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Old 07-06-2010, 05:40 PM   #1
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Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

I'm a newb, but I've got my eye on this sportsmobile that looks just about perfect. I'd like to get it soon. However, it's not a 4 x 4, which saves bucks. However, I'm moving to OR, where they have this stuff called snow - we don't get much of that in Austin, TX. Should I go for it and get the 4 x 4? I'm thinking I could do a lot without it. Will snow tires do the trick? People of the forum, please advise.

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Old 07-06-2010, 06:59 PM   #2
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Re: Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

pics and stats of the rig buddy

if on a budget
and a great rig

4x4 can be an add on
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Old 07-06-2010, 07:41 PM   #3
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Re: Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

I live in Oregon, and drive in snow at least a few thousand miles each year. No 4x4, and have never needed it. I run M55 tires, and carry a couple sets of chains (which I have never used since the M55s went on.)

The van looks 4x4, so I have never been hassled of not using chains when required.

Do I want 4x4? Of course, but my college budget won't let me have it.

I would recommend a visit to QuadVan in NW Portland to learn about the 4x4 systems and options.
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Old 07-06-2010, 07:54 PM   #4
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Re: Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

I'd at least want a limited slip rear differential. I have a friend from Washington with a 2WD. He does chain up from time to time but claims that between his LSD and winch plus a pull pal, he goes some places you would not think a 2WD could go and that's off road. 4WD is convenient though and some roads might be closed to 2WD vehicles where a 4WD might be able to pass through.
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Old 07-06-2010, 08:10 PM   #5
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Re: Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

Quote:
I'd at least want a limited slip rear differential.
Second that.
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Old 07-07-2010, 11:14 AM   #6
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Re: Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

I think 4wd gets more people in trouble in the snow. Just because they can go, they drive like they can stop and turn same as on dry.

When I grew up in snow country, nobody had 4x4 or limited slip. Snow tires would go everywhere we wanted to go.

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Old 07-07-2010, 04:54 PM   #7
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Re: Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

Well I can't get up the hill in front of my house in 2wd during the winter sometimes, but this is Colorado.

4x4 is nice, but you should learn to drive on the snow in 2wd anyway, and you can add 4x4 to the van later if you find it's necessary.
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Old 07-13-2010, 10:02 PM   #8
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Re: Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

4 x 4 is the only way to go in the snow unless you have front wheel drive and as far as I know there are no full size vans with FWD.

Driving out of the ditch rather than paying to have a tow truck to pull you out will pay for the 4x4 conversion over the life of the van.... I may be exaggerating a little but 4X4 certainly allows you to go more places and opens up more opportunities when traveling.

With 2WD you are merely on a road trip, with a 4WD you can go on an expedition!
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Old 09-12-2010, 08:41 PM   #9
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Re: Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

I once had an employee (green card) here in Texas who was from Goosebay, Labrador. He was telling me about how deep the snow got in the winter and that he had worked as a taxi driver there. I asked if he had 4 wheel drive. He said no and that he didn't know anyone who did. I was amazed and asked why not. He hesitated a moment and then said no one could afford it. That was 15 years ago...it may be different now. Stosh
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Old 09-13-2010, 04:40 PM   #10
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Re: Moving to somewhere snowy - should I get 4 x 4?

More and more I am viewing 4x4 as an expensive and unneeded perk. And imam speaking in terms of needing it for snow. I got it for the several snow falls we get each year in the Hudson Valley. I have only used twice in 2 years. That money could have been better spent. Now, if you are offloading a lot, that's another matter.
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