Completely random question regarding 4x4 in ice/mud

[bow4my2]

So completely random. Do you guys find it easier to drive in ice or mud when the 4 wheel drive is required in a truck or suv. I have never owned a 4x4 suv and wondering if the heavier back end makes a difference etc. Usually dont use 4 wheel drive, got a little 4 wheeler for lease, but just curious what yalls thoughts are. Thanks

[Sackett]

4wd in mud, yes. 4wd on ice, no.....unless you're tires are studded. 4wd is a must on any vehicle I own, but you need to know when 4wd will just increase your extraction costs.

[bow4my2]

4wd in mud, yes. 4wd on ice, no.....unless you're tires are studded. 4wd is a must on any vehicle I own, but you need to know when 4wd will just increase your extraction costs.

Do you find when its needed though, better in a suv or truck, because the suv has a heavier rear? Thanks

[fullsizeaggie]

I wouldn't buy a truck without 4 wheel drive. It's so easy to just pop it in anytime I even think the wheels will break lose. The extra weight / components may hurt a little in fuel mileage and upkeep but the countless times I have needed 4x4, it makes up for it.

Now on to an SUV, its up to you. If you use an SUV for hunting, beach, boats I would buy a 4x4.

An old saying that my grandpa would use was "4x4 just digs you deeper"! But after having a 2x4 truck for many years and having to get pulled out or call a wrecker, a 4x4 is a must for me.

Most of your standard 4x4 vehicles are not "hardcore" or suitable for heavy use. You get the extra traction from one front wheel when normally you wouldn't. Also you get traction on a steering wheel which does the most good imo.

[denowt]

It would depend on the what kind of mud you were in.
If it's deep, bottomless mush of mud, then the SUV will probably be worse, simply because it's heavier.
If it's mushy, slick mud, but has a hard bottom underneath, the SUV might be slightly better due to more weight giving a little extra traction.
I would think on ice, the SUV would have a slight advantage because of extra weight. I've heard of people loading heavy objects in the bed of their trucks during the winter for the extra weight/traction on ice.

In reality, you're probably only talking about a couple of hundred pounds difference though.
I have more weight than that in my toolbox in my truck.

[SB09]

I think any terrain is easier than driving on ice. 4x4 comes in handy in both situations. You've just got to remember, on ice, brakes are what you worry about not the ability to get moving in 4x4.

As far as SUV vs. Truck. I think the difference is small enough that it's not really an issue either way. The truck you can add weight to accomplish same goal (weight on rear tires)as the SUV.

[bow4my2]

It would depend on the what kind of mud you were in.
If it's deep, bottomless mush of mud, then the SUV will probably be worse, simply because it's heavier.
If it's mushy, slick mud, but has a hard bottom underneath, the SUV might be slightly better due to more weight giving a little extra traction.
I would think on ice, the SUV would have a slight advantage because of extra weight. I've heard of people loading heavy objects in the bed of their trucks during the winter for the extra weight/traction on ice.

In reality, you're probably only talking about a couple of hundred pounds difference though.
I have more weight than that in my toolbox in my truck.

Good point. Thanks

[BmacBmac1]

Having lived in Ohio for 35 years and having both of the vehicles your inquiring about, I can tell you on roadways the SUV Is better but off road the truck is better. I have driven both in both scenarios mud and or ice.

[bow4my2]

Having lived in Ohio for 35 years and having both of the vehicles your inquiring about, I can tell you on roadways the SUV Is better but off road the truck is better. I have driven both in both scenarios mud and or ice.

what i want to hear. Thanks

[txtrophy85]

An old saying that my grandpa would use was "4x4 just digs you deeper"! .

I have heard this for years, and after owning 7 4x4 trucks I can tell you, the people that tell you that have never owned a 4x4.


a 2wd vehicle will get stuck in wet grass....they are useless if you ever want to leave the pavement.

[Dale Moser]

Yes, suvs have a much better front/rear weight ratio, and you'll find that the rear gets much better traction than an empty pickup on all surfaces.

[Dale Moser]

I have heard this for years, and after owning 7 4x4 trucks I can tell you, the people that tell you that have never owned a 4x4.

Agreed, 100%.

[thorshammer]

Having lived in Ohio for 35 years and having both of the vehicles your inquiring about, I can tell you on roadways the SUV Is better but off road the truck is better. I have driven both in both scenarios mud and or ice.

This is the most correct statement on here. IMO
Sums it up quite well.

[BowOnly81]

It would depend on the what kind of mud you were in.
If it's deep, bottomless mush of mud, then the SUV will probably be worse, simply because it's heavier.
If it's mushy, slick mud, but has a hard bottom underneath, the SUV might be slightly better due to more weight giving a little extra traction.
I would think on ice, the SUV would have a slight advantage because of extra weight. I've heard of people loading heavy objects in the bed of their trucks during the winter for the extra weight/traction on ice.

In reality, you're probably only talking about a couple of hundred pounds difference though.
I have more weight than that in my toolbox in my truck.

Exactly ^^^^

[Jason]

My 4wd saved me many times last winter when we were snowed/iced in living at the top of a hill. 2wd drive cars and trucks had to park at the bottom of the hill and walk up or not leave their homes. My wife has now agreed that all future trucks must be 4wd!