[theswarley]

So I live in Minnesota. We get snow and what not obviously! I've had my (first) truck, 2008 Dodge Ram, since early last spring and have made it through the winter pretty unscathed.. haven't had a ton of snow here.. but I do have a few questions mainly relating to 4wd lock.

I do have weight in the bed.. although maybe not as much as I should.. around 450 lbs. or so in water softener salt. I seem to lose traction fairly easily on snow covered/partially covered roads, tires are good as well. I do find myself using the 4wd lock when appropriate, but just wanted to make sure I'm not damaging my truck.

1 - how fast can you go while using 4wd lock. i'm not looking to do any racing on the snow covered roads here, but I don't want to go in the ditch using 2wd when I can be using 4wd.

2 - i've read that when you are turning using 4wd lock as long as the road/surface is snow covered/slippery you should be okay, just as long as the inside tire is allowed to slip and catch up. it does feel a little funky sometimes, and i avoid taking sharp turns. that all sound correct??

thanks for your help!!

 

[RogerRamJet]

Well, the obvious smart ass answer to your how fast can you go in 4H is... you're in 4WD for a reason. The roads are slick so don't go fast. But, to answer your question, you can safely do 50 - 60 mph in 4 high. But, on slick roads, is going that fast really wise. After all, it's not the going fast part that's important... it's the stopping part.

Yes, if you're in 4WD and have to make somewhat of a sharp turn, you want... need the roads to be slick so the transfer case won't explode with all the tention.

Just be safe out there, brother.

 

[theswarley]

Thanks

Oh I know.. I'm not looking to end up in the ditch. I think I just need more weight in the bed of my truck.. Traction is an issue, and I feel like I'm having to use the 4wd on more surfaces than I should.. I just don't want to screw up my truck.

 

[bartlett]

I'm also from Mn ...

Ive owned and worked on trucks my entire life. Ive always drove as fast as I wanted in 4wd lock. My rule of thumb is no dry 4wd lock. if the roads are wet,sloppy,snow ect I feel the 4wd lock is fine. I try to flip it off If I have to do a u turn or any tight parking lot tricks. you will feel the drive bind up if you turn tight even in snow ect ..it will work but hop around ect... Ive drove up north on 200 mile trips and been locked in doing 70-80 up 35 the entire way. us life time mn people have no problem driving on snow :smileup: ...

 

[theswarley]

Thanks a lot. Good to know someone who drives in snow understands!

 

[fireman28]

Tires are a big factor in traction. I had Cooper Zeon tires, looked good, but sucked on slippery surfaces. I had to put about 600 pounds in the bed to hold it down. Replaced with Goodyear Adventure a/t. Now I havn't used any weight since. Truck rides smooth and quiet. Good luck learning your new truck.