Will 2x4 get it done??

Hey everyone, wanted to check in to see if your(or anyone else you know)2x4 has had a problem driving beginner/moderate trails. I didn’t get a 4x4 because I never felt like I was gonna be going up the sides of mountains, but now I kinda wanna hear others experience with not having 4x4. Is it a huge issue for some? Can you get by so long as you have recovery gear?

Oh! And also, what are some simple, and affordable recover gear suggestions???

Thanks for the help guys!

 

If you have a locker and good tire tread you would be surprised with what you can do.

 

And I believe I do, when I press and hold my trac control button. And yes! I did get some AT tires, nothing crazy but they’re better than what was on there at first

 

You've got a LSD in your rear diff, that helps alot. I wouldn't be trying too much but your traction is better than a regular rear wheel drive vehicle.

 

Depends on terrain, obstacle, driver, experience etc. But 2wd is more capable than this site might make you think haha

Airing down can help a lot, good driving technique and a good spotter if needed will help. Lots of little things

Good things to have: A tow strap and snatch strap (know the difference and when to use each), a few good d-rings or soft shackles (again theres times when one would be better than the other), good tires (and a good spare), air compressor if you have a long drive home after airing down, and some traction boards. Depending on if you travel alone or with other trucks more often would dictate what you type of gear you start buying first. Oh and good recovery points are a must as well. Preferably front and rear

Theres lots of budget friendly brands too. No need to spend lots of money on the super "high-end" name brands. Smittybilt makes good value stuff that you can look into. Also theres lots of smaller brands around the country that very often do sales various times throughout the year.

 

Just FYI, its not a true LSD (as in, its not a mechanical LSD). Its an electronic, brake-actuated system that engages brake of the wheel slipping, thereby sending more power to the wheel that is not slipping. Active at low speeds and with VSC turned off

 

VERY helpful! And yeah, I always get intimidated when I see post on here/instagram with these dudes in these crazy builds. But thanks for the suggestions!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Go with a friend. Stay off soft sand or mud. Keep vehicle weight down.

I’ve played on the beach in 2W. Surprised how far I got. Eventually got stuck.

 

Just know your limits, but also know there's plenty of places to go check out that you would never need 4wd. Good AT tires are a must

 

It'll be fine til you get in snow up to your ass, which probably won't happen in Austin.

& Welcome to TW

 

I had a 2WD astro van that I used for everything... including off roading. Having 4x4 buddies to help me in a pinch I tackled alot of the basic trails here in PNW with it to varying degrees of success


It is potentially dangerous but that skinny pedal is your friend


"When in doubt, throttle out!"

 

I have a prerunner with the mechanical locker. The truck is very capable offroad, but you have to realize it’s limits. Even if you have 4x4, it doesn’t mean you can get out of everything. Without 4x4, you do have to be more aware of your lines and be sure to air down. The best way to test what the truck can handle is just to get out there and explore. Just be sure to have someone who can help you get unstuck.

 

While I don't do any offroading, this is my second 2WD truck (first was a Ranger) and I rarely have issues getting around when there is snow or ice. I toss some sandbags into the bed for weight, and a good set of snow tires on the rear axle take care of the rest. I've never felt the need to own a 4x4, but then again, I've never felt the need to be off road.

Welcome to TW!

 

You will get two types of answers to this question:

1) "A skilled driver could walk a 2WD Monte Carlo up trails that a triple locked Landcruiser couldn't complete. I had a 2WD 5-Lug truck and I was regularly winching Jeep Rubicon owners out of mud holes."

2) No one ever regretted buying a 4WD, they regret NOT getting 4WD. You won't need it until you need it, and 4WD always trumps 2WD off road."