ExplorerExplorer
Adventurer
Except that it's your only vehicle and it's already paid for? The only reason I'm looking to buy a 4x4 is because I need a new truck anyway...
Are there any other 2WD overlanders here?
- Thread starter Mr. Moore
- Start date
Except that it's your only vehicle and it's already paid for? The only reason I'm looking to buy a 4x4 is because I need a new truck anyway...
762X39
Explorer
I own a Unimog (which is really just a big pickup truck) and it looks like I am going to buy my work truck (2wd 2004 F150 supercab with trailer towing package and limited slip).I want to use my soon to be mine F150 for Overlanding and have absolutely NO concerns about it only being 2wd. One of the posters mentioned that the only difference is a reduction in weight like it doesn't matter.Weight is always the enemy when travelling. It reduces your capacity to carry kit, increase wear on load bearing components, reduces fuel economy and increases complexity. 4wd also increase the likelyhood of stupidity on the drivers part whereas 2wd usually reduces it.Don't worry about it. I have gone so many places with my work truck that I sometimes wonder why I bought the Mog (of course the Mog is used for a different kind of Overlanding so it gets to stay).
Exactly....except mine isn't totally paid for yet...and I am not in a position to replace it before I pay it off.... not to mention that due to the fact that it is my only vehicle, I have no interest in doing anything that will increse the chance of prematurely breaking something.
As was stated ablove, 2wd does have the advantage of less weight and all of the things that go along with that.
bajaharley
New member
2wd
The only advantage to a special built 2wd that I can see is front end suspension travel... which translates to speed and comfort on the trail. I really like the fact that I can cover more ground, in a given day, without beating my brains out..like I see most 4x4's doing.
The only advantage to a special built 2wd that I can see is front end suspension travel... which translates to speed and comfort on the trail. I really like the fact that I can cover more ground, in a given day, without beating my brains out..like I see most 4x4's doing.
JeepN95YJ
Adventurer
I live in OH and have been considering a 2WD rig for a while. I am looking forward to moving forward with that at some point.
Speed could certainly be an advantage for some. I prefer to drive slow and enjoy the scenery/ride. I always seem to drag behind when traveling with companions. My brains tend to ride comfortably "in".LOL.:sombrero:
bajaharley
New member
2wd
It isn't that I try or like to go fast, in fact, I am usually at the back of the pack With longer travel you can just naturally lope along faster..with no drama and see more scenery.
Having spent most of my life off roading bikes, 4 wheels is relatively new to me. I must say that I have been very surprised where a 2wd with a locked axle and good weight distripution will take you. I just stay away from the mud..its really no fun with open wheels.
It isn't that I try or like to go fast, in fact, I am usually at the back of the pack With longer travel you can just naturally lope along faster..with no drama and see more scenery.
Having spent most of my life off roading bikes, 4 wheels is relatively new to me. I must say that I have been very surprised where a 2wd with a locked axle and good weight distripution will take you. I just stay away from the mud..its really no fun with open wheels.
Ford Prefect
Expedition Leader
I have not seen a lot of people actually list their ideas of good recovery gear.
I have had jeeps all my life, so, 4x4 has been the way to go. Personally I have NEVER been winched. Once I used a guys winch to rip the deck off of his house for him, but I do not think that really counts. I have never had a winch on my jeeps either. Simply good smarts when driving makes all the difference. I HAVE, on the other hand, taken a strap three times (had to be pulled out by another rig in other words) but that is all.
Personally I think a winch is an ok idea for you, but if you have it chances are you will need it, but few people really need it unless they are messing about anyhow.
An ARB locker in the rear end, however, I would highly recommend that. Also if you can, I would consider putting in a Trasfer case. The value of this is that you would have the option of low range, which even in 2wd, is nice. (yes I have used 2wd and my ARB to get myself places rather than get out in the rain and mud to lock the front hubs) it works just fine...
A high lift, of course, you can use that like a winch if needed (granted it will only get you three feet at a time, but costs a lot less than a winch too.)
