nanetteschimpf

I don't need a 4x4 as a daily driver as I live in North Florida and my son owns a 7.3 diesel 4x4 F-250. Really the only time I would need capability is when I go to our North GA mountain cabin (due to the steep gravel driveway that can be slick in the cold or wet).

I am wondering if a 4x2 with electronic locking axle would be nearly as capable in this situation as a 4x4?

I'm looking at a Screw XLT with 5.5' bed.

Thoughts from all you knowledgable folks? Thanks in advance.

Current vehicle: 2010 Ford Flex Limited.

F-150hunter

Its better than a non locking but its not a replacement for 4x4. I have messed around with mine at the ranch, using locker instead of 4x4. In a few cases it was able to get through in locked 2x4 where I can not go unlocked. But climbing the main high-line trail it does not matter locked or not, without the front wheels puling I cant not make it. Nothing too steep, but lots of lose rocks and a good angle and it just cant do it.

Ricktwuhk

I cannot imagine that you cannot get up a gravel driveway UNLESS it's deep loose gravel.

nanetteschimpf

Thank you for your response! My brother in law has a 2015 FX4 F-150 and had to engage his 4WD to climb it yesterday, which is what led me to ask the question. Bed was empty so i am sure that was part of it. It is a new gravel driveway with not even 8" of gravel. Somewhat steep. He couldn't get out without the 4x4.

nanetteschimpf

Thank you--i have not been able to find much about how helpful an e-locker is so i appreciate the feedback. Your experimenting is helpful! Cool stuff. Thank you!

zx12-iowa

I have a hard believing he HAD to engage 4x4. Even in mn snow and steep hills I can ascend them in 2wd without a locker. Now if I'm off-road in deep mud or wet/snow off-road, yes 4x4 is needed. I think you'd be fine in 2wd if you have some sense. So does your bro in law have some sense or was he eager to hot rod it up this little patch to finally be able to use 4x4 that he otherwise would never need? I don't know the guy-it's an honest question.

WTF150

Pic of the driveway?

Pikkup

I think you will be fine with 4x2 and the locker.

All comes down to common sense, and skill. Some weight in the bed will help.

I just ordered a '16 F150 4x2 with the 3.31 locker... had to order, as soon as I said I wanted 4x2 salesman looked at me and said there would not be any on the lots, so order I did.

I have had a lot of pickups over the years, never a 4x4 and have never got myself stuck in Pennsylvania winters...

Weight in the bed, common sense and skill... and knowing when not to drive in bad conditions.

I want the 4x2 for better mpgs and less stuff to go wrong down the road because I keep vehicles way past warranty.

Good luck with your choice!

nanetteschimpf

He is a very conservative driver so i bet he wasn't willing to roll back and try again. He would rather try the thing he knows will work.

nanetteschimpf

So hard to see and i am not there right now so these are the only two photos i have.

The one from the road up top you can see the driveway begins to drop to the left.

Difficult to see how steep it is but is a 15 foot drop from where I am standing on the paved driveway with my niece and her mom walking up.