2wd vs 4wd

[pr39]

Hello Rosco,
I have been rolling in my 2x4 Sportsmobile since 2005, this would be my second van and had some concern how it would do in Baja to my home in -25 degree weather with plenty of snow. Through years of testing and exploring many beaches and extreme weather I have found my 2x4 very capable. I have winched out flatbed tow trucks to government 4x4 vehicles at work with no chains or assistance besides the winch or tow strap. What makes this such a good vehicle is the weight and correct sipped tires. I would never recommend 2x4 over 4x4 but what I can tell you I get to all the places I need to go. When it gets really challenging I unload the dinghy (KTM) and explore with the right tool for the job at hand.

 

[Tennmogger]

I have owned two E-350s, both 2wd. With all the weight in the front, especially the heavy 7.3 Diesel (which one of mine had) you have zilch traction on the powered wheels. You can get stuck in a low spot on wet grass, been there, done that. Tires help, and I ran BFG All Terrains which helped but did not solve traction issues. A heavily loaded rear axle would help too, but will also cause that axle to sink in sand or mud. My advice, learned from experience, is do not get off the gravel with 2wd E-350.

 

[JCMatthews]

I think that he needs a video. Someone go out in you van and show how easily it can get stuck in 2wd and then throw into 4wd and show how easily it get out of the situation. Just a thought.




EDIT: I found one. Check out how little snow the van really is in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuIUE-JOPTA Here is a good one showing how effortlessly the van goes over sand with 4wd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1sdY1tAnbs&feature=related

 

[Rosco862003]

A little update. I did my taxes last night and decided against selling my car. My friend is suggesting we scoop up a Subaru of some sort. I like Subarus, don't get me wrong. But I think using one as my mobile studio for 3 months would get old..very quick. So I'm leaning towards a full size van shes leaning towards a station wagon. The compromise vehicle should be interesting!

We have also decided to volunteer with the Muskoka foundation along the trip and were both pretty excited about it to say the least. The route is constantly changing as we try to make way for friends weddings and family events, and it sounds like Alaska is out of the picture..BOO I know. But once I get some solid plans I'll keep you guys updated!

 

[86scotty]

Howbout a cheap Subaru toad behind a cheap 2wd e350 to live in? I know, not ideal, but i've actually thought about this, or at least i did until i sold my Subie. An e350 will probably get about 1-2 less mpg with a car behind it, not bad. First, for your trip, i'd try to find a 7.3 diesel, so much better for long miles, and will haul everything. The front receiver, at $150 shipped from Etrailer, and a winch, is actually a pretty good idea. Maybe 500 total and you know you can get out if you get stuck, most places. Everyone here will stress 4wd, and i don't blame them, but just to note, i have driven vans for about 20 years for Fedex, and gotten through many horrible icy, snowy days with a 2wd econoline with virtually no weight in the back and the most horrible retread, garbage tires you can imagine. I always got where i needed to go, and not just on flatland. We've got pretty good hills on the west side of the Smokies. You will come home with some good stories and you'll be a far superior driver.

 

[86scotty]

Check out what i just found. I would buy this sight unseen if i could right now.
I found a few more the other day on CL in the Southeast, but not sure where they went. I'll post em up if i find em.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002..._Trucks&hash=item3cc1bdca21#ht_500wt_1173

 

[Chuckles!]

1980's Tercel 4x4 wagon! $1500, 30mpg, check youtube to see just how far these things can go off-road. You'll have a ton of money left over for fuel, campgrounds, and you could even keep it afterwards as the new daily driver.

 

[McZippie]

IMHO ...been to Alaska twice, if on a budget, 4wd isn't required. Just think ahead when temped to drive down a questionable road and you'll do fine with 2wd.

FWIW... last summer in North-central Nevada got caught during a torrential thunder storm on a sticky-gumbo-mud back road. Drove 10 or so miles with our small 2wd drive with duallies, Ford E350 RV, while towing a Jeep JKU. Speed needed to be above 20mph to keep from getting stuck. RV was near side-ways many times. Throttle control and corrective steering was at full effort.
There was a rather nicely equipped 4wd EXPO-type SUV behind us that would slow down in the really bad stuff and then catch up again in the somewhat less deep gumbo.
When we reached the main road we both stopped to have a look at the hundreds of pounds of gumbo stuck on our vehicles. He commented to me, that he never would of believed it, if he didn't see it himself, that a 2wd drive with duallies while towing a Jeep could make it though that mess.

 

[Quill]

If you are on a budget, buy a light weight 2wd And attache a rack to haul a small dirt bike. You see a road, pull over in a safe spot and scout it with the dirt bike. Make sure you have a good set of tires on the vehicle, a set of chains and a good quality come along to go with the High-Lift. There times you need both. A skilled driver can go many places in 2wd. An unskilled one will stick a 4wd even worse. Remember the Model T went into these areas with just 2wd. Knowledge mixed with sill will do more for you than anything else.

 

[djm68]

Personally, I'd go with the 7.3 e350 and, as you mentioned, bring along recovery gear; add a pair of Maxtrax or the like. My wife and I just got back from nearly two week of camping in our e350 eb with two dogs (60 and 25 lbs); the space of the eb is quite useful. If you go with the 7.3 e350, I think you will find you keep it for quite sometime, and who knows, perhaps you will eventually convert it to 4x4. The other vehicles, I think you will ditch after your trip...

Best,
DJM