do I really need a 4x4 in rapid city in the winter? (Pierre: live in, horses)

[airboat5]

I already have a jeep but dont want to replace my 2x4 tahoe.

[g33kgrl]

I'm guessing its not necessary unless you live up in the hills somewhere that has steep roads and such. We just have cars ourselves. But since I haven't been here in the winters yet, I'm sure there will be more definite answers from the others

[filmsniffer]

Driving in snow takes skill which is better than a 4WD vehicle.

You don't really need a 4WD until you live in very rural area.

You may opt for tire chains on the drive wheels to add another advantage.

[DannyBanany]

I drive an Accord in Rapid City all winter long. 4X4 only came in handy when I had to venture out in a blizzard, which I don't recommend.

[ElkHunter]

You'll be fine. 20 years ago, Rapid didn't maintain their streets like they do now. But today, you'll do alright. Think about it, about 120,000 people in Rapid and surrounding area. Very few have a 4x4. They get along fine. Just depends how bad you want to get out in it.

Course, for that "Hey, hold my beer and watch this", you'll need a 4x4.

[rjl78]

No you do not need 4x4. Unless you want to get stuck faster. Then build to it. I drove many a winter into Rapid from south of town in a rear wheeled drive car or a 4x2 pickup with no issues at all.

In fact my main pickup is 2 wheeled drive and last couple of spring snows in Pierre there was no problems for me getting around and was able to keep me clients properties cleared.

[ElkHunter]

Hell, last year up here in Wyoming, I never even locked in my hubs. Not needed. And I drove to Rapid twice. One time in a snow storm that they closed the roads behind me. Still didn't lock them in. But that's interstate and main roads. If you get away from main traffic, you might need it. But not normally.

[nocatee]

Assuming your Jeep is 4X4 you don't need another 4X4.


I never owned a 4X4 (well actually I did have an OLD Jeep when we live in the Mojave but it was just a 'toy) til we had been here 4 years. Currently, 99.9% of the time I drive my Sonoma 2X4 because it's economical on gas. We have horses so there are time that have to go and take care of them so if it's REALLY bad I take my 3/4t 4X4 Dodge or Hubby's 1/2t 4X4 Ford BUT most of the time I take the 2X4 Sonoma. Know many families tht only have 2X4's.

[uncleharley]

If you have two cars, you may want one to be a 4X4 or all wheel drive, but I doubt you will ever need two. Also, look at the roads that are closest to where you live. Of the roads you drive on, they are probably the most used by you and probably the last to get plowed. If they are also hilly, you will want to make a 4X4 a higher priority.

uh

[g33kgrl]

Hmm.. maybe this would be a good excuse to trade in one of our cars for a truck hehe. I have been wondering about the roads out here in the valley.. I hear the drifts can get pretty large out here by valley view elementary cause of all the open land. It will be a good learning experience this winter.