hey guys, hoping for some help/tips for the upcoming winter. I'm from Edmonton Alberta so winters obviously suck pretty bad and I've never owned a truck before so had a couple questions. btw I've got a 2015 XLT 3.5EB

1. sand bags: are they a must have? if so, how many/how much weight is good to have?

2. should I always be in 4H? it's the XLT so i don't have the "auto/awd" option

3. any other tips/sugestions welcome

Cheers!

 

If there is snow/slippery surface (gravel/mud/dirt/grass) then just use 4H. most trucks you can drive upwards of 55 MPH (read your Manual).

4L is for getting UNSTUCK. and you normally can't go over 25MPH.


Do not use 4x4 on pavement and try to turn.

A little weight in the bed will help some. But i've never needed it.

Drive slow, don't slam on the brakes, but also don't think you are KING OF THE HIGHWAY just because you own a 4x4.

carry Tow straps in your truck.

 

A little weight in the bed can keep you from needing to go to 4H most of the time.

 

Welcome fellow Canuck! If driving on a snow covered road, go ahead and use 4H but do not use 4H on dry pavement. If you want to toss a few sand bags in the bed make sure they are placed above the axle and cannot shift around. There are several videos online that show how improperly added weight in the back of a truck can cause you to lose control when trying to avoid an accident. However since you have a 4x4 I don't see any need to carry sand bags unless you want to use the sand to help someone get unstuck. Just use 4H when needed and you will be fine.

 

It gets SO cold there. Engine block heater?

As others have said, 4H for compromised traction otherwise 2H. Always good to remember that 4WD doesn't help steering or braking...

 

Just remember that 4x4 is great to get you going, bit you can't stop any faster, so watch your speed and don't get over confident. Also, only use 4x4 when meeded, most of the time you'll be fine in 2wd

 

4x4 is actually worse for your steering, which is why you need to be smart about its use.

If you are on a snow covered road and are trying to turn a corner and provide any acceleration, you are asking the front tires to do more with the lower amount of friction they already have, leading the truck to "push".

Similar thing happens with FWD vehicles (but not as bad as they don't have rear wheels pushing them in a straight line) and turning in slippery conditions, you need to be extra careful.

With a good set of snow tires, you will likely not even need 4x4. This video is a good illustration on why even 4x4 on its own isn't your best friend.

 

4x4 on dry pavement is bad but how about on wet/icey pavement while driving on the highway? I am guessing snow tires would be the ideal solution for black ice and ice pack but just curious if I should engage 4H or not in these situations.

 

I would and do!. What amazed me most was just how much more stable and controllable the truck is in 4H. Truly a different animal (and I am also running snow tires)

 

I wouldn't say sandbags are a must have but they certainly do help. The rear ends on these trucks are light to begin with. Makes it easier to get going leaving from stop signs or pulling out into a plowed street from an un-plowed one without having to switch it into 4H. I carry 4 bags, 280lbs total.