Do we need a 4wd?

[Cstars]

I know this question should probably be in the general forum but because I think the answer depends on where one lives, I'm posting it here.  Hope that's ok.
We're getting a new SUV.  We love our van and it tows great as long as we're on level ground but if we try to go to the mountains, it overheats, even with the tow pkg.
So I'm wondering, since we live in So. Cal. and the great majority of our trips are local long weekends (usually beach but would like to go to the mountains), is there any reason for us to get a 4 wheel drive?  We never go off-roading but is there any other reason since we're towing a PU to get it?  I just don't know enough about what it would/could do for us to make an informed decision.  Any advice or other suggestions will be greatly appreciated. TIA

[griffsmom]

We're skiers, so I like 4WD if only for the security it gives me when driving in snowy and icy conditions.  I also like not having to put chains on in a snowstorm (although you still have to carry them in the vehicle just in case).  Our trooper had 4WD but our Expedition does not. :mad: I've already put Dave on notice that I will NOT be geting out of the car to put on chains if they're required when we're driving in the mountains.

[gsm x2]

Joan,

If you don't drive in snow and you don't go offroad, there is is little advantage to 4-wheel drive...until you get stuck in sand at the side of the road.

The disadvantages:

  Greater weight, worse gas mileage, more things (expensive things) to go wrong.

For most non-skiers in SoCal, there isn't any reason to get 4-Wheel drive.

Scott

[Surfcal]

Joan,

If you don't drive in snow and you don't go offroad, there is is little advantage to 4-wheel drive...until you get stuck in sand at the side of the road.

The disadvantages:

  Greater weight, worse gas mileage, more things (expensive things) to go wrong.

For most non-skiers in SoCal, there isn't any reason to get 4-Wheel drive.

Scott

Joan,

Surfcal here in NorCal.  I agree with Scott.  I once had a 4WD Toyota 4-Runner when I used to go the the mountains to ski and even then, I hardly ever used the 4WD option.  And it snows a lot more up here than SoCal.

So if this thread becomes nothing more than just a poll, then I vote you don't need it.

Put your money into the biggest engine you can get for your vehicle.  In the long run, it'd be more advantageous for towing.

Surfcal

[Steve-o-bud]

I've had three four wheel drive vehicles, 2 full size K5 Blazers, and my current SUV, a '96 Acura SLX/aka Isuzu Trooper. I've also had a number of 4 wheel drive company vehicles, which I use a bit for off road use.

For a tow vehicles, here's my pros and cons, which is a rehash of what's already been offered:

PROS:
Not having to put on chains in mild snow.
Having a low range for extra pulling power on steep hills, getting out of ruts, etc.
Typically higher ground clearence
Piece of mind when in the mucky, slippery stuff, like mud.

CONS:
Greater weight
Greater cost
More routine maintenance
Higher tire wear
High cost components if they do fail
Lower gas mileage
The extra drivetrain components robs actual horsepower
Typically, slightly lower towing ratings
Higher insurance
Short people have trouble climbing into the vehicle

With all these cons, I feel like if I were to buy another tow vehicle, rationaly, it wouldn't be four wheel drive. However, my mind keeps going back to having that extra bit of flexibility, and capability that four wheel drive brings. So.... it might be worth the extra $2000 or so, and a couple of miles per gallon... etc. I've had three of them...and each one of them had occassional 4 wheel drive use, and I really really apreciated not having to get out and chain up.


Good luck!

[Surfcal]

I tell you where your money will go a lot further, it's into one of those GPS things, no pun intended.  I bought one for my car and they are amazing.  And it's not even that expensive.

