Is it better to drive high-speed desert trails in 4wd or 2wd? Does it wear out parts faster in 4wd?

February 2015 Ask Nate

Is it better to drive high-speed desert trails in 4wd or 2wd? Does it wear out parts faster in 4wd?

In my opinion and the general consensus when driving dessert trails and dunes is to run in 4WD. However, It will wear out the front drive train parts faster, but not so much that it really matters. Probably the largest benefit I see is that it takes load off the rear drive train. You will also notice better cornering because the front tires pull you through the corners where as when you are in 2WD mode you push the front end more. The nice thing about the UTVs is you can switch in an out of 4WD easily so if your on a flat surface just hauling the mail you can switch to 2WD but if you get into twisty’s or tighter stuff as well as deep sand go back into 4WD. In short if you’re on flat out smooth surfaces 2WD is the best option but just about anything else 4WD is the way to go.

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