RWD vs 4x4

[fundmark19]

Hey guys I just sold my Scion XB and am in the market for a truck that is rear car seat accessible and in my price range of max $7500.00. I want to be able to pull a trailer (15 ft max older trailer I would assume they are under 3000 lbs). I am stuck trying to find a vehicle. The Dakota V6 and V8 is available but gas mileage sucks. There are a couple older 2003 f 150's that fit the price tag but are RWD only. I have some friends saying you don't need the 4x4 and others saying you absolutely need it for the winter.

What does CP say is 4x4 necessary with owning a truck?

[burn_this_city]

If you go RWD, sandbags or winter tires are a must on the back. My truck has 4x4 but I rarely use it except to get going in an icy intersection or deep snow.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

2WD will allow you to get more truck for your money.

[Max Cow Disease]

I drive a RWD Tacoma and it suits me fine. For the extra money it would have cost me to get a 4x4 instead, I couldn't justify it. Every now and then there are times in the winter that I find myself cursing and wishing I had that capability, but they're fairly few and far between (I'm equipped with studded winter tires and throw a bit of weight in the back).

[#22]

I have a 4-Runner, and it is in 4x4 probably less than 2% of the time over the winter. When I had the old Dodge RWD, I laid a couple of 100 pound patio slabs in the bed and never had any real issues.

4X4 is not necessary

[4X4]

If you're never going to go off roading, then 4x4 is just a luxury. But it is very, very nice to have in the winter.

[bc-chris]

my first truck was RWD and that was fine for most of the year. it did get 'fun' in the snow... i'd just throw a couple sandbags in the back for some added weight. i ran all seasons all year long

the truck i have now is a 4x4.... and i love it in the winter!!! it's a lot easier to get going, but with all vehicles... stopping can be an issue on ice. i run 35" mud tires all year round.

a little disclaimer though... living in kelowna we don't really get winter like you do in calgary - and i don't ever leave the city during the winter (not allowed to drive on the highway without winter-grade (they need the snowflake on them) tires in bc)

i've never pulled a trailer so i can't really give you any feedback on that except that of all my buddies that have trailers they all have 4x4s... most of them are 3/4 tons trucks though.

[puckluck2]

I would say it is absolutely necessary. I love my 4x4 and wouldn't ever buy a RWD truck.

Just personal opinion though as others in this thread like their RWD and I guess it just comes down to what you are comfortable with.

[Violator]

I dont have 4x4 on my f150 I never had a problem at all during winter just put two sandbags and winter tires and I was good to go.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by bc-chris

my first truck was RWD and that was fine for most of the year. it did get 'fun' in the snow... i'd just throw a couple sandbags in the back for some added weight. i ran all seasons all year long

the truck i have now is a 4x4.... and i love it in the winter!!! it's a lot easier to get going, but with all vehicles... stopping can be an issue on ice. i run 35" mud tires all year round.

a little disclaimer though... living in kelowna we don't really get winter like you do in calgary - and i don't ever leave the city during the winter (not allowed to drive on the highway without winter-grade (they need the snowflake on them) tires in bc)

i've never pulled a trailer so i can't really give you any feedback on that except that of all my buddies that have trailers they all have 4x4s... most of them are 3/4 tons trucks though.

I live in BC and didn't know this. I guess it doesn't come up much here on the coast. I guess they are enforcing it going to Whistler but I've crossed the Coquihalla a few times in the winter and never thought twice about it.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by bc-chris

(not allowed to drive on the highway without winter-grade (they need the snowflake on them) tires in bc)

Isn't that only certain highways? I've seen it posted in BC but it doesn't seem to be everywhere.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

Isn't that only certain highways? I've seen it posted in BC but it doesn't seem to be everywhere.

I checked the BC website and it's universal once you get away from the coast, except for short stretches in cities.

[Sliver]

I have a 2012 F-150 4x4. As an experiment for no really good reason I tried to do the whole winter in two-wheel drive. I basically made it with the exception of a couple times I used it to get going on really icy streets when I didn't want to be the struggler holding up the people behind me. With traction control and stability control being so awesome on modern vehicles, rwd isn't as sketchy a proposition as it was 10 or 15 years ago. With winter tires you will be fine.

[Cowperson]

I live in the country and four wheel is a must.

I'd never get a rear wheel drive even if I lived in the city. But I guess it depends what your doing.

Cowperson

[Jacks]

I probably only used 4x4 half a dozen times last winter but not having to dig myself out those times was worth it. With your needs and budget you are probably better off to go RWD though, you'll get a way newer and more reliable vehicle. You should be able find a clean 2003 supercab or crewcab for $7000.

[RT14]

I did a lot of highway driving last winter and 4x4 was a must on a few occasions and a huge benefit on a number of others. I would never buy a RWD truck. Even if you only would have needed 4x4 once or twice a winter, those one or two situations could be the difference between an expensive accident or not. One saved accident is well worth the extra couple grand in cost IMO.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by RT14

I did a lot of highway driving last winter and 4x4 was a must on a few occasions and a huge benefit on a number of others. I would never buy a RWD truck. Even if you only would have needed 4x4 once or twice a winter, those one or two situations could be the difference between an expensive accident or not. One saved accident is well worth the extra couple grand in cost IMO.

That's a good point.

Plus don't you commute from Cochrane, fundmark? I think that changes my thoughts on your situation. I live pretty close to work, but if I had to hit that highway you're on regularly I think I'd find a way to get a 4x4...just not worth the risk with rwd given where you live.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

If you go RWD, sandbags or winter tires are a must on the back. My truck has 4x4 but I rarely use it except to get going in an icy intersection or deep snow.

I didn't think you needed to put sandbags into the back of RWD trucks anymore.

[fundmark19]

Well I bought the rwd. 2004 supercab with 136k we will see how it is in the winter. I do live in cochrane but wife will be off for mat leave so if it doesn't handle well I will just take the rav 4 or make my car pool buddy drive everyday. I'm hoping the truck doesn't turn into a daily commuter anyways. Truck does have limited slip dif so that should help as well with a good set of snow tires

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

I checked the BC website and it's universal once you get away from the coast, except for short stretches in cities.

I thought I should provide a link.

Drivers are required to obey Winter Tire and Chain Up signs throughout the province. The designated routes require that vehicles are either equipped with winter tires or carry chains from October 1 to April 30. Click on the maps below to see the regional highways requiring winter tires and/or chains.

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/SeasonalDriv...er_chains.html