dream to own a ram truck for a long time. I plan to purchase ram 3500 as my retirement gift. I am driving ford edge. Since on snow in my city, it is a FWD version. For truck such as 3500, is AWD necessary without snow?
Since 4*2 model has better mpg and lower price, I focus on 4*2 version now. My preferred options is "SLT, Regular Cab, 4X2, Long Bed, MSRP 36815". autopriceshare dealers give me around $6000 off. Are there any room in this price? Thanks, friends

 

If you won't drive in snow, or ever go off road*, 2WD is fine from a function standpoint.

*if you ever drive on your lawn, or launch a boat, or pull a trailer anywhere but on pavement, 4WD may be worth your while. The only thing worse than spending $6k unnecessarily is getting stuck in a hard-to-get place.

 

I went on truecar.com and it knocked $12,000.00 off of my window sticker. Went in with the printed sheet and the dealer honored it. Try that website. Keep in mind I did not get a fully loaded truck, I bought an Express model but the deal was awesome. By the way, if this is a retirement gift for yourself, GO ALL OUT and get the truck of your dreams. Good luck oldsun.

 

My opinion is that a front wheel drive car is much better in the snow than a 2 wheel drive pick up. Even though you won't drive in the snow, here are my experiences: I owned one 2wd truck in my life, and it had a limited slip differential. Once the tires had around 6,000 miles on them, it wouldn't go anywhere in the snow. 4wd obviously costs more up front, and you will see a little more fuel usage, but the piece of mind in knowing that you can climb a snow covered hill or pull into an unplowed driveway is well worth it. Plus, you will see a return on that extra cost when the time comes to sell or trade in the vehicle.

 

You do not need awd for snow, nor do you need 4wd. If you are going to take it off-road, then yes, by all means, get the awd. All you really need in snow driving is a good set of true snow tires. Real snow tires, not ATs. That will increase your traction both accelerating and stopping.

 

I agree with this. I grew up in northern Ohio just East of Cleveland and then in WV and never really thought I needed 4WD, just make sure to run snow tires in the winter with a little weight for traction. If you want you can put some tire chains or traction straps in for emergency use.
I live in ski resort territory in PA now and do have 4 WD but I still have dedicated SNOW tires for winter use. JMO

 

He already said he's NOT driving in snow, so that's entirely irrelevant.

If you want to talk about driving in snow, I'd take a 4WD with worn out summer tires over a 2WD with brand new snow tires any day. But maybe that's because we have hills to go up.

 

Sorry about that, you are correct about him not driving in the snow. My issue with summer tires is more about stopping and turning in addition to going in the snow. BTW did you miss the part about being in WV and that I am now in ski country of SW PA?

 

You are correct. When I read it I saw "snow in my city". In that case, if you do not off-road, get the 2wd and go!

 

Ram HD is not AWD..
4low 4hi othier wise rwd

Extra $$$ to maintain a 4x4, more stuff to go wrong and higher insurance costs, also 4x4 is only 3 wheel drive ( unless front locker, rear ltd slip)

With Alberta winters, I hardly use 4x4 and front axle is still turning gears on a HD ram in 2wd