I have owned my last 2 wheel drive pickup

[Jstpssng]

I had a 2007? Dodge Dakota 2WD with a locked rear. Standard v/6.
Had no issues on a slick boat launch, in winter I put a section of telephone pole behind rear wheels, studded snows. Had no issues getting where I needed to go. Never tried in anything above about 8" of snow.
For my use, it did fine. I do know we used to go off roading in my 73 bronco, mud plains, in 2WD and didn't get stuck as often as you would think. Always went with friends...

How the heck did you back up?

You're right. Weight can make a big difference. Even in my 4WDs, that's one of several reasons why I tend to keep my snowsled in the back.
Other reasons are in case the truck breaks down; as an auxiliary fuel tank; and of course, if I need to go someplace that isn't plowed or lacks a road.

 

[bcp]

Weight distribution makes a difference in both 2WD and 4WD.

In the 60's, I had a Jeeo truck (bottom) for several years before getting a wagon (top). Very similar. The wagon would go places the truck wouldn't, comparing both 2WD and 4WD.

Bruce

 

[Mtsoxfan]

LOL... I needed a comealong to lift it in place.
Sometimes winter driving is more than hitting the gas. Having the ability to judge conditions and adjust is as important.

I do like AWD in wifes suv because you never have to think about changing into 4x4. Driving down road and windblown snow changes driving conditions in no time, AWD just drives through. 4x4 have to switch into 4x4

 

[Jstpssng]

LOL... I needed a comealong to lift it in place.

That would be a lot easier now though, you'd just use the New Holland.

There are a lot of advantages to an SUV. To be honest, there's nothing worse in snow than an empty pickup. Yet it's all that I've ever owned and I don't see that changing soon.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I now have a 4x4 Ranger. 4 snow tires is all I've needed this year. I have weight in barn, but it isn't needed.
I wish trucks had some sort of AWD. Not a fan of the Honda...

 

[Jstpssng]

I believe that the reason pickups don't have AWD is because the poor weight distribution would make handling worse than tricky... much the same as why they recommend studded tires on all wheels if you have a front wheel drive vehicle.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I believe that the reason pickups don't have AWD is because the poor weight distribution would make handling worse than tricky... much the same as why they recommend studded tires on all wheels if you have a front wheel drive vehicle.

Yea, I never understood the whole 4 snow tires thing on Front wheel drive.

 

[bcp]

Snow tires on the front only makes you car handle like an arrow with no feathers. The back end won't be stable.

Bruce

 

[RSKY]

I learned the hard way, back in the seventies, that a manual shift front wheel drive will tend to swap ends when you let off the gas on ice. Front tires had drag, rear tires no drag. Started around a corner facing one way and ended up in a yard facing the other way. Sure scared the dickens out of me. I learned very quickly to always put light pressure on the brakes on icy corners. Car was a 1976 Honda Accord with 67-hp and a five speed manual.

RSKY

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Im aware. Ive installed ARB air lockers in differentials. I have a Jeep Rubicon with front & rear switchable lockers, so I know a little about what I speak of
However, once locked, theres no way RWD equals 4WD.

Have you ever looked into OX Lockers? Aren't they electric?