4A vs 4h (4x4 knob)
07-17-2017, 09:58 PM
#31
Now, the 2wd trucks need the rear wheels off the road, which usually means a flatbed. I have, though, seen them towed backwards with the rear wheels on a tow dolly.
Last edited by rliles1; 07-17-2017 at 10:00 PM.
07-18-2017, 08:57 AM
#32
Senior Member
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Not correct. From my 2013 manual:
Four-wheel-down Towing
1. Turn the ignition to the on position. Do not start the engine.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the 4WD switch to 2H.
4. Shift the transmission to position N.
5. Rotate the 4WD switch from 2H to 4L and back to 2H five times
within seven seconds.
• If completed successfully, the information display shows
NEUTRAL TOW LEAVE IN N or NEUTRAL TOW ENABLED
LEAVE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. This indicates that
your vehicle is safe to tow with all wheels on the ground.
• If you do not see the message in the display, you must perform
the procedure again from the beginning.
• You may hear an audible noise as the transfer case shifts into its
neutral position. This is normal.
6. Leave the transmission in position N and turn the ignition as far as it
will go toward the off position (it will not turn fully off when the
transmission is in position N. You must leave the key in the ignition
while towing. To lock and unlock your vehicle, use the keyless entry
keypad or extra set of keys.
7. Release the brake pedal.
Four-wheel-down Towing
1. Turn the ignition to the on position. Do not start the engine.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the 4WD switch to 2H.
4. Shift the transmission to position N.
5. Rotate the 4WD switch from 2H to 4L and back to 2H five times
within seven seconds.
• If completed successfully, the information display shows
NEUTRAL TOW LEAVE IN N or NEUTRAL TOW ENABLED
LEAVE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. This indicates that
your vehicle is safe to tow with all wheels on the ground.
• If you do not see the message in the display, you must perform
the procedure again from the beginning.
• You may hear an audible noise as the transfer case shifts into its
neutral position. This is normal.
6. Leave the transmission in position N and turn the ignition as far as it
will go toward the off position (it will not turn fully off when the
transmission is in position N. You must leave the key in the ignition
while towing. To lock and unlock your vehicle, use the keyless entry
keypad or extra set of keys.
7. Release the brake pedal.
Wrong forum for 2013. Read the darn manual. Ford says outright you can tow with the vehicle in neutral and 4A.
07-18-2017, 09:12 AM
#33
Senior Member
My manual says the same thing and I've got a 16. Having a 4A or not does not matter. You have to go through the same procedure to put the transfer case in neutral before recreational towing in a 4x4. You can flat tow it without the procedure but manual says max speed is 35 mph, only used for emergency situations.
07-18-2017, 09:33 AM
#34
Originally Posted by Ford 2017 Owner's Manual
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 140).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing, such as towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
Two-wheel Drive Vehicles
You cannot tow a two-wheel drive vehicle
with any wheels on the ground as vehicle
or transmission damage may occur. You
must tow your vehicle with all four wheels
off the ground, such as when using a
car-hauling trailer.
Four-wheel Drive Vehicles
You can only tow a four-wheel drive
vehicle with all wheels on the ground by
placing the transfer case in its neutral
position and engaging the
four-wheel-down towing feature. Perform
the steps outlined in the following section
after positioning your vehicle behind the
tow vehicle and properly securing them
together.
Note: Make sure you properly secure your
vehicle to the tow vehicle.
Four-wheel-down Towing
1. Put the ignition in the on position, but
do not start the engine. If your vehicle
has an ignition key, turn the key to on.
If your vehicle has intelligent access,
press the engine START/STOP button
once without pressing the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch to
2H.
4. Shift the transmission to position N.
5. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch
from 2H to 4L and back to 2H five
times within seven seconds.
Note: If completed successfully, the
information display shows NEUTRAL TOW
LEAVE IN N or NEUTRAL TOW ENABLED
LEAVE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL.
This indicates that your vehicle is safe to
tow with all wheels on the ground.
Note: If you do not see the message in the
display, you must perform the procedure
again from the beginning.
Note: You may hear an audible noise as the
transfer case shifts into its neutral position.
This is normal.
6. Leave the transmission in position N
and turn the ignition as far as it will go
toward the off position (it will not turn
fully off when the transmission is in
position N). If your vehicle has an
ignition key, you must leave the key in
the ignition while towing. To lock and
unlock your vehicle, use the keyless
entry keypad or extra set of keys. If your
vehicle has intelligent access, press the
engine START/STOP button once
without pressing the brake pedal. You
do not need to leave your keys in the
vehicle. You can lock and unlock your
vehicle as you normally do.
