4wd Versus Traction Control

BlackThunder · June 25, 2008

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this...I currently have a 4X4 Sierra and I was intended on getting a new one next year. I had got the 4X4 because of the snow we get in the winter (and this past winter it got a lot of use)...I don't do off-roading. However, I'm wondering if getting a 2WD truck with traction control will do the trick? I figured it would be slightly cheaper than buying a 4WD truck, but is it a good substitute?

BigJayDogg3 · June 25, 2008

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this...I currently have a 4X4 Sierra and I was intended on getting a new one next year. I had got the 4X4 because of the snow we get in the winter (and this past winter it got a lot of use)...I don't do off-roading. However, I'm wondering if getting a 2WD truck with traction control will do the trick? I figured it would be slightly cheaper than buying a 4WD truck, but is it a good substitute?

I'm no expert on this, especially since I live in a state with no real snow, but from what has been said, a 2WD will work, but 4WD is better, especially when you start getting in the thicker stuff.

KantKwit · June 25, 2008

My 2000 Silverado 2WD had 4.10 gears and an Eaton posi-trac. I still needed a set of chains in heavy snow. It also took some finesse to drive it on ice. I'm much more confident with 4WD.

branhap · June 25, 2008

From personal experience, Traction control breaks down going up a hill that is snow covered. The reason being that it detects a wheel slipping so it reduces throttle. Thus you can't get up a steep embankment. Now if you have the G80 it may help out. This was in my wife's Equinox that we found out this little tidbit. We ended up turning off the Traction Control whenever we had to go up that hill. Yet still during the snows of 4" or more we often found it wouldn't get up the hill and we had to detour into town to get out of the valley.

Hope that helps your decision. Personally, I'd stick with 4wd in a truck.

Good luck!

Paul

Starrman · June 25, 2008

yup, stick with the 4wd

like stated above, traction control works by lowering the power the engine is putting out by cutting fuel and spark when wheelspin is detected.....basically like lifting your foot off the gas pedal....untill traction is obtained. It is ok for wet roads and now and then use in light snow, like taking off from a stop at an intersection. I wouldn't trust it too much in heavier snow

18702GMT900 · June 25, 2008

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this...I currently have a 4X4 Sierra and I was intended on getting a new one next year. I had got the 4X4 because of the snow we get in the winter (and this past winter it got a lot of use)...I don't do off-roading. However, I'm wondering if getting a 2WD truck with traction control will do the trick? I figured it would be slightly cheaper than buying a 4WD truck, but is it a good substitute?

I agree with most of the guys here stick with the 4X4 i've owned various 2wd vehicles with traction control and they do not even compare with the 4X4 in heavy snow, especially if you have to maneuver your vehicle over snow large drifts.

alaska511 · June 25, 2008

Um, I have a bit of input on this one:

Get 4wd if you have snow. You will miss it big time if you don't!

MS3DALE · June 25, 2008

ace ventura · June 25, 2008

The problem is that a truck doesn't have any weight in the back and their rear wheel drive. A G80 locker on a 2wd truck is actually worse in the snow. The rear end slips out. If you drive your truck in the snow you should stay with one with 4wd.

gvbhunt · June 26, 2008

Buy the 4x4, it has traction control too. 2wd with traction control < 4wd with traction control

merlin5577 · June 26, 2008

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this...I currently have a 4X4 Sierra and I was intended on getting a new one next year. I had got the 4X4 because of the snow we get in the winter (and this past winter it got a lot of use)...I don't do off-roading. However, I'm wondering if getting a 2WD truck with traction control will do the trick? I figured it would be slightly cheaper than buying a 4WD truck, but is it a good substitute?

I like to think of 4WD the same way as a condom. Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

svensk · June 26, 2008

Tell you what...I used the crap out of my auto 4wd mode this last winter. That's all I needed was the front wheels to pull me once in a while when I started slipping.

BlackThunder · June 27, 2008

Thank you everyone, you've been very helpful and convincing. I'm gonna stick with the 4WD. There are several hills between work and home to compete with during the winter, and if we get anywhere close to as much snow again next winter, then hill climbing would be an issue.

robertbick · June 27, 2008

The problem is that a truck doesn't have any weight in the back and their rear wheel drive. A G80 locker on a 2wd truck is actually worse in the snow. The rear end slips out. If you drive your truck in the snow you should stay with one with 4wd.

Exactly. A FWD car is fine in the snow, but a RWD pickup with no weight in the back... forget about it!