Surfcal

[SactoCampers]

I know this question should probably be in the general forum but because I think the answer depends on where one lives, I'm posting it here. Hope that's ok.
We're getting a new SUV. We love our van and it tows great as long as we're on level ground but if we try to go to the mountains, it overheats, even with the tow pkg.
So I'm wondering, since we live in So. Cal. and the great majority of our trips are local long weekends (usually beach but would like to go to the mountains), is there any reason for us to get a 4 wheel drive? We never go off-roading but is there any other reason since we're towing a PU to get it? I just don't know enough about what it would/could do for us to make an informed decision. Any advice or other suggestions will be greatly appreciated. TIA

No reason to get 4WD for towing, in fact it will usually reduce your towing capacity by 300 or so pounds due to its extra weight. If you go to the snow occasionally, buy yourself some spider-spikes, they take about 15 seconds to put on per wheel and give you added traction for stopping and turning, which 4WD/AWD doesn't do. I only have AWD on my minivan because most minivans were FWD and my popup prohibited a weight distribution hitch. Good luck!

[Surfcal]

No reason to get 4WD for towing, in fact it will usually reduce your towing capacity by 300 or so pounds due to its extra weight. If you go to the snow occasionally, buy yourself some spider-spikes, they take about 15 seconds to put on per wheel and give you added traction for stopping and turning, which 4WD/AWD doesn't do. I only have AWD on my minivan because most minivans were FWD and my popup prohibited a weight distribution hitch. Good luck!

Hey Sacto:

What is the gear to torque ratio with and without the 4WD?

[mrflinders]

It all comes down to versatility.  We recently replaced our Astro Van with a truck.  Like you indicated, the Van, even with the towing package, had trouble with overheating on hills, especially in hot weather.  
 
I opted for the 4X4 for several reasons.  Although I seldom "need" 4WD, having the capability opens up opportunities for exploration that otherwise we would miss.  An example is while camping in Big Bear last year, we went out for some backroad exploring with the old van.  It was fun, scenic, and a little exciting, but our exploring was limited to the 2WD van's capabilities.  I found myself wishing I could go further.  Alot further.  Now we can go just about anywhere. We got the trailer to go new places, and experience new things.  Now that we have the 4x4, the opportunities are even greater.
 
Another point is that a 4X4 is more than a tow vehicle, it is also a toy.  Now that we have the 4x4, we are seeking camping spots near ORV areas.  The idea of spending the day playing with the truck in the mud, then heading back to the CG for the campfire is appealing.  Camping at Pismo Beach takes on a whole new meaning with a 4WD.  A Tow-Vehicle with another personality, if you will.
 
So, there, I have made my case for the 4WD.  If you are like 95% of 4WD owners, you will probably never use the extra capabilities of the vehicle. But, if you are one of the five-percenters like me, you'll love having the four wheel drive.
 
(The opinions expressed herein are my personal opinion, and should not be interpreted to reflect the position of my wife.)
 
:-)
 
Randy

[Surfcal]

Well Cstars:

This is the way it is looking:

- 4WD Option Package... $ 3000
- Extra expenses in gas per year... $ 500
- Higher Insurance every 6 months... $ 200

For the peace of mind of not putting chains in the snow!  Priceless

For all other 4WD associated expenses, there's always Master Charge.

Surfcal

[Cstars]

Thanks everyone for your input.  I think we have it narrowed down to a 2wd Sequoia.  We're going for the 2wd since we don't go off-roading or skiing and there doesn't seem to be a benefit for towing.  Now the big question is do we need the "Rear load-leveling suspension" on the Sequoia?  I think it's some kind of automatic supershocks.  Thanks!!

[Dee4j]

never liked the extra maintenance and expense and higher insurance for a 4X4 we've towed ours with a Suburban, an F150 supercrew 5.4L(only 6 months)  and now the Ford Expedition 4.6L and have no trouble towing up hills. as far as sway the F150 was the best with the longest wheelbase, the Expedition the worse, but will be adding stabilizers, the Suburban was okay but was having major mechanical problems with only 50,000 miles on it.

[kimrb266]

DH and I are planning on purchasing another tow vehicle because our Chevy Venture V6 heats up going over the Cajon Pass.  He's contimplating on buying a larger vehicle with a V8 engine.  We are planning on upgrading our PU in the next few years which the larger engine would help pulling a heavier trailer.  
 
Kim