7. Release the brake pedal.
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 140).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing, such as towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
Two-wheel Drive Vehicles
You cannot tow a two-wheel drive vehicle
with any wheels on the ground as vehicle
or transmission damage may occur. You
must tow your vehicle with all four wheels
off the ground, such as when using a
car-hauling trailer.
Four-wheel Drive Vehicles
You can only tow a four-wheel drive
vehicle with all wheels on the ground by
placing the transfer case in its neutral
position and engaging the
four-wheel-down towing feature. Perform
the steps outlined in the following section
after positioning your vehicle behind the
tow vehicle and properly securing them
together.
Note: Make sure you properly secure your
vehicle to the tow vehicle.
Four-wheel-down Towing
1. Put the ignition in the on position, but
do not start the engine. If your vehicle
has an ignition key, turn the key to on.
If your vehicle has intelligent access,
press the engine START/STOP button
once without pressing the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch to
2H.
4. Shift the transmission to position N.
5. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch
from 2H to 4L and back to 2H five
times within seven seconds.
Note: If completed successfully, the
information display shows NEUTRAL TOW
LEAVE IN N or NEUTRAL TOW ENABLED
LEAVE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL.
This indicates that your vehicle is safe to
tow with all wheels on the ground.
Note: If you do not see the message in the
display, you must perform the procedure
again from the beginning.
Note: You may hear an audible noise as the
transfer case shifts into its neutral position.
This is normal.
6. Leave the transmission in position N
and turn the ignition as far as it will go
toward the off position (it will not turn
fully off when the transmission is in
position N). If your vehicle has an
ignition key, you must leave the key in
the ignition while towing. To lock and
unlock your vehicle, use the keyless
entry keypad or extra set of keys. If your
vehicle has intelligent access, press the
engine START/STOP button once
without pressing the brake pedal. You
do not need to leave your keys in the
vehicle. You can lock and unlock your
vehicle as you normally do.
7. Release the brake pedal.
Last edited by rliles1; 07-18-2017 at 09:49 AM.
07-18-2017, 10:36 AM
#35
Senior Member
I know it is not the same vehicle, but I rented a Dodge Durango once that had 4A and the 4WD option. I figured going over Stevens Pass in the middle of winter I would need it. I put it in 4A and away I went over the pass. There was some snow spots but nothing really bad. On the way back it was snowing and freezing think black ice. I put the POS in 4A and figured I was ok. I down shifted to 1st gear coming down the grades so I would not have to brake. The dam thing kept shifting in and out of 4WD. I then shifted it to 4WD and said the heck with it. The dam thing kept shifting in and out of 4WD and put me in a tail spin. Half way up a jersey barrier I got control again and got it stopped. The other side of the barrier was a 1500 foot drop off.
Dodge used viscose couplers to shift the 4A in and out. I am not sure how Ford is doing it but I for one never want another vehicle trying to out think me as a driver. When I put it in 4H or 4L I want the front and back working together. If I turn to sharp and bind the front end then it is my fault.
In the old days we had to get out to turn the hubs so the 4WD system would work, now we just turn a **** inside the vehicle and it does the rest for us. I taught my wife how to drive a 4WD I figured if we own one then both of us should know how when and why to use it. She also drives my 6 speed Shelby.
So to answer the OP question no I would not go out of my way to get 4A. I put either my wifes Jeep or my truck in 4H at speeds up to 25 or so MPH and run it up to 45 maybe 50 MPH after that I take it out of 4WD because it must not be needed.
Dodge used viscose couplers to shift the 4A in and out. I am not sure how Ford is doing it but I for one never want another vehicle trying to out think me as a driver. When I put it in 4H or 4L I want the front and back working together. If I turn to sharp and bind the front end then it is my fault.
In the old days we had to get out to turn the hubs so the 4WD system would work, now we just turn a **** inside the vehicle and it does the rest for us. I taught my wife how to drive a 4WD I figured if we own one then both of us should know how when and why to use it. She also drives my 6 speed Shelby.
So to answer the OP question no I would not go out of my way to get 4A. I put either my wifes Jeep or my truck in 4H at speeds up to 25 or so MPH and run it up to 45 maybe 50 MPH after that I take it out of 4WD because it must not be needed.
07-18-2017, 12:44 PM
#36
Senior Member
I know it is not the same vehicle, but I rented a Dodge Durango once that had 4A and the 4WD option. I figured going over Stevens Pass in the middle of winter I would need it. I put it in 4A and away I went over the pass. There was some snow spots but nothing really bad. On the way back it was snowing and freezing think black ice. I put the POS in 4A and figured I was ok. I down shifted to 1st gear coming down the grades so I would not have to brake. The dam thing kept shifting in and out of 4WD. I then shifted it to 4WD and said the heck with it. The dam thing kept shifting in and out of 4WD and put me in a tail spin. Half way up a jersey barrier I got control again and got it stopped. The other side of the barrier was a 1500 foot drop off.
