Bull

In our region, you can significantly limit the rate of depreciation of a full sized truck by having 4wd.

Veloce Raptor

I am not sure that would not be exceeded by the extra costs of acquisition, fuel, maintenance, and insurance.

VERBOTN

+1 for 4x4, for me the only time I will need a 4x4 is when I don't have one. That being said I opted for the additional capabilities. Tow capacity was not an issue.

Bull

Probably depends on the region of the country, specific vehicle, insurance company amongst other things.

In my area, the difference in the new price of the F-150 I drive in 4wd vs. 2wd is listed as $700. The book value of the same truck 3-4 years old, with identical mileage, etc. is $3100 less for the 2wd. The weight diff of 300 lbs will show little fuel mileage variation for such a brick. My insurance company says there is no diff in 2wd or 4wd for me and my driving record (clean).

YMMV. (can you tell I have little to do this afternoon?????)

Jay Gratton

I think you will be more then fine with just 2wd. Throw some sand bags in the back and get some snow tires if your worried about snow. My company has a 2wd F350 and a 4WD F350 and the 2wd pulls MUCH better!

jrgordonsenior

Chris I acquired my first 4x4 dually last June. I've had 5 or 6 CC duallys over the years, but this 06' F350CC dually drives completely different. It has torque steer, a lousy turning radius, and sits too high for a tow vehicle. I have no regrets about buying it, Ford makes a great truck and it just cruises down the highway, and it came from a Rennlister. Had I ordered it new, I would not have ordered the 4x4 version.

cr207

get the 4x4 and get a plow and make extra money in the winter plowing : )

Larry Herman

One thing that has not been discussed is AWD. I had some problems with my Denali towing heavier trailers because on hard acceleration, the front end would get light and I would spin the front tires. Not real good for directional stability. A weight distributing hitch helped control this, but did not eliminate it.

paradisenb

I wonder why Ford only offers 4x4 on their F250 Super Duty PUs? These are undoubtedly designed for towing. Their website does not even show a 2WD available. Maybe they know something that is not obvious?

Professor Helmüt Tester

Bigger margins on 4x4 trucks, most likely.

analogmike

There it is. You live in Philly, you WONT be able to sell a 2WD truck for normal private party value without difficulty, no demand for them. You will probably have to wholesale it / trade it in when you are done with it. If you don't mind losing more money, or plan to wholesale it / trade it in, then 2wd is fine.

Good luck and let us know how it tows either way.

ngoldrich

FWIW - used the 4wd mode a lot on my 2500 Yukon XL - I would only get 4wd...

Norm

dbryant61

Data point: My tow vehicle is an '04 F150 Supercab FX4 (offroad package with slightly stiffer springs & shocks). I got the 4wd because I like to drive on the beaches in Hatteras and I occasionally go off-road, but not serious "mudding". I get much less snow than you (Va. Beach), but I have used the 4wd every winter in the snow, either here or in the mountains of VA.

That said, this truck is our most comfortable high-way vehicle; even more-so than a Volvo S80. It is amazing to me that they were able to merge so much comfort with such a capable truck. I agree with the others that the 4WD will depreciate less and be easier to sell.

KS-CS

If you get a tow vehicle with a transfer case (like my Expedition), then you can always shift into 2WD for the improved gas mileage on the highway, but still have 4WD capability when you need it.

While it doesn't apply to towing a track car, another situation where 4WD comes in handy is if you tow a boat - it can really help on a slippery boat ramp.

Alan Herod

I have found the 4wd to be more stable in slippery conditions. In addition to the rare occasions of being stuck, backing up a hill, pushing the trailer, 4wd has been particulary useful. Don't think I would be able to back up the steep driveway (pushing the trailer) otherwise.

Also, I am sure that you get more snow in Philly then we do; but, if I have to go out in poor conditions I would rather take the truck then the one of the other cars.