Dually 2WD OR 4WD

[north channel novels]

Both sides have given pretty fair treatment to the discussion. But I'll add a few words anyhow. For most of my career as a conservation officer (game warden) I drove 4X4's. Drove on a lot of bush roads through some pretty crappy mudholes (but not like those competition mudders do) and deep snow. Still, I probably only used the 4X4 function less than 1% of the time. In retirement, we've towed a series of 27/28 foot fifth wheels for 18 years now with three different 4X2 Rams (no duallies) and I did have to get pulled out once when I misread a grassy field. Got pulled free by a 4X4 Chevy (no offence, but how embarrassing).
Modern 4X4s are pretty dependable and fuel economy in two wheel drive is almost indistinguishable between them and a 4X2. My bottom line ... it's partly personal preference and partly your on-road/off-road habits.

[Dick Noble]

I have had to use 4X4 for our dually a number of times. Wet grass. snow, mud, dirt. I have had to shift into 4X4 while towing in snow on-the-fly. I will never be without it.

[RobW-NC]

It will void the remainder of the warranty if i do. As expensive as these things are to work on I feel I am better off with the warranty.

[huntindog]

Depends on your use. We always boodock at mostly remote locations. It is doubtful that a good samaratin would happen along to help us get unstuck... In fact cell service usually isn't available.... So a minor stuck for us could be a really expensive and inconvient event. We try to have everything we might need for the coach, and truck. That means 4x4 for us.

[TimtheToolMan]

Delete it and drive!

Times have seriously changed. Anyone considering deleting, look at the web sites that previously recommended deleting (do Google search) and you will hear do not do it.

[bshgto]

Delete it and drive!

Yes I saw them today speeding, tailgating, in the left lane with the 5th wheel camper connected.

[Hoopy Frood]

Well, sold my 2001 Dually 2WD and am buying a 2018 Dually 2WD. I usually hang on to a vehicle for a few years, but decided to let this one go after a short time, just 15 years.

[fourwheelrod]

Have to throw my 2 cents worth in. Of course living in northern Idaho I have 4wd. We bought our Solitude in Mississippi. When we were bringing it the 2300 miles home we found an inexpensive campground in Texas just to overnight in. Pulled in and it wasn't too bad. The next morning we pulled out of our site the gravel was so loose and deep I started bogging down immediately. Put it in 4wd and was just about scraping my differentials getting out. Luckily I didn't rip the axles out from under the trailer. Anyway rarely use 4wd but sure is nice when you need it.

[Captcolour]

There are reported DEF problems with new Ram trucks, so moving to that may be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

[bobter3]

My 2019 F350 is in the shop for a problem with the DEF system. Ford is covering it but the parts needed are on back order and could take up to 6 months to get. I have an opportunity to buy a 2021 RAM 2WD Dually with 43k miles on it. The two dealerships are owned by the same people so they would take my truck in trade even though it is out of commission. Just not sure I want a 2WD dually.

Rob, Before making that decision, I would look to compare values of your F-350 as if it wasn't broke compared to the 2021 Ram. Are the miles on each comparable? A 4wd will have more value than a 2WD will. Just make sure it's a fair comparison!!