Are there any other 2WD overlanders here?

[Mr. Moore]

Title states the main question, but I was also wondering what types of terrain other two wheel drivers have gone through? I have a 2WD truck that I am hopefully going to have the money to start building up a bit and was just curious what people have been able to tackle. I know 2WD isn't Ideal, but it is what I have to work with and I nalso fuigure it has less drivetrain components to break/fail, hench less parts to carry with me while ont a trip. I look forward to hearing people's input....and yes i am looking for a bit of reassurance that I can have some fun trips out in the middle of nowhere...

Regards,

Scott

[XJINTX]

Just a few short years ago I did my travels with a 4x2. What helped me is when traveling unknown or unfamiliar trips I did not venture out alone. Always had a 4x4 with recovery gear close ;) Secondly, I had a winch and recovery gear of my own.

I learned what a 4x2 could do and that was pretty awesome and always impressed me. However, I learned also that I wanted and needed 4x4 and have never thought about going back for my excursions.

[Desert Dan]

Bring a highlift jack and a shovel and use common sense.

I would say sand would be your biggest problem speaking from experience.
Try to stay on graded roads and you should be fine.

[rcintx]

I have been exploring this same idea. I think as long as you bring another vehicle, or the right gear to get you out a jam you will be ok. Also, as others have said common sense goes a long way!

To some of you that have been doing this a while; what would you suggest a 4x2 carry as necessary recovery gear? Highlift and shovel for starters...

[ExplorerExplorer]

I'm 2wd and go solo alot (though most of those don't venture off a gravel road at the most)...

[LaOutbackTrail]

Do like a bunch of rednecks down here do.... put 2 mud tires on the back (or all) and buy a winch.

Mostly just use your common sense and be careful and have fun.

I almost rarely lock into 4x4 in most conditions, but when i needed it i needed it bad.

[Mr. Moore]

Mud terrain tires all around is going to be one of my first mods. At a minimum if I can't afford and electric winch, i am going to get a heavy duty manual winch(not a comealong), and a highlift and other basic recovery gear. If I am going solo, I probably won't venture much off of FS roads anyway. I strongly dislike mud, and If a person is careful, sand can be navigated with 2WD. I am glad I am not alone in the 2wd world of overland/expedition travel!

I also am wondering what the more experienced people would suggest for "basic" recover gear.

[mhiscox]

My Sprinter camper is 2WD, 'cuz that's how they come in North America and the conversion to 4WD costs about the same amount as the van itself. It does just fine when the terrain and weather conditions are decent. No problems on NFS and BLM roads, which is what it was built for unless you get unexpected snow or mud. There's a lot of stuff that goes along to self-recover, including a winch that can mount to the front or rear.

Pictures here with descriptions of the setup:

http://http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19224

http://http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20079

http://http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26415

You can do a lot with 2WD. I often relate the experience of going out to Central Oregon with an expert Unimogger when I owned the extremely capable AdventureDuo LC80 and looking all over the place, with no real success, to find difficult-to-travel roads. Never got into 4WD in a couple hundred miles of Forest Service and BLM roads. No problem finding hardcore trails to run, but when it comes to actually overlanding and expeditioning, the roads that actually go someplace are good candidates for a well-equipped 2WD truck in good weather.

Note that this bullish attitude has its limits. For example, the game changes in snow or mud. I pay good attention to the weather, carry a SPOT and, when traveling alone, a satelite phone. Plus there's never a time someone at home doesn't know the expected route and the check-in procedures.

(And there is a great comfort in knowing that if you do get irrevocably stuck, your vehicle has heat, 50 gals of water, a week's worth of food, much battery power and some good books. "They" would have a good long time to find you. You'll likely not have things so plush. :sombrero:)

[ExplorerExplorer]

Mud terrain tires all around is going to be one of my first mods. At a minimum if I can't afford and electric winch, i am going to get a heavy duty manual winch(not a comealong), and a highlift and other basic recovery gear. If I am going solo, I probably won't venture much off of FS roads anyway. I strongly dislike mud, and If a person is careful, sand can be navigated with 2WD. I am glad I am not alone in the 2wd world of overland/expedition travel!

I also am wondering what the more experienced people would suggest for "basic" recover gear.

