RE: 2 Wheel vs. 4 wheel

[tlhdoc]

 Starcraft Dad
You would normaly tow in 2 wheel drive not in 4 wheel drive.  A REAR wheel drive vehicle will tow more and better than a FRONT wheel drive vehicle like your van.
 
 Rear wheel drive makes the best tow vehicle.

[MtnCamper]

 tlhdoc

 

ORIGINAL:  tlhdoc
 Rear wheel drive makes the best tow vehicle.
 

That s why I tow in 2H.[]
 

[C. Hains]

 tlhdoc
Thanks for your response -- I really am learning and would hate to purchase another vehicle and have it not be as appropriate as it could be.

[wynot]

 Starcraft Dad

Two wheel drive has the advanage because it has more weight in the rear.

 I wouldn t bet on it.  I have a transfer case back behind the centerline in addition.  If you are saying that it doesn t have additional front weight (of a powered front axle), that would be more correct.

[Camper Dan]

 Starcraft Dad
Hi all[],
 
 Just thought I d put my $.02 worth in...[]
 
 The tow rating for a 4WD model is lower than that of a 2WD model.
 
 Taking into consideration the comments that spoke of the extra weight of the 4WD components...here is my spin on things. []  
 
 There is a power loss experienced in a 4WD version vehicle.  You re driving a 4WD vehicle in 2WD mode, okay.  But you still have some 4WD components being driven...even though 4WD is disengaged.  These extra rotating parts rob the drive wheels of power.
 
 You know how they now use electrically controlled and driven fans or fan clutches for automotive radiators.  It s more efficient.  The old setup robbed the drive wheels of power at certain speeds/conditions.  The fan wasn t really needed to cool the motor after 35 MPH or so.  Did you know that you can get more usable HP out of a motor by changing the size/location of the fanbelt pullies?
 
 It s about moving mass(weight).   There are X amount of 4WD components that are turning even when driving around in the 2WD mode.  It s a drag on the system.
 
 If the vehicle is rated to safely tow what you want to tow (75% rule and all that good stuff) it doesn t make any difference whether the tow vehicle is a 2WD or a 4WD.[]  It s just that the 4WD mode is for loose, wet or slippery surfaces (gravel, sand, mud, snow, etc., poor traction) driving conditions and that driving in the 4WD mode on dry pavement can really screw up a 4WD vehicle.  So, you tow in the 2WD mode, unless you have gravel, sand, mud, snow, etc.!
 
 I ve yet to get my 2WD truck stuck anywhere.  I ve been driving since 1966 and have only gotten stuck a time or two where 4WD would have made a difference.  BUT, if you want a 4WD tow vehicle and can afford it, hey, go for it...just get a big enough motor for what you want to tow[]...because they have a lower tow rating.[]
 
 Hope this helps.[]

[MtnCamper]

 Starcraft Dad
Tow Rating? I think I got that covered.[]

[Horscampr]

 Starcraft Dad
My truck is a 2wd.  I have a 2wd not because I wanted one (of course, like most people, I would rather drive a 4wd because they are great on snow covered, bad roads).  I got the 2wd because thats what I could afford, plain and simple. IMHO engine size and wheel base are more important than 4wd.  I could have gotten a 4wd if I opted for a smaller truck and engine (such as a ranger or S10).  Because I wanted the capacity to tow when I bought my truck, I went with the bigger truck, bigger engine, and gave up the 4wd (as well as power windows, cd player, and other extras).
 
 As far as towing goes, you do NOT need a 4wd to tow a trailer.....unless that is......you plan on towing through mud, muck, and snow.  If you were to do a lot of back country, off road camping, then you might be better off with a 4wd (...and while your at it, you re probably better off with one of those heavy duty, off road type of campers as well because rough roads will put strain on your trailer as well).
 So......unless this is your situation, 4wd really shouldn t be a concern when towing.  You can do just fine with the 2wd vehicle.
 
 BTW....My truck isn t the fanciest, but I really LOVE it.