Diesel 4x2 or Gas 4x4?

[Brooks]

Love my truck 2004 3/4 ton Dodge 5.9 cummins 2 wheel drive.

The last part there has got me in trouble couple time this season.

Yeah I got stuck and we had a pretty good ice storm. The truck gets stuck on wet grass literally.

I want a 4x4 but don't really want to put anymore money in a truck than I can get out of mine. This is where the 3/4 ton gas 4x4 comes in .


I got a 6500-7000 lbs. TT don't pull it much. I know I will miss the diesel but whats worse than being stuck at the lease 20 miles from the nearest town?



Anybody done this what was your experience?

[denowt]

Unless you never leave pavement or gravel roads, never get a diesel 2wd.

I'm sure you were joking when you said it, but they can literally get stuck on wet grass.

Several years ago when TxDOT started buying Dodge diesel 2WDs, they often had trouble getting out of ditches because the tires would just spin on the dew soaked grass in the mornings.

If you want to save money and get a 2WD, I suggest you spend some of the savings on a good winch.

[Brooks]

I already have a 2wd and am thinking of selling it and getting a 4x4 gas. Was looking for someone in the same boat to see what their experience has been.

BTW I have owned this truck since april of 2005 and been an awesome truck last year no problems at the lease but no rain this year as wet as it was had a little trouble.

[ltljohn]

Diesel = 4x4 or stuck.

They are too heavy for off pavement and 4x2.

Even my 4x4 Powerstroke doesnt like soft wet, or deep soft. Won't bog down but will dig a mean hole.

ltljohn

[30-30]

If you really love your truck, you can get a winch for the front, mud tires, and lockers. It wouldn't be a substitute for 4X4, but would certainly help.

[deerslayer64d]

I love my Diesel 4x4 , that being said I would get a gas 4x4. Before I'd get a 2 wd. Anything !! Il never be without 4x4 if I can help it

[glen]

Put a winch on your truck.

[deerplanter]

My dad did that a few years back. He had a duramax to use pulling his tt in the mountains well he totaled the truck and instead if buying another he bought a gasser. He said it pulled the mountains as good but used more fuel but the fuel and upkeep was cheaper.

[Brooks]

My dad did that a few years back. He had a duramax to use pulling his tt in the mountains well he totaled the truck and instead if buying another he bought a gasser. He said it pulled the mountains as good but used more fuel but the fuel and upkeep was cheaper.

thats what I'm looking for. What truck did he buy?

I don't think a winch would have helped. West TX and there wasn't a tree within 200 yards. Just fence post.

[Pullersboy]

I agree on the fact that if you're going to have a diesel and ever leave the pavement you need a 4x4. I just traded in my 3/4 ton Duramx 4x4 and went back to a have ton 4x4. I know you said you have 7,000 lb travel trailer so probably need the 3/4 ton, but the towing capacity on the newer 1/2 tons has really increased over the years. I had an '06 Chevy Z71 4x4 and towing the TT I had at that time was just too much. That's why I ended up w/ the Duramax. Tow capacity on my '06 was around 7,500 as I recall. My trailer weighed almost that much, but had a lot of tounge weight. It was too much for that truck. I eventually sold my heavier TT and, hence, had no need for the diesel. Just went to an '11 GMC Z71 4x4 w/ the 5.3 Ltr engine. Did some reading on it and tow capacity is 10,500 lbs. w/ a weight distribution hitch, you may be able to get away w/ a 1/2 ton truck which will save you a ton in gas money (except when pulling your trailer). I know you mentioned the 3/4 gas truck, which may be just right for you. This was just a thought and something to consider. I saw a guy pulling a new 29' Kokiak fiberglass TT w/ 2 slides the other day. He was pulling w/ a Dodge 1/2 ton 5.7 liter Hemi & running about 70 mph down I-20. Either way, I'd say that if you get off road at all, go w/ 4x4. My brother drives a 3/4 gas 4x4 gmc. It's a pretty strong truck. He's tandem pulled his rock crawling rig on a car hauler and a TT with it and had no problems. I don't think I'll ever go w/ out 4x4 again. There have been too many times that I've had close calls in a 2wd drive when out at the lease and miles from any assistance. I've had several 4x4's since then and it sure does help out and give me some piece of mind.

[Brooks]

Is your brothers truck a 6.0 vortec?

[Dspivey]

Put a winch on your truck.

Agreed. Save your money and insurance costs and buy a winch.

[tater_salad]

Some 3/4 ton gassers don't get very good gas mileage either

[Oleman]

If you pull a Travel trailer get the diesel and 4 X 4. It is a big investment now, but will get you out of places you should not be with a 4 X 2 and last along time longer pulling a TT. Been there.

[deerplanter]

thats what I'm looking for. What truck did he bpreferenceuy?

I don't think a winch would have helped. West TX and there wasn't a tree within 200 yards. Just fence post.

He stayed with a Chevy 3/4 ton with a 6.2 but that's just a personal preference