Really, I just bring very basic stuff, a good shovel will get you out of most of what you can get into with 2WD... Remember, 4x4 gets you farther, but it also gets you stuck worse... I haven't been in anything a shovel and a few rocks didn't get me out of, and the one big stuck I did have I was on my property and was able to pull out with the snatch strap I always bring along...

[Nick02]

I have a 2wd with a winch, 4.88's, locked and on 35" km2's.
poser shot!
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs046.snc3/13345_1203664764612_1018380139_30503405_1610579_n. jpg
I completely disagree with the sand/Mud theory thing. Sand sucks period... loose momentum and you'll sink; reverse is useless, shoveling gets you 2 ft at a time.
Mud on the other hand is easy, just need a heavy right foot and lots of patience. I've never been stuck in mud, and I was up to the LCA's in it with muddy water pouring into the cab. Tough off-camber uphill situations are kinda iffy, If you loose momentum the truck will hop/bounce sideways off the trail.
Snow and ice sucks, I loose the back-end and go sideways.....

Wished I had a 4x4:( one day.... ONE DAY...

[stimpy13]

I had a 98 2wd XJ that was awsome. It could go almost anywhere. It had a 3.5" lift with 33" M/Ts. Very fun wish I would have keep it.

[Mr. Moore]

I have a 2wd with a winch, 4.88's, locked and on 35" km2's.
poser shot!
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs046.snc3/13345_1203664764612_1018380139_30503405_1610579_n. jpg
I completely disagree with the sand/Mud theory thing. Sand sucks period... loose momentum and you'll sink; reverse is useless, shoveling gets you 2 ft at a time.
Mud on the other hand is easy, just need a heavy right foot and lots of patience. I've never been stuck in mud, and I was up to the LCA's in it with muddy water pouring into the cab. Tough off-camber uphill situations are kinda iffy, If you loose momentum the truck will hop/bounce sideways off the trail.
Snow and ice sucks, I loose the back-end and go sideways.....

Wished I had a 4x4:( one day.... ONE DAY...

Nick02, going on a tangent, I love your truck! I would love my ram to look like that!

[Jeep]

I grew up in the far northern part of Alberta. There is not a lot up there, and all we had were 2wd 3/4 ton trucks. Throw a locker in the rear and grab a good quality set of tire chains, think v-bar style, and you will be amazed at how much snow and mud you can get through if you have to deal with a sudden weather change. We used to chain up just to get places!

[Peter_n_Margaret]

We started exploring the deserts in Oz before 4x4s existed (for the masses).

This is 1967 on our honeymoon.
This bit of "road" was 1,600km (1,000 miles) between towns with 20 people, or more, with one exception of about 2,000 people half way.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg120/Peter_n_Margaret/1967/1967Darwin1019E.jpg

Similar area in 1974. Slightly different road conditions.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg120/Peter_n_Margaret/1967/1974/1974Kombitrip23030E.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg120/Peter_n_Margaret/1967/1974/1974Kombitrip23045E.jpg
A set of snow chains was the answer here, and lots of walking to pick the best route.

The "trick" is to do what you can with what you have got.

Cheers,
Peter

[Mr. Moore]

Do the best with what I have got is the plan! that pic with the VW bus looks like it was a fun day!

[Peter_n_Margaret]

Do the best with what I have got is the plan! that pic with the VW bus looks like it was a fun day!It was a fun WEEK (every day for 7 days) Mr. Moore!:snorkel:

Cheers,
Peter

[AlwaysExplr87]

My last rig was a lifted XJ with a locker in the rear. I rarely used the 4wd when I wasnt somewere that I could have avoided with smarter driving or in one of the ORV parks around. When the XJ decided it had enough I got a non-trd prerunner tacoma with the plans to add a locker. I still havent gotten around to the locker and have cruised the beach, explored NF roads and backcountry trails, chugged through mud, and climbed mountains covered with almost a foot of snow.

Maybe im just lucky but I think if your careful, drive smart, and plan your route your fine exploring in 2wd. I always have a shovel and a strap in my truck, but when I go exploring a hand winch and a few other recovery items (a friends always good for pushing, and my brothers usually on standby). Dropping tire pressure can go a long ways in the right situation too. I love my taco and while its not as capable as the jeep was, I know its limits and expect to change my driving style to fit the situation.

[datrupr]

I think you should be fine for most of the exploring you're going to be doing. Bring recovery gear and be smart. I often times don't even engage to front wheels. 2WD gets me to most of the places I like to go.

