Newb tow vehicle question

[MikeyLikesIt]

Will be purchasing a new dually pickup soon, to haul a large truck camper and my jeep to places like Colorado etc. What would you guys recomend - 4x4 or just a locked differential? My wife and I like to camp in remote places but not too far off the beaten path. I am just starting my research and am open to any suggestions - oppinions.

Thanks, Mike

 

[shortxjdoug]

4x4, you may only need it once, but it will be great to have when that time comes, thats my 2 cents

 

[mg614]

I agree.

 

[94_2wdcherokee]

a 4x4 will be great for what you need it for just make sure its a DIESEL dont buy a gas powered dually they are way underrated in power and horrible gas mileage.

 

[MikeyLikesIt]

Thanks guys. I had already made up my mind to go with a diesel. Leaning toward Dodge or Ford right now. Just not sure if 4wd is worth the extra cost. I've been told that 4wd in a diesel truck is not worth it due extra weight etc. etc.
Just wondering if a locker might do just as well with that much weight on the rear axle.

Mike

 

[JohnX]

Thanks guys. I had already made up my mind to go with a diesel. Leaning toward Dodge or Ford right now. Just not sure if 4wd is worth the extra cost. I've been told that 4wd in a diesel truck is not worth it due extra weight etc. etc.
Just wondering if a locker might do just as well with that much weight on the rear axle.

Mike

Quite the opposite...You need four wheel drive because all the weight of that diesel is on the front wheels. First time you see a diesel in sand, you'll know what I mean.

 

[ChiXJeff]

a 4x4 will be great for what you need it for just make sure its a DIESEL dont buy a gas powered dually they are way underrated in power and horrible gas mileage.

A lot you know......

The above rig I personally scaled at over 37,000 lbs. last summer, and it's pulled by a 1999 Dodge 3500 2wd with a 5.9l gasser and a 5spd (4.10 gears.) It may not be the fastest rig on the road, but it will pull it along. Dad couldn't justify the extra $4,500 for the diesel when the gasser will pull the load. The truck only has 40,000 miles so fuel savings on a diesel just won't pay off here. I don't know what the rig gets for mpg, I do know that it's VERY thirsty hauling that load.

No debate that the diesel will get better mileage, all the way around. I've got a 1999 Dodge 2500 CTD QC 4wd 5spd (3.55 gears.) On a unloaded 2,500 mile trip in October, I averaged 20.05 mpg.

As far as the extra weight of 4wd vs. 2wd, I doubt you'll notice it on a diesel as much as a gas engine.

My CTD has a TrakLok in the back. I'm pretty happy with mine, but I spend a fair amount of time on ice and snow in the winter, and don't feel like dealing with an auto-locker in the rear end.

 

[dyna]

We`ve tried to get by with a 2wd camper hauler and always go back to a 4x4. First time you get stuck or hung up you`ll wish you had 4wd. shoveling and unsticking a 9K rig flat out blows the bigun, And a whimpy 3K jeep dont help much trying to tug it out. Regarding the 37K loaded gasser, you best hope you or your pop never have a accident, the law will hang you as they have others for being near 3 times over on the mfg allowable GVWR. Thats asking for trouble IMO.

 

[1990XJ4x4]

Buying a 2wd is like buying half a truck

 

[creeperjeep]

How do yall haulers feel about a 4x4 F350 but SRW pulling a 3 car trailer?

 

[ChiXJeff]

Regarding the 37K loaded gasser, you best hope you or your pop never have a accident, the law will hang you as they have others for being near 3 times over on the mfg allowable GVWR. Thats asking for trouble IMO.

For the most part, I *DO* agree with you. Apparently, it's not a problem in MI. The trailer is rated and licensed for the load, and the weight on the truck axles is not over limit. The gent who normally drives the truck in the summer does have a full CDL and is not concerned about the weight. The weighmasters have a field day during cherry harvest. We've never been pulled over, and the weighmasters are known for pulling over every truck with cherries on it.

Compared to most rigs I see hauling cherries in the summer, this rig is a dream. Some of them are beyond terrifying.

 

[Grant]

Did you not get the notice sent to TX from CO? We are full, please visit NM instead.

Seriously though, if you intend visiting CO anytime from Sept to May there is a chance you will encounter snow or ice, especially in the high country. So 4x4 would be good. Please remember though it does not help stopping any quicker, nor does it impart magical suspension qualities to your truck. We see an awful lot of 4x4's with TX plates upside down in the snow, usually on the first pass or two out of Denver.

I have driven a dually RWD all over CO in bad weather, you do need to be prepared with snow tires and chains though, even if you are carrying a nice load over the rear wheels. It is much easier to hop out and lock in the front hubs.

My 99 F350 4x4 averages 9-11mpg when towing a 9000lb enclosed trailer at 70mph. My buddy with a gasser gets about 6-8mpg with a similar load.

Matt, I'd much prefer a dually for a 3 car hauler (I'm assuming gooseneck not bumper), but if you can load the trailer properly and keep the tongue weight within limits there should not be a problem. Of course if you are carrying 3 built Jeeps rather than daily drivers, I'd definitley recommend a dually - but I have seen a SRW hauling those loads. I think it puts you at risk if you have a blow out on the rear though.

 

[MikeyLikesIt]

We`ve tried to get by with a 2wd camper hauler and always go back to a 4x4. First time you get stuck or hung up you`ll wish you had 4wd. shoveling and unsticking a 9K rig flat out blows the bigun, And a whimpy 3K jeep dont help much trying to tug it out.

OK, you've convinced me. I'm not as young or energetic as I one was. A 115 lbs, wife won't be much help either. I really wanted the 4x4 - just needed to justify the cost.

Grant. Good advice, and I promise not to stay in Co. too long. We do visit many other places but I must say Co is my favorite. I would be glad to trade places with you.

 

[Grant]

Trade CO for TX - never. Sorry.

if you are going to be towing, especially here in the big hills, I recommend getting guages for your truck.

EGT and tranny temp (auto) at the minimum. boost is nice to have but not necessary.

It is very easy to exceed the recommended EGT's here in CO with just a light load. i spend more time with my eyes on the EGT guage than anything else.

Think of it as cheap insurance. I recommend a pre-turbo EGT.

www.thedieselstop.com is a great site for Ford trucks.

 

[MikeyLikesIt]

Trade CO for TX - never. Sorry.

Dang it!


Thanks for the link and the advice. I know almost nothing about deisels.

Mike

 

[Grant]

One very important thing about diesels Mike,

Clean Fuel - Clean Fuel - Clean Fuel - Clean Fuel - Clean Fuel - Clean Fuel

Cannot overstate it enough. If you possibly can, buy your diesel at big truck stops that are busy. They are more likely to have fresh diesel that is clean compared to a Mom n Pop store. And change the fuel filter every 5000 miles or sooner.

I love my truck. I think the fact I can tow 9000lbs at 70-75 mph and get 10 mpg is a greater techno achievement than any Prius or Insight.