2018 Expy - Official Gas Mileage Released
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John Christopher
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The good thing about trailering a boat is that you can go to different lakes and rivers not to mention the money saved on a slip. If the boat is really large you need a slip. I've done both.
I currently trailer a 21" cuddy cabin that weights about 5000 lbs with the trailer. I can put the boat in the water and tie it to the dock in under 10 minutes by myself. Just though I would give my opinion.
Well, first of all there are a lot more 2wd Expys sold than 4wd.
The reasons?
Faster from the line because of less weight.
Less fuel consumption.
Less Tire usage
Much (!) smaller turning circle which is very important for me.
No drivetrain influences on steering.
And a lot if balls, joints and expensive stuff less which can fail.
So for 3 or 4 days where I maybe can take advantage of 4wd...it's not worth to
live with the disadvantages the rest of the year.
The reasons?
Faster from the line because of less weight.
Less fuel consumption.
Less Tire usage
Much (!) smaller turning circle which is very important for me.
No drivetrain influences on steering.
And a lot if balls, joints and expensive stuff less which can fail.
So for 3 or 4 days where I maybe can take advantage of 4wd...it's not worth to
live with the disadvantages the rest of the year.
OP
OP
I agree with this. My vehicles are 4x4 but it's not like ur gonna die without it.
Unfortunately most of the inexoerianced have no clue how the system works as well. You still need to know the limitations on 4x4 and know the differential types and what they are capable of. I listen to people all the time talk about how their Subarus are invincible. Not the case, 4x4 can't help a helpless driver lol. I've known people who didn't know you had to put a vehicle in 4HI to get 4x4 in a vehicle wit a two speed transfer case. they thought it was magic.
2014 Expy EL & 2003 Expy XLT, both 5.4L. I like the AWD a LOT for driving in rain as well as snow. I must admit that the only situation I've observed a big difference is pulling out from a stop, especially while turning. 2WD rear wheels will slip, AWD not at all. That can be important to not spin wheels and get out of the way for the traffic in the lane you're crossing while pulling out. I'm assuming AWD gives you better grip on road all the time on wet roads as well as snow. I've even had rear wheels slip when pulling out in 2WD if theres a big white painted stop line on the road.
I drive at least 14K miles on interstates every year and have measured gas mileage AWD vs 2WD and have not found much difference, so I don't even bother to put it in 2WD in dry weather on long trips. I seem to average about 17 or 18 MPG in the 2014 ... depending on how much mountain travel I do on that segment.
I drive at least 14K miles on interstates every year and have measured gas mileage AWD vs 2WD and have not found much difference, so I don't even bother to put it in 2WD in dry weather on long trips. I seem to average about 17 or 18 MPG in the 2014 ... depending on how much mountain travel I do on that segment.
"The 4x4 is not a nesseccity, it's added assurance for the inexperienced." I'm not sure I understand that statement. Are you referring to the guys that think they can speed on snowy roads 'cause the 4wd will stop them faster? You see those guys in the ditch every storm.
Living at 9000' elevation for decades, we often got home only by using 4wd, sometimes getting out and locking the system. AWD in the Expys we had (all four and a Bronco) usually did the trick, but I don't "usually" want to get home when it's dark and 20 below zero.
And a lot of hard working but low earning neighbors had Subarus up there. I have to say, they did get the job done most of the time. I don't know if they're AWD, 4WD or what.
BTW, now living near San Diego I've got my first 2wd in nearly 30 years. It does have AWD.
Living at 9000' elevation for decades, we often got home only by using 4wd, sometimes getting out and locking the system. AWD in the Expys we had (all four and a Bronco) usually did the trick, but I don't "usually" want to get home when it's dark and 20 below zero.
And a lot of hard working but low earning neighbors had Subarus up there. I have to say, they did get the job done most of the time. I don't know if they're AWD, 4WD or what.
BTW, now living near San Diego I've got my first 2wd in nearly 30 years. It does have AWD.
if asking me ... I mean AWD vs 4WDhigh or 4WDlow
rarely (only on full snow/ice cover) use 4WDhigh
even more rarely (only on rutted steep gravel forest service roads) use 4WDlow
when I need 4WD ... I usually REALLY need it & very glad I have it
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