[haven]

A few more comments about getting into "manageable trouble" using 2WD here
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22217

One good point made in that thread is that 2WD tends to tear up the track more
than 4WD. That's because you tend to substitute power and momentum for traction.

[wanderer-rrorc]

Im in the same boat with my 2wd van...but when I got tires for it..I picked a good agressive street tread..(BFG commercial traction TA's..lovem!)

however 10yrs of 4x4 wheelin experiance..and 2 years competing in rock crawling...I feel confident with this...

in order of importance and cost effectiveness..if your by yourself..

the BEST thing you can EVER take with you is another truck!..we hunted for a buddy for OVER 14hrs a few winters ago...all he needed was a tug from another truck..or a winch..

1. Use your brain!!..if your not sure..take a little walk n see whats ahead!..if your really unsure..dont head that way

2. air down the tires..(you can air back up in town if ya need to) $40 compressors will get it done too..

3. highlift jack..48in will do amazing things!!

4. winch/comealong..the xrc8 winches are $300 and have great reviews! a $70 comealong from a hardware/tractor supply will get ya the couple feet ya need!

5. 2in towstrap...NO HOOKS!!..and a couple clevis's..a 2in and 2 clevis's will run ya $50...and worth every penny..but only if ya got a truck/winch to pull ya out!

I didnt list a shovel because in 10 years..I think I used one once...a winch or airing down woulda been a better help..not diving into that mudhole would have been an EVEN BETTER idea!!

a winch is a wonderfull thing...I will push my rigs further knowing I have a winch...the debate on one front or back is kinda preferance..I plan on one on BOTH ends...a winch on the back bumper would have been used more by me on trails than one on the front..but the kind that slips into a reciver tends to put the winch out into harms way..but adds to its versatility!

I plan on a locker for the back of the van..but the tires have proven they work BETTER than the MTR's I had on my old 4x4 truck..but its probably because the van has more weight..and I drive it diffrent KNOWING its 2wd..they can throw some mud and grass thou!

experiance counts more than all the equipment in the world!!...so get out there and play around...see what it will do when ya got a recovery truck closeby...you'll be amazed what they will do!! (and sometimes disapointed in what they wont do!)

[asteele]

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee305/adamsteelejr/001.jpg

Drove this all the way to Panama and back. We did get stuck twice, basically on top of the ground spinning in wet grass and black mud but got out easily. From my experience driving through Central America the key to the vehicle is good suspension! The roads are just rough and your vehicle really takes a beating. I'm planning on having dual shocks on the front and an extra leaf spring in the back before I go to South America in a year or so.

[Mr. Moore]

WOW! I really didn't plan on getting this many responses! Thanks for all of the great informaiton! This makes me that much more excited about getting out there this summer! I got alot of work to do!

[Sportsman Matt]

Figured I would chime in also. I'm an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and have owned more 2WD trucks than 4WD over the last 20+ years. I think I owned 3 4WD vehicles, 2 trucks and 1 SUV, and used 4WD maybe a total of 3 times ust to see if it worked. I've been driving 2WD trucks and RWD cars and vans for the majority of the last 20+ years with no problems. Biggest thing is use common sense. Don't be afraid to get out and walk ahead to see if there is an obstacle that may cause you to get stuck. I've only been stuck once, funny part is that it was in a 4WD I used for work, with a trailer that had iced in during a snow storm in January 2005. The tires were sunk in and the ground was frozen with 6" of snow on top, and the 4WD just sat there and spun it's tires. It took a second truck and a farm tractor to pull me and the trailer out.
Only other time I can recall getting close to stuck was on a heavy long snow packed hill, and I had to back down twice and make a couple extra attempts before I made it over in my old 2WD truck.

Just remember the only thing a 4WD has over the 2WD is less of a turning radius and one extra wheel to apply torque to push or pull the vehicle. They both have 4 wheels and both stop the same.

[AlwaysExplr87]

Oh, forgot to mention this but momentum is your friend. If things get slick or sandy try to avoid stopping. If you do stop, try to stop pointing down hill so you have gravity working for you when you want to get going again (this is really helpfull if you have a manual and are driving in the sand).

