shortride

iTrader: (1)

Lived and drove in Michigan for 15 years with a 2wd truck. I slipped and slid around like everyone else now and then but never got stuck. The are a lot more 4x4's and have created a whole new culture of drivers.

RES4CUE

I always operate under the better to have it and not need than to need it and not have it principal! lol

Yes I can go most places in 2wd but with 4wd I feel more sure footed and secure and it also helps when turning as the turned wheels are pulling the front in the dirction I want to go vs being pushed though a turn.

Bottom line is that for a couple thousand more spead out over 5 years, it's kind of cheap assurance.

I would venture to bet that a guy with a 2wd truck that tests a 4wd in the same conditions would pick the 4wd.

RES4CUE

No doubt about that, it is funny watching all the "just snowed and tried 4wd for the first time, is this normal" threads!

The SCREW is the new SUV for soccer moms and dads! lol

vtdave

My daily drive takes me up a 17% grade on a dirt road that is mostly compacted ice with washboard ruts this time of year. I have 300lbs in the bed and metal studded winter tires. Guess what? 2wd doesn't cut it half of the times, so I switch into 4WD. If I had AWD, even better - no need to flip a switch. (Yes, it's a luxury - like remote start). What did people do before 4WD in this spot? They walked a lot.

I agree, though, with the general idea that you don't need 4WD just because it snowed 6" on your well-maintained state highway.

BarryL

I didn't know I was going to Grand Forks ND for 3 years when I bought my new GMC Canyon in SC, so it was a 2wd, but good thing it had the locking diff. The only 2wd pickup in town. Couldn't trade it because I would have lost too much money. I had to carry 560lbs of sandbags in the bed to get traction on the icy streets. Never got stuck, but never pushed the limit. I drove through a blizzard from Grand Forks to Minot, but stayed on the tail end of a semi and paid close attention. I would have gotten the 4x4 if I had prior knowledge.

johnny2011fx2

i have a 2011 FX2 with the 20" Pirelli STR tires. we have had snow, freezing rain and slushy conditions here in south eastern ontario, canada. i know how to drive and know when to drive according to road conditions. so far i have had no problems driving this winter with 2 wheel drive. with the traction control its easy to keep it straight. i don't go off road, hunt or fish when 4wd might be handy.

littlelooney

I like most people don`t need 4 wheel drive but for the first time I am buying a 1/2 ton 4x4 had plow trucks that needed 4wheel drive quit plowing got rid of the trucks. At least in Ontario I don`t see the need for 4 wheel drive for normal driving and couldn`t warrent the expence (added gas and maintance )other then cottage country and the boat launch . With good tires I have always managed but with age comes wisdom too many close calls up north time for a 4wheeler and a little more peace of mind. It will still get snow tires next winter 4 wheel drive don`t stop better then 2 wheel drive, I had to replace rads and grills in the last 2 2 wheel drive trucks after large storms trying to get home pushing snow drifts made it thanks to good tires and maybe a little experience.Why is it in most storms it is the 4x4s that run off the roads ? A little over confident mabe