4WD vs. Chains

How about 4wd + Chains + F/R lockers

 

Get the 4x4 you wont Regret it

 

Allow me to be the weirdo on this one: I wouldn't say you outright need 4x4.

With 2WD, you have the following:
-cheaper initial cost
-possibly cheaper insurance
-less maintenance
-better gas mileage

but,
-lower resale
-lower 'go anywhere' possibility


4WD you have vice versa.

Since you are not doing any offroading and are primarily looking for winter conditions, my thoughts are with 2WD and a GOOD set of chains, for the following reasons:

If all you are doing is going to a snow park or a ski resort, the roads are generally plowed and you can move around with chains. My dad has a 2WD Dodge Diesel 2500 on Michelin LTX M/S and never airs down. He gets stuck in the yard all the time, but we've taken the truck to Timberline and Bachelor on several occasions with no problem with NO chains and just a bit of sand in the back.

I think the prerunner with locker is going to be an incredibly capable vehicle for your needs as well, as many of the members here will show they do quite well. I'm not saying the locker is entirely necessary, but it would be money well spent if you are considering it

Note that minus chains, a set of AIRED DOWN tires with a semi-aggressive tread will add to your benefit. As I stated with my dad, his tires are strict on-road only, which is why he gets stuck so much. Simply switching to an A/T may be all he needs to drive out of the yard, but he doesn't want to give up tread life and mpg so I haven't been able to do a full comparison

Not all chains are equal. I think most people are used to those nasty ladder-type. I would suggest either the chains in the video below, or even better would be some RUD chains. They go on fast and easy (unless you have buried yourself, lol)

A 4WD is a beautiful thing, but not everyone needs it, so I'm not forcing it on you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wwTSEuhB0g&feature=related

 

I'm one of those that regrets not getting a 4wd :/

 

I GOT MY TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!! (its 4WD)

 

congrats

 

u made a very wise choice. +1 on the decision

 

X2 agree