So far I really love having this option on my 2015 Platinum

I think Ron Popeil got it right, "set it, and forget it!"

Question however. Is this safe for year round? Summer months? Or at that time would you drop it down to 4x2?

Thanks gang!

I love this truck! My picture/edit was featured by Ford on FB

 

From pg. 184 of the Owners Manual:

4A (4X4 AUTO)
Provides electronic control four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions, including dry road surfaces, but is especially useful on wet pavement, snow, dirt, or gravel.

So yes it should be fine for year-round, but I'm not sure what practical use it would have in the summer other than helping to gain traction on gravel, off road, etc. where you could use 4x4 HIGH instead, or have some fun with your 2WD and E-locker

 

4A should only be engaged when the road conditions are wet or snowy.

 

What is this "manual" you speak of?

 

2015 F-150 owners manual here: http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Fo...US_09_2014.pdf

 

I only use it when in snow. Otherwise always in 2wd.

 

Setting in 4A does engage the transfer case so there's an increase in driveline friction and thus lowers your gas mileage. However, it does not fully engage the front wheels until it detects slippage so it's ok to leave in 4A for all conditions.

 

Exactly.

Think about it this way:

A 2WD Explorer with the exact same features and weight gets better MPGs than an AWD (full-time four wheel drive) Explorer due largely to the added friction and load through the driveline, and because there is always SOME - maybe not much, but some - engagement through the front differential.

 

WRONG! Try reading the owners manual, or just read the quote from it posted in the thread above yours.

 

Thanks for all the replies gang.

I was aware of what the manual says, I was more just curious to what each of your thoughts were. I feel comfortable leaving it in '4A' until the summer when it's really not necessary