Quote:
Originally Posted by Isaac Zachary
Well, the great majority of work in those areas is construction. And most people work for themselves. So you have to have a vehicle you can haul tools and materials in and get into places that may have undeveloped roads and driveways. Plus people think you need a truck-like vehicle with 4WD for driving in the winter. Add to that that a lot of places that sell materials more economically are also down where housing is cheaper, so that helps make up for the cost of the commute too.
Anyhow, it still is cheaper than renting near the place of work. I do think some of these people are crazy for the time they spend away from family, and a lot of times they end up divorced or with other family problems. But it's the way things have been going. People want more ane more and stuff keeps getting more expensive and competition keeps driving wages down so your only option is to work more and more to keep up with the Jones'. Well, except now there isn't any competition because people are looking for a change.
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There are more fuel efficient alternatives to trucks, such as vans.
A Mercedes Sprinter (sold as Dodge in the US) can transport every bit as much as a truck and get far better fuel economy.
Alternatively one could get a normal car and a trailer, then loadthe materials on the trailer and only use the trailer when materials need to be moved.
As for AWD and winter:
You don't realy need AWD, you need proper winter/snow tires and weight on the driven axle, something that 2wd trucks lack.
However this whole case is not at all representative for the average person at all.