Topic Sponsor
General F150 Discussion General Ford F150 truck discussions and questions
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Winter driving

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 7, 2016 | 11:00 PM
  #1  
Chris0418's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 165
Likes: 6
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.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2016 | 11:50 PM
  #2  
berty's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 605
From: Fallston, MD
Default

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!
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 12:12 AM
  #3  
SteveLord's Avatar
Senior Member
Veteran: Army
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 893
From: Iowa
Default

Get 300+ lbs of sand tubes to put in the back.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 12:24 AM
  #4  
Truckin's Avatar
On down the highway
10 Year Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 25,524
Likes: 1,913
From: Not far enough away from Chicago
Default

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.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 10:06 AM
  #5  
Chris0418's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 165
Likes: 6
Default

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.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 10:35 AM
  #6  
chickenwire's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 969
Likes: 171
From: SW Michigan
Default

And always remember, 4WD will make you go. It won't make you stop.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 11:03 AM
  #7  
Chris0418's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 165
Likes: 6
Default

Originally Posted by chickenwire
and always remember, 4wd will make you go. It won't make you stop.
+1000
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 03:48 PM
  #8  
Kazz's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
Default

[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.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 04:35 PM
  #9  
RA13126's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 125
Likes: 15
Default

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.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2016 | 04:37 PM
  #10  
RA13126's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 125
Likes: 15
Default

Get good winter tires or snowflake rated A/T tires. Winter tires have softer rubber and stick to ice better.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:36 AM.