I'm looking at getting a 3/4 ton Dodge with a Cummins diesel. Should I go with a 4x4 or is a locking differential good enough? Thanks in advance.....

Sorry, I didn't see the other post on 4x2 vs 4x4....looks like some good answers there. However, I'm going to be using it strickly as a tow vehicle for my boat.

i used my 4wd today on Fork. everyone kept spinning thier tires on the ramp because it was very wet... i kicked it in 4wd and 2nd gear= right up the ramp with no tire spin. It is VERY nice to have when you need it..

That's true....I have a Z71 and when I needed to use the 4wd it was very nice. However, it is very rare that I have to use it. But with a diesel I'm thinking it will be lighter on the rear tires and I would use the 4wd more often. Is the locking rear differential not sufficient in a diesel?

It is nice but not necessary. What size boat do you have?

21' bass boat. I'm also looking at putting a slide in capri camper on the truck. They are about 800 lbs, so that should help some. I won't always have the camper on though.

I agree. I have never been stuck on a ramp with 2x4, but a couple time, I sure wished I had 4x4.
I guess it is like a Corvette vs a civic. Both will get you to work every day, but one is much cooler.

It's also nice when driving in a very heavy rain. Minimizes the hydroplanning.

Just to pull the boat up the ramp I would say a 4x4 is not necessary.

i have the same truck that you are talking about getting and i have never needed the 4wd to get up the ramp but it is very nice to have it. i use the 4wd in my truck all the time when i am at the deer lease. if you can it in 4wd i would get it the truck will set up a little higher and ride a little more rough but deffinatly worth the money when you pay for it. i never thought that my 7k pound truck that was 4wd would get 24 miles to the gallon but it did when i drove to sherman a couple of weeks ago and i got 18 miles a gallon when pulling the cat to ceder creek

if you have never owned a diesel you will not go back to gas.

rather be cummin then stroken

A diesel has plenty of pull without 4x4 on any decent boat ramp. It is cool to have though.

these guys are right. its not a neccessity.. but sho is nice to have it. mine is a dually with a 6speed. i usually just put it in 1st and slowly let out on the clutch and the torque will pull itself up the ramp without ever touching the gas. soaking wet or icy ramps- thats a different scenerio.

I HAVE A 2WD GMC DIESEL WITH THE LOCKED REAR END AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH PULLING UP OUT OF BOAT RAMPS WITH EITHER MY 24FT TROPHY CC OR MY BLUEWAVE 1900VLC. THE CAMPER WILL HELP BUT IF YOU JUST EASE ON THE GAS AND NOT TRY TO DRAG RACE OFF THE RAMP YOU SHOULD NEVER NEED 4WD JUST FOR THE RAMP.

I have never used my 4X4 to pull a boat up the ramp. I will always have a 4x4 for the hunting lease, river bottoms or beach but have never needed it on a boat ramp. If you have the $$$ buy the 4x but if you only have a 2x for hauling a boat you will be fine.

Thanks ya'll. I think I'm going to go with a 4x4. Like said before, I'd rather have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it. After doing some research I've found that the used 4x4's cost very little more than the 4x2's. Maybe it's because of the fuel prices. It looks like there are some great deals on trucks right now!