[boellis87]

Mods I would recommend if you're truly wanting to go "off-road" , i.e. something more serious than gravel. :

1. mud-terrains or at least aggressive all terrains - tough sidewalls are important because with 2wd you won't be able to avoid some pointy objects that you could with a 4wd
2. selectable locker - 1 tire w/ no traction versus 2 w/ some traction - #2 better :) - a locker allows me to avoid even needing my 4wd in numerous situations
3. winch - particularly good when going solo
4. hi-lift and other manual recovery gear - really hard to make this stuff not work
5. lift - might not need this and nothing too big but clearance is just one more thing that will make your truck more capable plus most aren't overly pricey for 2wd's
6. and most important - common sense - 4wd often times just affords you the ability to "play" a little, so if you can identify your limits and stay within them you'll be able to avoid many of the situations that will get you in trouble

There's a few more I'd suggest for specific terrain but that covers the basics for improving the general capability of your truck imo.

I've never owned a 2wd, but I've done a lot of stuff while in 2wd so I figured I could post. Have fun finding out what she'll do!

[bajaharley]

Here is my rig. With good suspension and a full spool....I can go "almost" anywhere...a hard core 4x4's can go..........and in half the time. I love sand.. and we actually seek out the washes whenever possible.

http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/8ee26771da7e5fd1cd3ff632a47610d0c66f49b7.jpg

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/8d336dd1160874adfb25c1c8f574321232099c92.jpg

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/39f2614107753f3cc9ef023d39728732d1cd808b.jpg

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/6b1363c51a607994fbbec2e3fbd5359403606213.jpg

[boellis87]

Nice ride! That thing's gotta be a blast.

[Mr. Moore]

Here is my rig. With good suspension and a full spool....I can go "almost" anywhere...a hard core 4x4's can go..........and in half the time. I love sand.. and we actually seek out the washes whenever possible.

http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/8ee26771da7e5fd1cd3ff632a47610d0c66f49b7.jpg

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/8d336dd1160874adfb25c1c8f574321232099c92.jpg

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/39f2614107753f3cc9ef023d39728732d1cd808b.jpg

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/6b1363c51a607994fbbec2e3fbd5359403606213.jpg


That is BADA$$!!!!!I would drive that everyday if i could! Too bad it isn't street legal.......I want one!!!!!!!

[bajaharley]

it is street legal...so far I have only towed it once to a location.

[winkosmosis]

A 4WD truck in 2WD mode isn't going to break those parts anyway. There's no advantage to the 2WD besides lower weight.

[ExplorerExplorer]

A 4WD truck in 2WD mode isn't going to break those parts anyway. There's no advantage to the 2WD besides lower weight.

Except that it's your only vehicle and it's already paid for? The only reason I'm looking to buy a 4x4 is because I need a new truck anyway...

[762X39]

I own a Unimog (which is really just a big pickup truck) and it looks like I am going to buy my work truck (2wd 2004 F150 supercab with trailer towing package and limited slip).I want to use my soon to be mine F150 for Overlanding and have absolutely NO concerns about it only being 2wd. One of the posters mentioned that the only difference is a reduction in weight like it doesn't matter.Weight is always the enemy when travelling. It reduces your capacity to carry kit, increase wear on load bearing components, reduces fuel economy and increases complexity. 4wd also increase the likelyhood of stupidity on the drivers part whereas 2wd usually reduces it.Don't worry about it. I have gone so many places with my work truck that I sometimes wonder why I bought the Mog (of course the Mog is used for a different kind of Overlanding so it gets to stay).:coffee:

[Mr. Moore]

Except that it's your only vehicle and it's already paid for? The only reason I'm looking to buy a 4x4 is because I need a new truck anyway...

Exactly....except mine isn't totally paid for yet...and I am not in a position to replace it before I pay it off.... not to mention that due to the fact that it is my only vehicle, I have no interest in doing anything that will increse the chance of prematurely breaking something.

As was stated ablove, 2wd does have the advantage of less weight and all of the things that go along with that.

[bajaharley]

The only advantage to a special built 2wd that I can see is front end suspension travel... which translates to speed and comfort on the trail. I really like the fact that I can cover more ground, in a given day, without beating my brains out..like I see most 4x4's doing.

[JeepN95YJ]

The only advantage to a special built 2wd that I can see is front end suspension travel... which translates to speed and comfort on the trail. I really like the fact that I can cover more ground, in a given day, without beating my brains out..like I see most 4x4's doing.

