I will be moving to Germany this September and was wondering if I should trade my 08 2X4 in for a 4X4 for the snow. I will be spending as much time as I can skiing in Germany and anywhere else there are montains (Switzerland if I can make it) and want to make my trips there to be safe and comfortable. I grew up in Canada and have driven in snow alot, but the cars I drove were all rear wheel drive, I did slip and slide a bit but could handle it then. But as I grow older and wiser, slipping and sliding up and down mountains in the snow...just does not have the same excitement. I have "heard" a 4X4 is better but would like to opinion of those who have some knowledge and drive Dodges not Fords. I can put my to motorcycles in the back of the truck if that would help with the rear weigh (provided no one steals them lol).

 

Sounds like a no-brainer. Slippery conditions warrant 4WD. Are you going to buy and ship or buy when you get there?

 

A 4x4 isnt needed in Europe. When I was there in the late 80's the roads were cleared as the snow fell. I had a nasty Pugot car and went whereever and whanever I wanted. I spent weekends traveling to other countries to experience the unique cultures of each country and never had to postpone a trip for snow. Even in the Alps, the snow is cleared post haste. If you feel the need for a 4x4, make yourself happy, but I never needed one.

 

From what I understand you wont be bringing it back anyhow Them Europeans sure love our trucks!! A buddy of mine took his 98 over there and sold it for 3x what he owed...this was in 99 too

As for 2x4 or 4x4 in the snow...as long as it is just snow 4x4 helps. As soon as you hit ice it just means four tires spinning.

 

Better get a diesel. Ins't gas over there really really high?

 

I just bought a 08 Ram 2500 Turbo Diesel that 2X4 that I was planning on shipping. Depending on the feed back I get I may trade it in for a 4X4 before I leave.

And thank you all for your input.

 

Where at you going to be living? i was in landstuhl/rammstein area. a few things.

4/AWD is nice. They clear roads really good. Do you NEED a truck there, ie to pull/haul? Gas is rediculous there, like 1-2 something a qt. the roads are smaller.

our neigbor bought a truck right before his duty station changed, so he brought it with him. The locals did go nuts over it, everyone loved it. He hardly ever drove it it was so damn expensive though.

If i were you. i wold really really consider selling it, and buying some sort of AWD audi, subaru, even a land rover or used merc in germany. They are cheaper there, and you avoid the import fees, licence pain, and big operating costs.

But to get to your question...
its up to you 2wd is fine 4x4 is nice though. My gf drove a 2wd BMW with traction control all over germany for years and never had a problem.

ps, a good place to buy is from the base, get a base paper from somewhere. you can find good deals, and buy from fellow North Americans.

 

I will be Heidelberg (sp?). I need the truck for my bike (s), I will be attending alot of track days at the Hockenheim Ring. True it is only 20 km away but I cannot carry spare tires, rims, extra forks, tire changer, riding gear, tools tent ect on my back lol. And then there is the skiing, 1/2 of my skiing buddies are already there and pretty much waiting for me to bring my truck so we can hit the slopes, so splitting the cost of petrol will make it a bit easier. I guess if put extra weight in the back, a snow mobile perhaps I should not have any problems. I did not relish the thought of trading in this one.

 

Having spent time in the K-town and Stuttgart areas (as well as other areas of Europe and the ME), I have to say that you very well may regret having such a big vehicle over there. As noted, fuel is quite expensive, even when you are splitting the costs. It's definitely cheaper on base/post, but once you get away from there, you are on your own...and it AIN'T cheap. Diesel was better than regular gas when I was there, but who knows now.

Seriously, though, European towns are VERY small roads for the most part. A smaller truck or an AWD vehicle capable of towing a trailer with your motorcycle and gear. I know people who did track days at Hockenheimring and Nurbergring (I think). Nobody had big trucks. Lots of people tow with their cars or smaller SUV's. I'm sure you've seen that at track days in the States, though, as well.

 

although fuel will be very expensive you also have to factor in that if he sells or trades his truck he is looking to lose $5000-10000. that will buy alot of fuel.