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Old 12-07-2016, 11:00 PM
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Default Winter driving

Well this will be our first winter with the truck and although we had one many years ago (3/4 ton diesel) with the first major storm to hit Ontario tomorrow I think we're both apprehensive about when to use 4x4 and how to apply it.
Old 12-07-2016, 11:50 PM
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If you have 4A, use it during less than ideal conditions. If you only have 4H, use it when it is slick conditions NEVER on a dry road. You can shift into both of these modes on the fly (I generally keep it under 30mph when shifting). 4L should only be used at very low speeds (like crawling out of a ditch or a very steep inline) you probably won't need it for winter driving. Locker you likely won't need either unless you feel yourself slipping in 4H. Don't use the locker at high speeds as it can cause your rear end to drift. Remember you are in a pickup truck, the rear end is very light and you will feel that especially in slick conditions! Drive cautiously and remember you are in a 6000lb block of steel!
Old 12-08-2016, 12:12 AM
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Get 300+ lbs of sand tubes to put in the back.
Old 12-08-2016, 12:24 AM
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I just rid the crappy stock goodyears as they slid thru rain... put on michelin and 1st snow I did not even need 4wd... they seem to stick like glue.
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Old 12-08-2016, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by berty
If you have 4A, use it during less than ideal conditions. If you only have 4H, use it when it is slick conditions NEVER on a dry road. You can shift into both of these modes on the fly (I generally keep it under 30mph when shifting). 4L should only be used at very low speeds (like crawling out of a ditch or a very steep inline) you probably won't need it for winter driving. Locker you likely won't need either unless you feel yourself slipping in 4H. Don't use the locker at high speeds as it can cause your rear end to drift. Remember you are in a pickup truck, the rear end is very light and you will feel that especially in slick conditions! Drive cautiously and remember you are in a 6000lb block of steel!
Very good advice in regards to when to and when not to use the 4*4.
​​​​The commute to work is approximately 45 minutes with quite a bit of farm land and a specific stretch of highway that is 5km in length that the wind blows snow across all day.
When​​ I got to this stretch last night there was no warning of black ice under a small amount of snow on the highway so after the truck slipped the second time I slipped it into 4h but ended up putting it back a minute later.
We have brand new Hancook snows but they don't do much for ice.
Old 12-08-2016, 10:35 AM
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And always remember, 4WD will make you go. It won't make you stop.
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Old 12-08-2016, 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by chickenwire
and always remember, 4wd will make you go. It won't make you stop.
+1000
Old 12-08-2016, 03:48 PM
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[QUOTE=chickenwire;5075056]And always remember, 4WD will make you go. It won't make you stop

Ice is ice whether you have 4WD or not. Just ask those fancy BMW or Mercedes SUV's that continue to hit the ditch. Its not you 4WD that is helping you its your driving skills.
Old 12-08-2016, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Mudder Fudder
I just rid the crappy stock goodyears as they slid thru rain... put on michelin and 1st snow I did not even need 4wd... they seem to stick like glue.
Did this with BFG KO2's. Such a huge difference.
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Old 12-08-2016, 04:37 PM
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Get good winter tires or snowflake rated A/T tires. Winter tires have softer rubber and stick to ice better.
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