Dodge used viscose couplers to shift the 4A in and out. I am not sure how Ford is doing it but I for one never want another vehicle trying to out think me as a driver. When I put it in 4H or 4L I want the front and back working together. If I turn to sharp and bind the front end then it is my fault.
In the old days we had to get out to turn the hubs so the 4WD system would work, now we just turn a **** inside the vehicle and it does the rest for us. I taught my wife how to drive a 4WD I figured if we own one then both of us should know how when and why to use it. She also drives my 6 speed Shelby.
So to answer the OP question no I would not go out of my way to get 4A. I put either my wifes Jeep or my truck in 4H at speeds up to 25 or so MPH and run it up to 45 maybe 50 MPH after that I take it out of 4WD because it must not be needed.
Dodge used viscose couplers to shift the 4A in and out. I am not sure how Ford is doing it but I for one never want another vehicle trying to out think me as a driver. When I put it in 4H or 4L I want the front and back working together. If I turn to sharp and bind the front end then it is my fault.
In the old days we had to get out to turn the hubs so the 4WD system would work, now we just turn a **** inside the vehicle and it does the rest for us. I taught my wife how to drive a 4WD I figured if we own one then both of us should know how when and why to use it. She also drives my 6 speed Shelby.
So to answer the OP question no I would not go out of my way to get 4A. I put either my wifes Jeep or my truck in 4H at speeds up to 25 or so MPH and run it up to 45 maybe 50 MPH after that I take it out of 4WD because it must not be needed.
07-18-2017, 01:19 PM
#37
Senior Member
I know it is not the same vehicle, but I rented a Dodge Durango once that had 4A and the 4WD option. I figured going over Stevens Pass in the middle of winter I would need it. I put it in 4A and away I went over the pass. There was some snow spots but nothing really bad. On the way back it was snowing and freezing think black ice. I put the POS in 4A and figured I was ok. I down shifted to 1st gear coming down the grades so I would not have to brake. The dam thing kept shifting in and out of 4WD. I then shifted it to 4WD and said the heck with it. The dam thing kept shifting in and out of 4WD and put me in a tail spin. Half way up a jersey barrier I got control again and got it stopped. The other side of the barrier was a 1500 foot drop off.
Dodge used viscose couplers to shift the 4A in and out. I am not sure how Ford is doing it but I for one never want another vehicle trying to out think me as a driver. When I put it in 4H or 4L I want the front and back working together. If I turn to sharp and bind the front end then it is my fault.
In the old days we had to get out to turn the hubs so the 4WD system would work, now we just turn a **** inside the vehicle and it does the rest for us. I taught my wife how to drive a 4WD I figured if we own one then both of us should know how when and why to use it. She also drives my 6 speed Shelby.
So to answer the OP question no I would not go out of my way to get 4A. I put either my wifes Jeep or my truck in 4H at speeds up to 25 or so MPH and run it up to 45 maybe 50 MPH after that I take it out of 4WD because it must not be needed.
Dodge used viscose couplers to shift the 4A in and out. I am not sure how Ford is doing it but I for one never want another vehicle trying to out think me as a driver. When I put it in 4H or 4L I want the front and back working together. If I turn to sharp and bind the front end then it is my fault.
In the old days we had to get out to turn the hubs so the 4WD system would work, now we just turn a **** inside the vehicle and it does the rest for us. I taught my wife how to drive a 4WD I figured if we own one then both of us should know how when and why to use it. She also drives my 6 speed Shelby.
So to answer the OP question no I would not go out of my way to get 4A. I put either my wifes Jeep or my truck in 4H at speeds up to 25 or so MPH and run it up to 45 maybe 50 MPH after that I take it out of 4WD because it must not be needed.
07-18-2017, 02:57 PM
#38
for all us old farts, what about the day when i simply walked outside, opened the door, grabbed my transfer case shifter, moved it to Neutral, and closed the door.
Its really just that simple.
Its really just that simple.
07-18-2017, 03:25 PM
#39
Senior Member
Hum I think you missed turning the **** on the front hubs to 4wd or off first, then you could pull the transfer case handle to the right spot. I used to drive with my front end locked in and in 2wd for most of the winter, then all I had to do was pull the handle.
07-18-2017, 03:36 PM
#40
I was commenting on the whole 'process to flat tow' debate. The transfer case position has nothing to with the front hubs, or vice versa. I was merely stating that sometimes less is better, not worrying about to many times to turn my **** each way to make the 'magic tow mode' show up. Just put the transfer case where you want it and you are done.