I orderd a 4x4 (my first) this time around. I live on the windward side of Lake Michigan and we get dumped on routinely from November to April. There have been several instances where I would have used FWD in my daily travels. The road commission isn't really good about keeping intersections clean and I have had to alter my route to avoid known trouble spots.

The way I see it, 4x4 is like the portable generator that sits in your garage. If you only use it every couple of years when you have an ice storm, chances are it won't work. There is nothing worse for mechanical things than to sit and/or not be used. I plan on using my 4x4 system regularly year round simply to keep things freed up and working. Not on pavement of course.

 

Where in central Texas

 

I use the " it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it' rule!

I also "exercise" my 4wd system a couple times a year.

 

I agree!!!! It is better to have it and not need it! U never know!

 

There was a snow storm up here this last winter that was sticking military vehicles on the interstate.

I will always have a 4x4. You get stuck somewhere up here, it may be a few days before someone gets you out. Considering the temps, you could be dead by that time.

Not only do i have 4x4, i carry enough food/water/blankets/etc to survive a week. I also carry recovery gear to help other people or even possibly myself out if i ever need it.

 

When I bought my 4x2 living in Canada, I looked at when & where I drive, not based on what people other people were telling me about how useless a 4x2 is in the winter. IIRC, there is someone on here with a 2wd in Alaska who gets around just fine and if you think his weather isn't severe???

Do I *need* to drive when it is nasty enough that I could be stuck for day(s). Nope. I'm not a fire fighter, EMT/medical or Police or other essential service. My boss calls and shuts down work if it is that bad but I have been out in bad winter weather with it.

My father in law has a couple reg cab 2wd on the farm which are regularly out in fields and on cart paths to the fields. They don't have a problem with them.

Basically it is up to you and where you live and where you have to drive. A good head on your shoulders, and some good tires, you can get pretty much anywhere you need to. Now keep in mind I'm not talking rock crawling or mud boggin' but you get the idea.

 

Austin metro area.

if you are familiar with the area - lake georgetown, lake travis, canyon lake, lake lbj, lake austin - that's primarily where we'd boat.

 

I have a 4x2 with stock tires and I got stuck again to day on the Job site sand. I'm going to get some better tires and hope that helps. I wish I had 4x4 now

 

I think tires make a huge difference!

 

+1
One question. I have never had a 4x4. Do you use 4wd high on snow covered roads all the time or only if you have traction difficulties?