There is a company out there that makes a portable winch point (do not recall the company name) but it is an interesting thing. Basically it is like a shovel that you dig in just a bit, and then hook the winch up. Can pull you through the sand when there are no trees/rocks to hook up to.
All of those things are pretty spendy except the jack, so that is your obvious first purchase. (that and some cable)
toss in a nice heavy duty strap for towing your vehicle out, or pulling others out, and you are good to go.
Point in fact. I once saw a Ford Probe pull a Chevy 2wd pick up out of his parking space on a paved street because he was on snow and a slight incline downward. Just be wise about how you drive and you will be fine. Otherwise some wise-alec, like me, will be snapping pictures while a honda accord pulls you out.
Best of luck, and looking forward to photos of your trips.
Brian
I have had jeeps all my life, so, 4x4 has been the way to go. Personally I have NEVER been winched. Once I used a guys winch to rip the deck off of his house for him, but I do not think that really counts. I have never had a winch on my jeeps either. Simply good smarts when driving makes all the difference. I HAVE, on the other hand, taken a strap three times (had to be pulled out by another rig in other words) but that is all.
Personally I think a winch is an ok idea for you, but if you have it chances are you will need it, but few people really need it unless they are messing about anyhow.
An ARB locker in the rear end, however, I would highly recommend that. Also if you can, I would consider putting in a Trasfer case. The value of this is that you would have the option of low range, which even in 2wd, is nice. (yes I have used 2wd and my ARB to get myself places rather than get out in the rain and mud to lock the front hubs) it works just fine...
A high lift, of course, you can use that like a winch if needed (granted it will only get you three feet at a time, but costs a lot less than a winch too.)
There is a company out there that makes a portable winch point (do not recall the company name) but it is an interesting thing. Basically it is like a shovel that you dig in just a bit, and then hook the winch up. Can pull you through the sand when there are no trees/rocks to hook up to.
All of those things are pretty spendy except the jack, so that is your obvious first purchase. (that and some cable)
toss in a nice heavy duty strap for towing your vehicle out, or pulling others out, and you are good to go.
Point in fact. I once saw a Ford Probe pull a Chevy 2wd pick up out of his parking space on a paved street because he was on snow and a slight incline downward. Just be wise about how you drive and you will be fine. Otherwise some wise-alec, like me, will be snapping pictures while a honda accord pulls you out.
Best of luck, and looking forward to photos of your trips.
Brian
Here's the story of a couple who spent 18 months driving around Central and South America in a 2WD Ford Econoline camper van. If they had 4WD, they might have visited a few more out-of-the-way locations. I'd still categorize their trip as an "overland adventure."
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37444
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37444
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
Uh... 4wd's were available in Oz "to the masses" long before 67...We started exploring the deserts in Oz before 4x4s existed (for the masses).
This is 1967 on our honeymoon.
This bit of "road" was 1,600km (1,000 miles) between towns with 20 people, or more, with one exception of about 2,000 people half way.
Similar area in 1974. Slightly different road conditions.
A set of snow chains was the answer here, and lots of walking to pick the best route.
The "trick" is to do what you can with what you have got.
Cheers,
Peter
Cheers
Dave
Peter_n_Margaret
Adventurer
Yes, there were a few Landrovers about, but the "masses" could not afford to own and operate one. Certainly we couldn't.
I knew no one who owned a 4x4 then.
Cheers,
Peter
SpartyKrunk
New member
Hey guys, im new here. Glad I found this thread. I have a 2002 Jeep WJ with just 2wd. I plan on going on an expedition this summer through Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. I know I dont have 4x4 but that encourages me to drive safer and with better judgment. And in my opinion, thats all a driver needs. Thi will be my first expedition, but i'm preparing for it. I plan on installing an Ox mechanical locker in the differential by the end of February. That and my current set of Goodyear Duratracs along with a couple of Jerry-Cans, a Hi-Lift, shovel, and a winch should get me through. All i'm currently worried about is finishing my mapping. Always knowing where you're going ahead of time is important.