I am not a big fan of 4WD trucks. The mechanical components of 4WD add cost, weight, complexity, hamper handling and reduce fuel economy, and provide no benefit whatsoever for the vast majority of the miles that one drives. Even in the Snow Belt (which is becoming less snowy as the years go by), the times when 4WD is NEEDED are few and far between. (The UP and upstate NY and Erie County PA are exceptions, to be sure).
Having learned to drive with non-positraction rear-wheel-drive cars, I recall that one did pay attention in Winter as for traveling in hilly terrain, and you had to be reasonable about what you were doing and take some precautions (good snow tires, maybe put a couple bags of sand in the trunk) but "we" seldom got stranded.
Now, with limited-slip diff's and traction control in almost all RWD vehicles, there is truly no need for 4WD unless you are a girly-man wuss (or a woman), or you are that rare character who takes his truck off road with some regularity.
Several years ago I had an S-10 4-banger/auto with RWD. I put a couple bags of rock salt in the back of the bed (secured in place), and did fine with just normal snow tires in Winter. As I ponder my next truck purchase, I think I'm going to go against the grain again and get RWD. My manhood is safe enough and the arguments for 4WD just don't hold up for me.
Having learned to drive with non-positraction rear-wheel-drive cars, I recall that one did pay attention in Winter as for traveling in hilly terrain, and you had to be reasonable about what you were doing and take some precautions (good snow tires, maybe put a couple bags of sand in the trunk) but "we" seldom got stranded.
Now, with limited-slip diff's and traction control in almost all RWD vehicles, there is truly no need for 4WD unless you are a girly-man wuss (or a woman), or you are that rare character who takes his truck off road with some regularity.
Several years ago I had an S-10 4-banger/auto with RWD. I put a couple bags of rock salt in the back of the bed (secured in place), and did fine with just normal snow tires in Winter. As I ponder my next truck purchase, I think I'm going to go against the grain again and get RWD. My manhood is safe enough and the arguments for 4WD just don't hold up for me.