4wd - Is it best to use when towing on sealed roads?

[NewMax]

Hi

Picking up our Jayco Flamingo Outback camper on Tuesday.  Couple of practice runs then off on the road for most of this year and next. Towing with a 2007 Toyota 4wd Hilux Diesel Twin Cab Ute.  Driving on sealed roads in good weather towing the camper are there are any significant advantages in using 4wd?  Clearly there will be a cost in fuel economy.

Thanks

New Max

[gqcamper]

in my opinion i wouldn't recommend it.
in bad weather most newer 4wds can be driven in high 4wd for better control.

[Redback]

I agree with gqcamper, if you were on gravel road then yes, it would be good but on hard surfaces it's a no no.

Baz.

[barnray]

Not a good Idea in any condition on bitumen it will add excessive wear to all drive train components even breaking axles, CV's etc and increasing tyre wear. My initial responce was about the question and was in reference to that, not to soft road conditions Barnray

[D4D]

Not a good Idea in any condition it will add excessive wear to all drive train components even breaking axles, CV's etc and increasing tyre wear. Barnray

Really? what about sloppy outback tracks?

As to the original question, I wouldn't use 4wd in a Hilux on a bitumen surface however if you get into gravel/dirt roads it can aid with grip. That said you can also just slow down.

[Blinky Bill]

Gidday Newmax - I had a Hilux, they're a good 4x4. However I clearly recall that your 4x4 mode is not for the black stuff.

What I've discovered over the years is that there's lots of different 4x4 set-ups. I now have a Pajero and it's set-up allows it to be driven in 4x4 on the bitumen and 4x4 is actually recommended when towing. But even Pajero people argue about the benefits of that.

For you and your Hilux though leave the 4x4 for when off the black stuff (gravel, mud, sand) and you should enjoy many happy years of travelling about.

Cheers - Wayne

PS If you're new to 4x4 driving and off roading, then I'd recommend learning a bit about off road tyre pressure. There's good info on the internet & You Tube.

Happy trails

[gibbo301]

Hi Newmax if you drive on the black stuff in 4wd you will most likely get diff wind up witch can do a lot of damage

[Aaron Schubert]

If the front diff is connected to the rear (in one way or another) you will do serious damage to your driveline by driving it in 4x4 on bitumen. When you go around a corner the inside wheels turn slower than the outside, but because all four wheels are forced to turn at the same rate something has to give. Usually it is something that costs you a significant amount! Some four wheel drives you can do it (without the centre difflock engaged) but it isn't worth it.

Aaron

[NewMax]

Thanks for your replies.  Pretty clear cut - leave the 4wd till off the seal

NewMax

[Joff]

Your vehicle is not designed to be driven on tar in 4wd regardless of the conditions.