I live in OH and have been considering a 2WD rig for a while. I am looking forward to moving forward with that at some point.

Speed could certainly be an advantage for some. I prefer to drive slow and enjoy the scenery/ride. I always seem to drag behind when traveling with companions. My brains tend to ride comfortably "in".LOL.:sombrero:

[bajaharley]

It isn't that I try or like to go fast, in fact, I am usually at the back of the pack With longer travel you can just naturally lope along faster..with no drama and see more scenery.

Having spent most of my life off roading bikes, 4 wheels is relatively new to me. I must say that I have been very surprised where a 2wd with a locked axle and good weight distripution will take you. I just stay away from the mud..its really no fun with open wheels.

[Ford Prefect]

I have not seen a lot of people actually list their ideas of good recovery gear.

I have had jeeps all my life, so, 4x4 has been the way to go. Personally I have NEVER been winched. Once I used a guys winch to rip the deck off of his house for him, but I do not think that really counts. I have never had a winch on my jeeps either. Simply good smarts when driving makes all the difference. I HAVE, on the other hand, taken a strap three times (had to be pulled out by another rig in other words) but that is all.

Personally I think a winch is an ok idea for you, but if you have it chances are you will need it, but few people really need it unless they are messing about anyhow.

An ARB locker in the rear end, however, I would highly recommend that. Also if you can, I would consider putting in a Trasfer case. The value of this is that you would have the option of low range, which even in 2wd, is nice. (yes I have used 2wd and my ARB to get myself places rather than get out in the rain and mud to lock the front hubs) it works just fine...

A high lift, of course, you can use that like a winch if needed (granted it will only get you three feet at a time, but costs a lot less than a winch too.)

There is a company out there that makes a portable winch point (do not recall the company name) but it is an interesting thing. Basically it is like a shovel that you dig in just a bit, and then hook the winch up. Can pull you through the sand when there are no trees/rocks to hook up to.

All of those things are pretty spendy except the jack, so that is your obvious first purchase. (that and some cable)
toss in a nice heavy duty strap for towing your vehicle out, or pulling others out, and you are good to go.

Point in fact. I once saw a Ford Probe pull a Chevy 2wd pick up out of his parking space on a paved street because he was on snow and a slight incline downward. Just be wise about how you drive and you will be fine. Otherwise some wise-alec, like me, will be snapping pictures while a honda accord pulls you out.

Best of luck, and looking forward to photos of your trips.

Brian

[haven]

Here's the story of a couple who spent 18 months driving around Central and South America in a 2WD Ford Econoline camper van. If they had 4WD, they might have visited a few more out-of-the-way locations. I'd still categorize their trip as an "overland adventure."

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37444

[4Rescue]

We started exploring the deserts in Oz before 4x4s existed (for the masses).

This is 1967 on our honeymoon.
This bit of "road" was 1,600km (1,000 miles) between towns with 20 people, or more, with one exception of about 2,000 people half way.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg120/Peter_n_Margaret/1967/1967Darwin1019E.jpg

Similar area in 1974. Slightly different road conditions.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg120/Peter_n_Margaret/1967/1974/1974Kombitrip23030E.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg120/Peter_n_Margaret/1967/1974/1974Kombitrip23045E.jpg
A set of snow chains was the answer here, and lots of walking to pick the best route.

The "trick" is to do what you can with what you have got.

Cheers,
PeterUh... 4wd's were available in Oz "to the masses" long before 67...

Cheers

Dave

[Peter_n_Margaret]

Uh... 4wd's were available in Oz "to the masses" long before 67...Yes, there were a few Landrovers about, but the "masses" could not afford to own and operate one. Certainly we couldn't.
I knew no one who owned a 4x4 then.

Cheers,
Peter

[SpartyKrunk]

Hey guys, im new here. Glad I found this thread. I have a 2002 Jeep WJ with just 2wd. I plan on going on an expedition this summer through Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. I know I dont have 4x4 but that encourages me to drive safer and with better judgment. And in my opinion, thats all a driver needs. Thi will be my first expedition, but i'm preparing for it. I plan on installing an Ox mechanical locker in the differential by the end of February. That and my current set of Goodyear Duratracs along with a couple of Jerry-Cans, a Hi-Lift, shovel, and a winch should get me through. All i'm currently worried about is finishing my mapping. Always knowing where you're going ahead of time is important.