touristy town. Great food. Good roads. But them damn gnats!!

If you didn't cross the river and visit the Mississippi River Museum, then you really missed something special!

 

[Snorebaby]

If you didn't cross the river and visit the Mississippi River Museum, then you really missed something special!

We crossed the river in several different spots, but didn't know about the museum. Will have to check it out if we ever get back.

 

[Floyd]

We crossed the river in several different spots, but didn't know about the museum. Will have to check it out if we ever get back.

Almost right under the bridge next to the Casino if I recall.

 

[Caliope]

Almost right under the bridge next to the Casino if I recall.

We crossed the river in several different spots, but didn't know about the museum. Will have to check it out if we ever get back.

Mississippi River museum is a great place visit for all ages. It is on the river front in Dubuque IA next to the Diamond Jo casino.

 

[ExChief45]

While it’s true that 2WD is better for initial cost, maintenance and economy I disagree about it being “clearly better” when it comes to towing or drivability. Try towing a weighted trailer up hills and mountain passes when the roads are covered in snow and ice then tell me with a straight face that 2WD is clearly better. The same goes for drivability. I’d argue that the 4WD is better for drivability because it offers better driving ability in all sorts of conditions on and off road. The difference between a modern 4WD system freewheeling in 2WD vs a 2WD only vehicle on dry pavement is so slight you’d have to see the 4WD selector to think you can feel the difference. It isn’t the 1960s or 70s anymore when it comes to these systems creating drag or binding when unlocked. There is no perceivable difference unless road conditions change then switching into 4WD can definitely improve drivability.

I agree 4WD is definitely better for towing. I have been towing since I started driving and on numerous times needed 4WD to get in or out of places. I also agree the new generation of 4WD is nothing like it's predecessors in driving, durability and maintenance.

I am not a heavy offroader but use it enough to justify the expense of 4WD. 2WD is great for areas with limited snow and if you are not going to go off road. That is why they offer both choices. Everyone should buy what they want and be happy with their decision.

I will say that just like trim levels it is a personal choice and not a right or wrong choice.

 

[NickTheEnforcer]

This could be the "song that never ends" so I will leave it at this...

Those who want or need 4WD can not conceive of a truck without 4WD
ALL Ranger marketing is geared toward 4WD .
There are lots of options and aftermarket kits geared toward 4WD or offroad.
Almost nothing aimed at street driving and no enthusiasm for it.

So be it.

amen, two different 'camps'. we should all leave it at that

 

[NickTheEnforcer]

If you didn't cross the river and visit the Mississippi River Museum, then you really missed something special!

we love that place..

 

[NickTheEnforcer]

Mississippi River museum is a great place visit for all ages. It is on the river front in Dubuque IA next to the Diamond Jo casino.

7 Hill Brewery gr8 beer & Food. its our go to when we visit Galena..

 

[ryyck]

I'm not a truck guy...I learn a a lot from this forum. I did get the 4x4 because I may need it, plus I'm sure it'll pay for itself at trade in. I like the idea of road side insurance.

 

[Bproctor]

Being in NC I have never had to have 4wd. So I chose the 2wd with the locker. The only regret I have is mixed. I can't do all the fun off road stuff that I never thought about before. But I am going to put a winch on just in case I ever get into a sticky situation. On the other side I don't know if I would be willing to take a new truck off road. Might look into getting an old beater for that.

I had a 2004 4cyl 5 speed ranger years ago that I pulled a 16' boat with all the time. Never had an issue pulling it out of the water. Granted it wasn't too awful heavy, but I don't have a need for a big boat anyways. I feel like this truck should have an easier time. The 04 ranger only got stuck once. That was when my ex drove it in to a deep muddy road.

And with that I got a 10 wheel drive Army truck stuck in a swamp hole in Korea with it having the central tire inflation system. It was funny watching all the tires spin all together and the truck not move. Probably wouldn't have had an issue if we wouldn't have sat there and sunk for a couple hours before realizing our situation. ?

 

[geophb]

Resale value of 2wd in the north is garbage, obviously depends on area.

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