how good/bad are new f150 in snow and winter?
10-12-2012, 04:58 PM
#51
So much misinformation in this one with a ton of great info!
i use 4wd all the time if it is needed, that is what it is there for and what does not having a center diff have to do with anything. Center diffs are for wanna be 4wd's, most commonly found on AWD trucks, suv's and cars. It uses the center diff for power distribution front to rear whereas a tranfer case distributes equally front to rear.
i use 4wd all the time if it is needed, that is what it is there for and what does not having a center diff have to do with anything. Center diffs are for wanna be 4wd's, most commonly found on AWD trucks, suv's and cars. It uses the center diff for power distribution front to rear whereas a tranfer case distributes equally front to rear.
4wd is not just for "getting moving", if you practice and know what you are doing it can help "pull" you around corners in snow.
Use your 4wd at low speeds all you like but at highway speeds back into 2wd or you'll get extremely unpredictable handling everytime you come to a bend.
10-12-2012, 05:51 PM
#52
[QUOTE=
Use your 4wd at low speeds all you like but at highway speeds back into 2wd or you'll get extremely unpredictable handling everytime you come to a bend.[/QUOTE]
You might want to try drive a corner in 2wd and see what happens compared to 4wd on snow covered or snow packed roads in 2wd your front end is gonna push in the corner while in 4wd you got the power going to the front wheels to help you around the corner.
You also don't want to brake hard or sudden hard jerks while driving just keep it slow and smooth
Use your 4wd at low speeds all you like but at highway speeds back into 2wd or you'll get extremely unpredictable handling everytime you come to a bend.[/QUOTE]
You might want to try drive a corner in 2wd and see what happens compared to 4wd on snow covered or snow packed roads in 2wd your front end is gonna push in the corner while in 4wd you got the power going to the front wheels to help you around the corner.
You also don't want to brake hard or sudden hard jerks while driving just keep it slow and smooth
10-12-2012, 08:30 PM
#53
I drove in the snow with my 2011 F150 last season and it was amazingly good. However, I previously had a 2-wheel drive Ranger for 9 years so that's all that I have to compare it against. 
As some others have mentioned, the key is not to get too confident. I see people blazing past me at 60 mph in very slick conditions and I just shake my head.
As some others have mentioned, the key is not to get too confident. I see people blazing past me at 60 mph in very slick conditions and I just shake my head.
10-12-2012, 08:37 PM
#54
This thread went sideways faster than a 4 wheel drive F150 on ice 
10-13-2012, 07:06 AM
#55
Senior Member
Originally Posted by BusterHighman
Not bad until your last line. That transfer case ain't 'distributing' ****, its just connecting your front and back axles so that they turn AT THE SAME SPEED. (A differential would allow them to rotate at different speeds)
Here's where your wrong. Whenever you turn a corner your rear axle wants to take a shorter path than the front; because your tranfer case is tying them together it can't so something has to give. ie. A tire has to break loose. This is dangerous at highway speeds.
Use your 4wd at low speeds all you like but at highway speeds back into 2wd or you'll get extremely unpredictable handling everytime you come to a bend.
10-13-2012, 11:26 AM
#56
I use my 4wd at highway speeds and the handling is quite predictable. More predictable then in 2wd actually. You'd have to has sharp corners to notice the scenario you describe. But hey what do I know? We got our first snow the other day and it will be gone in may. No experience here
You can't beat me in a 'its snowier/colder/further north here' pissing match
10-13-2012, 11:45 AM
#57
Senior Member
Originally Posted by BusterHighman
Well you shouldn't. If you've got the traction to be driving at highway speeds you dont need 4wd.
You can't beat me in a 'its snowier/colder/further north here' pissing match
10-13-2012, 02:18 PM
#58
TTV6>V8
Lets just agree to disagree. I think everyone here that is giving opinions have slightly differing driving habits and routines. Everyone has valid opinions so we should stop arguing.
10-13-2012, 02:35 PM
#59
Iowa Farmer
Successful winter driving is 90% driver ability and habits, 5% tires 5% everything else
10-13-2012, 03:02 PM
#60
I just got advice from someone I trust, he told me not to get a truck. He has an f150. He drives his wifes fwd SUV to work when its bad, says its 10x better. Says the learning curve is rather severe for a guy like me coming from fwd sedans, and that a live rear axle/bed are very unpredictable once they hit a bump.
Disappointing as I was honing in on a truck and made several offers, but glad I got a straight and honest answer from a trustworthy source.
Now shopping for Xterras and, failing that, Subarus. Thanks for the advice from everyone, enjoy your trucks.
Disappointing as I was honing in on a truck and made several offers, but glad I got a straight and honest answer from a trustworthy source.
Now shopping for Xterras and, failing that, Subarus. Thanks for the advice from everyone, enjoy your trucks.