chevy dmax 2wd or 4wd?

maxtotow · February 11, 2002

hi all

we are debating the purchase of a 2500HD with D/A and whether or not to go with the extra cost of $4000 for 4wd.

We note that all of them have shown "locking rear differential". Is this really a big help in low traction situations?

we will use this to tow our 5500 pound fifth wheel

any body have experience with this?

thanks

regcab02HD · February 11, 2002

I'd go with the 4x4. I have the locking dif. on the rear of my 4x4, but it doesn't seem to help a hole lot. If I had better tires it would probably make a lots of difference. I'm glad I have 4x4, if I wouldn't I would've more than likely gotten stuck 4 or 5 times.

Shaners · February 11, 2002

First off welcome to the site.

I would go with the 4x4. It comes in very handy when you are trying to push that weight around in low traction situations like grass etc... I actually use low-range alot when I manuver my '32 travel trailer in my side yard. This also saves wear and tear on reverse (which is generally your weakest gear).

4x4 is one of the few options like an excab or crewcab that actually recovers alot of the initial investment when you go to sell or trade your truck. Also there is a much higher demand for used 4x4's on the market then there is 2wd's so it is easier to sell it out-right.

CMNTMXR81 · February 12, 2002

Since you are going to be pulling around 6,000lbs, you are still well within the Duramax's towing capacity. As such, I'd spend on the 4WD as it's a useful tool when pulling in low traction situations and will net more in resale value down the road.

If you were looking for sheer maximum towing capacity (around the 16,000lb range) I'd lean more towards the 2WD.

Jpshostr · February 12, 2002

Welcome to the site.

You haven't really given us a boat load of details to work with, but here go my thoughts.

If you are towing on the road 100% of the time, in a more southern climate, 2wd will be more than adequate. You will rarely encounter any situations where 4x4 is needed. However, if you are up north, 4x4 when towing in the winter makes life much easier, been there, done that. If you drag this trailer whatever it may be off the pavement more than occasionally, like we do, 4x4 is a good thing as it will help in backing up, pulling forward, you name it. The locking diff as GM calls it will help a bit, but don't expect it to replace four powered wheels.

Personally, 4x4 for me. Remember, you never hear a guy with a 4x4 say, "Gee, I wish I had a 2wd." You do hear plenty of guys saying the opposite though.

bluenote · February 13, 2002

Well, I'll play devil's advocate here. In some ways, I'd like to have bought the 4wd, but couldn't justify the additional cost for something I have almost no need for. Living in Mid-Michigan, we do get snow, sometimes in fairly decent amounts, and so far, I've had no problems with the 2wd/locking diff. We went deer hunting in December, and with 6-8 inches of snow sitting on top of high weeds in a field, my truck took off just fine, with barely a spin of the tires. This was with the stock tires. Unless you live in an area with large amounts of snow, or plan to do a lot of off-roading, you shouldn't need the 4wd. Weigh your pros and cons and have fun shopping!!