Did anyone get a chance to test out their automatic 4wd (4A) during the recent snow storms that hit the north east? If yes, can you comment on how effective it was. Can you compare it to AWD you may have experienced in a CUV/SUV/car? For those of you with both an F150 (with 4A) and a non-truck with AWD, would you take the F150 over your other car in a brutal snow storm?

Thanks!

 

I have a 2012 Fusion with AWD, and to be honest I prefer the AWD on ice and snow but the A4 or 4A is way better then 4H, and I would still choose the truck over the car in a snow storm because of the ground clearance

 

I got a few days of 4A use on my truck and it was flawless. As far as the car or truck being the better option it's hands down the truck. Ground clearance, ride visibility, and just a larger vehicle in the event someone loses control and hits you.

 

I have used my 4A on wet slippery roads what control........it is flawless.......

 

Spoke, Jbrax, are you guys putting added weight in the bed for the winter (sand bags, etc.)? So many people recommend doing that when talking about driving trucks in the winter and that just seems like it would be such a pain.

 

No, I don't add any weight. Never have and never had issues.

 

To test functionality I've used it twice in a snow storm--worked flawlessly.

Through the productively screen I could monitor its engagement of the front diff. Seemed to be mostly on when negotiating a grade and off on flat terrain. I'm pretty light on the gas peddle and could image it might engage more if your in the throttle more.

On a side note, I understand the front diff is operated of a clutch pack so use of 4A may require a rebuild sometime in the distance future. As a rule of thumb if I need 4WD I just leave it 4H

 

I drive an AWD Explorer at work and own an F150 with the 4A, 4H and 4L options. I have driven both vehicles in light and heavy snow storms. I personally prefer the F150 with the 4H option when I can't see any portion of the roadway because it's covered by snow. If I can see pavement in the tire ruts in the snow, I use 4A.

When the road is completely covered in snow, the 4H option is the best in my opinion in getting your vehicle straight if you start to slide, especially after making a turn. The 4A F150 and AWD Explorer allows too much sliding around before you can get your vehicle under control again. The F150 in 4H for me feels like I can control the vehicle better and would easily be my first choice hands down. The AWD Explorer is a distant 3rd for me. But is still better than any 2wd vehicle.

Everyone's experience is different and it's all personal preference. Go find a parking lot after a big snowfall and have some fun!

 

While I really don't enjoy driving in snow and especially ice, I can't wait to try this out and see how it does.

 

I really appreciate the feedback! I'm also glad to hear positive views of the 4A/4H on snow and ice.

My first need in a vehicle is unstoppable on-road winter driving capabilities. I'm sure a smaller, cheaper AWD vehicle like a Subaru would meet that criteria but having 4H and 4L is probably the trump card to get through the worst that winter can offer.

Oh, and the F150 just looks so damn awesome.