Have 4 vehicles...2 tractors.  Everything but one is 4WD.  Pulling trailers, you never know when the rain might turn the campsite to slick mud, we ride year around except in the worst heat, and have used ours numerous times in primitive camping and even in fairgrounds and campgrounds... also haul cattle, and 4WD low lets you back up slowly and carefully without slipping and jackknifing, to precisely place your trailer ... and that's a great thing for hauling horses, as well.  And, any worn out 4WD truck, if it will run and roll, will bring more than a worn out 2WD, just let fall and hunting season roll around.  Would not ever have a hauling truck without 4WD and find the added expense is worth it in resale value, and not damaging your vehicle or trailer in slipping...

     Years ago we trailered from IL to Tucson, AZ to camp/ride. Little did we know that to get to the camp, we had to cross a wash. We drove a 2 wheel drive 1/2 ton at the time. We pulled up to the wash and just sat, wondering what to do. Backing up the gravel road was impossible. So I got out and waded into the water to see how deep it was, and we chanced it. Water was up to our running boards, and we made it.

     We didn't want to chance rain and getting marooned there; we left in a couple of days. I'd have NEVER recommended that horse camp. BTW, the owner's site was way up a high bluff overlooking camp. I heard the story why. Couldn't wait to get out of there.

   Yes, we now pull with a 4 wheel drive 3/4 ton diesel. Smart move.

4X4, without a doubt. Pulled for a number of years w/o it - wet grass, unexpected rains = mud, etc.= STUCK! I would skip a fancier interior, etc., to have 4X4, if that is what it came down to.

We have a 98 Chevy 3500 4X4 with 120,000 miles and has never needed repairs on the four wheel drive. My husband uses the 4 wheel drive extensively when he hunts. Never had a problem. We have owned 4 trucks w/ four wheel drive 94,98, 01, 08 and never had to fix the 4x4 on any of these (all Chevy's, not that that's a big deal). The 94 had 150,000 miles on it when we traded it. FWIW.

It's more than just having the 4x4 traction.  I also use mine just for the low range in the gearing. Most 4x4 trucks have a 4High and 4Low in the transfer case.

It is often more comfortable to creep along a forest service road in low range at 10 mph than being in the same gear in high range at 25 mph.

Also the extra power to pull out of steep hole. Instead of having to get the RPMS up high and fly out, by using the low range, you can get the RPMS up for power but still be moving at a slower more manageable speed.

"I drive a 1998 Ford F-350 dually"

But Bob-- you don't pull your lq trailer with that 98 Ford--

I vote for the 4X4.  We have a 2002 GMC Dually - it's a wonderful truck.

Well we have four wheel drive and would not have a dually without it and no we are not filthy rich either.  Bob, everyone who has a four wheel drive truck is not rich.  The way we use our truck, it would be very hard for us to get by without four wheel drive. 

Did not know there is a problem with 4X4's. We have a '99 Ford 350 diesel, 4X4. No problems. Also, the trade in value is usually greater with a 4X4.

I have never had any issues with the four wheel drive on any of my trucks. I've had a '90 Ford F150, a '97 Dodge 2500, and a 2001 F350, that I still currently drive.

It is very rare to park on a hardtop road here, even at shows. I trail ride and NEVER park on hardtop then. The only time I have parked in a parking lot has been at The Pennsylvania Farm Show Building in Harrisburg. For those of you not familar with Pennsylvania, our state farm show is in January, and I have used my four wheel drive to get in and out of the parking lot there!