4x4 necessary?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by procharged392, Jun 29, 2019.

  1. procharged392

    procharged392 Bobtail Member

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    Guys with duallys, how often are you using 4x4? I know it’s a nice option to have but is it necessary? Reason I ask is because there’s quite a difference in price.
     
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  3. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    I’ve use it a few times, going uphill in the mud, and a few times I was stuck with my drive axle dangling in the air.

    I only use it In Situations like that. Snow, mud, drive axle not having traction to break you free.
     
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  4. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    I would say as a hot shot not much. How many loads will you be picking up in the mud or ice? If conditions are that bad it's typically not worth the effort of loading.

    A couple other things to consider. The brakes on hot shots typically are not the best, so to drive on ice is even more dangerous. Another thing is while 4x4 typically doesn't break t is something more that could break. Also 4x4 tends to get worse fuel millage.
     
  5. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    If you're running a hotshot, and have to run 4 wheel drive, it's probably too tense to travel anyway. I'd go with the 2 wheel drive.
     
  6. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Nice to have it in hand and try it than to not have it and get stuck.

    I have it but it's not necessary until such time it becomes necessary. Usually that is because I was too stupid and did not stay home like I should during the winter ice. If Big rigs was full lockers conditions are already really bad and it's not the place for 4x4 to come out and play.
     
  7. Hulld

    Hulld Road Train Member

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    Back in 2003 I had a 4x4 dodge I ran a hotshot with..
    I took the front driveshaft out for fuel mileage reasons and carried it in the tool box in case it became needed.
    Although I never needed to put the driveshaft in to get out of trouble, having the low range feature when backing in tight spots or heavily loaded up a hill was absolutely priceless.
     
  8. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    4wd is not necessary unless your going to run oilfield I'd say. That being said my front drive shaft u joints wiped out at about 120k. I pulled it on the side of I20 in LA. My truck was manual & I always felt reverse was to fast. Pop the transfer case in 4low, (now effectively 2 low) no more slipping the clutch in reverse. I loved that, would creep at 1.2mph & could back nice & slow into very tight spots.. I too picked up ~.4-.5mpg with it missing..
     
  9. Aamcotrans

    Aamcotrans Road Train Member

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    It isn’t that you need 4wd as much as you want the front end that comes with the 4wd.
    It makes a big difference up front to have the axle system as opposed to just control arms
     
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  10. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Or, you could buy a truck with manual hubs. Front drive shaft doesn't turn, and the wheels are not locked into the axle shafts unless and until you lock in the hubs. Don't have to crawl under the truck to reinstall the drive shaft AFTER you find yourself stuck (most likely in the snow or mud...NOT a "clean" task). No wear and tear on that front drive shaft, differential, or the u-joints in the steering knuckles. Still have 2Lo when the hubs are unlocked...and 4Lo with them locked in.
     
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  11. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    What your saying is true, & makes sense, but isn't really what the OP was asking. Is 4wd necessary? No. My answer still stands. In over the road ltl type hotshot..
    If you load your trailer right, & keep the drive between 8,500-9500lbs it will get down the road just fine, snow or not..
    Funny thing is I buried mine twice with the front drive shaft in, & not once while it was out..
     
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