I have been wanting to upgrade my Dakota for quite some time and get into a Ram. I am about to buy a 2011 Ram 1500. The question is either 4x2 or 4x4. I do not hunt and I do not spend a lot of time in the woods. I have 3 kids and we like to camp a lot and ride dirt bikes. All of our camping has been done in state parks and I am looking into getting a camper in the next year or so. Probably about a 26 ft weighing around 5-7000 pds. Money is tight and I can get a lot more truck for about 3000 less if I stay away from 4 wheel drive. I have just always wanted it even though I do not have a use for it. Both trucks I am looking at are Crew cab, 5.7L with 3.55 rears. According to Dodge they can both pull the same amount of weight so I do not gain anything weight wise with the 4 wheel. Thanks for the help!

 

4x4's hold their value much better. That's the big tradeoff for me. 4x2's just don't seem to hold their value as well.

 

If you don't need it, or have a legitimate use for it, and plan to keep it for awhile, don't buyy 4WD.

 

Save up your cash and get a 4X4...When I bought mine, I did like everyone else does search through dealers. I was curious what the price difference for a 4X2 was. Turns out here in Alberta it is very difficult to find a truck that is 2X4, unless your going with a tradesman, they don't come in a 4X4. AND the base model. I asked why and all the dealers say there is just no demand for them!

Personally I would never go with anything but 4X4, just because of our winters here, and also its a truck! You said that you don't go into the woods too often but do go dirtbiking?
To me thats a given for the 4X4 even if you are only going to use it a couple times a year. 4X4 can save you from a lot of headache IF you ever get stuck out dirtbiking. Its nice just to be able to throw it into 4x4 and not have to worry as much about getting stuck.

 

Always get a 4x4. you never know what hobbies you may pick up or where you may take a road trip to. 1 trip through a heavy snow storm will make it worth while. my 2cents.

 

I use my 4x4 about six times a year in the winter, so wouldn't need it if you live in an area without snow or don't go off-roading much. I bought a truck for the wife without it but did get a locking diff and for the extra $400 it's well worth it. All of her driving is highway and in town so didn't see the point. If you've drove a truck before you'll understand the difference with rear wheel drive and little weight in the rear. I love the 4x4 when you need it but understand the initial and future service cost factor. If you aren't going to use it than don't bother but do get the LSD and higher gears if you're towing.

 

Mine is a daily driver to work, 80 miles round trip and do not want to be stranded during a snowfall at the office. I would not own a truck unless a 4x4 and use it mostly for home projects, home depot, landscape supply, atv hauler and trashed kids with football, rugby, soccer etc gear.. Just do not see the point in owning a non-4x4 pickup truck but this is just my .02.

 

Wow, I am even more confused and it all makes sense too! I live in the south where I do not have to worry about snow so that is out of the question. Unless the Coast Guard makes me move somewhere i might need it but am hoping not. I think I am going to have to sacrifice somewhere with what I am able to afford. Get the 4x2 with all the options I want at the price I am most happy with or get the 4x4 which is still beautiful but does not have all of the options that I would like to have and stretches my monthly payment out a little more. Decisions, decisions!!!!

 

What are the options your gaining on the 2wd?

 

Buy the one you want, with all the options you want - in your area, as in most, $X$ is not needed...... You will be happy with 4X2, and probably won't ever miss four wheel drive ------ plus, mileage will be better... less maintenance, less stuff to break, better tire wear, etc, etc, etc....... oh yeah, opt for 17" tires if you can, another saving and increase in performace for ya!

And another thing - these trucks, especially the CC are big heavy trucks, and do remarkably well in the snow, as most roads are plowed anyway. The traction control works very well in thes trucks. I live in the upper midwest, and it does fine around here.... (Chicago area)