Moving to Colorado soon....4x4 needed?

I have an '07 Double Cab Prerunner w/ the Off-Road Package (which I love & never really thought I would need a 4x4). The only thing I really plan on doing in Colorado is everyday driving & occasional camping/rock climbing. Is it really necessary to have a 4x4?

 

Since you are looking for an excuse to get a 4x4, YES YOU NEED IT!!!

 

Yes! You never know when the roads are going to turn to shit. If you have a back up plan or live close to work, you might be able to get away with it.

It's not whether you need a 4x4... it's just rear wheel drive trucks are terrible in snow. Especially since we have almost no weight in the bed... I've never tried putting weight in the bed in the winter since I mostly just use the 4wd. All I know is that it's terrible in snow with 2x4 unloaded.

 

Yeah, all of you are right...i'm just looking for a good enough excuse haha! I would just hate selling it since i've put so much into it, but I plan on staying in Colorado till I hit the bucket, so I think it'll be worth it in the end. These bayou's can't compare to the snow!

 

Yes... at least just for the snow

 

Most of Colorado is over 5000 feet above sea level......where it snows like hell! That Prerunner will be worthless in the snow.....get a 4X4 for sure.

 

Kinda depends on where you'll be in CO. If you'll live in the denver metro area, then there will only be 5-10 days a year that will be hell to drive. If that's not an issue, then I would just get some chains and call it good since you love the truck you already have. I would get some chains no matter if you have 4x4 or not. They do clear the roads here quite well. Elsewhere...I can't say. I know quite a few people who do just fine with 4x2 pick-ups. But...those with 4x4 do much better.

...and it's not illegal to drive here without 4x4. They do occasionally restrict the highway passes in the mountains for passenger vehicles. But when they do, they usually just limit it to chains and/or M+S tires. If it gets worse than that, they just close it permanantly with gates that close at the flip of a switch.

As an avid climber myself, you won't need 4x4 to get to 99% of the climbing areas and that last 1% you'll just end up having to walk a couple miles farther.

Though, like said previously...It's better to have it and not need it than to be stuck at home or on the side of a road. If it were me, I'd get the 4x4 and then end up loving it more!

Welcome to CO in advance!

 

Thanks man, I appreciate the advice! I will actually end up being your neighbor being as though I'm moving to Boulder. I'm negotiating with the dealerships as we speak!

 

Another thing to consider, its harder to sell a 4x2 here, everyone wants a 4x4. So if you are going to get a 4x4, sell first in LA.

 

When I was there they still had paved roads...

But if you want to get away from the madding crowds...yah...you NEED the 4WD. There's LOTS to see and places to go, and mountains to climb. How I do miss it!

Where will you be stationed?

 

I live in Boulder and would get a 4x4 if I were you. I commute along the foothills to Golden for work and have seen too many 2 wheel drive trucks not able to drive up the hills in the snow. The snow can pileup quick and vary drastically in different areas so if you're out its better to just put it in 4 wheel drive than get out and put chains on and off.

If you plan to head to the mountains in winter also it would be well worth it to upgrade to 4x4.

Just my 2 cents

 

I will be switching bases & be stationed in Aurora. I've been in coming on 6 yrs how (4 Active Duty & 2 Guard). I love it. I will be switching to Officer also once I graduate in a few semesters.

I appreciate all of the help guys! I've already been talking to dealerships & going on Craigslist, Ebay, & putting signs on my truck to see if I can get more selling it on my own vs. trading it in. Anymore advice would be welcomed!

 

About being an officer.... whatever they tell you, don't do ICBMs. In fact I'd stay away from the 13S: Space & Missiles entirely. You can never understand why people hate it so much until you are in it. I'm an acquisitions officer doing an ops tour in ICBMs. Trust me!

 

Buckley AFB per chance? My parents bought a house about a mile from the gate a few years back, really nice base. There's a large field by the back gate you'll see has a bunch of trails running through it, fines run $500+ if you get caught in there these days Just an FYI.

I'd recommend 4x4 for the previously mentioned couple times a year that it gets rather treacherous to venture out and the blizzards that seem to strike every couple years no matter the month. And like Rockgeck said, it's not illegal to drive most roads in Colorado, but they do close or restrict mountain passes in the winter so having 4x4 can't hurt.